Charming Country Property

Renovated Stone Dwelling with Private Gardens Full of Character & Charm

Nestled in the quiet village of Ribeira, in the municipality of Espinho (Mortágua, Viseu District), this beautifully restored property offers a unique combination of charm, space, and creative potential. It consists of a main dwelling and three outbuildings, each with its own story and Function.

The main house is made up of the original two-storey stone dwelling, which includes two bedrooms, two living rooms, a bathroom, and a spacious storage room. Connected to it is a former shed that has been transformed into a bright and spacious open-plan kitchen and living area. This space opens directly onto the private garden, where you’ll find the three outbuildings and several peaceful sitting corners.

The first outbuilding is a charming, independent guesthouse spread over two floors. Downstairs you'll find a cosy living area and bathroom, while the upstairs hosts a generous bedroom with beautiful light. The second outbuilding is currently used as a pottery studio, complete with a covered outdoor workspace that invites year-round creativity. The third is a two-storey workshop, where a guitar maker has set up shop—tools and benches downstairs, with an office or studio space above. Between these buildings stands a traditional corn-drying shed, now serving as a simple dry toilet.

The plot around the buildings measures approximately 930m2 and is a peaceful, inviting space with several mature fruit trees, sunny and shaded sitting areas, and a field for a vegetable garden. A charming little greenhouse adds character and extends the growing season for plants and seedlings.

A covered terrace by the entrance provides a lovely spot for outdoor meals or quiet moments. For those seeking more space, there is the option to purchase an adjacent plot to expand the garden. A large communal building sits nearby but is only used occasionally for local festivities, ensuring peace and privacy most of the year. Parking is available on a public plot next to the house, which the current owners have used without issue for over 15 years.

Over the past 15 years, the property has been lovingly renovated by an artistic couple, each with their own workspace. It’s a place full of character and creativity, ideal for those who enjoy welcoming guests, need space for workshops or studios, or for families with teenagers who would value the independence of the outbuildings. With a few adjustments, two of the outbuildings could also serve as self-contained rental units.

The property is connected to mains water and electricity, has fiber optic internet, and uses a solar water heater and wood stove for hot water. The wood stove is also connected to central heating in the main dwelling, while the outbuildings have their own wood burners and plug-in oil heaters.

Ribeira is a small and peaceful village set in the green hills of the Beira Alta region, known for its schist hamlets, pine forests and nearby rivers. Local amenities can be found in the parish of Espinho, including small shops, cafés and a nearby train stop. The property lies close to the railway line connecting Guarda to Coimbra, currently under renovation and scheduled to reopen this summer with faster trains. The journey between Mortágua and Coimbra previously took 47 minutes and is expected to become even quicker. Monte de Lobos station is a 20-minute walk; Mortágua’s main station is 8 minutes by car. From Coimbra, there are direct trains to Lisbon and Porto. Public transport in Portugal is affordable & comfortable. Mortágua also offers supermarkets, healthcare, a swimming pool, primary and secondary schools, and a school bus that passes the property daily. Nearby river beaches offer peaceful, natural spots to swim or enjoy the surroundings. The property is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Porto’s international airport, making it a tranquil yet well-connected retreat in the heart of central Portugal.