Description
Casa de Lima is a large villa that was built in 1652 with a spectacular view of the Lima valley. The traditional architecture gives the brightness of ochra walls with red tile roofs featuring stone windows, towers, chimneys and balconies. Stairway, walkway, and roof corners are decorated with urns, pyramids, pinnacles and cornucopias which bring a note of gaity to the age-old walls. The building lies on several levels, following the uneven granite rock around a flagstone courtyard with a center fountain. The extensive gardens are delightful and there\'s a swimming pool and tennis court for your pleasure. The villa is spacious, giving the feeling of peace and grandeur and inviting reflective thought. With it\'s well furnished and comfortable living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, seven bedrooms, and five baths, it\'s an outstanding place for reunions, celebrations, or seminars. Two hours of maid service and breakfast is included in the weekly price. Additional meals can be arranged on request, but use of the kitchen must be supervised by the maid.
The Green Coast, being the northerly province of Portugal, gives the traveler easy access to the beaches along the Atlantic coast, magnificent countryside with vineyards where the famous port wines are produced, and neighboring Spain. The famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compestelo in Spain is within an hour\'s drive. The enchanting little town of Ponte de Lima is in a picturesque position on the River Lima. A splendid Roman bridge gave the town its name and is still the focus of activity today. Locals gather in pavement cafes on the square by the fountain overlooking the river to watch the world go by and on the cobbled streets is a range of restaurants from the simple to the sophisticated. Each fortnight the river shore is taken over by a huge collection of market stalls, the oldest outdoor market in Portugal.
The mansions of the North Coast were usually built by the wealthy Portuguese navigators when they returned from the colonies. Casa de Lima is one of these richly historical villas that has been carefully maintained and modernized without spoiling the grandeur of the original architecture. Upon entering the house you will see the beautifully tiled panel that recounts details of the many generations born and raised in this house, and the extent to which they have loved it. The rooms are comfortable, spacious, and well furnished with authentic antiques and traditional pieces from the area. The living room and dining room are separate. The fully equipped kitchen is overseen by the staff, and its here that breakfast is prepared for you each morning. The bed/bath wing offers six bedrooms and four bathrooms, including two queen bedrooms and four twin bedrooms. A separate apartment offers a main salon, kitchen, double bedroom, and bathroom.
