Entire home

Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain

Photo gallery for Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain

Outdoor pool
Outdoor dining
Miscellaneous
Beach towels
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain

'Yavanna' is a large property made up of two beautifully refurbished 300-year-old traditional granite villas/farmhouses, each with its own private garden and barbecue area. They are called 'Casa Dolinda' and 'Casa Gabriel'. Each has 3 bedrooms, living room with flat screen TVs, wireless internet, a well-equipped modern kitchen but are individually styled and very different in layout.

There is a large 12x8m salt water pool with stunning views and chill-out zones - small farms are dotted around the lush green landscape, connected by granite tracks with grapevines growing overhead. There are 1.5 acres of beautifully maintained gardens with plenty of space for relaxation.

Yavanna lies only a few miles from the border with Spain and is very close to beautiful ocean and river beaches in both Portugal and Spain.

This listing is for Casa Gabriel. Casa Gabriel sleeps 6 and is a traditional Minho farmhouse dating from 1730 and has been renovated to a very high standard. Each bedroom has an en-suite shower room. There are two double rooms and one twin room.

Casa Gabriel is very nicely furnished and equipped. It has its own kitchen, living room, outside eating area, barbecue, garden, etc. In addition, there is a very large garden and large pool, with plenty of room for everyone.

Towels and linen are provided, beds are changed weekly, and we take great pride in our standard of cleanliness. We do everything we can to make your holiday very special. We are available for help and advice, but at the same time very sensitive to your need for privacy.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near outlet shopping

Things to do

  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 79214/AL

About the neighborhood

Map
Valença, Viana do Castelo

What's nearby

  • Praia Fluvial do Taboão - Festival Paredes De Coura - 14 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Tui Cathedral - 14 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Valenca Fortifications - 14 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle - 15 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Miradouro do Cervo - 20 min drive - 14.8 km

Getting around

  • Valenca Station - 18 min drive
  • Vigo (VGO-Peinador) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Marytone 2 - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Churrascaria Escondidinho - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Café Pastelaria A Flor das Cerejas - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Adega Regional - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante alquimista - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain located?

Set in Valenca, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Quinta do Seixa, Fluvial da Lenta Beach, and Praia Fluvial do Taboão - Festival Paredes De Coura. Castelinho Leisure Park and Biennial Art Foundation of Cerveira are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Stunning Hideaway with Pool to Die For, Near Spain Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Erholung pur
Schönes großes Ferienhaus mit großen Garten und tollem Pool in wunderschöner Umgebung. Die freundlichen Vermieter Sofia und Gustaf waren jederzeit ansprechbar, hielten sich aber gleichzeitig auf sehr angenehme Weise im Hintergrund. Im Haus fehlte uns an nichts, sogar Sonnenschirm und Windschutz für den Strand waren vorhanden. Die schönen Strände Nordportugals sind in ca. 40 Minuten Fahrtzeit zu erreichen. Wir können die Unterkunft voll und ganz für einen entspannten Urlaub in Familie oder Freundeskreis auch in Zeiten von Corona empfehlen. Wir kommen gerne wieder.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mª Rosario I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Un lugar muy tranquilo
Hemos estado ocho días y se nos han pasado volando. La casa, tanto por dentro como el jardín y la piscina, está muy bien; tiene de todo lo que necesitas y no le falta detalle. Las habitaciones son amplias, las camas muy cómodas y la ropa de cama es muy agradable. Gustaf, Sofía no estaba, nos atendió muy bien en todo momento y nos sentimos muy cómodos. Gracias por todo y hasta pronto.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Amazing relaxing retreat in a lux setting
This is a beautiful property with 3 renovated farmhouses nestled in the countryside in northern Portugal. It is ideal for families, groups, retreats, couples. There is a lot to do on the property-- gardens, large lawn, saltwater pool, volleyball/other games, or just relax in a private garden. We enjoyed picking fresh fruit and produce from the gardens to include with our meals. Books, internet access, and tv available. There is also plenty to do and see in nearby in Portugal and Spain and the coast. The hosts are very friendly and excellent at customer service, family friendly, multi-lingual. Very relaxing, charming without being stuffy, highly recommended.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Roberta P.

I had a wonderful stay at Casa Gabriel!
Hi dear Sofia and Gustaf :) I want to thank you so much. Everything was fabulous! Great location and a friendly atmosfhere make the Yavanna a perfect stay for budget-conscious travelers. Sofia&Gustaf are a charming hosts who ensures that guests are truly welcome! This place is so full of love! Thank you guys for allowing me to stay in such a beautiful and positive place! I Will definitely be back soon. I would highly recommend! Thanks again for everything!!! :))) Take care! Roberta from Lisboa!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

sean d.

Beyond comfort in the coastal hills of Portugal
Casa Gabriel went well beyond our expectations for a few relaxing days as we traveled through Asturias then Galicia in Spain and into Portugal. The house was thoroughly equipped and immaculately kept with three bedrooms each with their own private bathroom, full living room and separate kitchen/dining overlooking a private garden and grill. Shopping locally for meals to compliment the properties "garden of eden" was a highlight as were the helpful, friendly and fun hosts who were always ready to help pave the way for our adventures. We traveled with two young children and couldn't have dreamed for a better place to enjoy the food and people of the region. My highest compliments and recommendation to future travelers.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ben & Marike N., Zoetermeer

Super quiet spot with much space to relax
We almost spend two weeks in Casa Gabriel. Two adults and two big boys. Lovely that they had their own rooms. Enough place to sit and to enjoy the view to the countryside. Large kitchen with everything you need. The sleeping rooms had enough space, enough cabinets and the bathroom was sufficient. For groceries and bread we went to Valenca do Minho. Our trips were approx 50%/50% Spain/Portugal. To summarize: a very relaxing environment Ben&Marike
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Josy H.

Fabulous place, great for families.
This is our third successive stay at Casa Gabriel, we love the house, pool, gardens its perfect for a family. North Portugal is off the beat & track compared to the Algarve, lots to explore, beautiful beaches. I would highly recommend to everyone!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

lorena c.

Sitio de relax recomendadisimo!!!
Que decir de casa yavanna... Ya nos hemos alojado en ella dos semana santa y vamos ya para la tercera,es un sitio con un encanto maravilloso,tiene todo para una estancia maravillosa.Si hace buen tiempo la piscina y jardines son increibles.Tiene unos colchones muy comodos y las habitaciones decoradas con gusto. Y la propietaria sofia y su familia son encantadores ,siempre dispuestos a todo. Q mas decir ... si vais repetireis.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jorge R.

Excellent family stay
Prefect stay for family. We have stayed with some friends and kids. The rooms are perfect for a relaxing stay, there is a really good family room were the kids could play. Gardens and pools are ok perfect condition all amenities of the house are perfectly thought for the guest comfort. Loved the barbeque address for the house had all of our meals outside. Perfectly placed and with every detail for a great night. Really recommend the place.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Claude C.

Great location and property
Wonderful location and property with pool. Immaculate villa with all comfort and tastefully decorated. Great host and children who let us enjoy their garden and produce. Would highly recommend.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

helen r.

The most perfect holiday, wonderful accommodation.
We are a family of five who stayed at Yavanna in April. The accommodation was stunning, the outdoor living feel was so unique. We had the most beautiful garden for our evening BBQs with stunning views. The sitting room with its log burner was so cosy when we wanted to come in. We all enjoyed the pool, the table tennis, and the thoughtful attention to detail that made our stay so comfortable. Sofia and Gustaf were so welcoming and helpful and could not have done more to have made this an exceptional holiday. The surrounding area is full of things to do. We visited markets and towns and walked into Spain. The beaches at Moledo are amazing for the children and we could have done with a few more days to stay. We will be back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sara B.

Absolutely recommendable!
We travelled with 5 kids (age 6-14) and we all had a terrific time at Yavanna. The premises (with a great pool area, table tennis, huge garden with lemon, orange and fig trees) were just perfect and Villa Gabriel very well equipped/maintained. The hosts are extremly friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the kids liked it so much that it was hard to lure them away and get to see at least some of the sights and nice beaches around. The landscapes of Northern Portugal are extremly scenic and what we really liked: not really touristy. We intend to come for another holiday and can really commend a stay at Yavanna!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

lorena c.

Una estancia idilica.Repetiremos seguro
Fuimos a yavanna en el mes de marzo 4 dias 3 parejas y 1 niño.Desde el minuto 1 que llegamos fue maravilloso,encontrarse con una jardin de noche,iluminado con velas y luces fue amor a primera vista.La casa es una maravilla,tiene muchisimo encanto y la finca con su piscina y zona de hamacas es increible.Es un lugar de relajacion absoluta.Podria hablar mil maravillas.Y por ultimo secir que sofia es maravillosa,muy hospitalaria y siempre dispuesta a ayudar a los que nos hospedamos.Nos tenia hasta una cestita de recibimiento con productos tipicos.Pudimos probar productos de su huerta ecologica.En resumen ha sido una estancia de ensueño y que repetiremos seguro.Gracias por todo sofia.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo César B.

Peace and Joy with Nature
Óptimo local para férias com família ou amigos, com o melhor que o Minho tem para oferecer. Casa simpática, família acolhedora! Recomendo!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

D M.

Yavanna perfect in everyway possible!
Exceeded all our expectations, very rare that what is described on a website does not do the experience enough justice! We travelled from South Wales and the journey was excellent with many options to fly to Porto airport and with only a 1 hour journey from Porto you do not arrive feeling exhausted but ready to start enjoying such a scenic and beautiful place. A fantastic restoration of properties, one of the best I have ever seen with absolute attention to detail while maintaining its history. The accommodation is absolutely immaculate and well maintained, with fully equipped kitchens that have more available than I have at home! The garden with many areas to sit, reflect and eat is perfect for enjoying the sounds and views of this beautiful part of Portugal, while the pool area is like stepping into a relaxed spa that allows you to while away the day in comfort and style. A fantastic position that allows you to not only explore this area of Portugal, but hop over the boarder into Spain giving you so much opportunity to really get to know the different cultures of this area. We couldn't have felt more welcome, Eunice and Mark really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and ensure your holiday is one of the best you have ever experienced. We cannot recommend Yavanna highly enough and will definately be returning very soon.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Gail T., Kelso, Scottish Borders

Yavanna - Idyllic Location in Northern Portugal
Villa Gabriel was easily one of the nicest self catering villas that we have ever holidayed in. The villa was beautiful with very tasteful decor and a well equipped kitchen. The whole place was spotlessly clean and very well maintained.Our children aged 11 and 14 very much enjoyed the fantastic pool. The gardens and views were breath-taking. There is plenty to see and do in the area and easy access to the coast. We very much enjoyed visiting Valenca and Vigo. Mark and Eunice were very hospitible and good at recommending places to visit. I can't recommend Yavanna highly enough.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Adrian L.

perfect late summer break
I went for a 10 day late summer break to Yavanna, hoping for a beautiful, tranquil place to unwind and recover from a busy summer. My hopes were more than realised, as I stepped into this little paradise. It was three whole days of just basking in the beauty of the gardens, by the poolside or in the hammocks, until I felt the slightest inclination to venture out and explore the surrounding area. Lovely towns, river and ocean beaches are all within a half-hour's reach by car. But the best part was always returning to Yavanna for an evening dip in the pool and a meal outside with friends in the moonlight. The bedrooms are nicely done in a simple, traditional Portuguese style. The kitchens are all very well equiped, with plenty of outdoor eating areas, some private some communial. You can be as private or as sociable as you like.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

Beautiful Yavanna - a perfect retreat
The photos on the website and description were spot on - first time a holiday location has exceeded expectations. Getting there couldn't have been easier - Porto airport was a breeze and the door to door service offered by the owner was a welcome touch. The property has been beautifully restored. Beautiful location and stunning spacious accommodation – absolutely immaculate and well maintained. A fully equipped kitchen - amazing attention to detail, that is of course if you decided to cook! A garden with many areas to sit, reflect and eat! Check out the hammocks - while away the day in the shade of orange trees. A piece of heaven on earth. Pool and pool area a welcome retreat with beautiful views. Away from the madding crowd but brilliant position - a short drive away from the beach, mountains and into Spain. A great base to explore historical sites of interest. We couldn't have felt more welcome. You really did feel that Eunice and Mark genuinely cared that you had a wonderful holiday - nothing was too much trouble. I cannot recommend Yavanna highly enough and will definately be returning.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful Yavanna
I have spent two lovely holidays at Yavanna and cannot imagine a more tranquil and relaxing place. The whole property has been lovingly restored to the highest standards and time spent in this beautiful spot with its dramatic view is really rejuvenating. Inside the houses are cool and tastefully decorated with beautiful art work and the gardens and pool area are a green oasis with thoughtful planting and butterflies galore. Eunice and Mark could not be more welcoming and they are always happy to help in any way they can to make a holiday run smoothly and be completely trouble free. I hope to return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Home sweet home
We stayed at Yavanna in the beautiful month of May. Besides the weather being perfect, the view from the garden was lovely and green, The place was very peaceful and neat. Our hosts, Mark and Eunice, were genuinely welcoming and gave us many tips for activities around. And so we also did a kayak trip in Tui which was lovely. We had plenty of room in our house and the surrounding was nice and quiet. We regret we couldn't enjoy the pottery workshop and hope to come back one day to learn the skills from Eunice. The only dilemma we had was whether to visit the numerous places in the surrounding nature or stay at home the whole day at Yavanna to be nourished by the peace and relaxing atmosphere.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

An excellent property!
Our family had a brilliant stay in Casa Gabriel at Yavanna. The house itself is well equipped, pretty and comfortable, and the facilities at Yavanna are great. The pool in particular is fantastic! The surrounding area is beautiful; not far from beaches and some lovely towns. We had a really good time and would love to return in the future. We really recommend it!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Perfect yoga retreat
Yavanna is a little gem of a find – tucked away in a tiny hamlet you suddenly happen upon this charming little corner of northern Portugal. The first thing you notice is the beautiful garden which is full of different areas where you can go to relax or play, there’s a table tennis table and a swimming pool, but there are also hammocks swinging from the orange trees where you can disappear to with a book. The sleeping accommodation is compact, but everything is beautifully presented and very well thought out. There are numerous places to see, way too many to mention in this posting, but I would definitely recommend heading out in a car or on a bike to explore the fabulous surrounding areas. As if that wasn’t enough, the house is also five minutes from the Spanish border, so you can head out and take in some of the delights that Spain has to offer, and speaking for myself, not least the tapas! Occasionally the dogs in the surrounding area struck up a barking chorus during the night, but this only happened on the odd night and the space is so relaxing that I soon forgot to listen out for it. I was lucky enough to go on the yoga course in June 2010 which was fabulous in all respects, most importantly Anita is a wonderful teacher, but the company, food warm welcome and general ambience of Yavanna was just perfect – so perfect that I am really looking forward to the next one in July this year. Would thoroughly recommend.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A great pottery week
Eunice has created a really lovely space and it is beautifully kept - inside and out. We spent a pottery week in the studio, very inspiring and everybody was rearing to go - only taking time out for loads of gorgeous food and local wine.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

10 out of 10 for the pottery course
Yes, Yavanna is stunningly beautiful, peaceful and an incredibly comfortable place to stay. All the reviews are spot on. I went there in 2008 with my family and couldn't wait to go back to sample the pottery course Eunice runs each year. She is a talented ceramicist and also a brilliant teacher. All the people on the course got on like a house on fire and were able to work at their own pace. Under Eunice's expert tuition we created some wonderful pieces. The studio is a beautifully light, large space with plenty of room for us all (9 in all) and excellent equipment. I was so hooked that I signed up to go the next year too. Great fun, wonderful food, sun shining - a terrific way to spend a creative week.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Yavannah, a piece of heaven.
I stayed at Yavannah for a weekend retreat. It was truly fabulous. Mark and Eunice have created something quite magical here. Yavannah is set in a beautiful spot with a gorgeous pool and every detail of the house is just lovely. The accommodation is clean, tasteful and restful, the food was delicious, and the welcome warm, friendly and undemanding. The only issue was barking dogs at night, but the more I rested the less I noticed them! One of the complete highlights of the stay for me was an exhilarating and breathtaking cycle ride down the mountain, but just as wonderful was lying in a hammock, yoga by the pool, or just sitting undisturbed in the sun. I would highly recommend this very special place.