Casal Villas
Offering breathtaking views of Vila Praia de Âncora, the villa is a contemporary rental in northern Portugal. Its two units magically frame the countryside, with cosy fireplaces and bright spaces.
This house is meant to be a place to feel good, and that’s what makes it special.
How would you describe Casa em Afife in a nutshell?
Casa em Afife is something that wants to be modern and traditional at the same time. It really brings together three things — a connection with the local environment, a traditional, familial atmosphere, and the modern design elements.
What was the inspiration/story behind Casa em Afife?
We’ve had this land and the idea to build for a few years but it was only last year that it became a reality. My husband is the architect and we wanted to create something that didn’t disturb the harmony of the religious space and the existing church on the site, without being submissive either.
The aim was to be discreet while drawing some inspiration from the church (for example, the gold finish on the window shutters that open towards the church). But we also wanted to create a warm, family home through the wooden interior elements while retaining a simple, modern design.
How would you describe the atmosphere of Casa em Afife and what do you love about it?
I love the calm village atmosphere of Afife and have been coming here since I was a child, so it always brings back good memories. I think it’s one of the most amazing places in Portugal and somewhere that you can explore without a car if you wish, or you can grab a car to tour the region.
I love that the house is practical and functional, without being “over-designed”, and it is within walking distance of everything you need — great restaurants, an ATM and the train station. I also think the swimming pool is quite special as you can enjoy being in the water without having to go right in.
Casa em Afife is meant to be a place where people feel good, and that’s what makes it so special.
Casa em Afife is designed across four half-floors, with a terrace on top of the house where you have views all the way to the ocean. It centres around an open-plan dining and kitchen area that leads down to a lounge/TV room, with both levels having direct access to the garden and the swimming pool.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, all of which are bathed in natural light. There are two twin bedrooms on the third level that share a bathroom with a shower and if you go up an additional level, you come to the master bedroom, which has an en-suite with a bath.
We have free Wi-Fi throughout the house and it’s fully equipped with all the appliances you need, including a washing machine. The house is designed for self-catering and has all linen and beach towels provided. It’s clean and ready to use when guests arrive (with all beds made).
Aside from the region’s historic towns and sites, there are amazing waterfalls and some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Afife’s main beach is just 700 metres walk from the house and features stunning dunes and there are other beaches to explore further north and south as well.
I would also definitely recommend that guests visit Viano do Castelo, which is home to the hilltop Santuário de Santa Luzia that offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a very historic and well-preserved city while also featuring modern architectural landmarks by Fernando Távora.
To the north of Afife is Caminha, another historic town with a strong religious heritage and beautiful old churches that I would also recommend. Just across the border in Spain is Santa — a hilltop archaeological site that encompasses the remains of a 1st century B.C. Celtic castro.
Afife is an old village in the north of Portugal, not far from the border with Spain. It’s around 10km from Viana do Castelo and an hour’s drive from Porto. It’s close to the beach and great fishing and surfing spots, with mountains right behind where you can go hiking and be in nature.
Because we are in the north of Portugal, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. But between May and October is generally the best time to visit.
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