The Owner
If you’re looking for a silent retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, make sure to consider Quatro Anas Farmhouse. And if it’s something in the city you’re looking for and you’re on a budget, they’ve got you covered there too. With two locations and a total of 5 properties, Quatro Anas has enough room for you, your family and more!
Though each property has its own unique essence and style, Quatro Anas is all about finding an important harmony that is fitting for just the right guest. Quatro Anas’ title has a particularly unique backstory. The name is derived from 4 generations of women named Ana, which is already a great piece of family history they invite their guests to be a part of.
Her Philosophy
Being no stranger to the business world, the 36 year old owner of Quatro Anas, has seen the ups and downs of success. As the founder of a corporation in the Philippines, she’s well aware of the do’s and don’ts in running an establishment.
Having grown up in a foreign country herself, and lived abroad practically her whole life, she believes in making her guests feel like they’re a part of the family. Whether they’re staying for a weekend or longer, she insists that they share healthy meals, indulge in the serene nature surrounding them, or have a chat with fellow guests at the hostel. Spending time together is important to owner Diana, and the same is true for her mother, Anna, who has lived at their farmhouse for roughly 40 years. With not just this philosophy backing Diana and her business, she has plenty of room to host you. Including 1 apartment, a villa and an orange plantation on site, just the villa itself can accommodate up to 14 people! So…you’re set.
The Farmhouse
The farmhouse and hostel has brought Diana great joy since she began her project. A free spirit if you will, she tries to focus solely on the four most important aspects of her farmhouse. 1. Casa (home), 2. Salutem (health), 3. Anima (soul) and 4. Circulum (events).
“Home” is in reference to the sleep quality that her guests receive when they stay on the farm. Set in a rural and very remote area of Portugal, the nearest town is barely that. Located approximately 10 minutes by car from the small artsy town of Agueda, guests can relish in the solitude of hearing roosters crow in the morning, and crickets cricketing in the evenings.
“Health” allows guests the opportunity to eat completely all natural. With food prepared fresh and straight from the garden and animal pens, guests don’t have to worry about any unnatural added ingredients. Being on the farm, those who are staying overnight or coming solely for lunch, have the advantage of seeing the animals that are raised for meals. Educationally allowing people to appreciate where their food originates. The animals are not just bred for food preparation though. They are also companions for the owner’s mother, who loves raising them!
“Soul” is focused on everything to do with inner well-being. They offer guests the opportunity to come for self-rejuvination, peace, equilbrium and retreats.
“Events” includes wedding ceremonies, campouts, and soon to come low-key evening parties.
To see more photos of Quatro Anas Farmhouse, make sure to click here
The Hostel
While the farmhouse has been hosting guests for only a short time, it’s the hostel in Aveiro that really started the ball rolling. After her passing, her granddaughter turned the beautiful building into a hostel and boutique B&B for guests both on a tight budget, and those who would like to spend a little more for a classy stay. After significant renovations, the hostel boasts 3 apartments, all with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The Apartments
In one apartment in particular, they have a private room which has been converted into a stylish “African art” motif. I was fortunate enough to stay in said room, and the bed…was incredibly and unforgettably comfortable. Though you have shared bathrooms in all of the units, the apartments are very cozy, very private and very welcoming. And if you’re not interested in sleeping solo, there are shared dormitory-style rooms, including those with steel-beamed bunk beds. Whatever your preference, you have it available.
The boutique apartment is something very special though. Having been the former residence of Diana’s late grandmother, she has maintained the flat beautifully. With a higher price per night for the boutique B&B, guests should be aware that they are investing in an unforgettable experience, by stepping into a piece of history, heritage and stylish decor.
Costs
While Quatro Anas isn’t free, you won’t shy away from their prices. The villa in which I stayed for 2 nights is extremely reasonable during both high and low seasons. Even if the lunches are not included in the price, Anna and her daughter will both insist you join them. They want their guests eating healthy, well and often. Lunch at the farm will run you 25 Euro, and this includes a copious amount of food. From pasta, to goat, to salads to desserts it’s quite impossible to leave the table hungry.
The hostel is also a great way to go if you’re on a budget but want to stay near the center of Aveiro. If you’re booking the boutique apartment, you have the opportunity to order breakfast in the morning for 10 Euro. Prepared by Diana’s aunt, she will undoubtedly make you some Portuguese specialties for you to start your day. And as long as you’re staying at one property, why not stay at the other? Diana will personally take you to/from the farmhouse and hostel by car. Just make sure that when you stay at Quatro Anas Farmhouse & Hostel, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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