Hello World! The beginning! Our history.
It all started a few years ago…it was like a love that grew.
Between holidays and visits to family, in a village in Serra da Estrela – Bouça, Cortes do Meio – Municipality of Covilhã, there were many walks and walks through the mountains.
During a walk,
While following the levada route, we found terraced land, with a stunning view. Over there. There was a river (Ribeira de Cortes), which ran down the mountain. The river passing through the land created a “private beach” that allowed people to swim and enjoy luxury in the middle of the mountain. A levada also crossed the land, where clear, fresh water ran. Approximately in the middle of the land, there was a ruin that appeared to have been an animal shelter with a large watering trough for cattle, many years ago.
The landscape was breathtaking, in the middle of a valley, in the middle of the mountain, surrounded by nature, fresh air and little else.
We were enchanted by the beauty of that place and, after long conversations and a few more visits, it was decided that this would be the place! The perfect place to create a refuge in nature.
We decided to move forward with the idea and start a rural tourism project, which was going to be called “Quinta Hortelã da Ribeira” (QHR). Ribeira mint is a plant that grows next to the river and which, in addition to its aroma, proudly gives the Quinta its name!
Acquiring the land was a relatively simple process, and the decision was not at all complicated to make, as it was essentially thought out with the heart.
The first step was to create a road that would allow access to the land. The task was not easy, as the road had to be built into the mountainside and this required some work and ingenuity. However, with the help of the right, experienced and determined people and, with some effort, it was possible to create the road that allowed access to the land.
With access guaranteed, the next step would be to delimit the space, plan the agroforestry project and plan the recovery of the ruin.
More information about the agroforestry project here.
One of the objectives has always been to maintain and preserve the history of that place. The use of the ruin was, therefore, indisputable.
The ruin was carefully restored, maintaining the structure, history and original characteristics of the building. Ensuring that preservation was fulfilled, the next objective would be to maximize the area, transforming it into a comfortable and welcoming space.
When everything is ready, we intend to open the doors of Quinta Hortelã da Ribeira, a place where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature, the river, the “private beach” and the levada, where fresh, clear water flows. The place is perfect for those looking for peace and quiet, but also for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and even observing the local fauna and flora.
If the success of Quinta Hortelã da Ribeira is marked by the love and care with which the project is developed, then success will be guaranteed and many people will enjoy the magic of this enchanting place. We are very happy to be creating a space where nature is the protagonist, a place where people can relax and recharge.
And so the dream of creating a refuge surrounded by nature was born. Quinta Hortelã da Ribeira will be an example of how nature can be a place of healing and rest for people. The terraced land, with the river and levada where clean, fresh water flows, was the starting point for a project that we hope will be successful and that has transformed the lives of some people. We hope to positively influence yours after your visit.
In a paradise, close to everyone, but unknown to many, a new refuge was born. See you soon!