Quinta de Travassinhos was also known as “A Quinta do Dr. Gonçalo” (Dr. Gonçalo’s Farm) because he was the Health Delegate of Santa Marta de Penaguião. Later, “Quinta da Menina” (Girl’s Farm), after Gonçalo’s daughter, inherited the property following her father’s death.
Since 2005, the manor has been in the hands of Miguel de Carvalho Monteiro’s family. Following his death, Quinta de Travassinhos is now managed by his son António Ricardo Triães Monteiro, who received the property in an advanced state of degradation. It had been without maintenance or regular use for approximately half a century.
In 2017 the rehabilitation process began under the PDR2020, supervised by the Northern Ministry of Culture – DRCN. The rehabilitation project ended in 2022.
Currently, the manor has 9 bedrooms, all themed and sustainably designed, respecting the history and style of Douro architecture. In the rooms, one can observe details of “boiserie” mouldings following the traditional, artisanal style.
Also featuring solid wood sash windows, skirting boards, floor and furniture pieces that were already part of the manor. These blend with the contemporary, offering comfort to your well being.
The social areas are ample and spacious, with a piano in the reception area, where the “girl” (Gonçalo’s daughter and heiress) used to play and where her scores are on display.
The Querkum Restaurant was built from ruins attached to the manor. All dishes are prepared in the old Trás-os-Montes way using seasonal, organic, and self-produced farm products such as fruit, olive oil, vegetables and meat.
When Miguel de Carvalho Monteiro bought Quinta de Travassinhos, just like the manor, the vineyards were completely abandoned. In 2013 the vineyard was renewed, cultivating selected and noble Douro castes. The white - Viosinho, Gouveio and Códega de Larinho. The red - Touriga Nacional and Tinto Roriz.
For almost two centuries the grapes were laid down and trodden in traditional "lagares" (stone tanks) to make wine, here there is now a spa with warm waters, where guests can enjoy a relaxing bath.
The Quinta de Travassinhos is a family-run farm, and is situated in two councils and two parishes, delimited by four ancient landmarks. Chestnut, oak, and strawberry trees, squirrels, wild boar, foxes, woodpeckers, ferrets, moles, kites, crows and many more make up its biological diversity. The woods offer approximately 2 hours of hiking trails and footpaths. When autumn arrives, the woods become colourful and the green gives rise to the warm tones so typical of this season. In winter, mushrooms are collected. With the arrival of spring, green and wild flowers reappear, filling the woods with life and joy.
Quinta de Travassinhos has a holding of Bravia goats, a rare, indigenous breed from the north of Portugal. This began in 2015 with the aim of clearing different weed species that proliferated at the farm. In 2018, Quinta de Travassinhos was invited by the Ancabra association (association representing the Bravia breed) to participate in the Annual Bravia Breed Contest. Quinta de Travassinhos participated with 5 females and one male, where “Afonso” won 1st prize as best male goat of the breed.
Quinta de Travassinhos is strongly marked by the presence of the pombaline demarcation, which dates back to the 18th century.
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