Description
Quinta do Convento da Franqueira with 3,8 ha, terrace, swimming pool, garden and chapel in Barcelos, Braga.
This property was built in the middle of the 15th century as a Franciscan Monastery, with stones from the historic Faria Castle, one of the most important castles in Entre Douro e Minho.
The property was fully restored in 1967 by the best craftsmen and with the best Portuguese materials. In the 80s, it was once again renovated, and is now in excellent condition. This property combines high standards of comfort with historic interest, in a charming Minho setting, a true invitation to long walks with panoramic views: to the North, the distant mountains of the Geres National Park and from the top of Monte da Franqueira, the Atlantic Ocean.
The property has great potential to be turned into a boutique hotel, spa or divided into small family apartments. It currently works as Rural Tourism establishment.
The Convent, the main building, with 1,840 sqm, is divided into two residences with four bedrooms and two apartments with one bedroom, which are a substantial income source in the summer months. The property comprises 5 hectares of land prepared to plant vines, 8 hectares of forest with pines and eucalyptus, and one hectare with an orchard, gardens, fountains and a swimming pool in a private area.
There are about 17 rooms altogether in the property and more to be finished, several rooms, bedrooms, living areas. The guest bedrooms in the main house are furnished with antiques, original prints and paintings, as well as traditional Portuguese fabrics. Each bedroom is a suite with view of the garden.
The house has a small attached chapel.
A large part of the property corresponds to a forest of pine, eucalyptus and cork trees. The extensive gardens are full of unusual plants with various sunny terraces.
About 200 meters from the house and behind a 17th century fountain, the swimming pool is filled with spring water from a 300-meter mine in Monte da Franqueira. The view from the swimming pool terrace is particularly idyllic at sunrise and also in the evening, when the sun is already setting behind the eucalyptus and the European nightjars fly over the swimming pool.
The Convent Church, Bom Jesus do Monte, scarcely used nowadays and generally open to the public on weekends, has a privileged view of the choir gallery, which is connected to the living room on the first floor of the house.
Parking for four cars.
The property is located 50 km from the centre of Porto.
The property is near the access to A11, 5 km from the centre of Barcelos, 4 km from Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport and 55 km from the Spanish border.
Energy Rating: D
