Portugal Villa Holiday Client Comments

Portugal Villa Holiday
Client Comments

In the summer of 2006 we decided to open a Guest Book for Portugal Villa Holiday. These pages contain extracts of client comments since that date.

For those of you who have written in French, Spanish and Portuguese - I hope that I have spelt everything correctly and it all makes sense!

References to "Bobi" means Bobi Dog our friendly, personal, lake tour guide who loves to walk with guests. Bobi was found after being abandoned by the lake at the age of 4 weeks in May 2004. He is a bit naughty and tends to "steal" socks and shoes when left unattended on the villa verandah - hence the references to socks and shoes in the comments!

We now have an additional member of the family called Cleo who was born at the end of September 2009.

We have enjoyed our stay here so much. The views are amazing and the place is peaceful. The villa is lovely and everything we wanted was at hand. Thanks to Linda and Geoff for a lovely welcome and for all their help during our stay.

Thanks to Bobi for taking us walkies and for being so loving and entertaining - such a special dog.

We love the area and have toured around in between house hunting and it was good returning each day to such a wonderful place - we truly had to tear ourselves away!

Thanks again Geoff and Linda for making our stay here so perfect.

We will be back!

Cathy & Richard
Nottingham, UK

The house is beautiful with excellent finish and detail. It is clear that Geoff has put a great deal of love and care into the building and design.

Laura and Eleanor were in the pool at every available moment and we all enjoyed the river and the rowing boat. It was great to be able to walk down through the woods and walk or run down the tracks.

The wildlife - lizards, kites, hoopoes, swallow tails, butterflies and huge beetles provided much entertainment.

Arganil is a lovely little town. We enjoyed the market and had great meals at the Grelha Restaurant. Bacalhau a Bras is particularly recommended.

Coimbra was stately and elegant. The Se Velha (Cathedral) is beautiful and the old town was fun. Viseu was similar but rougher - in a good way. We also enjoyed the river beaches in Gois and Vila Nova da Ceira.

The forest walks in Bucaco are a delight. The walk up through the terracotta stations of the cross to the Cruz Alto is well worth doing - take a guide book as there is no map.

Linda and Geoff are friendly and helpful without being obtrusive and clearly enjoy their business and get pleasure out of other people's appreciation of the house and environs. The welcome pack is a great bonus, particularly the wine and beer!

Peter, Therese, Laura and Eleanor
Birmingham, UK

We leave today after a fabulous week. What a peaceful and serene place. The river view is a beautiful start to the day (and middle and end!). The boys had great fun in the rowing boat even if there were a few sore shoulders after.

The wildlife is abundant - red kites circling overhead, jays hopping from tree to tree, lizards and butterflies, a daring rescue of the biggest stag beetle from the pool, plenty of bats around the street light and a particularly vocal owl one evening.

We were going to go to Lisbon but decided there was enough to see and do locally (sorry Linda - after all your research on our behalf) but we had great trips to Coimbra, Conimbriga (amazing roman ruins) and Figueira da Foz. The walk through Bucaco is beautiful but not well sign posted and is further than you think but well worth the effort. Ate in most nights but had a great meal in Arganil at Xisto and Figueira da Foz at Casarola Dois (cards in the villa).

Thanks to Linda and Geoff for their warm welcome. We wish we'd booked 2 weeks

Derrick, Chris, James and Ben Towell
Solihull, UK

Your place should be called "Villa of the Enchanted Forest". The moments we spent here are unforgettable. Thank you Linda and Geoff for letting it happen.

Le séjour de Roda a été enchanteur. La villa, le décor,la piscine, tout était merveilleux.

Nous avons eu la chance de passer une journée complète autour de la piscine et nous avons grandement apprécié les la détente et les paysages spectaculaires.

Nous avons fait des visites à Coimbra, Aveiro et de la Serra da Estrella.

Malheureusement, il faut partir, mais nous recommandons la place à des amis en tant que futur séjour possible.

Denis, Diane, Micheline
Quebec, Canada

Nos escapamos de Madrid, com calor, ruido y stress, y llegamos al paraiso de tranquilidad y buenas temperatures.

Gracias Linda. Hasta Pronto
Isabel and Adolfo
Madrid

We can only repeat what everyone else has said - that this is the most beautiful place to spend two weeks. We will leave tomorrow feeling totally relaxed, a bit sad to be going but looking forward to our next visit!

Everything about the house has been perfect, especially the welcome pack of food and wine which meant we didn't have to shop straight away.

We have enjoyed some trips out, but mostly it has been a pleasure to walk by the lake, swim, sit and look at the view from one of the numerous vantage points provided. It has also been a pleasure to have our evening chats with Lin and Geoff (not forgetting Bobi!)

Thank you for a great holiday

Jane, Graham and James Bentham
Norwich, UK

Here we are for the second time!
As in 2007, every day in Casa da Roda was plenty of joy and quiet moments during our 2 week stay.

From the seaside (Praia de Guiaios - not far from Figueira da Foz but more quiet) to the mountains (Piodao), it reminds us that Portugal is a great country where we can come back again and again.

Thanks to Linda and Geoff -your hospitality will be known by our friends in France!

Patrick, Patricia and Lucie
Paris, France

Villa was fantastic, views amazing

Peace and Quiet!

Perfect setting for the perfect weekend - just wished we were here for longer

We will be back!

Louise, Gary, Justine and Nigel
Essex, UK

It was a very quiet and relaxing Christmas and New Year here. We enjoyed the house and especially the fireplace.

Its very nice to walk around here - we found a way long the lake to Maladao where the next bridge is located.

Coimbra is definitely a city to visit - also Tomar in the south. The Serra da Estrella is very nice. We had a nice trip to the forest at Bucaco with the old palace

So, its not so easy to be lazy here because there is so much to do.

But the best, we think are the walks near the house then sit in front of the fire and relax.

We'll think of it when we are back in Germany with temperatures minus 10 degrees and a lot of snow!!

Mike and Judith
Germany

We have had a great time at Casa da Roda. The villa met all our expectations and more! The gates and fences were veryuseful for helping prevent our 20 month old getting into any more mischief than normal. The pool was great. There were plenty of shady spots around the villa to enjoy the scenery.....

Alison Bailey Smith and family

Firstly - many thanks to Linda for being so welcoming and helpful (and unobtrusive).

Secondly - for cool forest walks - Lousa with its miniature castle and pools and Bucaco Forest with wonderful views.

Had a superb week amidst peaceful spectacular scenery and it is a shame to be leaving.
Lastly, our son thanks Bobi for the "guided walks" and the pine cone collecting.

Best wishes

Carolyn, Dave & Jordan Marsh
Salisbury, Wilts

Passamos uma semana extraordinaria, numa paisagem incrivel, uma casa fantastica, uns caminhos espantosos, uma tranquilidade sem comparacao. A discoberta duma natureza espantosa deixa-nos ja com saudades em tempos de regresso.Os nossos filhos (Tanguy 6 anos, Tiago and Gaspard 3 anos) tiveram as palavras do fim: Isso ambiante dos nossos sonhos!

Merci beaucoup pour votre accueil dans cette si jolie maison - une semaine reposante dans le calme, une vue superbe,et l'envie de revenir. Notre fils Tanguy nous a dit: "Le bonheir est dans cette maison". Nous le pensons aussi.

- Tanguy (6 years old) says - "Happiness is in this house".

Alberto Costa
Delphine Allannic-Costa
Tanguy 6 years, Tiago and Gaspard 3 years
Paris

Congratulations to Geoff and Linda on creating something rather special. We have loved the accommodation and found plenty to do in and around the local area, and further afield. One of the best recommendations that we could make to ourfriends would be to try this place out. We managed to keep two teenage kids occupied throughout the entire week, and that's some achievement.

Many thanks.

I had a great time here swimming and sunbathing by the pool. The walks down to the lake were lovely. Thank you for my tour Bobi. Thank you very much for the stay it was brilliant!

From Hannah

Peter, Lorraine, Matthew & Hannah
Hornchurch, Essex

Thanks for a great week - it was all perfect for us! The children had great fun in the pool - as did the adults! All in all a very relaxing holiday - thank you.

The Lander Family
Uberlinger, Germany

We had a fantastic week - couldn't have asked for more. We spent many late nights on the upper level which was a great way to relax after the lovely meals we ate in Arganil.

A very special thanks to Bobi who was the perfect guide. Going on walks with him made the experience more enjoyable and we thank him for his patience and company.

Thanks to Geoff and Linda for providing us with the perfect setting for a much needed holiday.

Pat and Vik
London

Globetrotters as we are, we were a bit sceptical about spending the full two weeks in the same place ....

Silly us! The two weeks are over now, and we regret we have to go. The house was perfect for our family - we enjoyed the walks along the lake, the drives in the very scenic area, and above all, the fabulous view from the verandah. We've taken lots and lots of pictures - hope they'll help us to keep this holiday in our hearts forthe years to come. Thank you Linda, Geoff and Bobi for a wonderful holiday.

Jannech, Isabel and Oscar (21 months)
Belgium

A very lovely villa in a tranquil setting. It was very easy to lose track of time except for the distant chimes.

We had a very enjoyable time and will be recommending it to friends and family.

The Padda family
Worcestershire, England

A lovely villa, good views, tranquil and great walks. Nice towns - Arganil, Coja, Gois. Many rivers, a very enjoyable time had by all - friendly and will return again.

Harding Family
England

A truly beautiful place - even in February. Hope to return many times.

Millhouse Family
Derbyshire, England

A lovely villa, had some nice walks and rowing on the river was fun! Shame about the weather but the stay has still been nice. Really comfy beds as well! Enjoyed the steam box looking over at the view.

A really enjoyable time. Thanks.

Nicola Rowe
Selby, UK

A lovely setting for the villa, nice and relaxing break. Could have done with being a bit warmer but that didn’t detract too much from the enjoyable walks and ride outs.

Thanks for a nice relaxing time in a well appointed villa.

Steve & Helen Johnson
Selby, UK

A beautiful setting with stunning views we couldn’t grow tired of. Despite the rain we had a lovely time – an excellent heating system!

We go home much rested and with all shoes and slippers accounted for! Thanks to the gorgeous Bobi for his exuberant company.

Jo, Katie & Hazel
UK

Thanks for the brilliant holiday!

The villa was superb, the welcome pack was excellent after a long day travelling.

Thanks Linda and Geoff for the warm welcome and help us sort golf, riding and Lisbon trips. Our son enjoyed using the boat. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Brilliant weather and lots to do.
Special thanks to Bobi for a lovely walk.
Wish we had another week!
PS. Bobi you can keep the socks
Thank you.

Jackie, Peter, Sarah and Richard Jackson
St Helens, Merseyside

Thank you for giving us a peaceful, restful, memorable holiday.

The house itself was comfortable and had everything we needed. The store cupboard is a very helpful addition to the usual self-catering.

The setting is fantastic, sitting on the balcony overlooking the lake is entertainment in itself, especially watching the 'kites' (red kites) swooping around in the sky. It was so nice to step outside in the mornings and smell the eucalyptus trees.

We had some rain during our stay which was also quite soothing in its own way but it meant we had some good days out too. I would recommend a visit to Coimbra which has a huge shopping centre where you can have lunch and sit on the open air decking looking down over the river and the old town.

We also went to Figueira da Foz where we had wonderful sardines at what must be the busiest restaurant in town. There is also an indoor market that sells fresh meat, fish and veg. I bought a large bunch of flowers for about £1.

The best day we had out was thanks to Matt (a friend of Lin and Geoff) showing us the villages around Gois which gave us a feel for the 'real' Portugal and the lovely people. I would certainly recommend future guests to go to some of the small places and have a coffee in the bars that are usually near the churches.

I could go on ........!!

Finally special thanks to Lin and Geoff for the warm welcome, unobtrusive presence, great chats and hospitality.

We would love to visit again. Best wishes
Lorraine and Steve Gray(Liverpool)

We’ve had the most relaxing week, stunning views, beautiful villa (the photos on the website don’t do the villa or the views justice). As we were here for a rest we didn’t do many walks – mainly sat by the pool but a nice trip and near is a little village called Piodao. Lovely drive through the mountains bringing you to a little slate village.

Linda, thanks for a great villa!

Best wishes
Alison & Clive Eyre
Wirral, UK

We found Casa da Roda on the internet but at the time we never imagined it would be such a lovely place. Quiet and peaceful. It was all we needed the last week. The beautiful weather was a “present”.

Thanks for a wonderful 7 days.

Best wishes
Gerry, Hans, Marian & Koen
Netherlands

Have just packed up, ready to move on…
But sit and ponder over the week just gone
It’s hard to describe in just a few words,
That breathtaking silence – apart from the birds
That magnificent view you can look at for hours
And never get bored of but wish it was yours!
We can honestly say, hands on heart
Thank you Linda and Geoff for allowing us to share part
Of your beautiful paradise, giving us the chance
To relax and forget for a while our lives in France!

Thanks again for a lovely, relaxing week
We will recommend Casa da Roda to everyone

Debbie, Nigel, Eloise, Lucie & Olivia Bradbury
Charente, France

Linda, cette semaine fut encore merveilleuse. Et cette annee nous avons do soleil toute la semaine.

Nous avons profite de la piscine tous les jours. Les enfants sont heureux ici.

C'est leur maison des reves et pour nous aussi. Nous esperons revenir l'annee prochaine.

Thanks a lot Linda

Merci pour cette merveilleuse semaine reposante. Nous avons encore pu profiter du cadre exceptional et formidable accueil.

Nesta hora da despedida ja pensamos a proxima oportunidade de recompar as energias.

Muito obrigado e ate breve

Family Costa
Alberto, Delphine, Tanguy (7 ans), Tiago and Gaspard (4 ans)
Paris, France

Nous remercions la famille de Tanguy (Delphine & Albert Costa), nos voisins de Paris, de nous avoir conseille cette maison qui est effectivement exceptionnelle par sa tranquillite et le splendide panorama sur la riviere.

La maison est tellement agreable que nous n'avons fait qu'une seule excursion…

Donc des bains tres agreeable dans la piscine, des promenades sur les divers chemins, une meteo favourable (beaucoup de soleil avec des temperatures raisonnables), beaucoup de repos et un incroyablement excellent sommeil

Nous quittons a regret ce havre de paix pour retrouver l'agitation de Paris et aimerions bien revenir dans quelques annees nous reposer a nouveau dans cet endroit si charmant

Eliane et Laurent Camber
Adrien (13 ans) Thomas (11 ans) Hugo (7 ans)
Paris, France

Had a perfect week. We all enjoyed the peace and quiet. Beautiful views, lovely setting. The house is lovely, open spaced and cool. The welcome pack was a great start. Would recommend friends and family to come as we were made very welcome.

Thanks for everything.

Best wishes to you both and Bobi

Robert, Christine and Bert

We appreciated the rich flavour of the forest at 8am while sitting in the sun on the blue couch outside. Afterwards, breakfast with fresh bread from Argus café (Arganil). And then, lazy time at the pool or some cultural excursions:

Conimbriga (Roman ruins)Coimbra (Jardim Botanica is nice; library is expensive for 10 mins)Alco Baca (one of my favourites)Batalha (one of my favourites)Tomar (superb)Porto (nice things to see; did not like old town though)Lisbon (beautiful)Fraga da Pena waterfall Obidos (splendid)Fig da Foz

…. We enjoyed the local scenery… the bar at Sarnadela, the town square in Arganil, the boat trips upon the river (rowing boat belonging to Casa da Roda) and the BBQs

Thanks to Geoff and Linda for being there only when we asked for.

Hans & Els Mortier-Van Caekenburghe and children
Kouterbaan, Belgium
Hermon & Leentje Maes-Truyen
Belgium

Thanks to Linda for a lovely holiday. We enjoyed boating and swimming in the lake. It is a beautiful house in magical surroundings.

We look forward to our return.

Alice & Joel McIlveen

Thank you Linda for a very enjoyable holiday. Can't wait to return. We enjoyed the Roman ruins at Conimbriga very much. Also the two journeys made into the Serras was very worthwhile. Am brown and super-relaxed!

Neil and Sally McIlveen
York, England

We have had a lovely holiday here. Thank you so much! A perfect combination of riding, walking and relaxing. The day trip to Bucaco and Caramulo was well worth it. The meal in the hotel at Bucaco was a delightful bonus and even I enjoyed the motor museum at Caramulo.

Thanks for the walks Bobi!! Bobi will show you around all the tracks here. Lots of fun.

Thanks for the breakfasts Linda - and lovely evening meal.

Cheers from Amy and Matt
Aberdeen, Scotland

Thank you Linda for that little paradise.

For the other guests - if you go to Luso don't forget an empty bottle (not like us) for the famous water.

There is a cute little garden with games for the little children close to the theater in Arganil.

Patrick, Patricia and Lucie
Paris, France

Casa da Roda more than met our expectations!

The website cannot do the place justice as you can't hear the peace and quiet you experience there - perfect for meditating! The house has everything you could ask with a heavenly view.

We had intended to have a much needed relaxing holiday but there is so much to see in the area we couldn't resist exploring.

Our highlights were Bucaco - wonderful walks through the woods surrounding a spectacular castle. The castle is now an hotel and the rates were quite reasonable - think we'll stay a night or two next time. The drive through the mountains to Torre and Covilha to Belmonte is worth doing and Belmonte itself is worth exploring.

Thank you Linda and Geoff for being such ideal hosts - there when we needed you but never obtrusive. We hope to book Casa da Roda again in the near future.

Mr and Mrs L Scarth
Sheffield, UK

Many thanks for the opportunity to stay in your wonderful villa... we had a great time. Thanks again for all your help with the fishing info. We managed to get our Licenca de Pesca in Arganil and spent our last day fishing.

Henry Orsler and Friends

Dear Lin and Geoff

The last day of our second holiday at Casa da Roda. We are all sorry to leave.

Everybody has had a wonderful time. My morning cup of tea won't be the same without the stunning view from the balcony. I look forward to our next visit, for the scenery and to meet up with you both again.

Mary, Barry, Becky, Darren, Alan, Mandy, Alex, Kieran and Daniel
Essex, UK

What a beautiful place! We just loved the fantastic views, relaxing surroundings and accommodation.

The river is so tranquil, we had a great trip up the river in the rowing boat … even our 7 month old baby enjoyed it. Loved lazing by the pool and sitting in the Jacuzzi.

Great holiday and feel fully refreshed and relaxed ready to go back to the "big smoke".

Thanks

Peter, Izzy and Alanna
UK

Sadly departing from Casa da Roda this morning but looking forward to Sintra and further travels.

Will miss the view here and wonderful casa that Geoff and Linda built, often hauling all the materials themselves.

Wonderful villa - often wished our children were here to enjoy it too.

Great trips to Porto, Fraga da Pena, Coimbra and Fajao and Benfeita. Great meal at Quinta da Geia in Aldeia das Dez as well as in Fajao and in Arganil at O Manjar.

Thanks for the hospitality

Crystle and John Mazurek
Canada

We were here from 19 July until 2 August 2008 and our stay was most pleasant.

Bobi was a brilliant tour guide and me and/or my family regularly walked around the "Bobi circuit". The pool provided fantastic relaxation in the evenings and often in the mornings too. The verandah was nice and we ate lunch, breakfast and tea outside every day. I am interested in birds of prey and we spotted a red kite.

I am writing this on the veranda in mid afternoon on 1 August 2008.

Jamie Horgan
Aged 9
Aberdeenshire, UK
We have had a lovely relaxing two weeks holiday. Thanks to Linda and Geoff for such a clean, comfortable and well equipped house and for being on hand for help and advice.

The location is great especially the view from the verandah. The welcome pack and store cupboard are a great idea!

Some suggestions for things to do:

Gois
River beaches are child friendly with a nice café by the river

Lousa
River beach by the castle is more rocky and has a deep pool for diving. Walk up past the restaurant (closed Mondays) and follow the blue markings on the rocks and you come to a schist village partially restored. The walk is steep in places but the views are great

Secarias
River beach here but not as good as Gois.

Mondego River Canoeing
A good trip from Penacova to the outskirts of Coimbra. We did it with Transerrano (see tourist leaflets in the villa - they speak English with an office in Gois) and it was very well organised and we got a lift back to our car at the end.

Walk round the lake with Bobi - he's a great guide!

For a good value lunch try the prata do dia at the Café Bar Fontes just off the square in Arganil but be prepared to order in Portuguese.

We are sad to be going home tomorrow

Anne, Graham, Ross and Jamie
Aberdeenshire, UK

Dear Lin and Geoff

Had a fantastic holiday, our time spent here has been relaxing and enjoyable

Bobi is indeed a little rascal and finds it his mission to lick my face before he disappears into the wilderness. But of course he is a wonderful and beautiful dog.

Thanks for all the DVDs - Abbie and I discovered some new favourites

And your house is fantastic - I wish I could live in it longer

Thanks for the horse riding tip - Sandra and Steve were great - and the horses of course!

Thanks for everything

Sophie Wrightson
Worcester, UK
You know you're having a relaxing holiday when you literally lose track of time and don't even know the date!

Nature on the doorstep, butterflies, red kites and definitely something big down in the water, causing big ripples when it briefly surfaces! Just having the time to watch was great!

Trips out to Coimbra, the Roman ruins at Conimbriga and the Bucaco forest were enjoyable and not too far away.

Sitting enjoying a meal in the café just off the square in Arganil and then listening to a great jazz band playing until late into the night was great on our last evening.

The house has everything you need with those little extra touches - robes, store cupboard, welcome pack - to take it a notch above the rest, Plus, of course, two lovely hosts!

Casa da Roda has pleased two parents and two teenage girls.

Marilyn, & John Wrightson
Worcester, UK

This was a party of 6. Dimitris and Myrto were also here 4 years ago so coming back for a second time was a dream come true.

Only this time they brought along 4 more friends who will be dreaming for a come back!

Everything was just perfect!

We'll be back …..

Dimitris, Myrto, Alexandra, Irini, Nikos, Sotitis
Athens, Greece

Firstly, on arrival we saw the villa and the view and were just awestruck - what a view, what a setting, everything about it was fantastic.

We have just spent two weeks here with two 17 year olds and a 12 year old and the time has flown. One regret, yes, we wish it could have been three weeks.

Thanks to Linda for some great directions and suggestions for days out and restaurants. Coimbra really is a special place to visit and Tijoanna restaurant in Arganil is a fantastic place to eat.

Congratulations to both Linda and Geoff for making us feel very welcome and for creating a most tranquil and relaxing location. This really is THE place to chill!

Now the problem - do we keep this little bit of heaven to ourselves or do we tell our friends how really nice it is?!!

Finally, one cannot leave without mentioning Bobi who, if allowed, would I believe have been a constant companion every day. What a friendly, loving dog like none we have ever seen before, or likely to again

Once again thank you to Linda and Geoff

Dave, Tracey, Beth and Bronte Hallam and Nathan
UK