Casa da Figueirinha – PD0440
Property in central Portugal
Casa da Figueirinha – PD0440
Set in a small community, twenty minutes from a pretty market town, this village property presents some interesting possibilities. Although a bit bedraggled and in need of work, it’s a house of great character that retains many of its original features, a house that would lend itself perfectly to a traditional restoration. Alternatively, the layout of interconnected rooms, running to 91m2 over two storeys, would look just as good updated in a contemporary style – stained wood, plain walls, minimal furnishing. Although much of the building requires renovation, basic services are connected making a DIY project perfectly feasible – some straightforward remedial work could make the place habitable quite quickly.
As is usual with older country properties the ground floor was for storage, but it doesn’t have to be – there’s a lot of usable space there, including, reached by external stairs, a secluded court yard which a bit of imagination and some TLC would turn into a very special little spot. There’s also a 50m2 grassed area and a roof terrace, with stunning views – big enough to do something with, but not unmanageable if you aren’t a keen gardener.
The location, the wooded hillsides of the Ceira Valley is superb; quiet and peaceful, rural but not isolated – a place where life is slower and you get to know your neighbours. Quiet but not dull, there is plenty going on, various events, musical, sporting, culinary and motor take place throughout the year and there’ll be a traditional Festival somewhere nearby most weekends over the summer. It’s also within easy reach of some excellent River Beaches. If you are thinking of full time relocation full services, everything from shops to a school and a medical centre, are to be found in Gois, along with some busy cafes and very good places to eat.
In a region being actively promoted for rural tourism the provision of holiday accommodation is a viable proposition. The area is perfect for walking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. It has an interesting history and is well worth exploring – you’ll never be quite sure what’s around the next corner, a beautiful ruined chapel, an amazing waterfall or perhaps a little café which serves home cooked lunches made from local produce. Access from the major road networks is good. The airports of Porto and Lisbon are each a comfortable drive, the Medieval City of Coimbra takes just over 45 minutes and the Atlantic Coast with its pristine beaches and first class surfing is little more than an hour.
If you are looking for a house to do up, to live in, to let out, or maybe for a combination of both, this one is well worth taking the time to look at.