Anyone arriving at Quinta da Terrincha, in Torre de Moncorvo, soon feels
at home. The art of hospitality that the people of the Douro region are known
for is reflected in every detail of this 380-hectare estate, which is steeped
in history and tradition. The property’s origins date back to before the
formation of Portugal, and include several remains of Roman civilisation. Back
in the times of the Portuguese monarchy, it was King Afonso V who gifted it to
the nobility, and more specifically to Dom Álvaro, as a thank you for his
services in the Battle of AlcácerQuibir. Over the course of time, Quinta da
Terrincha passed through the hands of various blue-blooded families, and in
1994 it was bought by the Seixas Pinto family, who are its present owners.
It is not difficult to feel embraced by the presence of history here –
that of Portugal and that of the family – as every nook and cranny seems to be
an invitation to imagination. With 15 one- to three-bedroom villas and a main
house consisting of six unique suites, the manor house styling is a real eye
catcher, maintained over time to preserve its origins. All the villas, which
are fully equipped and have their own kitchens, have been restored and rebuilt,
such as Casa da Eira or Casa dos Bois, and retain their unrivalled rustic
beauty. The main house, on the other hand, was once inhabited by the Countess
of Pinhel and is considered to be a 19th-century manor house. With its distinctive design,
this is a space that contains unique rustic details, such as a stone fireplace
in the bedroom or the old workers’attendance punching machine in the communal
area.
Perfect for welcoming families with children, Quinta da Terrincha never
ceases to invite you to explore. Walking around, you’ll see the Chapel of St
Anthony - where the staff maintain the tradition of ringing the bell to warn of
thunderstorms - a swimming pool and various quiet spaces to switch off,
surrounded by a unique natural landscape. But there’s more: the Quinta offers
guests a range of experiences, such as trekking, jeep rides, massages and
picnics with regional products.
