Minho & Costa Verde Cottage for Rent: Attractive stone farmhouse and cottage in quiet rural location. - Property 15852

Eating Out. Shopping: The nearest restaurant is just over a mile from the property and although it is traditional Portuguese fare good reports have been received regarding both quality and price. The restaurant also does a take away service. There are several good, family style eating houses in Paredes de Coura, a 7 mile drive away, whilst Ponte de Lima boasts some more elegant restaurants for a special evening out. There are 2 small supermarkets in Paredes de Coura where most requirements can be met and a big new Intermarché in Ponte de LIma. It must be remembered however that Portuguese supermarkets often do not accept Visa cards so money should be raised first at one of the numerous cash points. There is also a small village store near the local restaurant in the village of Rendufe. For excellent value for money, variety of products and high quality, however, we recommend a visit to Tui, just over the border in Spain where there is a large Hayleys hypermarket and a Lidl supermarket.

Places of interest in the immediate vicinity.: A couple of miles from the property is the protected area of Corno de Bico. This wild park like terrain is ideal for walking or mountain bike riding. It is the habitat of many rare animals but those most usually seen are the semi wild horses which roam the area. The whole area is very good for walking enthusiasts and ordinance survey maps are available on request. Another local place of interest is the unfinished monastery church of Nossa Senhora de Secouro (Our Lady of Help) and the two local hilltop shrines of Nossa Senhora de Fatima and San Silvestre are worth a visit on a fine day to see the views they afford. Although the nearest sea beach is a 30minute drive, there are plenty of local river beaches for swimming enthusiasts. Look out for the sign 'Praia Fluvial', a very up market one in Paredes de Coura and many 'natural style' ones on the Lima River. Golfing enthusiasts have given excellent reports about the local course in terms of price, quality of play and beauty.

Ponte de Lima: This historic town with its Roman bridge and medieval centre is a must. From the farm house it is fun to park the car on the north side of the river, cross the (now pedestrian) bridge and visit the town on foot. There is a bi-weekly market on a Monday which takes place on the river bank and there are various specialist markets at other times. There is also a nautical club where canoes can be hired, a riding school, (riding only on the premises) and the golf course. The north bank of the river has recently been developed into a series of gardens which make for a pleasant stroll. Slightly further afield there is a fish farm where visitors are lent rods and tackle and can catch their own supper. The trout is either grilled on the spot or you can take it home to cook yourself. Hang gliding is also practised in the area but this seems to depend very much on weather conditions and we have been unable to discover much about it.

Guest Book: From Judith and John. 'We don't really want to share what we have found!! A wonderful 'home' full of warmth. Margaret and Alec are wonderful hosts, informative but unintrusive. We'll be back.' Margaret says: Thank you Judith and John and we look forward to seeing you again in the autumn.

Other Activities: canoeing