Retreat to the Heart of Central Portugal
Welcome to Vale da Pousada.
At Vale da Pousada we like to think you’ll have more than just a holiday.
While breathing the fresh air of the Serra you'll feel you are actually living here.
Perhaps you’ll choose to sit by the fire-pit and watch the sun set over the hills, you might want to feed the goats and the chickens, maybe you'll take a walk down to the river before coming home to delightful evening meal, it’s entirely up to you.
We at Vale da Pousada are embracing simple-living and building community.
The restored farmhouse has everything you need to be comfortable whilst escaping the unnecessary distractions of modernday life.
Originally from Belgium, Brigitte and Irene found Vale da Pousada and undertook the renovation works that turned the old stone ruins into their lovely home. It wasn’t long before their household began growing as numerous cats, dogs, chickens and goats joined the family.
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At this point Smalltrees arrived. Nick, a Londoner and Susana, who is Portuguese, began using the stone oven to bake traditional bread, it wasn’t long before they too fell in love with life in the valley.
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All four of them now welcome guests to Vale da Pousada.
The Casa at Vale da Pousada (which is reached via a dirt track) sits on the side of a valley with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and there are numerous rivers and streams nearby.
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Originally a small family run farm, the buildings have been sensitively and lovingly converted into a cosy and inviting home and hostel. Casa do Vale da Pousada currently offers 3, pet friendly, separate spaces for guests - Matteo, Emma and Lucy - click here for more details.
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Just a short drive away. is the delightful river beach of Ana de Aviz and a little further will take you to the stunning rocky river valley of Fragas Såo Simåo with it's spectacular swimming spots. A walk through the forest will bring you to the historic xisto village of Casal Såo Simåo.
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Wifi reception is very limited here in the valley, so take the opportunity to have a digital detox.
Food is life and good food is an essential element of a good life.
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Vale da Pousada is vegetarian and almost vegan (except for the eggs that are gifted by our beautiful chickens).
Seasonal organic fruit and vegetables, supplemented with produce from the local markets are the main ingredients of the delicious home-cooked meals we serve and enjoy here.
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Sourdough bread is baked in the stone oven. Walter often drops in from the neighbouring hamlet of Goladinha to collect his loaves while they are still warm.
Using the same oven we host Pizza Nights, which are always very popular.