From an abandoned and ruined village in central Portugal, Villa Pedra Natural Houses was born. On one of the hills of the Serra de Sicó, the unique beauty of the old Aldeia de Cima, which had been abandoned for over seventy years, gave rise to a new space that was thus returned to new generations.
Aldeia de Cima is one of those well-kept pearls in the heart of Portugal—a place few people know about but that truly deserves a spot on your map. It’s located in the Serra de Sicó, among gentle hills, golden fields, and that soothing silence only the countryside can offer. Here, time slows down. You walk along stone streets, pass by restored houses that maintain the rustic charm of times gone by, and feel like you’ve returned to a simpler way of life. In the morning, you wake up to the sound of birds and breathe in the fresh mountain air—it’s impossible not to relax.
Less than a two-hour drive from Lisbon or Porto, this village is in the parish of Cotas, in the municipality of Soure. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the Serra de Sicó and be amazed by the views of the Serra da Lousã. For those looking for a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature, with comfort, authenticity, and local flavors at the table, this little corner of central Portugal is just the right place.
Central Portugal is still an area where tourism is growing, yet it boasts natural diversity in its still-virgin state. There are increasingly more activities, accommodations, wine culture, and restaurants to enjoy during your getaway in Portugal.
We visited Villa Pedra Natural Houses as guests of the property during a weekend and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. Come with us to discover this little corner of the world where you can hear the birds and where we found so much tranquility and happiness.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Villa Pedra
The best way to reach Villa Pedra is by car. For those coming from Lisbon or Porto, the A1 highway has an exit for Soure, which for several years now has provided easier and faster access to the central region. The route from the highway is mostly good quality, and the path to Villa Pedra is well signposted.
Upon arrival, Sara takes care of providing all the information about the place and suggesting what we can do in the area. Her friendliness immediately made us feel very welcome and comfortable to enjoy the days we were going to spend there.
The Houses
From several abandoned house ruins, 14 houses were born, remodeled and decorated to the owners’ taste. All the spaces are very pleasant and functional, blending modern decor with objects that reflect the history and culture of the region. Even the village school was restored and transformed into two houses, and we loved that idea.
The units are either 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom, and each house has a fully equipped and functional kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Breakfast can be made with local products left the day before, and early in the morning, fresh bread and cake are hung on the door in a traditional bread bag, reminiscent of the old door-to-door delivery of fresh goods.
The comfort, refinement, and simplicity create an ideal atmosphere for romantic moments or family time. When we visited Villa Pedra, we stayed in the Alecrim house, which has an outdoor patio with views of the Serra da Lousã, the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast or another meal outdoors.
Additionally, most houses have access to some outdoor space, where you can find leisure areas or a barbecue grill.
Villa Pedra’s Kitchen
Villa Pedra’s Kitchen was created without the intention of being a restaurant. It’s one of the village buildings, near the reception, with several indoor spaces where you can enjoy excellent cuisine prepared by Marta. Each space, including the terrace, offers privacy even when multiple groups are enjoying a meal or a drink on-site.
The food, made with garden produce, sausages, and cheeses from small local producers, and eggs from the free-range chickens, brings back memories of homemade and flavorful cuisine—perhaps even childhood memories for many.
The selection of Villa Pedra wines is also produced locally and is of excellent quality. The soil and climate of the region allow for the creation of outstanding wines that we loved. When you visit Villa Pedra, don’t miss trying the rosé sparkling wine—it’s perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
When we visited Villa Pedra, we tried both options—we had a picnic and received a dinner at home. Both culinary experiences were divine. The preparation of the ingredients, the care, the flavors, and the overall experience were undoubtedly one of the highlights of our getaway.
The Pool and Outdoor Area
In the outdoor area of Villa Pedra, you’ll find a shared pool, a pleasant spot to enjoy on warmer days. Besides the pool, there are several outdoor spaces with trees and relaxation areas, such as the chill-out zone for a more special occasion.
You can also find the Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and the chicken coop, which provide eggs for your breakfast and delight the children.
Local Products
Villa Pedra has the Villa Pedra Natural Products project, which includes Wines and Sparkling Wines from Terras de Sicó, Rabaçal cheese, organic olive oil, honey, and other local products that you can enjoy in meals or purchase at the reception’s shop.
Surrounding Area and Activities
The Serra de Sicó is an excellent area where nature invites you for walks or bike rides. You can request a GPS and more information about available trails at the reception.
Nearby Restaurants
- D’Sesnando – Penela
- Bairradino dos Leitões – Condeixa-a-Nova
- Taberna à Cautela – Pombal
- Casa Arménio – Tentúgal
Returning to our roots and discovering the less explored tourism of central Portugal is something we always appreciate. In this region, we find the peace and tranquility that help us relax and break away from daily routines, and Villa Pedra is an excellent place to enjoy just that. A place where you can experience good taste, breathe fresh air, hear birds singing, where people’s friendliness makes you feel welcome, and where you can savor traditional cuisine from a region that has so much to offer.
If you still have time…
- Visit Penela
- Visit the Schist Villages
- Visit Serra da Lousã
