Stay in a one-of-a-kind octagonal strawbale home nestled on two hectares of peaceful land in the mountains of northern Portugal. Designed and built by us, the house combines the warmth and simplicity of a yurt with the comfort, light, and space of a modern family home.

Surrounded by oak trees, birdsong, and sweeping greenery, you'll have plenty of room to relax and explore. Enjoy morning coffee on the porch, nap in a hammock beneath the trees, cool off in our spring-fed swimming reservoir, visit the hens and vegetable garden, cuddle with our two sweet but self-sufficient outdoor cats (Falkore and Atreyu), or wander the trails that begin right outside the property.

The area is rich in natural beauty, with lakes, river beaches, swimming holes, and hiking trails all within easy reach. Peneda-Gerês National Park is just 45 minutes away, while the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães make perfect day trips. Porto can be reached in just over an hour.

Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat in nature, an outdoor adventure, or a comfortable base for exploring northern Portugal, our home offers a unique place to slow down and reconnect.

The Space

The main space of the octagon is a 40 sqm open-plan living area filled with natural light from four large windows, a glass door, and a skylight. Here you'll find the kitchen, complete with an island, stools, and a dining table, as well as the living room, featuring a sofa, floor cushions, wicker hanging chairs, and our Bösendorfer grand piano.

Three steps up and separated by heavy blackout curtains is the main bedroom, furnished with a king-sized bed and a workspace comfortably large enough for two.

Adjacent to the main bedroom is the shower room. From there, another three steps lead up to the extension, which contains two children's bedrooms and two toilets.

Each children's room features a loft bed with an additional mattress underneath, a desk, and a large nook window overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Just outside the front door, you'll find a covered porch with four chairs and a narrow table—perfect for a morning coffee or afternoon tea. Beside it are two reclining wooden chairs, a large shaded picnic table for outdoor meals, and two hammocks suspended between our beautiful oak trees.

Farther out on the property is a renovated water reservoir fed by cold spring water—wonderfully refreshing on a hot summer day, provided you don't mind the chill. It is surrounded by a wooden deck and shaded by grapevines. Beyond the reservoir are our vegetable garden, greenhouses, and chicken coop, home to our egg-laying hens (and a few roosters).

Across our two hectares of land, you'll discover many other small treasures, including a bench swing built onto a Magritte-like granite boulder that overlooks the landscape.

Our electricity is generated by solar power with grid backup, and our water comes from a fresh mountain spring located just above the property, purified through UV filtration.

Features

Show all features including those not in this home

Fridge

WiFi

Bed sheets

Oven

Towels

Washer

Heating

Workspace

High Speed Internet

Garden / yard

Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Covered porch / verandah

Pool

Piano

Travel Styles

Weekend

Adventure

Budget

Family

Romantic

Sport and leisure

Relaxing

Eco

Water

Remote

Hiking

House Rules

Unsuitable for infants under 2

Suitable for children ages 2-12

Pets not allowed

No smoking

Allergens

Dog free

Smoke free

Fragrance free

Dates of Availability

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Neighbourhood

Our land sits at the top of a small hamlet, with only rustic countryside stretching above us—perfect for peaceful walks and hikes right from the doorstep. The nearest supermarkets are just a 12-minute drive away.

The closest lake is only five minutes away by car and, during the summer months, offers a teleski cable park, paddle boats, and inflatable water attractions. Within a 30-minute radius, you'll find numerous river beaches, swimming holes, and hiking trails to explore.

Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only national park, is about 45 minutes away, while the nearest thermal baths in Galicia can be reached with an additional 30-minute drive beyond the park.

The historic cities of Braga and Guimarães are both within 45 minutes, and Porto is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes away by car.

Nearest airport

The nearest airports are Porto (an hour and twenty), and Vigo, Spain (an hour and forty-five). You will most likely need to rent a car, unless we've agreed to a car-exchange.