Carcavelos Manor House by Portugal Active

Summary:

An 18th-century manor house, owned by the same family since it was built, carefully restored between 2022 and 2025.

Carcavelos Manor House offers 7 unique suites with original coffered ceilings, period furniture and modern bathrooms, set within a 6,000 sqm property with gardens, a saltwater pool and views over the Minho countryside.

15 minutes from Braga and on the doorstep of Peneda-Geres National Park.



The Space:

Carcavelos Manor House was built in the last quarter of the 18th century.

The façade features an impressive coat of arms and an attached chapel, with a Baroque portal and pediment opening directly onto the street, reflecting the property's long-standing role in serving the local community.

Completed in 2025, the restoration fully respected the original structure: no load-bearing walls were removed, the stonework and exterior openings were preserved, and the magnificent coffered wooden ceilings—some adorned with gilded woodcarving—were carefully restored and reinterpreted in the newly created spaces.

The ground floor includes several inviting living areas, such as the sitting room (formerly a grain store), featuring whitewashed stone walls, blue-gray wooden ceilings, and a fireplace insert; the dining room, with exposed beams, a crystal chandelier, and seating for fourteen guests; and the garden room, which opens directly onto the outdoor areas. This floor also includes a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The fully equipped kitchen features a marble island, terracotta-colored cabinetry, and a handcrafted brass pendant light.

On the main floor, five suites preserve the original coffered wooden ceilings, remarkable examples of 18th-century craftsmanship with geometric detailing and gilded accents. Each bedroom has its own distinctive character: sage-green tones with an antique display cabinet, lavender-blue hues with a classic writing desk, antique rose with a chandelier and floral tapestry, or straw-yellow complemented by carved headboards. All suites include private bathrooms with black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring, spacious walk-in showers, and classic-style sanitary ware.

In the attic, beneath the century-old beams of the original roof structure, there is an additional twin suite—a warm and inviting space with rustic charm and natural light provided by a skylight.

The balconies, framed by granite columns and wrought-iron railings, offer open views over the garden and the surrounding countryside.



Guest Access:

Guests have access to the entire social ground floor (living, dining and garden rooms, and kitchen), their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, the balconies and porches, and the full garden including the pool with sun loungers.

Parking is free and located outside the property.

The chapel, wine press, cellar, threshing floor, drying house and certain first-floor rooms (entrance hall, study and old kitchen) are reserved for the owners.

The house has a platform lift (available upon request) and one accessible twin suite for guests with reduced mobility.



Important notes:

- During the high season (May to October), the pool and garden undergo regular maintenance to ensure the best experience for guests.

- The pool is out of service between November and April.



The Neighborhood:

Carcavelos Manor House is located in Coucieiro, a rural parish in the municipality of Vila Verde.

It is a peaceful area of farmland and traditional granite houses, protected by agricultural reserve status, which ensures the landscape remains unspoiled.

A few meters away stands the Romanesque Church of Coucieiro (12th century). The quiet is punctuated by birdsong and, in summer, the distant sounds of local festivals and processions.



Getting Around:

Vila Verde is a 10-minute drive, with supermarkets, restaurants and all kinds of shops. Braga, the district capital, is 15 minutes away, the historic center, Bom Jesus and Sameiro are well worth a visit. Peneda-Geres National Park begins 20 minutes away.

Ponte de Lima and Guimaraes are about 30 minutes.

Porto Airport is approximately 70 km away.

Nearby: the river beach "As Garrafas" in Coucieiro, Caldelas thermal baths, padel in Sabariz, and several hiking trails (Sapo Trail, Sao Juliao Trail, Citania de Sao Juliao).

The Sao Vicente Bridge, Rendufe Monastery and the Pousada de Santa Maria do Bouro are must-sees.



Interaction with Guests:

The Portugal Active team is committed to making your stay memorable and enjoyable.

We are always available to support, advise and accompany you throughout your visit.

From the moment you arrive, we are here to make you feel at home.

We offer an excellent range of experiences to enrich your vacation, including adventure tours, private chefs, massages, babysitting services and much more.

Whatever your needs, we are here to help create unforgettable memories.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.