Casa do Avô Zé

The drive across the mountains to finally arrive in Covas do Monte is breathtaking. Elisabete had sent us some pictures to help us locate the correct building and garage for parking ahead of time and we were most grateful!! The village is like a time capsule! you’d be forgiven for believing the Knights Templar were about to ride into town!! The narrow, cobbled streets, ancient houses, barns and livestock roaming around freely start to build the picture for you. Avô Zé is an old family home recently renovated by Elisabete and Rafael and as we walked in, we were taken aback. Inside it was extremely well furnished with every amenity you could wish for – a real juxtaposition when looking out of the top quality windows. We had only arrived a short while when we were wonderfully surprised to get a knock on the door and welcomed by Elisabete, Rafael, Victoria (7) and Ilisa (2). The family were so welcoming, explained the background of the family home and translated a beautiful welcome letter from Victoria. We felt like part of an extended family, Rafael could not have offered to do more to make our short stay as comfortable as possible. We believed we had seen reference to 2 x tavernas in the village but sadly, there was no active place when we were there. Not a problem though!!!! Elisabete and Rafel spoke to a local lady (Apologies for not remembering her name!!) – for this article, I refer to her as chef. Chef called by to discuss an option for supper while the family were there to help translation. We were told supper would be at 20h00 and we opted for a Pork option. We arrived 19h50 at what was actually the old school house (now being used as a kind of local community centre from what we could establish). Sitting outside was Phillipe (we found out later, he was Elisabete’s brother). Phillipe said it was closed which was a surprise to us (and a slight concern! – we contacted Rafael who settled our minds that we were just a bit early and supper was still planned. A few m

Cozy house, very well equipped. A very small village in a remote location where you can see goats wandering in the streets. Perfect place if you want to go back to a simple life and enjoy the pleasure of slow days. The host was exceptionally friendly!

It was a rainy weekend... But still we managed to wander across the village.

Elisabete is an amazing host and Casa do Avô Zé is an amazing house. The house has 3 bedrooms (2 downstairs, 1 upstairs) and a bathroom with shower on each floor. The house is tastefully decorated, comfortable and clean. The kitchen is well stocked and the fireplace is cozy on a cold day. We are charmed by the village of Covas do Monte and all the local community members in the small village were friendly. However, it is the goats that rule the town-- they are simply adorable as they come and go through the streets. We walked on some of the many trails in the surrounding area and through beautiful cork tree groves. We absolutely LOVED our stay in this beautiful and charming Portuguese aldeia and Elisabete made certain that our stay at Casa do Avô Zé was perfect in every way.

The village is charming, the roads breathtaking, the design of the house is lovely and the attention to details is worth mentioning. The host was on top of ot at all times.

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The venue and area is mind blowing, go back 1000yrs the village is something one has to see to appreciate. The mountain pass into the hidden gem is breathtaking in the low hanging clouds. Goats wandering the street, pettable and friendly, wear shoes!!!! The entire inside is superbly finished, nothing needed, breakfast, coffee etc etc supplied. Host was very attentive and his brother in law Phillip help us get settled. I'm going back again just to show my family.

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Tranquilidade e pacatez do local.