The Penafiel Manor House

Rooms

Rooms in both parts of the house are immaculate, with upholstered bedheads, contemporary bathrooms and gleaming wood floors. In the old house, the style is somewhat grander (they dub the rooms 'Superior Doubles'), with exposed stone walls, and a private sitting area and veranda in one room ('Junior Suite'). There are also 2 Family Rooms.

In the newer, single-storey wing, the 4 rooms are a little simpler: clean and bright, with some folk-art touches. We've heard that these rooms are less well soundproofed. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with beach- and bath towels provided.

Inspirational words and feel-good quotations adorn many of the walls; we liked it, but if that sort of thing irks you, stay elsewhere. Each bedroom has its own TV and WiFi is strong across the whole property.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• WiFi

Eating

This is a self-catered rental, with a small welcome basket (and a large welcome!) to get you started; after that you're left to your own devices - although there is the option to have fresh bread dropped at your door every day.

The kitchen is well equipped - it used to operate as a B&B - so you'll find all you need for preparing lunches and suppers.

If you're interested in wines, ask the owner about organised tastings, accompanied by ‘petiscos’ (meats, olives, cheeses, ‘caldo verde’ and vegetables).

The nearest excellent restaurant, for lunch or dinner, is Wine Bar Casa da Viuva in the medieval hamlet of Quintandona (7km). It's authentic, atmospheric, and an easy drive (though not so easy to find!).

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Room service

Activities

• Penafiel is a pretty town once you get in to the historic centre, with shops to browse and bodegas to sample Ribera del Duero wines
  
• Drive (or take the train) into Porto for the day - it's a wonderful second city full of art and history, with river and Atlantic coast to bind it
  
• Go walking in the pristine Parque Natural do Alvao, home to one of Europe's largest waterfalls and crystal-clear wild swimming holes. Keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons and golden eagles
  
• The spectacular Paiva Walkways is an 8km adventure along wooden paths over the Paiva River and its river beaches
  
• Set off by bike for the Quinta da Aveleda: gorgeous gardens dotted with swans, goats and hens, and bookable wine tours
  
• Or pedal along Penafiel's Romanesque Route (8km long) to admire historical architecture; the Paco da Sousa Church and the Igreja de São Gens are highlights
  
• Relax in the thermal baths of nearby São Vicente
  
• Take the EN222 to Pinhão (one of the most beautiful roads in the world) and chug down the Duoro river on a traditional rabelo wooden boat, Instagramming tumbling vineyards on the way
  
• You’re 5 minutes from the motorway for day trips to Unesco-listed Guimaraes (52km), medieval Braga (71km) and colourful, canal-lined Aveiro (96km)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Shopping / markets
• Table tennis
• Walking
• Wildlife

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome; the house considers itself to be "very family friendly." However, children aged 2-12 years requiring an extra bed will incur an extra fee. Toys and games are available, and there's a pool and play area. Babysitting on request.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

There are 2 Family Rooms, each a good size, with a sofabed that sleeps 2 children under 12. The house has a games room with table football and ping-pong.

Distances:

• Airport: 30 mins' drive (Oporto)
• Shops: 5 mins' drive

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The house is on the edge of the small town of Penafiel in northern Portugal, a 30-minute drive from Porto (Oporto).

By Air:
Fly into Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro airport, a 30-minute drive. From here we'd recommend hiring a car, although you could take a taxi or book a transfer with the hotel.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com.