Nestled in a small Minho village, a short drive from the picturesque Roman riverside town of Ponte de Lima and the atmospheric, historic town of Caminha, Villa Maricola offers an inherited peaceful ambience, total seclusion and sensational views from its elevated spot. This characterful holiday home sleeps up to twelve guests and is a perfect base to explore the gorgeous, unspoilt Minho region. Villa Maricola is situated near the beautiful village of Rubiaes which is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and boasts its pretty Sao Pedro de Rubiaes church. From its fabulous elevated spot, the villa overlooks a lush green valley. Caminha is a hidden jewel in the Viana do Castelo district in Alto Minho, near the mouth of the River Minho which separates Portugal and Spain. There is plenty to see and admire in Caminha including the ancient Torre do Relogio de Caminha, the clock tower which forms part of the old city walls built in the 12th century and is a national monument. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy fabulous views of the town. The Rua Direita or Ricardo Joaquim de Sousa Street is the cobbled main street in the historic centre. Another historic monument is the Igreja Matriz de Caminha where you can admire tiles from the 17th century. The Foz do Minho Beach is located next to the River Minho, a wonderful area of great natural beauty with a gorgeous beach and delightful walking trails. Guests staying at Villa Maricola enjoy beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and absolutely delicious food and local wine. Villa Maricola is an idyllic retreat, offering a most serene and authentic slice of the Minho. It is comprised of sprawling buildings, the main villa which dates back to the seventeenth century, a cottage and a new building, which in total boast six bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The furnishings throughout are traditional and comfortable. The new building overlooks the swimming pool and valley. The very generous gardens are well-maintained and very mature with lush lawns, chestnut, orange and cherry trees and a children’s playground. In addition, guests have use of a games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table and an excellent barbecue and outdoor kitchen area. The main villa boasts a charming country kitchen with a wonderful array of wooden cabinetry, all the appliances you need for a self-catering stay and a handy breakfast table. This leads to a formal dining area for all twelve guests and a characterful living room. With a wooden beamed ceiling, a gorgeous carved bench, comfy sofas and shutters, the living room is warm and inviting. Doors open onto a large courtyard terrace for alfresco dining. Upstairs, you will discover the master bedroom with its double bed, ensuite bathroom and covered balcony. In addition, there is a second living area, equally charming with a wooden arched ceiling, a feature fireplace and more comfy sofas. A couple of steps lead to the extended bedroom wing with its three twin bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Steps lead down directly from these rooms to the pool and garden. The cottage offers one double room and one twin room, each with an ensuite bathroom. Villa Maricola works very well for multi-generational families or groups of friends. The villa boasts some wonderful, sun drenched terraces, beautiful lawns and flowerbeds together with the 12m x 6.5m swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by loungers and a pool side shower. Guests can cook delicious feasts in the covered barbecue area and children can happily play in the playground or games room. Features: Main House Ground Floor - Spacious living room with comfortable seating and satellite TV - Fully equipped kitchen with access to the patio - Separated dining room for 12 people - Shower room First Floor - Living room with sofas, open fireplace, satellite TV, DVD player, music centre and access to a terrace - Master bedroom with double bed, access to a terrace and en-suite bathroom - Bedroom with two single beds, access to a balcony and en-suite bathroom - Bedroom with two single beds, access to a balcony and en-suite bathroom - Bedroom with two single beds, access to a balcony and en-suite bathroom Cottage - Bedroom with double bed, private entrance and en-suite bathroom - Bedroom with two single beds, private entrance and en-suite bathroom Games Room - Pool table - Table tennis - Footbal table Exterior Grounds - Private swimming pool (12 x 6.5 m, 1.45 to 2.20 m depth) - Large patio and garden area - Covered terrace - Outdoor dining - Various sun loungers - Garden furniture - Various parasols - Ourdoor shower - Barbecue - Toilet Additional Facilities - Wi-Fi connection - Electric heating (extra cost, see T&Cs) - Washing machine - Dishwasher - Satellite TV - Hair dryer - Coffe machine - Fireplace Tourist Licese: 1145/RNET Location: Villa Maricola enjoys a wonderful countryside location in the Minho. It is brilliantly positioned to discover this dreamy area, brimming with rivers, valleys and ancient buildings. At the mouth of the Minho River, Caminha is unspoilt, very historic and totally fascinating. By the end of the 19th century, the railway line between Porto and Valenca was established so the Eiffel Bridge was built by Gustave Eiffel, of the Paris Eiffel Tower fame. You can admire his work from the riverside park along Avenida de Camoes in the town. The surrounding countryside and rivers are fabulous, brimming with Camarido pine trees and beautiful walking trails. Miardouro da Fraga is an astonishing viewpoint where visitors enjoy stunning views of the Minho River and the surrounding landscape. Another excellent viewpoint is at Santo Antao. The Serra D’Arga Mountain is jaw-droppingly beautiful with sensational vistas as well as beautiful natural lagoons and waterfalls.   Foz do Minho Beach is wonderful, as is Praia de Vila Praia de Ancora. It forms part of the Lagarteira Fortress which was built in the 17th century to serve as a defence. It is good for windsurfing with lovely scenery. Forte da Insua is on the little island off the coast of Caminha. Inhabited by monks from the 14th century, a 17th century fortress was built to offer them protection. If you follow the Minho River, you can visit the delightful Tui on the northern side of the river, in Galicia. It boasts a beautiful historic centre and an excellent range of gourmet dining as well as excellent shops. Tui is located south of the Pontevedra province and sits on the edge of the Minho River, opposite the Portuguese town of Valenca. The towns are connected by a nineteenth century bridge. Valenca do Minho is located on the hillside overlooking the left bank of the Minho and on the main road that links the Spanish Santiago de Compostela with Porto. Tourists flock to the town to buy embroidered tablecloths and sheets, the speciality of the town. Viana do Castelo’s compact historic centre boasts extravagant religious buildings, delightful cafes, elegant plazas and narrow shopping streets which open onto the banks of the Rio Lima. The pearly white, neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia Church presides over the city, sitting high on the hilltop. Ponte de Lima is one of the most characterful and picturesque towns of Northern Portugal, on the southern banks of the Lima River. The location has been the main river crossing since the Romans constructed a bridge in 1AD. There is a delightful mix of ancient houses, grand religious buildings and pretty plazas. There are a number of interesting museums as well as colourful flower gardens and stunning natural scenery all around. The Ponte do Lima is an excellent centre for adventure activities such as the Ecovia cycling route, kayaking along the Lima River, mountain biking or hiking in the Serra D’Arga or birdwatching in the Lagoas de Bertiandos. You can river bathe in Labruja. Further south, Braga is regarded as one the main religious centres of Portugal, with the oldest cathedral and many Gothic churches. Every hour you will hear a cocophony of different church bells ringing out! It is the third largest city of Portugal and is a joy to explore. Braga is an enthralling university city and the setting for Bom Jesus do Monte, a fine monument. The historic centre is fully pedestrianised. There are pretty city gardens, charming plazas and busy shopping streets. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? €450 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? Between 4 - 7 pm Departure time? 10 am Energy costs included? Yes, included in the rental price. Heating costs included? Not included in the rental price, please enquire. Linen & towels included? Yes, included in the rental price. Pool towels included? Yes, included in the rental price. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included. Minimum stay? 5 nights during low season. All other durations on request. Changeover day? Flexible. Pets welcome? Not allowed. Smoking Allowed? Smoking & Vaping are not permitted. Pool heating charge? Not available on this property. Tax? Tourist tax not applicable. Insurance? Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. Other Ts and Cs? First cot and high chair included in the rental price; please enquire before arrival.