SEVEN and beyond

9. Okt. 20245 Min. Lesezeit

Ponte de Lima, Portugal

A PERSONAL RECOLLECTION

A rainbow has seven colours, a week seven days, the world seven wonders and often forgotten, there are seven Pillars of Virtue. For an exquisite establishment and its owners in the northern territory of Portugal, the number seven has played a quite significant role in their story.

Initially, a family with a background in Textiles and Ceramics rather than one of Wine-making and Hospitality, Francisco and Eliana Rosa have painstakingly converted a once abandoned farm and its ruins into a small but luxurious recluse for all of you in search of some peace and tranquility.

Franciscos Wine Journey began with just seven hectares of vineyards. Since then and today in partnership with his daughter Eliana, much thought, planning, not to mention financial investment, blood sweat and tears have converted the present 70 hectares of estate grounds and buildings into a unique and luxury holiday retreat.

With an annual production of 700 tonnes of Loureiro and Vinhão grapes, Francisco Rosa is also the Adega Ponte de Lima Cooperatives` leading producer.

Despite the impressive avenue of cypress trees leading up to the estate, Terra Rosa is so well integrated into the Neiva river valley, that I literally drove straight past it. Just 45 minutes from Porto Airport, Terra Rosa appears miles from anywhere and with nothing more than the sound of the birds and the odd tractor in the distance, we approached the Manor House.

I`d seen enough photographs on social media to know that I would love the place, but such images serve simply as a colourful replication. Atmospheric portraiture and appreciation of the project can only be obtained through a personal visit, and is so much more inspiring than even the prettiest of pictures.

A strong feeling of tradition without the rawness which often comes with it are eminent here, and almost immediately we submerged into a sensation of belonging, enhanced by the truly hearty welcome we received on arrival.

Having assured themselves of our well-being, Cristina and the Team led us to our beautifully decorated dinner table in the shade of one of the centuries-old olive trees. A selection of cheese and homemade chutnies, followed by Linguine com Gambas were washed down with a bottle of Terra Rosa`s very own Rosé (yes honestly, just the one).

Our spacious light and airy rooms – mine with a balcony and a splendid view, particularly at night-time, were immaculate. An olive leaf decorated our crisp white pillows and the scent of freshly picked flowers filled the air.

Having enjoyed a restfull sleep, an early morning dip in the heated pool, a relaxed and freshly prepared breakfast in the garden, we explored the premises and visited the river with its very own river-beach.

Francisco and Eliana Rosa kindly joined us for lunch, which was when my interrogation began ;-). Francisco, one of 7 siblings, spoke passionately about his past. With obvious pride in his family and in what he himself has achieved at Quinta de Codeçosa, we relived an over 30 year-long wine-making journey which began with the cultivation of just seven hectares of vines.

These he planted by hand on the granite-laden clay and alluvial soils. At the time, seven family farms had been divided among the seven children. Francisco inherited Quinta de Codeçosa, an estate dating back to 1758 which his parents - António da Silva Rosa and Laura de Araújo Martins – had acquired from the Viscounts of Venade in 1948.

With growing experience and confidence, also a little trial and error, the seven hectares of vineyards were soon extended to 14, then to 21 including 10 hectares of hops grown for local breweries. Today, Francisco is responsible for no less than 500.000 m2 of vine-planted area. That`s a damn lot of wine!

Terra Rosa Country House and Vineyards success as an exceptional luxury holiday destination does not however, lie simply in the production of grapes, nor in the hands of Francisco alone.

Eliana too, had a vision. Her recognition and awareness of the property`s unique heritage, a personal feeling of responsibility to uphold and maintain family traditions have greatly contributed to the transformation of Quinta de Codeçosa as we see it today.

Eliana`s history is one of Interior-Design with her own outlet selling furniture and decorative objects from around the world. Personally chosen and renovated artifacts, features and fittings adorn the property from furnishings to tableware. Her eye for details and her personal touch are omnipresent throughout. From the choice of materials for the house, through to her attentive and highly trained Team.

The hotel itself has just (yes, you`ve guessed it) seven bedrooms allowing for individual and personal guest-care and attention. This also means you don´t need to be at the pool at the crack of dawn to secure a sunlounger, nor arrive at breakfast early for fear of not getting a table or only the leftovers.

Terra Rosa is also an ideal setting for functions and celebrations, be they of a private or a corporate nature. Plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces provide ample and flexible capacity for wedding parties, birthday guests and business executives alike and I guarantee, you will be well looked after.

Of the many estate buildings dotted literally throughout the 70 hectares of land, not all have yet been renovated, though add to the charm. Those which have, are situated directly next to Casa do Lúpulo - the main hotel - and include a beautiful small chapel and the Casa das Colheitas, which has been restored to its original state.

This perfect venue boasting modern facilities has more than ample seating, a working kitchen, toilets and even a beautifully restored billiard table. With her warm and radiating hospitality-heart, Eliana and her team of just 6 lovely ladies will ensure you have a more than pleasurable and relaxing stay.

Should you be of the „Activity-Seeking“ breed (which we weren`t) and unable to switch off easily, I suggest you turn off your phone and make sure you pack a set of binoculars. There are more than 70 varieties of birds to be discovered, many of which you will probably hear before you spot them.

Talking of spots; the estate has plenty of hidden corners to discover and within walking distance of the hotel should you wish to stretch your legs. Alternatively, you could grab one of the Terra Rosa bicycles and check out the vineyard tracks. From the giant swing (when was the last time you went on a swing?!) you will have a panoramic view of the estate and the surrounding countryside and down by the riverside, there´s more than enough natural shade should you feel a hot flush coming on or fancy a refreshing swim.

If taking your children, they too will be more than welcome and will have absolutely no time for boredom. Whatever you decide to do or not do, be prepared to meet the house lawnmower which keeps the grounds in order, also your notebook (paper one) if you aren`t careful, as mine found out😊..