Casa da Encosta, Douro Valley Reviewed: A Private Riverside Farmhouse Retreat in Portugal | OffTheGrid Travel
Wine Country · Douro Valley, Portugal · Private Retreat
At OffTheGrid Travel, we look for places where the setting and the stay feel like one thing. Casa da Encosta is one of them, a restored stone farmhouse on the banks of the Douro River, surrounded by terraced vineyards and run with the attentiveness of a small hotel. You can find it in our collection.
A restored farmhouse in the heart of Douro wine country
Casa da Encosta sits on the Douro River, 20 minutes from the wine town of Pinhão, in the landscape UNESCO recognises as the Alto Douro Wine Region. The farmhouse is centuries old and built of local stone, and its original wine-crushing wells have been kept as part of the house. Terraced vineyards climb the hills around it, and the river runs below, with the property's own private boat dock at the water's edge.
The pool sits below the old stone terrace walls, a few steps from the river.
Six river-view suites for groups of four to fourteen
The house has six bedroom suites, each with a view of the river and each with its own en-suite bathroom. Four sit on the upper level, and two on the lower level have their own private entrances, which suits families or friends who want a little independence within the group.
Beds come in king, queen, twin and bunk configurations, so the layout flexes for couples, families and friends travelling together. Premium linens, bathrobes and hotel-quality amenities are standard.
Dining: a private chef and Douro produce
A full-time traditional chef prepares lunch and dinner daily from bespoke menus built on local Douro Valley produce, and breakfast is served every morning. The chef and housekeeping team work from 8am to 3pm, with dinner prepared in advance for the evening, so the house is yours once the day's service is done. For groups staying seven days or more, a welcome dinner is included for up to eight guests.
The dining room and kitchen, where the chef works from local Douro produce.
Frequently asked questions
What type of traveller is Casa da Encosta best suited to?
In our experience, it suits small groups, families and milestone occasions, particularly travellers who want a private house with the service of a hotel. Its wine setting makes it a natural choice for anyone with an interest in Douro and Port wines.
How many people does Casa da Encosta sleep?
Casa da Encosta is designed for group stays of four to fourteen guests across six river-view suites, with king, queen, twin and bunk configurations.
Is there a private chef at Casa da Encosta?
Yes. A full-time chef prepares lunch and dinner daily from local produce, working alongside a housekeeping team, with breakfast included every morning.
Continue reading. Part 2 explores the vineyard walks, cellar tastings and river experiences that shape a stay at Casa da Encosta. Part 3 is a practical guide to planning your trip, including how to get to the Douro Valley from the UK.
Ready to plan your stay at Casa da Encosta? OffTheGrid Travel handles everything, transfers, chef menus, wine tastings, so you arrive with nothing left to arrange. View the Casa da Encosta page or get in touch.