The Vibe: Boho chic.

The Area: Located in Marialva, a national heritage village of granite houses and the ruins of a lofty fortress, harking back to the times when nearby Spain was a less friendly neighbour. 30 souls live in the village, 40 are added when the Casas do Côro are full. The historic villages of Almeida, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo, Linhares da Beira and Trancoso can all be reached in just over an hour.

The DNA: Casas do Côro offers superb holiday houses fitted with a rustic, yet contemporary and stylish décor spread over the village with a shared pool, restaurant, garden and even a chapel. Interiors reflect the owner’s love of antiques and country-style – and her own ritzy take on those themes. There are antique bedside table and dressers, retro-style bedside and standard lamps, chaise-longues, ottomans and ornate headboards. Beds are dressed with hand-embroidered sheets and chenille or quilted throws, there are masses of framed prints, vases of silk or cut flowers, books and magazines and essential oil diffusers. The extensive use of pine for floors, walls and ceilings imparts a cosy-cabin vibe.

Suite-Me-Up: All units offers a view over Marialva’s historic houses, a well-equipped kitchenette or shared kitchen and a living room with fireplace. Some casas have just one bedroom, while others have more and can combined into one unit, excellent for families or a group of friends. Each house has a TV, DVD and CD player, heating and air conditioning. Bathrooms either have a bath (some of the hydro-massage kind) or a shower room varying according to the original floor plans.

Your hosts: Cármen & Paulo

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 24 rooms & suites (14-45m2) (151-484 sq ft) ✅ free on-site parking • pets not allowed • open all-year