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

The views of the lake are stunning and the availability of the rowing boat a real added bonus. The villa is surrounded by forests of pine and eucalyptus which smell wonderful. The salt water swimming pool is much more refreshing than the chlorine variety and less painful on the eyes.

Linda kindly arranged a racing bicycle for our use and this was here when we arrived. Cycling in the early morning is best, before it gets too hot. The roads are quiet but a bit hilly – although nothing so serious that you need to stand up on the pedals.

The villa is so good that we’ve not felt the need to go out much, with our only trips being to Gois (good restaurant), Coimbra (recommend the Jardim Manga restaurant to rear of church in main shopping area) and Lousa (a trip to the castle and chapels is a must).

We hope to return one day and will certainly recommend the villa to family and friends.

All now feel thoroughly refreshed – time to get back on the merry-go-round!

Steve, Carolyn, Jack (13) and Hattie (9)
West Sussex UK

A fantastic relaxation holiday, whether it is doing nothing around the pool, rowing on the lake or exploring the nearby towns.

The Jardim Manga restaurant in Coimbra does superb port, sardines and chicken. The staff are very patient with people who are not great at speaking Portuguese and will do their best to help you wherever you may eat.

Sitting reading a book on the upstairs balcony is a great thing to do, because if you look at and cross the river you experience a fantastic view of the nearby forests.

Thanks again Linda and Geoff for giving us this holiday.

Jack (Aged 13)
West Sussex, UK

I really enjoyed playing in the pool and games like volley ball with a badminton net and trying to bat the ball when you jump in.

I also enjoyed swimming in the lake and rowing the boat. The restaurants serve great food and a lot of the staff speak English.

There are lots of fun things to do here and lots of exciting places to visit.

Hattie (Aged 9)
West Sussex, UK

This is the fourth holiday we’ve had at Casa da Roda and, like the previous three, it has been perfect.

We never tire of the amazing views from the balcony. The weather was glorious and the pool was perfect for cooling off.

Bobi Dog, as always was great company on our walks and it was lovely to meet Cleo who joins us on our walks too.

Becky and Darren had a lovely time with the canoe on the lake and we all enjoyed swimming in the lake.

Thanks Lin and Geoff, Bobi and Cleo for a superb holiday. It’s really becoming our second home.

Mary, Barry, Becky & Darren
Essex, UK

Merci pour l’accueil chaleureux.

Nous avons apprecie les fruits et les victuailles dans le frigo.

La maison est tres calme et paisible. La vue sur le lac est splendide et nous avons aime prendre nos repas sur le balcon.

Sejour tres agreeable sous un grand soleil et dans l’odeur des pins.

Belle region avec pleins de bons vins a decouvrir.

Jolie vue sur la montagne et le fleuve.

J’ai adore la piscine.

Famille Bellec
Bretagne, France

In der villa Casa da Roda haben wir eine sehr erholsame Woche zwischen Aufenthalten in Porto und Lissabon verbracht.

Schon fanden wir vor allem die ruhige lage mit dem wunderbaren blick auf den Fluss. Die Ruderfahrten hauseigenen boot und Erfrischungen im pool haben wir mit unseren 3 kindern sehr genossen.

Das haus ist sehr geschmackvoll, grosszügig und praktisch gebaut; an ausflugsmöglichkeiten in die umgebung ist vor allem Coimbra zu empfehlen, aber auch Piodao und ein Abendessen in Arganil.

Thank you very much for everything

Petra, Heinrich, Theresa (17), Barbara (15) and Jakob (13) Ruttinger
Coburg, Germany

Как только мы зашли в этот дом, сразу же почувствовали его обаяние и теплоту. В незнакомой нам стране, мы почувствовали себя как дома. Это было во всем: в приветливости хозяйки Линды, в чистоте, в музыкальном переливе колокола, а, главное, в приветственном пакете продуктов на первый день (было уже поздно и мы не успевали заехать в магазин).

Неограниченный простор обзора и успокаивающие виды дополнили это впечатление. Не видя всего в натуре (а мы заказали дом по интернету), нельзя было выбрать лучше!!

Прекрасный дом!!

Замечательный отдых!!

Спасибо

Translation from Russian:

As soon as we'd come in this house we felt its charm and warmth.
In unknown for us country we felt ourselves like at home. It was in everything: in affability of hostess Linda, in cleanness, in melody of the bell, and especially in welcome package of food for the first day (it had been already late and we had no time to go to the supermarket).

Unlimited vastness of panorama and restful views increased that feeling. Hadn't seen everything in real (as we had booked the villa through the Internet), it was impossible to choose better!!

Beautiful house!!

Wonderful holiday!!

Thank you

Rima Friedler and Friends
Israel

The villa was great. Lovely aspect, wonderful views.
Sadly the weather was unusual but that meant we could do some walking in less than typical heat.

We visited the mountain (Schist) villages above Gois and Lousa.

We enjoyed the rowing boat and laying by the pool.

Thank you so much for your advice and ideas. We appreciate your patience and willingness to be so helpful. Also your ideas for walks around here.

You have a lovely place here.

Caroline and Roger Cowe
UK

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

We first visited in September 2009 with our friends and loved it so much we chose it for our family holiday with a 15 year old, a 7 year old and a 1 year old.

They have all loved it here. Swimming, relaxing and adventures to name but a few of our pastimes – we all could have stayed here longer.

The villa is so well equipped and in such a wonderful position in a beautiful part of Portugal. Love it more than my real home!

It speaks for itself that we have re-booked to come back with our friends in September

Well done Linda for making a true home from home welcome

Louise, Gary, Lara, Harvey and Flo
Essex, UK

It was lovely to be met by Linda despite the very late hour and the beer and wine in the welcome pack was very welcome indeed!

Waking to the fabulous view set the tone for the week – what a fabulous setting and a beautiful part of the world.

We wish we could have stayed longer so we could have spent more time relaxing in the wonderful villa.

There was so much to see and do! –

Figueira da Foz – wow! Wonderful large beach and some great fish for lunch
Gois – lovely food in the local café and peaceful relaxation by the river
Serra da Estrella – the Star Mountains – highlight of the week – a long, beautiful drive, stunning views and the reward of yummy cheese afterwards.
Conimbriga – a long tortuous journey thanks to our silly satnav but worth the trip – our 5 year old loved it!

We also visited friends north of Oliveira do Hospital an equally beautiful part of the Beiras.

Wonderful weather for this time of the year – much appreciated. The bag of slippers also much appreciated as was the lift back from the village when we left the key indoors!

Thank you so much for an introduction to Central Portugal – we loved it and are sure to return

Kerry, Alistair, Marnie and Mairin MacAulay
UK

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

So here’s the plan … we leave Geoffrey (who built this villa) toiling away building 2 extensions to our home in Maldon, Essex, with his builder friends and associated dust, noise, nuisance, etc., and we came here to enjoy the company of his wife and the wonderful peace, quiet and sunshine of their corner of paradise – sounds like a deal to me!

Thank you both for letting us share your secret and unfortunately “more more into the fray”

Best tip for a meal in Arganil is Xisto – lovely service and the best food we have yet had in Portugal

Simon and B
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

A beleza a paisagem, a tranquilidade que encontramos na Casa da Roda, vai fazer com que voltamos mais vezes.

Passaimos momentos inesqueciveis.

O convivio com os amigos na piscina, as churrascadasO deslumbrar do voo das aguas, tudo contribuiu para uma semana repleto de momentos relaxantes.

Os nossos agradecimentos a Linda por seu prestavel.

Carla Fale
Portugal

2 weeks was too short to discover all the beauty of this area.

All the good that has been written already about the house is really true. We enjoyed the visits to Porto, Coimbra, Bucaco, Aveiro, Conimbriga, the Serra da Estrella, Figueira da Foz (beach) but also the river walk to Sarnadela, the excellent and very cheap beer in the local bar and the excellent food in restaurant A Grelha in Arganil.

We had a wonderful time in a wonderful place but unfortunately “home sweet home” is our destiny and destination.

Family Clayes
Frank, Hilde, Alexander, Sofie and Annick
Brugge, Belgium

Thank you Linda for the nice welcome.

We had a very relaxing time with early morning walks around the lake … where our two teenagers kept up their running routine. They appreciated not having to journey in the car to find a running track. .

We loved looking out at the view, at the red kites and butterflies. We managed trips out to Coimbra, Figueira da Foz and Viseu… and had the pool to look forward to on our return. A lovely location and house. I am sure we will return. .

Jane, Martin, Kevin and Iris.
UK.

What a beautiful place to spend your holiday

This is THE place to chill. We enjoyed the nature, the villa, the pool, the villages like Piodao, Gois, Arganil and the city of Coimbra, the lake, the boat, the welcome pack, etc

We will tell our friends about this little paradise.

Norbert, Isobelle, Leo and Anna
Luxembourg

We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful house and in this great location.

Thanks Linda for making us feel welcome and looked after

We visited Piodao, Coimbra, Penacova, Lousa, Arganil, Tabua and went horse riding in Midoes with Liesje

Lieve, Hermon, Peter
Belgium

We had a lovely relaxing week. On the one cloudy/wet day we went off to Coimbra which is a “must see” and then did Conimbriga which is worth the trip.

Lousa was surprisingly interesting – its an old market town with fancy old houses from its olden days paper industry money, no doubt. Don’t miss the castle, hermitage and open air river pass beach – they are all together and worth visiting whatever your interests

What I loved best was the boat – we went out on the boat to the river beach. It was lovely that we could paddle out on a nice sunny day and row in the nice cool air

The pool was lovely and refreshing. I loved it. Coimbra is very fun and exciting – I liked the culture and statues
What a wonderful place – not like the Algarve at all! – thank goodness

We’ve had a wonderful time recharging our batteries thanks to the incredible views and delicious food

Ana, James, Sam, William and Ella Ward
UK

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

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

Patrick, Patricia, Lucie – le retour!

Vacances heureuses pour famille au calme!

Apres Casa da Roda en Septembre 2007, Aout 2009, nous revoila enn Avril 2010

Le printemps dans la region est magnifique

Lucie – qui a maintenant 7ans, adore revenir ici; piscine, badminton, le Parque Infantil d’Arganil, etc.- des souvenirs inoubliables

Pour nous, les parents, c’est l’occasion de se reposer, passer du bon temps sur la terrassie, decouvrir encore et encore de nouvelles regions: Piodao, la plage de Gois, Coimbra ….

Casa da Roda c’est l’endroit ou on peut cultives l’art de ne presque rien faire… et ca n’a pas de prix

Casa da Roda c’est l’endroit ou on peut cultives l’art de ne presque rien faire… et ca n’a pas de prixMerci a Linda et Geoff, nos hôtes très sympathiques et très discrets

Patrick, Patricia and Lucie
Paris, France

Great week, great hosts, very helpful with advice for excusions

Recommended:
Castle walk at Lousa – bit tricky to find the castle – once there look for signboard across the road – great short walk
Bucaco - go to Luso tourist office first to get map of property and magnificent gardens
Drive to Piodao – is mainly for tourists but great villages and scenery along the way. We came in on mountain road and left Piodao down the valley road – stunning drive

Glenn and Lucy Hiley
Australia and Poland

Just what we needed after a very busy 3 weeks.

What a wonderful and restful place this is. The welcome pack was so very “welcoming”!

After eating out for 3 weeks we cooked at home every night which was great

Our drives to the Torre, Bucaco, Piodao were very interesting

Thanks

Sue, Mike, Judy and Joy
Australia

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

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

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 for the 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

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

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

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".

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

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