A walk through the 30 hectares of beautifully tended vineyards brings you to the wide River Cavado. It makes a very pleasant walk down to its banks with the vines covering the estate road and then along to the weir and the old water mill.

When the grapes are ready in September, this peaceful location is transformed by the bustle of the 'vindima', the wine harvest, as the grapes are picked and the tractors bring them to be pressed in the winery. Everyone is welcome to join in this activity.

The manor house is a short walk away and guests at the cottage are welcome to use the swimming pool

Steps lead down into a large kitchen with a breakfast table.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a cooker, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator.

The large open plan living room has an upper area with dining table and steps leading down to the sitting area which has an open fireplace, television and a music centre. Doors lead out to the garden area.

Upper floor: A double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and views down towards the river.

A twin bedroom with an en suite shower room.

A second twin bedroom has a bathroom across the passage.

There is a private lawned area on the south side of the cottage which has views over the vineyards to the river.

The pool at the Manor House is 12 metres long and 5,5 metres at its widest point. The depth is 2.2 m to 1.1 m and there are integral steps leading down into the pool. Nearby there is a lawn with a vine covered sitting area where the estate wines can be enjoyed in the heat of the day.

The cottage forms part of the estate of Solar das Boucas. You should take the opportunity to ask the owner, Baron de Van Zeller, to show you the altarpiece that he has recently commissioned for the chapel.

The golf course at Ponte de Lima is about 15 miles away.