Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Ella,62,I used to be a biochemist, then I became an architect. Now we live in Portugal and I am trying my hand at being a hotelier, and it has turned out to be just as fascinating. Simply staying retired is less interesting. My husband Sergey and my beloved daughter Asya are helping me to master this new path.

We would love to share a bit about you as a person with our customers. Would you like to tell us more about yourself? 

I have always enjoyed gathering large groups of people and helping them get to know each other and become friends. That is why being a hotelier is so enjoyable and natural for me. We love to walk, enjoy nature, delicious food, conversation and magical landscapes. We have all of that here. Our children and three grandchildren live in the same time zone as us in the UK, and it is very easy to fly from London to Porto for the weekend, which is one of the reasons why our business is very suitable for families with children.

When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

Portugal was chosen deliberately; we fell in love with it and decided to move there in 2016. First, we chose the region, then settled in the north and picked a location. This estate was a gift from fate, and it would be wrong not to share such beauty with people, so we opened a small hotel and are gradually completing it.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?

The estate had been abandoned for over 10 years, so we found an international team of architects and carefully restored the main house based on the old drawings by Fernando Távora (he was the architect behind one of the renovations in the 1970s).Before getting involved in construction, we walked the Camino de Santiago, and then everything happened quickly. In 2020, we relocated to Rue de Parada 20 and developed the hotel concept, which is why the emblematical number 20 (Vinte) appears in the name of the estate. For me, the process of creating our Quinta is like embroidery. I know in advance how everything will turn out, down to the smallest details, and I enjoy bringing it to life.

On a personal level, what makes your property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?

This place means everything to us now. It saves us from the hustle and bustle of the world and gives us the opportunity to meet new people. There is beauty in every corner here, and there is something to do every day. People have proposed, celebrated weddings and christenings here. New families are born, children rejoice, everyone is happy. This is exactly what we dreamed of — lots of positivity and joy.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

It is very quiet, beautiful and peaceful here. Filled with calmness, joy and relaxation. We have combined history and modernity in the interiors and exteriors, everything is very comfortable and luxurious, and the houses are always at a comfortable temperature. Guests unanimously note that everything inside is much better than they expected and saw in the photos. Our team are professionals in their field and very responsive people, thank you all.

Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?

I love everything, just as a parent loves all their children. The spot on top of the mountain where my mother liked to think when she was alive is very special to me. There is now a walking path that leads there — just 40 minutes before breakfast, which is a great way to start the day. I really like the professional kitchen where we hold master classes for our Happy Cooking Course. I also love the elegant English greenhouse, which was a gift from our children in London for the opening of the estate. We grow greens and seedlings for the vegetable garden there.

What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?

We are both close and far away. Very convenient and quick access from major airports and highways, yet at the same time, you feel secluded from everything. All the main attractions are within half an hour of the doorstep: ocean dune beaches with surfing, historic cosy towns, river beaches with clean water, the Peneda Gerês Nature Reserve with its trails, a golf course, horse riding clubs, water sports... the list goes on! Excellent conditions for cycling enthusiasts. We have a place to keep your own horse—both the living kind and the two-wheeled kind—everything is provided. It's like home, only with the added bonus of luxury service and loads of opportunities for a great time.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

Everything is eco-friendly! A vegetable garden without chemicals or additives, fruit and vegetables straight from the bush, a stream with clean water flowing right from our mountain, electricity from the sun, and compost is put to good use. A pure holiday is guaranteed, the air is so delicious you can drink it.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? 

I want to share the joy of life.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?

One girl compared it to a holiday at her beloved grandmother's house, when you wake up happy, the day is full of unknown things, the smell of pies is delicious, and complete freedom awaits outside the door. And you can peek to see when they take the delicious foam off the jam and you need to run to Jam's house so you can get it right away.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?

Here, you are not staying in a hotel, but in a welcoming, hospitable home. There is a family atmosphere. At the same time, everything is exceptionally comfortable and stunningly beautiful all around.

Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?

"This Quinta will forever be remembered by us and our family",- It was written by a man whose beloved said "Yes" at the historic gate of our estate. He proposed to her there. She accepted. And so a new family was born!

What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?

I hope that the friendliness of our team. At least we try and sincerely love our guests.

Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday? 

Ask us anything you want, plan your days with us, we are ready to assist you have a wonderful holiday. Take your time — you deserve a break. Don't forget that all the delicious, fresh produce has already been grown in our garden; all you need to do is ask us to prepare it just the way you like it. Get in touch — we'll be happy to help.