Hillside House Bed & Breakfast, Caminho Chao da Sobreira, 4930-552 Taiao de Cima, Valenca, Viana do Castelo, Norte, Portugal
Hillside House Bed & Breakfast
Caminho Chao da Sobreira, 4930-552 Taiao de Cima, Valenca, Viana do Castelo, Norte, Portugal
Caminho Chao da Sobreira, 4930-552 Taiao de Cima, Valenca, Viana do Castelo, Norte, Portugal
Phone: +351 251 818346, +351 935 133007 Innkeeper: Keith Parsons and Kuky Dainow Website: http://www.hillsidehouse-17.com Rates per room start from: 75 EUR Breakfast type: continental breakfast Breakfast time: 08:30 - 10:00 Breakfast is served: in the lounge/dining room Check-in from: 15:00, check-out by: 11:00Hillside House Bed & Breakfast is a perfect getaway setting for a peaceful holiday in the countryside of the Minho Valley. Guests may relax completely enjoying picturesque views, tranquil surroundings and warm hospitality. Hillside House B&B occupies a beautifully restored stone house located in the village of Taiao, on the slopes above Valenca. The house harmoniously blends old times feel with modern design and amenities. It has two guest rooms with private entrance, which may also be rented as a family suite. The in-room facilities include en-suite or private bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi internet, central heating, tea and coffee making facilities.
General amenities
summer garden summer terrace/patio pets are not admitted entirely non-smoking smoking is allowed only outside children are welcome not suitable for physically challenged guests off-street parking quiet surroundings entirely privateRoom amenities
television set Wi-Fi internet heating tea and coffee making facilities en-suite bathroom private bathroomNearby amenities/activities
historic sitesPayment types
Cash Wire TransferLocation map
An interview with the innkeeper(s) of Hillside House Bed & Breakfast (13th of October 2010)
What is(are) your name(s)?
Keith Parsons and Kuky Dainow
For how long have you been running a B&B?
Since 2008
Please share something about the history of your present bed and breakfast.
When we discovered Hillside House it was in ruins but we immediately saw its potential. Situated in a one acre rural estate in a pretty village on the hills above the River Minho, frontier between Portugal and Spain, with lovely countryside and fascinating towns (Taiâo village is in Valença, a beautiful old fortress town just across the river from medieval Tui and its cathedral on the Spanish side). We set about a careful renovation of the property, respecting its traditional structure but with a wholly contemporary style. The result is plain to see and we can't wait to share it with guests. Hillside was the result of a long search for a country home where we could retire when the time came and in the meantime share it with family and friends. As such we are new to the world of Bed and Breakfast but not to its needs and requirements. Kuky has been a fashion designer for many years before dedicating her time to her favourite hobby - food and cooking - and for several years she ran a restaurant in Madrid. My background has been the promotion of independent hotels in Spain, Portugal and Italy for the last 20 years, specializing in short breaks.
What are the unique characteristics of your B&B?
Our first floor guest rooms with independent access were given priority from the first moment. We have endeavoured to create a warm and romantic ambiance combining the original stone walls of the house with the softer textures of wall-papers and paint. The large sheltered porch offers views over the estate, valley and surrounding countryside. Taiâo Village is in the centre of the little known but lovely "Lower Minho" region of Spain and Portugal with historic fortified towns along both banks of the river right down to the estuary with small villages scattered throughout the valley and hills and fantastic views. For those who prefer to laze on a beach they can find all they want at only 45 minutes from the house.
Based on your guests' opinions, what feature of your B&B has made their stay special?
Definitely the "lovely" bedrooms and warm atmosphere. I think that Kuky's cakes and desserts are a major influence!
Please describe in short your bed and breakfast and its general services and amenities.
Our spacious lounge is shared with guests. Here they breakfast, use the library (a good selection of books in Spanish and English) consult local tourist information or relax with the television. Dinners from our a-la-carte menu are served by prior arrangement. Outside is the summer terrace which may be enjoyed all- year round on sunny days as it is sheltered from cold north winds. The gardened area around the house is in "slow expansion" offering a touch of colour throughout the seasons and our 60 year old vine at the front of the house provides wonderful cool summer shade. We have two bicycles for guests use.
How many rooms are offered at your B&B and what is its maximum capacity?
We have two rooms available for guests, the VENETIAN and MAGNOLIA Rooms with either private or en-suite
facilities (shower). The two rooms may be used as a Family Suite with one private bathroom. In this case we can accommodate four people.
What kinds of rooms do you offer?
Each of the bedrooms has a special feature.The Venetian room has one whole wall dedicated to a mural of the San Marcos Square in Venice whilst the Magnolia room has a niche in the original stone wall which now serves as a shelf.
What do the room rates include?
Rates include continental breakfast, on site parking, use of the house's bicycles and tax.
Do you offer any special packages?
Extended stays of 7 nights for the price of 6 nights.
What may guests expect from a typical breakfast at your property?
Our special continental breakfasts include home baked cakes and locally produced honey. Porridge can be prepared in addition to the usual offer of cereals and home made jam from our rather limited number of fruit trees when available.In addition we offer a full English breakfast for a small supplement.
When and where is breakfast served?
Breakfast is served in the lounge/dining room between 8.30 and 10 o'clock. When temperatures permit the summer terrace may be used.
Are dietary needs accommodated?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary needs with supplements if necessary.
Do you serve other meals?
Dinners are available from our a-la-carte menu by prior arrangement (preferably 24 hours). We do not have a wine cellar but one or two regional wines are available. The price of dinner is €20 excluding drinks. Guests are welcome to bring there own wine from the vast offer available in Valença or Tui. Those arriving between 15.00 and 17.30 will be welcomed with afternoon tea or coffee accompanied by cakes and biscuits. Afternoon tea can be provided every day along with cold or toasted sandwiches and eggs as snacks in the evening. Guests should consult prices.
Are there cooking facilities, which guests may use?
We will be pleased to prepare hot drinks for a small charge if guests do not wish to use their room facilities and small items may be left in the fridge.
Is your bed and breakfast suitable for children?
We accept children but as the guest rooms are on the first floor it may not be ideal for the very small. Sorry we do not have cots available or supplementary beds for the rooms.
Do you accept pets?
Sorry but NO PETS.
What is your smoking policy?
Smoking is not permitted inside the house but you may use the porch or grounds always with consideration for other people. Basically if one person does not smoke NO-ONE should smoke.
Is there a parking facility on premises or nearby?
We have on-site parking.
Is your B&B suitable for disabled guests?
We have no fully accessible facilities for guests at present. Bedrooms are on the first floor.
What safety precautions are provided at your B&B?
The property conforms to all regulatory requirements.
What is your check-in/check-out policy?
Check-in from 15.00 hrs. Check-out 11.00 hrs.
Are there a minimum number of nights for staying at your B&B?
Minimum stay requirement 2 nights.
How can guests check availability and make a reservation?
Please contact us by e-mail or phone.
What is you cancellation policy?
A non refundable deposit of 30% is required when the reservation is confirmed.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash and bank transfers.
Please tell us what things guests might enjoy visiting, seeing, doing, etc. in your area.
There is a wide range of activities available in the area which include parapenting, clay piegeon shooting, fishing, rowing, canoeing, boat trips. Obviously the most straight-forward are trekking, strolling and cycling. A large number of established routes exist for trekking most of which information is available at Hillside. Bicycles and canoes may be rented in Tui. There is a pleasant 18km "Ecopista" along the river valley between Valença and Moncâo following the old railway cuttings and is suitable for either bikes or easy walking. Valença is renowned for Shopping and its weekly market (Wednesday) along with markets in all the other valley towns. We are only 3 miles from the Monte do Faro with its easy trails and spectacular views. Across the river is the Monte Aloia Natural Park. All the towns in Portugal are well worth a visit for their historical interest. Apart from Valença, Tui, and Moncâo Caminha and La Guarda in the Estuary offer wonderful views, walks and beaches. Of special note Monte Santa Tegra has a very extensive iron age settlement (castro) sanctuary and good walking trails. BRAGA and VIANA are only 45minutes by car and OPORTO or SANTIAGO 75minutes. VIGO is half an hour from the house.
Where is your B&B located and how it may be reached?
We are 5 miles from the centre of Valença and 7miles from Tui. Google Maps provide excellent directions otherwise we`ll mail full details.
What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast?
Bed and Breakfast offers the greatest range of options in all senses. Choose where. Choose the type of atmosphere you prefer.Choose the type of holiday you want........and you will always have the guarantee that you will be well looked after with all the personal attention that you need. At Hillside you have private facilities and wont be inconvenienced by other guests unless they came with you.
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