Casa Dos Varais

“Lovely Manor House to visit!”

This is probably the loveliest manor house I've seen in Portugal. The family is so kind and friendly, the grounds just spectacular as the property sits on the Douro River amidst hillsides of vineyards. We did not spend the night, but had tastings of their wonderful ports and well as yummy appetiz… more

This is probably the loveliest manor house I've seen in Portugal. The family is so kind and friendly, the grounds just spectacular as the property sits on the Douro River amidst hillsides of vineyards. We did not spend the night, but had tastings of their wonderful ports and well as yummy appetizers to consume. I would love to go back sometime and stay as aa guest in their B&B. I thought it a bit infringing to take pictures of their private home, but did snap a pic of their private chapel on the grounds.

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“A long weekend in Casa dos Varais”

A truly unique experience—a place rich with history and family stories. Every detail is infused with warmth and affection, making us feel as though we’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The meals are not only elegant but thoughtfully prepared. Breakfast is a symphony of flavors that instantly recalls th… more

A truly unique experience—a place rich with history and family stories. Every detail is infused with warmth and affection, making us feel as though we’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The meals are not only elegant but thoughtfully prepared. Breakfast is a symphony of flavors that instantly recalls the comfort of our grandmother’s house. At the table in Casa dos Varais, we savor the local bounty: olive oil, fresh vegetables, Douro wines, homemade jams, and honey. The living rooms, bedrooms, gardens, and balconies overlooking the Douro River all create a sense of belonging, as if we’re leaving only to return again someday.

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“A Unique Experience”

Casa Dos Varais is a small family run hotel in the manor house of a Douro wine estate. The owners Joao and Ernestina live on site and are very welcoming and helpful. You feel like personal guests in their house. The house itself has been maintained in a historic style which really suits an old buil… more

Casa Dos Varais is a small family run hotel in the manor house of a Douro wine estate. The owners Joao and Ernestina live on site and are very welcoming and helpful. You feel like personal guests in their house. The house itself has been maintained in a historic style which really suits an old building like this. This is definately classy antique and not old and tired. During our stay we were able to tread the grapes in the estate winery (only possible at harvest obviously! first week of September this year) and have meals in the wine house and in the formal dining room of the house. Breakfast is provided, normally on a terrace in summer, with a good selection of breads and fruit from the estate gardens. There is no hotel restaurant as such, instead evening meals can be arranged specially for you. Ernestina will suggest menus to suit you and you can choose from venues including the old wine house and the formal dining room. The style is traditional Portuguese. We had three meals during our stay all of which were delicious and accompanied by the excellent wines produced on the estate. Wines are included in the meal prices you are quoted and this does not mean "all inclusive package" generic cheap wine, they are Joao's own wines. A personal highlight was a port from the 1980s which Joao shared with us at our final dinner. Away from the hotel the village of Regua is a short walk away. Regua has many restaurants, a good rail service up and down the Douro and the possibility of boat trips, there are very pleasant and well marked walking trails close by. The hotel is right on the road but we had no issues with noise, it is not a major route, the entrance to the parking is a little tight so take care on first arrival. In summary a stay here is a very sociable experience, there are very few guests so do not expect hundreds of staff and 24hr room service. Do expect personal attention from the hosts and staff. Ernestina and Joao both chatted to us each day about our plans and suggested places to see. We felt that we were members of a house party on an estate rather than merely customers.

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“Travel back in time and have a unforgettable stay.”

Casa dos Varais is a family home dating from the 18 hundreds, which is open for guests. It is a special place which keeps traditions and beauty alive for its guests. The family runs the estate with its vineyard, orange trees and gardens. Guests have the opportunity to wander around, relax on the t… more

Casa dos Varais is a family home dating from the 18 hundreds, which is open for guests. It is a special place which keeps traditions and beauty alive for its guests. The family runs the estate with its vineyard, orange trees and gardens. Guests have the opportunity to wander around, relax on the terrace overlooking the Douro valley, enjoying a glas of self produced wine or port and dive into a long passed time when taking part in the evening dinner. Definitely do not miss that dinner: It is home cooked, all guests come together around a big table in the old dinning room and the traditional French service is applied. Of course the dinner is accompanied by wines from the estate. A very special thank you to the lovely staff, who performs this service as an art! It is outstanding. I wish countless successful years for the estate with its owners and staff, thank you for opening your house to us travelers.

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