Quinta da Ribeira Escura — Self-Sufficient, Exclusive Retreat on 2.29 ha with Views of the Serra da Estrela
Set on the outskirts of Mangualde and just a few minutes from Viseu, Quinta da Ribeira Escura combines the solidity of traditional granite architecture with full contemporary self-sufficiency. Located at the end of a private access road with no through-traffic, this 22,851 m² property offers absolute privacy, rich biodiversity, and an intimate relationship with the surrounding natural landscape.
3-Bedroom Stone Main House (T3)
Fully renovated with high-quality finishes and excellent thermal performance (thick stone walls complemented by double-glazed windows):
- Ground Floor: Custom-built kitchen with granite countertops and a ceramic sink, pantry, living room, dining room, and an office/additional space.
- First Floor: Three bright bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
- Heating & Hot Water: Central heating via a radiator circuit fed by a wood-burning heat-recovery stove or by a diesel-fired system; domestic hot water supplied by a solar thermal system.
- Outdoor Area: Granite-paved terrace beneath a kiwi-vine pergola, and a mosaic-tiled pool perfectly integrated into the natural terrain.
Additional Living Spaces (180 m² Total) — Expansion Potential
Versatile spaces suited to a studio, guest accommodation, or an eco-tourism project, subject to the relevant municipal permits and licensing:
- Eco-Cottage (~50 m²): Eco-friendly construction with a living (green) roof, sleeping area, living room with integrated kitchen, and a bathroom with a composting system.
- Converted Barn (~130 m²): Architect-led renovation with solid-wood finishes, 6 skylights, and large glazed openings. Includes 2 large lounge areas, 2 mezzanines, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, outdoor patio, and a fenced area of 900 m².
Off-Grid Infrastructure & Energy
- Photovoltaic System: 28 solar panels (~80 m² of collection area), a bank of 24 stationary batteries, and professional-grade inverters housed in a dedicated technical room.
Water Management & Resources
- Supply & Purity: A well with a 30 m³ capacity and a latest-generation electric pump; advanced purification via triple filtration and UV disinfection.
- Rainwater Storage: A network of 3 tanks totaling 25,000 L, used for irrigation and to top up the pool.
- Safety: Pressurized network with multiple water points and strategically placed fire hydrants throughout the property.
Permaculture, Agricultural Production & Woodland
Land structured in terraces with automated irrigation and enriched soil:
- Established Orchard (100+ Trees): Assorted citrus, fig, apple, pear, cherry, almond, and hazelnut trees, olive, quince, and pomegranate trees — complemented by its own vineyard.
- Vegetable Garden & Herbs: Productive beds of seasonal vegetables, soft fruit (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), and an aromatic/medicinal botanical garden.
- Native Woodland: Hillsides covered with mature oaks, cork oaks, and pines.
Equestrian Facilities, Outbuildings & River Setting
- Stud & Livestock: Equipped stable and structured paddocks, currently home to two resident horses.
- Technical Outbuildings: Garage, carport for 2 vehicles, mechanical workshop, traditional wood-fired oven, barbecue, storage rooms, and a stone ruin with potential for restoration, subject to feasibility and licensing.
- Waterfront: Direct frontage onto a clear watercourse, with access to a natural lagoon that is home to herons and other native wildlife.
Location & Connectivity
- Amenities: Café, bakery, and schools 5 minutes away; shops and retail 10–15 minutes away.
- Mobility: Fast access to the A25 motorway, connecting easily to Viseu, the Serra da Estrela, the Atlantic coast, and Spain.
A rare, move-in-ready quinta, designed for those who demand rigorous self-sufficiency, thermal comfort, and authenticity in the heart of Portugal.
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