Does The Fox House - Private Villa & Nature have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Fox House - Private Villa & Nature pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 55 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

Where is The Fox House - Private Villa & Nature located?

This family-friendly Sao Pedro do Sul villa is located on a river, within 2 mi (3 km) of Termas Gardens, Termas De S. Pedro Do Sul, and Termas de Sao Pedro do Sul Town Square. Termas de Sao Pedro do Sul Hot Springs is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away.

The Fox House - Private Villa & Nature Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

27 September 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bon Voyage Travel Group

Our group has traveled to several different countries with stays in private villas. the Fox House was by far our favorite location so far! The photos of the property were nothing compared to our first walk around the property with Mafalda and Miguel. Gracious hosts who attended our every need with grace and a friendly smile. The private chef's dinner was amazing, paired with carefully chosen wines for each course. We highly recommend The Fox House for your next special gathering of friends or family.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

10 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family celebration

The Fox House was the most amazing place we have ever stayed. A total 15 out of 10! Our entire family ranging from 4 to 71 years old agrees. Can’t wait to find another reason to celebrate in the beautiful villa of Miguel and Mafalda, best hosts ever!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Precious U.

13 February 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic weekend!

Staying at the Fox House was quite an amazing experience. We decided to come here for a bridal weekend and everyone was impressed by the property, it is absolutely beautiful and looks exactly like the pictures. We all wished we could stay longer! The owners were very friendly and welcoming and also helpful, such great hosts. I definitely recommend it to anyone.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Patty D.

1 April 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holy Week Easter Family 2924

We were family of 16. We enjoyed our stay at The Fox House. Family was accommodated very well in this home. Enjoyed having Chef dinner at the Fox House one evening. The grounds are so very beautiful and well cared for including pool area. Our only regret that the weather was poor cold and 3x average rain which did spoil enjoying the outdoors during most of our stay. The grandkids did polar plung and made the most of it.

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

28 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous, gorgeous, wonderful

Twelve family members age 3 to 72 had a fabulous week at the Fox House. Mafalda and Miguel were amazing hosts — immediately responsive and oh so lovely. The photos don’t do the property justice. The grounds are beautifully planted and maintained with the most spectacular blooming hydrangeas! We did loops of 1/3 mile around the grounds for exercise. Breakfast every morning and refreshed rooms made our stay feel like a hotel only way better. What a wonderful week we had!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

31 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful friends and family stay at the Fox House

I am typically a very critical reviewer Where most properties do not meet up to my expectations. This is one where I am not only happy that I made the choice, I would not hesitate to stay here again. The communications were thorough and consistent, the property itself is spectacular, everything is clean, and the friendliness Of the owners of the home is Portuguese amazing. From easy check-in, to wonderful breakfast, to a Private dinner in concert, I highly recommend this to anyone willing to invest in a high-quality memorable Portuguese vacation.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry R.

28 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was paradise!

Fox House is perfect! It is extremely comfortable with everything you could possibly need. There is so much space for everyone to enjoy, the gardens are beautiful and very tranquil. Each room is very comfortable, charming and individual. Breakfast every morning set out on the patio by Arlette was such a treat and always delicious. And having our rooms tidied was perfect, she was always very friendly and helpful. We were greeted by Miguel and Mafalda and shown around the property, it was lovely to hear the history and how the renovations were done, mostly by themselves. They are so proud of Fox House, and rightly so. Our stay there was very special, thank you both for allowing us to stay.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris B., New York City, NY USA

24 September 2018

The Fox House felt like home

From the moment we arrived at the Fox House, we felt that we had arrived at home, not just a vacation rental. Mafalda & Miguel were there to greet us with warm smiles and hugs after our long day driving up from Lisbon. Like cousins from across the ocean, the hosts welcomed us with sincerity and charm, and instantly made us feel that their beautiful home would indeed be OUR home for the week. And what a magnificent home it is! Spotlessly clean, relentlessly tranquil, and painstakingly decorated to the highest standard, the Fox House is one of the rare vacation rentals that is better in person than described online. Our group of 9 (4 adults, 5 teenagers) had more than enough room to spread out and find plenty to do, whether sitting on the patio with a wonderful Dao produced wine, taking a dip in the perfect infiniti pool, or knocking off 18 holes on the quaint miniature golf course, there was something for everyone. And the notcurnal visits by the epinomous "fox" made the fantasy complete. The service provided by the household staff was impeccable. Somehow breakfast got served, rooms refreshed, and dishes removed and cleaned as though by a ghost. We could not believe how unobtrusive and efficient these hard working people were. Mafalda & Miguel helped arrange 3 amazing dinners for us at the house, in addtion to an unforgettable night of live fado music and dancing, that became a life highlight for some normally hard to satisfy young poeple in our group. The attention to detail and insistance on providing the most authentic experience of Portuguese life, cuisine, and culture by the owners is so unusual that it became the most memorable part of our vacation in an utterly enchanting country. We left the Fox House feeling that we had really made new friends who we honestly hope to meet again. It is with some reluctance that I speak to glowingly of our experience at the Fox House, since it is one of those places you hope goes undiscovered by the masses: a secret to be held close and guarded. But Mafalda & Miguel deserve to become known by as many people as possible. I know my life is now better for having met them. So will yours. Go to the Fox House and see for yourself!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Scott P.

4 October 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinary Experience

Our experience at The Fox House was extraordinary in different ways, the aggregate of which I rate as one of the best villa rental experiences I’ve had in 17 trips to Italy & Europe spanning 30 years. As the organizer for the gathering of 11 friends for a one week first time stay in the Portugal, my goals were to achieve the following: 1) Become intimate with the food & wine of the Portugal; 2) Gain insight to the region’s history; 3) Understand the nuances of Port wine, explore the Douro & Dao wine regions; 4) Find a villa that was comfortably spacious with excellent cooking facilities and 5) Arrange for cooking lessons and chef prepared dinners focused on preparing dishes special to the Portugal, some of which that would provide “takeaway” recipes to share with friends and family at home. Each of the 5 Stars awarded with this review is well deserved for exceeding expectations in each of the five goals outlined above. All of this would not have been possible without the welcome and active engagement of our wonderful hosts, Mafala and Miguel!!!!. Candidly, they exude a brilliant pride and compassion for Portugal and the experiential sense of place known as The Fox House. Unquestionably, the wonderful outcome for our stay was facilitated and enhanced by their hands on detailed approach to each of our planned events (four) that occurred during our stay. Mafala and Miguel’s excellent planning is a marvelous complement to The Fox House as a grounded place of gathering

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie k.

11 August 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place in a wonderful setting

We stayed at the Fox house for 4 nights and couldn’t have picked a better place. Miguel and Mafalda were really welcoming and helped suggest and plan a few day trips in the region which were amazing (particularly the boat tour). The house itself is an hour away from Porto and the Duoro so really well situated to explore the region. We came in and out from Lisbon which is a bit further away but there are plenty of nice places to stop off en route. We can’t wait to come back to Portugal and the Fox house soon!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris A.

20 August 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house. Relaxing stay

Gorgeous house. Beautiful gardens and pool. Good breakfast everyday with daily cleaning. Miguel and Malfada are very friendly and helpful. House is quite isolated so good to have a car.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rikki C.

3 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views and hosts!

If you are looking at the pictures and thinking “this can’t possibly be real”, it is without a doubt, 100% real. The pictures are a completely accurate representation of the pool area and house. What isn’t captured in the pictures is just how stunning the views are. Everywhere you look, you are in awe, and this feeling didn’t go away after 10 days. Miguel and Mafalda were the best hosts we could have asked for. They answered all of our questions leading up to our stay and when we showed up at 11am to store our bags while we waited for check in, they provided us with activity and restaurant suggestions. We also worked with them to have an evening with a private chef which was amazing! On our last day they even brought us a meal of traditional suckling pig. We couldn’t have been happier with our experience! We travelled as a group of 12, including 9 adults, 2 toddlers and a newborn. For us, the location was a bit more remote than was convenient, simply because of the children’s dinner schedule. So while planning the trip I expected us to go out for most dinners, while in reality we ended up cooking every evening. Our group enjoyed cooking on the outdoor barbecue and we were amazed at how affordable and high quality the groceries were that we got from the local butcher shop and market. The high speed Internet is mainly accessible from the Fox Club and outdoors. This worked out very well for our group as the adults could stream from Netflix or other services in the Fox Club after the young children had gone to bed. The Fox Club experience has all the comforts of a private villa and all the comforts of a 5 star resort wrapped into one. I would recommend it in a heartbeat, in fact I already have, and I would definitely return!

Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

John B.

23 October 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular Site for a Group Vacation

First, about us: a group of 6 American couples (12 people) who have traveled extensively but had never traveled as a complete group before. Two of us were celebrating 60th birthdays. We spent 3 days in Lisbon, then 5 days at Fox House, then we all split up for separate travels. We used Fox House as a base for day trips to Porto, Douro, and hiking. The location of Fox House, which might seem a little rural, is a great central point for most things in northern Portugal. We asked Mafalda and Miguel to suggest chefs for 3 of our 5 nights. If you are like us, you are probably wondering what the Fox House will be like (does it match the pictures?) and whether the chefs they suggest will really be worth the cost. The house is wonderful. Mafalda and Miguel have made excellent choices in renovating Fox House. Each bedroom can be equipped with single beds or doubles (we chose all doubles), and each has its own bathroom. Oh yes, the layout: there's a main house with 4 bedrooms, an additional villa with 2 more bedrooms, and a separate Fox Club. Fox Club has a professional kitchen that sits behind a large entertainment room with couches, a bar, and a dining table. We LOVED the ability to gather as a group. In a hotel you lose that—but at Fox House you always have ways to celebrate together. In addition, the house and grounds are so large and diverse that practically everyone could find a little spot or nook to read or work alone when needed. Our total vacation time varied by couple, but in general was about 12 days for this trip—only 5 of which were spent at Fox House. However, it's the group's consensus that our best days were spent at Fox House. As well as our best meals. The two chefs (Luis and Henrique) took turns creating the best meals we had in Portugal. While some portion of their success might be attributed to the setting (the relaxed Fox House atmosphere), the food was simply outstanding. I honestly don't remember a weak course that either chef served. In typical Portuguese fashion the meals were advertised very simply, but in practice were quite elaborate, and had great wine pairings. We have some serious “foodies” in our group, and everyone was thoroughly delighted by the meals. Mafalda and Miguel were super attentive to all our needs, and although they (and the housekeeper) stay out of sight by default, we found them so delightful that we dragged them into our party when we could. Fox House was a delight. Hearty recommendation!

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gordon T.

25 September 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Fox House - Portugal

The property was excellent and better than advertised. The host was equal to the house. We enjoyed the house which had all the amenities needed. The grounds were well planned and maintained. Highly recommended.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen F., USA

15 October 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property, wonderful hosts. Highly recommend for couples and families. We loved it!

After enjoying the Viking River Cruise from Porto for a week, we were thrilled to have a home base at The Fox House close to Sao Pedro do Sul. The owners, Miquel and Mafalda, met us at The Fox Club House for champagne before taking us on a tour of the property and house. Each room had an en-suite and each entertainment area had restrooms available. The view was phenomenal. We enjoyed many mornings out on the deck overlooking the valley and pool. Each time we went outdoors, I took my camera and discovered new photo opportunities. The housekeeper made us breakfast every morning ( cold cuts and pastries). It was a very much appreciated beginning to our day. She cleaned up our rooms while we ate and drank coffee, and afterwards cleared the table. She was a pleasure to be around. We traveled daily to many of the suggested communities in the area. It took less than an hour to travel to Costa Nova, where we enjoyed the restaurant Nori, and bought sardines and red fish from the fish market to cook on the outside fire Barbeque. So Much Fun!!! Thank- you for a wonderful 5 nights. We did not want to leave. Also, we enjoyed one fantastic dinner at the Fox House where the owner and chef from The Palace Restaurant served fantastic prawn salad and monkfish and prawn stew ( requested by us). Cheers! Fisher’s, Pickering’s and Roozen’s Washington State

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Junelly R.

26 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

We had an unforgettable time at the Fox House. Everything was amazing! The house, the spaces, the weather! Mafalda and Miguel are excellent hosts! We would love to come back to the Fox House.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Anne H.

24 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enchanting Villa

Stunning villa with amazing attention to detail. Mafalda and Miguel were there to welcome us with champagne and to show us around which was so nice after a long drive from the UK. The spacious bedrooms and bathrooms were cool (air con) and furnished beautifully. The swimming pool was clean and the sun beds were very comfortable with each having an additional pool towel. The pool area including additional shower and toilet facilities. Superb outside BBQ area adjacent to outside dining area. The "Fox Club" included a great party room with dining, seating and large TV screen for sports enthusiasts. We had a superb chef who was able to use the additional professional kitchen. Mafalda was kind enough to organise the chef who was exceptional and provided us with the most amazing meal. The housekeeper was a gem. We were served with the most delicious breakfast every morning, something we were not expecting. We were spoilt with superb service, more like a five star hotel ! Thank you, it truly was the most relaxing holiday and we would have no hesitation in recommending to our friends and family.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

9 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Treated like Family

What a wonderful experience we had at the fox house. From the moment we arrived with a champagne reception until our last breakfast everything was simply perfect. The house and surrounding property are impeccably maintained. The owners truly thought of everything to make their guests have a wonderful experience. Thank you for a memorable stay at your spectacular home! Cheers! Tim and Family

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel D.

8 July 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!!!

The Fox House is perhaps the most beautiful home we’ve ever stayed in. The ancient stone walls, the gorgeous antiques, the bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom are all perfection. The grounds are beautiful. The pool is great. We loved waking up to the amazing breakfast spread every morning on the outdoor table. The Fox Club (an adjacent building) was fun to retire to at night for games. The location is very rural and peaceful. About an hour from Porto. We really loved visiting the hot spring spa and swimming in the natural swimming hole at Poco Azul. But the house was so great we didn’t even want to leave.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen B.

17 June 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

The fox house far exceeded all of our expectations. The location was peaceful, beautiful and absolutely perfect. We all wished we could have stayed longer. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Miguel and Mafalda were the perfect hosts very kind and helpful.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

28 October 2017

A perfect family vacation

We stayed at the Fox House with our family of 4 and my sister's family of 5. Everything about the Fox House was perfect. Comfortable and luxurious accommodations. Great kitchens indoors and out! Breakfast provided every morning with fresh orange juice and other treats overlooking the river valley. Tranquil pool to relax beside and badminton and mini-golf for those more energetic. Interesting places to visit nearby. We could have stayed there forever and will certainly plan to go back. Mafalda and Miguel were attentive and thoughtful hosts.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Luis R., Lisboa Portugal

7 August 2017

Um Paraiso

Passámos uns dias nesta maravilhosa casa em S. Pedro do Sul. Só posso dizer que tudo é perfeito, a casa, o enquadramento paisagistico, o pequeno almoço e a simpatia dos propietários Mafalda e Miguel.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shampa N., London, UK

21 June 2017

Fox House lives up to description of 'Exclusivity & Nature'. Perfect holiday setting!

I was blown away when I saw The Fox House as it is even more amazing than what you see in the website photos. The descriptions of the house and its setting are not exaggerated. It really is an exclusive place to have a holiday and to be close to nature. Perfect for unwinding or to have a social event, both of which were on my agenda. Whether there are children in the group or only adults, I would say the Fox House would suits all. You find it hard to tear yourself away from the house as there is enough to do within the grounds but if you did want to explore the area, there’s enough to see and explore by foot or within reasonable driving distance. The living experience is enhanced by the wonderful owners who really make you feel at home. Highly recommended! I, for one, would consider going back again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christine F.

15 June 2017

Absolutely Fabulous

This house and owners were amazing. From the moment we arrived we all felt welcomed as if it was our home. The location was peaceful, beautiful, and perfect. We were provided breakfast every morning which was wonderful and delicious. We utilized three bedrooms and three baths during our stay and they were spacious, clean, and very comfortable. Mafalda and Miguel were absolutely wonderful hosts. They even allowed us to add on two guest for one night that were traveling through Portugal at the same time as we were. We had a wonderful night of dinner, wine, dancing, and conversation with Miguel and Mafalda. They even celebrated the birthday of one of my friends that evening. Portugal is a wonderful place with wonderful people. Mafalda and Miguel were exceptional hosts and wonderful people. I cannot wait to return. Some advice for people wanting to explore the surroundings. We went to Lamego one day and enjoyed the 600 step walk to the cathedral. It was spectacular. The town was small but very nice. We had lunch, did some wine tasting near the church in town, and bought some groceries for dinner that evening. We also did a Hydro spa treatment at the spa in Sao Pedro. It was great. Not very fancy like American spas, but had an invigorating hydro spa, shower, and 25 minutes massage with water sprinkling on you. They were able to accommodate us without a reservation which was a plus. After the spa we sat around the pool and enjoyed the sun, pool, and conversation. If you are thinking about booking please do. You will not regret it. It is a wonderful place. Mafalda and Miguel, thank you for your hospitality, conversation, and friendship. Hopefully we will meet again. Fondly, Kim, Chris, and Elsie

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Alyson T.

24 May 2017

A GEM! The Fox House and its hosts provided us with a sublime stay and the highlight of our trip!

We loved every moment of our time spent at the gorgeous Fox House. Our family of 6 (grandparents, parents and two young children) felt immediately at home: From the lush grounds and tranquil setting to the luxurious accommodations and decadent meals, The Fox House did not disappoint! We thought this treasure might be too good to be true before we arrived, but our fears were quickly assuaged upon entering the driveway, being greeted by owners Mafalda and Miguel, and discovering the paradise that awaited us. Though we loved every moment of our stay, the highlight was in sharing a traditional portuguese meal and wine with Miguel and Mafalda, which they lovingly arranged and cooked for us (for an additional but reasonable fee) at the Fox House. We hope to visit again soon and to stay in touch with them in the meantime! Believe the photographs--the property really is THAT tranquil and beautiful!

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