Extraordinary because in the UK, for example, the equivalent would be a Landmark Trust heritage venue, almost impossible to reserve, yet the accommodation here is remarkably accessible. It represents a genuine and rare chance to stay somewhere very special that is nonetheless very affordable.

One might normally expect to visit historic Abbey buildings such as these out of cultural interest, but the imaginative, open-minded owners have made the ensemble of interrelated buildings into an opportunity for a unique holiday experience of Galicia.

The Abbey is not open to the public and those who book the self-catering options have the fascinating privilege of exploring the common rooms and halls that go together to make this a living museum.






Yet this is no impersonal period piece. Rather it is typified by an atmosphere of openness, naturalness and inclusivity.
















The Abbey is set in idyllic, green, hilly countryside by the River Miño, which marks the Spanish border with Portugal and enjoys a climate that is warmer than northern Galicia.

You can stroll to the river beach area in 10 minutes (and be at sandy coastal beaches in 40 minutes), take the narrow-gauge train that follows the river, visit the totally charming small cathedral town of Tui and eat very well, with fish and seafood at the top of most people’s Galicia menu choice.

For the holidaymaker, the renovated Abbey represents the chance to enjoy independence (the main two-bedroomed house and a garden apartment are both self-catering), while feeling welcome to roam and discover the entire organic spread of buildings. You have your own rooms and balcony or terrace, but there is so more more besides: an architectural environment created to welcome and enchant.

If the 18th century character is sustained by period furniture, rocking chairs and antiques, guests are not expected to live in primitive conditions.





The original materials and style complement modern facilities with consummate taste. Baths and washbasins are sunk into a chestnut surround, and central heating supplements log fires.



A course may mean that one of the areas is being used for weaving, dance, painting or cookery, but the owners encourage you to wander, sit in a gallery, feel at home among a rambling set of immaculately presented stone buildings and their extensive gardens.




The main house has an immense kitchen and there is no shortage of dining areas to eat and relax together.
















The area also has excellent, typical local country restaurants. You're delightfully off the beaten track here, and the only languages spoken are generally Spanish and local gallego, but not to worry: the lady in the restaurant is likely to take you by the arm and show you into the kitchen so that you can see what's on offer! It will all be fresh and appetizing.







For us, this is rustical accommodation at its most aesthetically impressive. It’s so completely natural you forget how much work has gone into making it so.

For the owners of these formerly ecclesiastical buildings, whose main activity is the running of a celebrated and pioneering local school for children with disabilities, the huge undertaking of raising and restoring the Abbey buildings was less a business enterprise than a personal commitment honoured.

One simply has to take off one’s shoes and feel the smooth chestnut flooring underfoot to appreciate just how understatedly extravagant the place is. It's not a place of soft furnishings and luxury, though. You have to really want a "period experience" to come here.



Notwithstanding its size (over 1,500 square metres, not to mention the gardens), the place is beautifully kept, swept and clean. In cooler months, a caretaker goes round the dependencies lighting log fires, just in case you are passing by and want to go in.














Not surprisingly, the Abbey has won accolades for the protection and conservation of architectural heritage. The magnificent restoration project was recognized with the Europa Nostra prize in 2008. But it is also intended to be made use of and lived in.

From time to time, if quite irregularly, the old looms of the weaving workshop may be put into action; or a dance group occupies the separate “Factory” – more like a Viking lord’s hall with its grand gallery overlooking a giant hearth and
gathering room; an arts or science workshop might meet in one or other of the large available spaces, or a culinary course make use of the industrial kitchen and main dining room.















A permaculture is practiced here, with no insecticides or artificial fertilizers allowed. The open gardens are tended where opportune and planted with organic vegetables and grape vines for wine, but also deliberately allowed to remain semi-wild, with forest spreading around and about.

Stone archways divide the garden areas and lead from one building to another and, as you explore, you find quiet corners and furnished outdoor spots to relax and feel a part of Galicia past and present.

















The views are of Portugal’s hills, just beyond the river, which is good for swimming.

The Abbey accommodation:

Main two-bedroomed house (sleeps 4)

Independent garden apartment (sleeps 2)

For special events (filming, conferences, courses) please enquire.