Description
1,800,000 EUR
Quinta dos Moinhos: Where Nature, Heritage, and Modern Luxury Converge
Step into a world where time slows, and life finds its rhythm in harmony with nature. Welcome to Quinta dos Moinhos, a singular riverside estate that offers a living experience unlike any other. Set in the heart of Penafiel, Portugal—moments from the storied vineyards of Quinta da Aveleda—this extraordinary property stands as a testament to timeless design, sustainable living, and architectural innovation.
This is not just a home. This is a sanctuary.
Imagine a house where the river runs beneath you. Triple-tempered glass panels in the salon floor reveal the gentle current of the Rio Sousa below, offering an ever-changing canvas of light, movement, and tranquility. It’s a rare and breathtaking feature that speaks to the bold, visionary design of Quinta dos Moinhos—a space where water, earth, and architecture co-exist in perfect harmony.
A Storied Legacy, Reimagined
Originally a collection of water mills, the estate has been transformed into a luxurious, modern retreat. The history of this place runs deep—its earliest records date before 1951—and the entire property benefits from its exemption from contemporary construction licensing requirements, adding an exclusive layer of historical prestige.
Set on a sprawling 1.5 hectares (15,000 m²), Quinta dos Moinhos is a secluded, private estate that offers more than just breathtaking views. It features its own certified vineyard, producing nine barrels of premium Vinho Verde annually from 2,000 meticulously maintained vines. The terroir here is rich and sun-soaked, and the estate-grown Fernão Pires, Arinto, and Loureiro grapes yield wines that embody the vibrant character of this exceptional region.
Crafted Living Spaces That Inspire and Soothe
With a total constructed area of 319 m² and 222 m² of covered space, the property’s design emphasizes both grandeur and intimacy. The layout includes five spacious suites, each designed as a private sanctuary with sweeping views of the river, gardens, and distant Penafiel cityscape.
- Three suites on the first floor offer tranquility and privacy.
- A master suite on the ground floor provides convenience and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
- An independent exterior suite is thoughtfully designed for individuals with reduced mobility, offering accessibility without compromising on style.
Every suite is an elegant combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, featuring built-in wardrobes with fabric-lined interiors, air conditioning, and finishes in soft matte wood and natural stone.
An Entertainer’s Dream
The heart of the estate is the noble salon, formerly the old mill hall, reimagined as a grand living space with double-height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and dual electric fireplaces. The room’s focal point—the glass floor panels revealing the flowing river below—is a conversation piece and a daily reminder of the home’s deep connection to its environment.
The open-plan dining room and kitchen are ideal for hosting, with seamless flow between spaces and out onto terraces and balconies that overlook the water. The kitchen is a culinary haven, appointed with premium appliances including a Bosch oven and cooktop, LG American-style refrigerator, Electrolux extractor fan, Bosch microwave, and Whirlpool dishwasher. Custom cabinetry in muted gray tones pairs with polished cream stone countertops, offering beauty and durability in equal measure.
A dedicated laundry area features LG and Samsung appliances, thoughtfully designed cabinetry, and practical features like separate laundry baskets for whites and colors—an attention to detail that reflects the home’s commitment to effortless living.
Luxury and Innovation in Every Detail
Quinta dos Moinhos seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art modern comforts. This is a home built for contemporary life, offering:
- Central Heating and Air Conditioning throughout, ensuring year-round comfort.
- Smart Home Automation, controlling lighting, security, and climate systems via Alexa or mobile app.
- Central Vacuum System, discreetly integrated to make maintaining the home effortless, clean, and quiet.
- Advanced Security Systems, including fire protection, anti-intrusion alarms, video surveillance, and video intercom systems for total peace of mind.
- Elegant Bathrooms, designed as spa-like retreats with suspended sinks and toilets, glass-enclosed rain showers, heated towel racks, and LED-lit mirrors.
- Energy Efficiency, from a high-performance heat pump system to double-glazed windows with thermal breaks. There’s also the unique potential to harness the river’s flow for private hydroelectric power—further elevating the estate’s sustainability credentials.
Floors are finished in high-end bamboo decking for all terraces and balconies, while every wall and ceiling is insulated with polyurethane for exceptional thermal and sound performance. LED lighting has been integrated throughout the property to create soft, ambient atmospheres, both inside and out.
Where Nature and Architecture Embrace
The experience of living at Quinta dos Moinhos is defined by its unparalleled relationship with nature. The suspended north-facing terrace floats over the river, offering a front-row seat to the beauty of the Rio Sousa’s tranquil flow. To the south, a balcony invites you to relax as water courses out from beneath the house—an architectural feature so unique it’s almost surreal.
The soundscape is pure serenity: birdsong from swallows and herons, the gentle calls of frogs, and the occasional sighting of otters who call this stretch of river home. This is a sanctuary where human life and wildlife share a peaceful coexistence.
The vineyard and landscaped grounds are framed by stone pathways, cascading waterfalls, and historic weirs, all contributing to the estate’s timeless charm. Whether tending vines, wandering through the gardens, or simply soaking in the landscape, every moment here is a reminder of nature’s quiet power.
Effortless Accessibility, Seamless Connection
Despite its retreat-like feel, Quinta dos Moinhos is perfectly connected to city life. It’s located just 3 km from Penafiel’s center and 800 meters from the A4 motorway, offering direct routes to Porto and beyond. The CP train station is a two-minute walk away, and the future Penafiel Transport Interface will further streamline regional travel. Porto’s Sá Carneiro International Airport is easily accessible for frequent travelers.
Penafiel itself offers world-class healthcare, from public and private hospitals to specialist clinics. The soon-to-open cutting-edge health center reinforces the region’s reputation for excellent living standards. Educational options abound, and the city’s rich cultural life—from Romanesque churches to vibrant festivals—offers endless opportunities for discovery.
A Rare and Timeless Opportunity
Quinta dos Moinhos is more than a property; it’s a legacy. It’s a place where history, nature, and modernity meet. Whether envisioned as a personal retreat, a luxurious rural tourism venture, or a working vineyard estate, it is ready to fulfill your dreams.
Here, life flows at the perfect pace—quietly luxurious, endlessly inspiring.
