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Stunning Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River

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Outdoor pool
Beach towels
Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

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

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 Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River

'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 Dolinda. Casa Dolinda sleeps 6 and is a traditional Minho farmhouse that has been modernised in the past years to a very high standard. There are two double rooms and one twin room. There is also a bathroom, separate shower room and three toilets.

Casa Dolinda is very nicely furnished and equipped. It has an open plan ground floor comprising kitchen, living room and dining area. It also has its own outside eating area, private garden, etc. As well as this, there is a very large shared garden and salt water pool, with plenty of room for everyone.

Towels and linen are provided, beds are changed weekly for longer stays 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.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

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)

General

  • Garden

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
Note from host: Baby cots, bedding and high chair provided.

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 123456/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 Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Stunning Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Stunning Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunning Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stunning Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River 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 Holiday Villa With Pool Near Spain, Beaches & Minho River Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Else P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Historisch huis in vallei

Mooie streek, prima huis. Goede ontvangst. Wij waren wat verrast dat er meerdere (3) huizen waren op de locatie.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joelle S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful with all the facilities you need

My family and I stayed in this beautiful house for almost a week. The house is even bigger in real life than on the pictures, which was of great surprise. The spacious garden with multiple barbecues, enough places to eat outside, a clean swimming pool and all the cooking gear you need makes the stay luxurious and comfortable. We had a lovely time here, we enjoyed great service and would definitely recommend the house to others!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Reyes M.

Fantástica Noche Vieja

Pasamos fin de año en Villa Fontoura. Magníficos anfitriones, siempre atentos a las necesidades. La casa que decir, preciosa y no le falta de nada. Esperamos volver a repetir. Gracias por todo Sofia. Un fuerte abrazo .
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mike H.

Yes the 5* reviews are justified

When we booked this property had nothing but 5* reviews, and so we were slightly cautious as to whether they were all genuine; they sounded good and plausable, so we took the plunge and booked anyway. Let me tell you, that the reviews ARE certainly justified and this really is a wonderful retreat. We had the most fantastic relaxing fortnight and our kids (12, 9 and 9 years old) declared this the best of all of the places that we have stayed. Recommended
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea L.

A lovely place between the vineyards

Our stay with our children was very pleasant. The owner, a young family with two children, are very nice and accommodating. It is a beautiful old house with a large and lovingly landscaped garden. Ideal for children to play. The Swimmingpool is great after a sightseeing-day. Everything is very neat and clean. The house is equipped with everything you need. Even towels and a umbrella for the beach. There are less than 30 minutes by car to the beach. Until Porto, required the mountains or Santiago de Compostella is about 1 hour by car. We can recommend the object very. Many thanks to the owner! Unser Aufenthalt mit unseren Kindern war sehr angenehm. Die Vermieter, eine junge Familie mit zwei Kindern, sind sehr nett und zuvorkommend. Es ist ein wunderschönes altes Haus mit einem großen und liebevoll angelegtem Garten. Ideal für die Kinder zum Spielen. Der Swimmungpool ist super nach einem Ausflugstag. Alles ist sehr gepflegt und sauber. Das Haus ist mit allem ausgestattet, was man benötigt. Sogar Badehandtücher und Sonnenschirm für den Strand. Zum Strand sind es weniger als 30 Minuten mit dem Auto. Bis Porto, ins Gebirge oder Santiago de Compostella benötigt man jeweils ca. 1 Stunde mit dem Auto. Wir können das Objekt sehr empfehlen. Vielen Dank an die Vermieter!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Morin O.

Yavanna: A gem in Northern Portugal

Yavanna is a great retreat location for travelers who need a respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life. The grounds of the property are well maintained with outside sitting areas. There is a very nice pool area (although I did not utilize it because of the timing of my vacation). The accommodations are nice and comfortable. The view of the mountains from my room was priceless. The owner had recommendations of activities in the area and the best pastry shops. The location of Yavanna to Spain made it possible for me to also visit some tourist locations in Spain. I will not do this review justice if I do not mention the edible garden. I love oranges and they happen to be in season during my stay. Overall, from this experience, I will most definitely visit again. Tip for visitors (and it depends on where you are travelling from), I flew into Vigo, Spain and appreciated the short commute especially since I had to board a morning flight on my return home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anisabel B.

Recomendo - boa opção de viagem

Muito agradável quer a paisagem, quer o sitio. A realçar a simpatia dos proprietários das casas e os espaços de lazer (piscina).Sitio fantástico para férias com crianças pequenas, pois têm espaço para correr e brincar (contacto com a natureza).
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mario T.

Excelente

Espectacular espaço de natureza e com uma bela Piscina
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Winifred B.

Paradise Found in Portugal

We called at very short notice but the English owners of this accommodation very kindly managed to accommodate us between bookings. This was our first visit to Yavanna and although we know this part of Portugal quite well this lovely hidden valley was new to us. The accommodation was truly delightful and of a very high standard indeed. The attention to detail was outstanding - the kitchen was very well equipped with everything you could possibly need and the beds were of the sort usually found in expensive hotels. Our accommodation had a lovely patio overlooking the landscaped gardens where you could sit and unwind. Although the houses are near to each other the garden layout allows for considerable privacy and peace. You may greet your neighbours round the beautifully designed swimming pool but they might be off visiting the stunning coastline nearby for the day and you will have it all to yourself. We brought back very happy memories of this short visit and we would certainly book to visit there again. It would be lovely to book as a group of friends or a large extended family but it was also lovely for a couple as it was so private and relaxing. Northern Portugal is a beautiful area and the wonderful landscape is matched by the warmth and kindness of the people you meet. This accommodation provides a wonderful base to explore the region and now we have found this wonderful base we will be going back more often.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heather J.

Yavanna Heaven

Heather Kingston upon Thames Yavanna heaven! Left on 08/05/2011 for a stay in July 2011 I feel very lucky to have had the Yavanna experience for the last 2 years. If you are looking for a little bit of paradise then this is the place for you. Yavanna is so peaceful and beautiful, with outstanding views across the valley. The house has been tastefully styled and is worthy of a 5 star rating. Eunice and Mark are the most hospitable hosts you could wish for, they have a wealth of local knowledge and nothing is too much trouble. I hope to return to Yavanna many more times and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this idyllic retreat for those who enjoy the finest things in life! Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fred Ø., Tromsø, Norway

Lovely and well kept place

Me and my family stayed here for 14 days in the beginning of June. We were 6 kids (3-14 years) and 6 grown-ups. We brought 3 cars, which all fit on the parking ground infront of the houses. The rooms were all nice and clean, and well kept. The bathrooms kept an excellent standard. The garden is huge, and has lots of room for the kids to play around on. The pool area is perhaps the best part of this place, a delicious salt-water pool (no Chlorine) that is also kept very clean. The hosts live in a house on the premises, and are all very nice people. Without getting intrusive in any way, they look after you and make sure everything is OK. Being English, they were very easy to communicate with, at least for us Scandinavians. If I am going back to northern Portugal, I wouldn't hesitate to use this facility again!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Beatiful Yavanna

Beautiful, thoughtfully designed cottage, garden and pool. Wide view across the valley, caring hosts and range of things to do locally and further afield. A family of five, there was always enough going on, plenty of space and choice for everyone. This including long spells of doing not much in relaxing surroundings. Not one, but two countries to explore on the doorstep, an open coast, broad river, lively markets and late night festival we will not forget
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Coen d.

Een klein paradijs in Noord Portugal

Wij hebben het geweldig naar ons zin gehad in het "Casa Gabriel" in Yavanna. Natuurlijk was het ook prachtig weer, maar we hadden alles wat we hadden kunnen wensen. Een fijne kamer met een mooi uitzicht over de vallei. Het gebruik van keuken, huiskamer en een prachtige tuin met een groot zwembad. We zijn gastvrij ontvangen en kregen uitvoerig informatie over alles wat van belang was. Ook was Yavanna een springplank voor uitstapjes in de prachtige omgeving en kleurrijke steden en dorpjes in de buurt. Je kan er goed tot rust komen, maar ook heel actief zijn. Beslist een aanrader. Joke & Coen.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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Blissful Yavanna

Our family including three teenage daughters enjoyed a fabulous week at Yavanna in May 2011. We all immediately stepped in to ‘chill’ mode of relaxing by the beautiful pool or in the amazing hammocks in the lovely gardens. No shops or bars nearby – no problem! We could easily have spent the whole time at Yavanna, however the beach at Caminha is great and a fantastic day trip to the Spanish town of Baiona also went down very well. The house was very tastfully kitted out and extremely comfortable. Thank you Eunice and Mark - we’ll be back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

4 day mini break

What a delicious way to relax. It is rare that you can feel so settled and peaceful so quickly which is perfect for a short break. The surroundings are beautiful, listening to the faint sound of bleating goats and bird song while lying by the splendid pool is hard to beat. I loved the local restaurant - very authentic and cheap! You must go.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A stylish tranquil retreat - absolutely fabulous!

I've just had my second holiday at Yavanna and I can't wait to go back again. As soon as you enter the gates of the property you're in a different world - Eunice and Mark have created an oasis. The gardens are lush and beautiful with hammocks strung between orange trees in shady spots, or sun loungers by the divine salt water pool overlooking vines and pine forests on the hills opposite. I have stayed in both houses and found the quality very high, with simple but stunning bedrooms, pure cotton bedlinen and luxurious beds. The food was locally sourced, with some of it grown by Eunice, and absolutely delicious. If you can tear yourself away from Yavannah, which is hard, there are lovely freshwater and sea beaches nearby as well as bars, cafes and fantastic tapas restaurants overlooking the sea in Spain. Fabulous place for a holiday.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Little bit of Heaven!

Yavanna is the most relaxing place to come to for a holiday..... it is beautiful and a haven of tranquillity. The owners have got everything you would need for switching off from life in the fast track... the most glorious swimming pool which is beautifully maintained, crisp white sheets in rooms that are completley unique in their design and wonderful walks or bike rides. If you feel like moving, I highly recommend going to sit by the sea which takes you into another world. The owners are also the best company ever! the markets are totally authentic and are great fun and the fish is a gourmets delight. highly recommended
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gorgeous, peaceful, elegant and friendly

Eunice has managed to create a wonderful enivronment at Yavanna. Even in February weather and storms it is a magical place. Her studio is gorgeous, rooms and houses are elegant and fresh and she cannot do enough to help. Go there and relax. Mark and Euncie have managed to create a really lovely place for a holiday, lots of water sports, walking, mountain biking, sitting in the sun, swimming, shopping - everything you could want. Go there, get a car and fly Heathrow to Vigo ... so easy....
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alastair P., Sussex

A slice of heaven in Northern Portugal

It’s hard to believe that there are still places in Europe that feel almost untouched by tourism, but the Minho Region in Northern Portugal would be one of those. We stayed at Yavanna in the Fontouro valley – an area that is beautifully tranquil, lush and awash with vineyards. When you arrive at Yavanna you instantly feel the tension ebb away as you relax into your break. The 300 year old property has been imaginatively and sensitively modernised by Eunice and Mark preserving the original rustic features whilst ensuring that the design and facilities are of the highest quality. The walk from Casa Dolinda down past Casa Gabriel takes you past the main house to the salt water swimming pool with its stunning views across the valley taking in the beautiful garden en route. Eunice and Mark are the perfect hosts; concerned that you’re comfortable and relaxed without being intrusive. Dolinda was spotlessly clean and well equipped; everything seems to have been thought of. The notes on what was available in the area (including across the border into Northern Spain) were very comprehensive. Whilst we there we managed to take in some Kayaking on the Minho river, Water Skiing as well some stunning beaches: The Carminha and Moledo beaches were the quieter beaches whilst surfer dudes might want to get to Afife; all within a max. 40 minute drive of Yavanna. There are some great local restaurants to choose from in the local area or across the border in Tui. We had a wonderful stay and plan to return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A really lovely place for a holiday

Yavanna was a really lovely place to stay in a very unspoilt part of North Portugal. The house we stayed in was just perfect for two adults and two teenagers with plenty of space for everyone, it was very clean, well kept and better than the description on line. The garden and pool were just beautiful with a lot of care and attention to detail throughout. Everything that you needed was supplied in the house and it was really relaxing to barbeque in the evening as the sun went down. Our children loved the pool and spent as much time as possible there. Locally there was plenty to do with the beach at Ancora a very good location to visit and plenty of other interesting places to visit, such as Moncao and Tui in Spain.The owners Eunice and Mark were very helpful and friendly and took time to introduce us to the other guests and answered any queries that we had. Highlight of the trip was Kayaking on the River Minho, which Eunice kindly organised for us and which we would recomend to anyone. There is plenty of information in the house to help anyone settle in and while the directions to the house may seem very complicated, they are very accurate and we found our way there at night with no real problem.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

What a Wonderful Holiday

This was our first trip to Northern Portugal and we certainly hope to visit again. Yavanna is a beautiful property - very welcoming and for 12 days it was our home. We went on holiday as a group of six adults and one 12 year old. There was enough to do for all of us. The houses are just perfect - everything has been thought of. The gardens and pool are well beyond what we imagined from the images on the website and the area, well we couldn't have asked for more. Eunice and Mark were charming hosts, nothing was too much trouble. We were so pleased with their reccomendations for eating, towns to visit, shopping etc. Yavanna is a perfect retreat, we will never forget the views, the atmosphere, the holiday. We really do hope to visit again, our 12 days were not enough to see all that this area offers. Thank you Eunice and Mark - with love from all of us!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Blissful stay at Casa Yavanna and Casa Gabriel

Six of us from the US spent a week in both houses, as we each wanted a bedroom of our own. Each morning we would all gather in the Casa Yavanna kitchen for our sumptious breakfast, and there we would plan our itinerary for the day. Both Casas were clean, well-maintained, and aesthetically decorated. The kitchens lacked virtually nothing. It was a pleasure to be in the surroundings of both the houses and the well-manicured gardens. Some days we wanted to see cathedrals and castles; other days we wanted the coastal towns and grilled sardines; other days we just wanted to wander the streets of quaint, nearby towns, buy pottery and linens, and "live" the life of Northern Portugal. Be sure to get to Mateus if you want to see an outstanding palace/castle and taste some very good wines. Mateus is several hours away from the villas, so plan that trek for at least a 1/2 day trip. Be sure to get to Bom Jesus Church, where one can walk the stations of the cross. Awesome. Our favorite neighborhood restaurant was Marco's, where no matter the hour of our arrival, we were greeted with welcoming smiles. The food is good and basic: fish, meat and potatoes with salad. That became standard fare in many restuarants for the most part. Eunice and Mark are excellent hosts for both Casas; they are so hospitable, accommodating and flexible, even when we flooded the laundry room! (ugly Americans!) We would all recommend the Casas to anyone; Home Away presented the particulars of these villas in a very realistic way, and in short, there were no negative surprises. The places are hidden away, so stick to the dirctions given out by Mark and Eunice. Don't second guess anything, or you will find yourself in a lovely labrinth of farmland and vineyards. The Casas are a great place!! Go there, you will love it. And be sure to swim in the salt water pool, no matter what the temperature.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hermann-Josef K.

Wonderfull Holidays

We have been in Yavanna for nearly 3 weeks.We lived in both houses and enjoyd it very much.Both houses are very speciall an we dont know which house we loved more.It was a nice feeing living in a typical portugiese house.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carol P., Derbyshire

Yavanna July 2009

We have spent a wonderful 2 weeks at Yavanna. Our 3 families 12 people in total), with 6 children ranging from 11 to 14 years old, had a great time. The children especially enjoyed the pool and kayaking on the Minho river. We all enjoyed Sians port tasting and paella evening! If possible we would definately recommend booking Sian for at least one evening to anyone staying at Yavanna. There are plenty of places to visit in the area with endless beaches where you can always find a quiet place away from crowds of people. The gardens at Yavanna are beatiful and there are several areas to sit or sunbathe in. The scenery in Northern Portugal is lovely ranging from pituresque towns to stunning countryside. Finally we have to mention the warm welcome we received from Eunice who was always helpful but never intrusive.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Incredible vacation

We loved Yavanna and fell in love with northern Portugal. The place is so welcoming and peaceful that we didn't feel the need venture out very much, although there is no shortage of excursions. We were two families there, and our children, between 8 and 12, loved Yavanna and made us promise to go back. Yavanna is obviously loved by Eunice and Mark (the owners)...it shows in the details. They are very upfront about things that could effect guests, like animal noises at night (which didn't bother me in the least). We took lovely walks from the house, went kayaking, had BBQs, and more. We have done many vacation rentals and Yavanna is definitely at the top of the list.