Villa Souto

The villa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Vigo Estuary in Galicia, northern Spain, this five - bedroom home sleeping 10 adults and 2 children features whitewashed walls, abundant natural light and unfussy décor. The ground - floor open - plan living area has large arched windows, wicker sofas, huge patio doors, sea views and an open fireplace. Overlooking the lounge is a dining table for eight, with a galley kitchen nearby. This level also includes four light and airy bedrooms - two single and two double - one with a modern en - suite toilet, plus a separate bathroom with a shower. Tiled steps lead to the first floor and a spacious main suite with a double bed, sofa bed, cot and an en - suite bathroom with a hydromassage bath. Its standout feature is a stunning terrace accessed through glass doors, ideal for relaxing on a lounger while taking in panoramic views of the bay. Outside, a ground - floor terrace offers a swimming pool, loungers, shaded spots and glorious sea views, along with a lower - level garden with lawn and swings. And you'll find narrow steps leading down to your own small private beach! Evenings at Villa Souto can be spent watching the sun go down whilst dining al fresco at the outdoor table by the stone barbeque. Villa Souto sits in a quiet neighbourhood in the coastal village of Soutoxuste, overlooking mountains and the estuary, yet only 2 km from restaurants and shops.

Villa Souto is located in Galicia’s south in northern Spain. Surrounded by forest and overlooking Vigo Bay, this region is well - known for its wild and beautiful landscape. There are a number of walking trails in the area, and bird watchers will enjoy spotting kestrels, spoonbills and white storks. The coastline is also dramatic and dotted with little fishing villages, long sandy beaches and unspoilt offshore islands. Galicia is also famed for having some of the best seafood plucked straight from the Atlantic. From the property, it’s 2km to the nearest restaurant, where you can sample the region’s signature dish of octopus sprinkled with olive oil and paprika. Other seafood delights include clams, mussels, and scallops, which can be enjoyed with a glass of local, fruity white Albarino wine.

Guests at Villa Souto also have direct access to their own private beach. Use the villa’s kayak and explore the coastline or spend the day swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Alternatively, it’s a 5 - minute drive to Praia de Cesantes. This quiet, sandy beach is a good place to relax, and the calm waters make it safe for the whole family. Children can fly their kites here, while older ones can try their hand at windsurfing.

The nearby coastal city of Vigo is also worth exploring. A 20 - minute drive from the villa, it’s considered to be Galicia’s artistic capital. Stroll through the Old Town with its art galleries and wicker shops and visit the cathedral dating back to 1811. There’s also a Museum of Contemporary Art where you can learn about Galician authors and admire the artwork of upcoming artists. Also worth a visit is the Castro de Vigo, an archaeological site featuring the reconstruction of pre - Roman dwellings. It shows what life was like in Vigo between the third and first centuries BC. From the site, walk up the Castro Mountain and be rewarded with spectacular views of the estuary from the top.

North from the property, it’s a 25 - minute drive to another charming historic city, Pontevedra. This is where Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria, was built and is a good place to spend a day. Stroll around the Old Town with its network of streets and squares and admire the ancient buildings and churches dating back to the thirteenth century. Browse the markets and shops, then enjoy a coffee in the buzzy Praza da Ferreria. The square is overlooked by the fourteenth - century Igrexa de San Francisco, founded (it’s thought) by St Francis of Assisi.