Villa Marao
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Overview
Nestled in the hills of the world-famous Douro Valley and with breathtaking views over classic vineyards and olive groves, Villa Marao is a distinctive holiday home set within unspoilt countryside.
Converted from an old school house, the villa has been carefully restored and extended to retain its charm and some original features. The sleek, stylish furnishings create a contemporary look throughout and unique touches make for a very special feel.
On the ground floor is a sizeable open plan living/dining room with a sumptuous extra large corner sofa with room for everyone to enjoy a film together on the flat screen television. A wood burning stove provides an attractive focal point for cosy evenings in. Behind is a dining area with retro-inspired table and chairs for up to twelve people. A quirky play area features two old school desks and a blackboard as a nod to the villa's previous life as a school house. The fully fitted kitchen offers a range of modern conveniences and access out onto the barbecue and garden area. There are two double bedrooms to this floor, with both having an ensuite shower room and doors opening onto a terrace with uninterrupted views of the rolling countryside. A guest toilet is ideal for when you're going in and out of the garden.
There are two bedrooms on the spacious first floor. The stunning master double bedroom has an ensuite shower room and sofa bed that sleeps an extra two children or one adult. A balcony provides superb views over the scenic landscapes that surround the villa. The twin bedroom has an ensuite shower room and also has access to a balcony.
The outside space features a private swimming pool with a selection of sun loungers and seats on the surrounding decking. Lawned areas wrap around the villa and an outdoor dining area with built-in barbecue is the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco meal with unforgettable views. An external, well-equipped games room has a pool table for some friendly competition and a comfortable seating area for relaxing.
What you should know…
- A local maid will clean the villa twice a week and a cook is available upon request who can prepare meals for an extra cost
- Chef-cooked dinners include Douro wine and port
- There are some steps up to the entrance of the villa, so those with mobility issues should be aware
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
Ground Floor
- Ample living room with comfortable seating, fireplace and TV
- Open plan dining area for 10 people
- Well equipped kitchen
- Games room with pool table
- Guest toilet
- Bedroom with two single beds, access to a terrace and en-suite shoer room
- Bedroom with double bed, access to a terrace and en-suite shower room
First Floor
- Master bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed, access to a balcony and en-suite shower room
- Bedroom with two single beds, access to a balcony and en-suite shower room
Exterior Grounds
- Private heated swimming pool (9 x 3.4 m)
- Large terrace and garden area
- Various sun loungers
- Outdoor dining
- Garden furniture
- Covered terrace
- Parking space
- Barbecue
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi connection
- Air conditioning
- Washing machine
- Coffee machine
- Haor dryer
- Cot and high chair
Tourist License: 5872/RNET
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa MaraoBasic amenities such as shops and cafes are within short driving distance but you'll need to head to a nearby town for supermarkets, restaurants and bars. The villa is an excellent base for touring the surrounding vineyards, many of which offer private tours and tastings.
The picturesque town of Pinhão is just a ten minute drive from the villa through winding roads cut into the terraced Douro Valley hillsides. As well as being within a well-known wine-producing region, the town also has a rich port heritage and produces some of the best in the world. You can go on guided tours of wineries and sample some of the local tipples.
Pinhão is situated along the Douro River, meaning you can explore the area with a boat tour down the river. During a trip you'll appreciate the steep vineyard terraces from a different perspective and if you're lucky, you'll spot a range of wildlife along the way.
Another must-see attraction is Pinhão's railway station, built in 1937 and famous for its decorative blue and white azulejo tiles that depict traditional Portuguese country life. There's also a bar and shop giving you the chance to try some wine and port.
Around 12 km from the villa is Provesende, an historical town that's full of interesting sites to explore. Walk down the winding streets and you'll come across a 16th century pillory and 18th century Baroque church and fountain. There are also many old manor houses that sit alongside more modest village cottages to show how rich the area was in past centuries.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Porto
(122 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Vila Real
(33 km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Porto
(119 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Casa Arco
(6 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
O Porco
(7 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Amanhecer
(7 km) |
||
Note
Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.
ABOUT THE DOURO
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside.
Following the winding Douro river east from Porto reveals one of the most scenic drives in Europe and Portugal’s premier wine region, the Douro Valley. With terraces of vines lining the riverbanks, Douro Valley holidays offer stunning hiking trails, beautiful viewpoints and a wonderful selection of peaceful retreats.
In the Douro, you will find quiet towns and villages, vineyards hugging the bends, castles from the time of the Reconquest and other places worthy of a stop to look far into the horizon.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesThe villa still has much of its original character as a school house, due to restored features and décor that reflects the theme of fun and learning. Children will love the small play area in the living space with its charming desks and blackboard. For more modern entertainment there's the external games room with pool table and large swimming pool to enjoy.
Around 65 km north of the villa is Pena Aventura Park in Ribeira de Pena. The drive takes a little over an hour but it's definitely worth the longer journey time. Fun for adults too, there's a special zone for children where they can enjoy adventure walks through the woods, paintball and an adrenaline-fuelled zip wire through the treetops.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Onsite Facilities
- Heated Pool
- Games Room
- Pool/Snooker
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Dinner including Douro Wine & Port Available for €35 per person
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
| Security deposit | €450 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | Between 4 - 7 pm |
| Departure time | 10 am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €450 charged to client’s credit card as a pre-authorisation two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | Between 4 - 7 pm |
| Departure time | 10 am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| Heating costs included? | Not available on this property. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or garbage disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included. |
| Minimum stay | 5 nights during low season. All other durations on request. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Smoking & Vaping are not permitted. |
| Pool heating charge? | For those who require pool heating, there will be an additional charge of €36 per night (to be paid to Oliver’s Travels with the balance). The pool heating is available for a minimum of 7 nights. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Tax | Tourist tax is currently not required within the municipality of this villa, however many councils are introducing this across Portugal, so you may be required to pay this at time of travel. |
| Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
| Other Ts and Cs | First cot and high chair included in the rental price; please enquire before arrival. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 18th 2024 - Dec 16th 2024 | £1,637 | £2,291 |
| Dec 16th 2024 - Dec 31st 2024 | £2,130 | £2,982 |
| Dec 31st 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | £1,637 | £2,291 |
| Jan 3rd 2025 - Apr 1st 2025 | £2,390 | £3,346 |
| Apr 1st 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £2,598 | £3,637 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | - | £4,364 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 | £2,598 | £3,637 |
| Nov 1st 2025 - May 22nd 2026 | £2,390 | £3,346 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Beautiful, Stunning, Gorgeous, Relaxing
What a beautiful location with stunning views and a gorgeous villa that has everything you need to chill and relax and admire the scenery. Thank you to Estrela who made the finest of cakes and was the perfect host to cater for our every need - a real gem! The Douro is beautiful and the sailing boat trip with Paulo and his gorgeous dog one evening was pure tranquility and highly recommended. As always the weather has been glorious and the portuguese people so friendly it feels home from home. Thank you for a fabulous holiday x The McCallion family Leicestershire, England
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Excellent
Our first trip to Portugal and we couldn't have picked a better place to stay. The house, the surroundings are excellent. Big thanks to Estrela and Gi you have made our stay more memorable. We feel we have been very spoilt.
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Simply Amazing
We've fallen in love with Villa Marao and this area of the Douro Valley. Carla is simply amazing, all her recommendations were superb and we really appreciated her organising our fantastic day out to Quintas, museums, a bakery and a boat trip. Rui our guide was friendly, attentive and good-humoured. We've enjoyed a couple of meals at VeloDouro in Pinhao and highly recommend it. Food is incredible and staff so friendly. In fact, everyone we have met has welcomed us warmly and shown us such kindness. We don't want to leave!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
