Description

Some houses stand out for their size, others for their location. And then there are those that stand out for the feeling they convey the moment you step inside. This is one such house.

Set in a small, peaceful mountain community in central Portugal, this charming village house has been carefully restored and decorated, preserving traditional elements such as stone and wood whilst combining them with bohemian and contemporary décor. The result is a cosy, authentic home full of character — a place where the simplicity of village life meets the comfort of a home designed to be lived in and enjoyed.

The property currently comprises three bedrooms, a cosy living room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a naturally ventilated bathroom and a practical storage/laundry area. There is also a separate, covered annexe, currently used as a studio and living space, with a charming mezzanine above the main area, accessible via a wooden staircase. This additional space could easily be adapted to suit different needs, depending on the plans of its future owners: a home office, a guest bedroom, a studio, a creative space or simply an area set aside for entertaining family and friends.

Outside lies one of the features that most contributes to the charm of this property. The covered terrace, with its traditional wooden and tiled pergola, has been designed for al fresco dining and socialising, enjoying a pleasant view over the wooded valley and the landscape of the Serra da Lousã. The garden, for exclusive use, includes a vegetable patch, orange and lemon trees, and other fruit trees, offering that genuine connection with nature and the rhythm of the seasons that so many people seek when they decide to leave the fast pace of city life behind. There is also a barbecue area and an outdoor kitchen, ideal for long summer lunches, peaceful afternoons or evenings spent with family and friends.

Perhaps, however, it is the natural surroundings that best explain the special character of this property. Just a few minutes away lie the iconic Fragas de São Simão and their river beach with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a natural landscape of great beauty, featuring footpaths, viewpoints and opportunities for walking and outdoor activities. Between 5 and 10 minutes from the property, there are also several river beaches, many of them set in stunning natural surroundings, perfect for swimming, walking or simply enjoying a peaceful day by the water. The region also offers an increasingly interesting selection of renowned restaurants, culinary experiences and leisure venues, providing a particularly appealing combination of nature, fine dining and quality of life. The proximity to the Aldeias do Xisto and the Serra da Lousã adds a significant cultural and tourist dimension to this area, which is increasingly sought after by those looking for authentic experiences, unspoilt nature and a more tranquil way of life.

Despite its rural and peaceful setting, the location offers convenient access to key amenities and urban centres. Its proximity to the IC8/A13 motorway makes travelling easy, allowing you to reach Coimbra in around 30 minutes and providing convenient links to Lisbon and Porto. In Figueiró dos Vinhos, you’ll find shops, healthcare services, pharmacies, schools and a range of essential facilities and services, whilst the parish also has a nursery and a primary school. The village itself also has a school for the youngest children, a local association and various leisure and social spaces. This combination of tranquillity, nature and accessibility makes the property attractive not only as a second home or holiday home, but also for permanent residence or for those wishing to combine remote working with a better quality of life.

The house also benefits from good internet and mobile network coverage, an increasingly important feature for those seeking to live or spend time in the Portuguese countryside without sacrificing the connectivity required for professional life.

With a gross floor area of around 130 m², including the main house and the annexe, and 259 m² of land, the property offers a well-balanced size, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor spaces without the maintenance burden of a large country estate. It has its own septic tank, an electric water heater and a fireplace in the living room; there is also potential to improve comfort and energy efficiency in the future by installing a heat recovery unit and other improvement measures identified in the relevant Energy Performance Certificate.

Another particularly attractive feature is the low tax burden associated with the property, with an estimated annual IMI (property tax) of less than €100. The property also has all the necessary documentation for sale, is free from encumbrances, mortgages or attachments, and has a council certificate confirming exemption from a use permit, as it was built before 1951.

Given its location, features and state of repair, this is a property capable of adapting to different lifestyles. It could be the home where a family finds a more peaceful pace of life, a weekend retreat for city dwellers, a second home for those seeking a special place in Portugal, or a property with potential for tourist accommodation – subject, of course, to verification and compliance with the applicable legal requirements.

It is also a particularly interesting opportunity for international buyers seeking something that is increasingly difficult to find in other regions of Portugal: a house with character, ready to move into, surrounded by nature, close to the water and to destinations of recognised tourist interest, yet still set within an authentic and peaceful community.

More than just a property, this is an opportunity to acquire a little retreat where life can take on a different rhythm. Where breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace, where the garden can become part of daily life, where a walk down to the river can replace an afternoon spent indoors, and where entertaining family and friends can once again become an important part of life.

A house with soul, nature on your doorstep and space – a fantastic space in which to write a new chapter.

NOTE: The areas of the properties mentioned above are by indication of the respective documents.