Moinhos da Tia Antoninha, Lugar do Cabeço de Lebrais, 3620-163 Leomil, Viseu, Douro, Norte, Portugal

 Phone: +351 254 588095, +351 967 616495, +351 254 588099
 Innkeeper: Eduardo Rocha
 Website: http://www.moinhostiaantoninha.com
 Rates per room start from: 60 EUR

 Breakfast type: traditional local-style breakfast
 Breakfast is served: in the dining room

Moinhos da Tia Antoninha is a picturesque complex of restored mills amidst spacious grassed lawns, which offers unique bed and breakfast experience in Leomil, south of the river Douro. This is a place of old-world rural charm, where one may escape from the hectic daily routine and indulge in complete relaxation in a cosy and hospitable environment. Moinhos da Tia Antoninha has 3 twin, 3 double rooms and 1 apartment, each provided with a TV, internet, heating, en-suite bathroom. A traditional kitchen with fireplace, a classic kitchen and a common dining room are also available as well as a cosy living room and a barbecue area in the garden.

General amenities

 common dining room

 barbecue/BBQ

 fully equipped common kitchen

 summer garden

 summer terrace/patio

 Wi-Fi internet

 PC and internet point

 living room

 pets are admitted

 entirely non-smoking

 smoking is allowed only outside

 off-street parking

 quiet surroundings

Room amenities

 television set

 cable television

 telephone

 Wi-Fi internet

 ADSL internet

 heating

 private balcony/terrace

 en-suite bathroom

 bath tub

 hairdryer

 private entrance

Nearby amenities/activities

 horse riding

 walking

 fishing

 hunting

 swimming

 canoeing

 biking

 hiking

 photography

 picnic areas

 river

 historic sites

 cultural events

 museums/galleries

 wine tasting

 fine dining

 shopping

Payment types

 Cash

 Wire Transfer

 Master Card

 VISA

 American Express

 Discover

Location map

An interview with the innkeeper(s) of Moinhos da Tia Antoninha (18th of April 2011)

Eduardo Rocha

5 years

"Os Moinhos da Tia Antoninha" (Aunt Antoninha’s mills), in the past "Os Moinhos do António da Lina" (The mills of "António da Lina") her tenant farmer, judging from the inscription found on a stone at the site, date all the way back to the year 1184. The three watermills function as an articulated whole, facing from Southeast to Northeast, on a riverside land by the Ribeira de Valongo, 1 km from the village of Leomil, in the parish (of the council) of Moimenta da Beira, 30 km south of Lamego in the Viseu District. Using the water from the small river (ribeira) to create a water-course, which runs through an extension of about 180m, being interrupted only when it runs into a mill or when it opens up creating ponds (reservoirs for the driest months). The buildings which make up the set are part of the traditional vernacular constructions of the Beira Alta region (watermills), one can still perceive the building system, namely, the leading wall in granitic stone, the type of covering in ceramic tile, the traditional system used to grind the cereals, the pattern and type of implantation of the different mills and surrounding elements (kitchen-garden, causeway walls, water-courses and baking ovens).

The “Moinhos da Tia Antoninha” – which in English means Aunt Atoninha’s water mills - are a group of three water mills nestling in a wildly beautiful valley which had been abandoned for some 50 years. The present owner, who is the nephew-grandson of Tia Antoninha, realised the potential that the location offered for environmentally conscious tourism and embarked on an ambitious programme of restoration and conversion which has resulted in a harmonious mix of traditional and modern, where guests can experience the authenticity of the traditional mill buildings whilst enjoying all modern comforts, secure in the knowledge that the environmental impact of their stay has been carefully studied to be reduced to the absolute minimum. In fact the whole complex is totally self-sufficient in terms of energy requirements, thanks to a combination of solar panels and water power generated by the mill stream. The same attention has also been paid to the question of waste disposal, and as a result the complex has justly been awarded the ‘Green Key’ for eco-tourism.

We have received many wonderful comments from guests, because we always may our guests feel welcome. They also enjoy very much delicious dinners that we prepared in the style of the rural people traditions of our region and love the design and comfort of ours unique cottages. In addition, they really resonated with our genuine appreciation of nature, ecological approach to tourism and love of animals.

The place will invite you to rest wrapped in calm peace. Listen to birds, recognize their singing and plumage, socialize closely but safely with animals still in extinction, such as wolves and foxes, live the striking experience which is to witness the passage of a herd of wild boars, live together with cinegetic species in perfect freedom, in surroundings which invite meditation, as well as indolence, in order to recover the strength that will provide a healthy return to work and the daily struggles of life. The involving surroundings also permit going for walks and donkey-riding (by request). For those who are not thrilled with the peacefulness of the place, mountain bikes and quad bikes are available for visits around, as well as programmes for those who want to visit monuments, bridges and Roman roads, to be able to enjoy navigating in his waters or by coal train in his edges, allowing the enjoyment of the magnificent views and landscapes that only the Douro river has to offer. The accommodation is divided between two of the three existing mill groups surrounded by open green spaces and garden. We invite guests to use our living and dining areas for breakfast and evening meals, and to relax by the log fire. There is also an outdoor barbecue area and a shady pergola with rustic tables and benches. Without a doubt one of the highlights of the property is the ecological, no conventional swimming pool, fed by water from the millstream and filtered by the use of aquatic plants, without any harmful chemicals – a real ‘back-to-nature’ experience! The house is classified as of municipal interest by the local authorities and recognized as of interest for national tourism by the Government and classified in the category of "Casa de Campo" only applicable to quality projects.

From the rehabilitation, seven houses were converted in accommodation. This property offers a total of 6 double rooms (3 with twin beds and 3 with double beds) plus an apartment with one double room, kitchenette and living room with sofa bed.

The Moinhos da Tia Antoninha complex consists of 3 twin and 3 double rooms, furnished in a simple, modern style. There is also an apartment consisting of a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living area with sofa bed. Each cottage is a room.

All the rooms have private bathroom, telephone, internet access, wireless internet in the communal area, central heating, cable TV. Hairdryers and electric kettles are available on request. There is also possibility of additional beds

All rooms offer the same comfort, but our best room is the APA do Moinho de Cima.

The room prices are per night and include breakfast, parking, internet and taxes.

We have a discount off the normal room rate if you stay for 4 or more nights. We also offer a 7 night package with discount and including one evening dinner for two people. We offer reduced rates to families, and we make regular offers for extended stays and for “off-season” stays, in particular.

Guests can expect the traditional milk and coffee, tea, cereals, bread, cake, home made marmalade, cheese, ham and smoked ham. When asked and is possible we try accommodate the guests requests.

Breakfast is served in the family’s dining room and is taken from 9,30am to 11am. At the request of the guest and if it is possible, Breakfast will be served in the outdoor area in the shady pergola with rustic tables and benches.

Upon prior request and depending on the existing local response we try to accommodate the guests' requirements. We can usually cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance. Yes - we cater for vegetarians, vegans and specific allergy diets, but please always tell us well in advance.

Evening meals can also be served if requested in advance. Our dinners are one of our biggest attractions.

There are also, a full service kitchen that guests may use. There are tea and infusion facilities in the kitchen area of the dining/kitchen room, if staff available, with additional charge. Parents with babies are free to use the kitchen and fridge to prepare baby food.

Children are welcome under the strict supervision and responsibility of their parents. Small collapsible bed for child aged between 5 and 10 Available with additional charge.

We have a kennel on the property for the guests’ dogs. Then dogs may be accepted provided we are given advance notice. There is an additional charge per night.

All the rooms and indoor area is non-smoking however guests are free to smoke outdoors.

Parking inside the property, it's free

All facilities are on ground floor. However, regrettably the house is not disabled adapted.

Each room is equipped with a smoke detector and fire extinguishers and the property has burglar alarms.

Guests are asked to inform about their arrival time if out of the normal. Leaving time is noon.

2 nights.

Reservations by mail, dated in-out, guest's data, telephone number, email or on the website are the usual ways of booking. Information about a phone contact number is required. To guarantee your booking, 30% of the total amount must be paid advance. A confirmation e-mail is normally used.

If guests cancel a booking 72 hours before checking in, they will be charged a fee of 50% of the total amount and of 100% if cancelled on the day you check in. Cancellation until 48 hours before we charge 1 night for no show.

Only cash.

The inn is a family; we just keep the good habits of living together. Come as you are!

Outside there are ample green areas and gardens in which to relax, a shady pergola with tables and chairs for outdoor meals, and the tempting ecological pool will cool you down on hot summer days. Quad bikes are available for the adventurous to explore the surrounding area. Location Features - Countryside, Village, Mountain. Sports features - Walking, trekking, quad bikes. Cultural features - the property is very close to the Douro valley, famous as the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, where it is possible to visit many wineries, taste the wines and take part in the grape harvest. The historic towns of Lamego, Viseu and Vila Real (Palace of Mateus – home of the famous Mateus Rosé wine) are also within easy driving distance. The prehistoric paintings of Foz Coa (World Heritage site) are also close by. Other activities - Visiting historic sites, walking tours, observation of Iberian wolves in the Serra de Leomil which overlooks the complex.

We are located 1 km from the village of Leomil, in the parish (of the council) of Moimenta da Beira, 30 km south of Lamego in the Viseu District. All directions are on our website in the Contact section. We will give you full directions when you book. GPS N 40°58'17.39" / W 7°38’50.30" (N 40.971451° / W -7.647239°)

Best of Bed and Breakfast is the personal attention given by their owners, you will feel at home but with all the services a hotel provides. The main idea is that guests are welcomed as friends invited to our home. And at home we live sharing spaces and moments, trying for other hand, respect the individual space of each other. Experience what it is like to live in rural Portugal! Enjoy the home atmosphere, and relax as though this is your home. Have fun meeting other similar minded guests at breakfast or dinner.

Come and visit us and experience for yourself....

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