Slow Living
TAKE YOUR TIME
the art of living time
The Experience
Disconnect to reconnect
The Casa de Sobrado Countryside House & The Region
The new luxury is the pause.
The true journey begins when we stop counting kilometers, or miles, and start counting moments.
Time, here, moves at a different pace. As you cross our gate, leave your watch behind and allow the tranquility of the village to welcome you. Every corner of our house was designed for you to simply be, unhurriedly.
Here, luxury is not ostentatious; it lies in the peace of the green mountains, the purity of the air, and the freedom of having no rush.
Designed for those who value exclusivity, our house offers the perfect balance between regenerative tranquility and contemporary comfort. Interiores that respect tradition, blending granitic stone walls with a minimalist and cozy design.
Open doors to the Minho region
Located just a few minutes from the center of Vila Verde and Braga, and at the gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, we are the ideal starting point to explore the North of Portugal, while always remaining the safe haven you wish to return to at the end of the day.
We believe that time is today's most valuable resource. That is why, at Casa de Sobrado Countryside House, the clock ticks at a different pace. We invite you to turn off your notifications and reconnect with what truly matters:
the leisure of taking care of yourself – Inhabiting every corner designed for your rest and rediscovering the pleasure of unhurried time.
The Region - An infinity of sensations to reveal
Step out and discover a territory where tradition pulses and nature remains untouched.
Vila Verde cannot be fully captured in a single glance; it reveals itself in countless layers of history and tradition.
We invite you to wander through a mosaic of experiences where every detail – from the meticulous embroidery to the ancestral stone – composes a scenery of endless beauty.
Let curiosity guide you and find, in every corner, a new reason to fall in love with this land, exploring a vast territory of memories where the hospitality of the people and the richness of the heritage create a permanent invitation to explore.
We have curated the best of the region for you.
We have prepared a detailed and personalized itinerary, designed to transform your stay into an absolute immersion into the soul of the Minho region. This careful selection of our favorite places is exclusively accessible to guests, and its practical details and maps will be provided to you at the moment of your check-in.
Welcome home. Welcome to your time.
The Sanctuary
The house's intention
We designed every corner with a clear purpose for your stay.
Outdoor well-being,
to be experienced
Your private oasis – The saltwater pool, gentler on the environment and on your skin, overlooking the green mountain landscape, is the ultimate invitation to refresh yourself, unhurriedly, under the Minho sun. From the house's garden to the bedrooms, every area is an invitation to the presence of relaxation.
Gathering and flavors, to share
Social spaces designed for memorable, unhurried meals. The porch and the patio are the perfect backdrops for long outdoor dinners and stargazing.
The Rest Sanctuary of Design and Comfort,
to disconnect
The first floor was conceived as our zone of stillness. A haven of disconnection with interiors designed for rest, where sleep is assured by 2 king-size beds and 2 twin beds, complemented by the quality of premium linens.
Art and Identity,
to contemplate
Architecture & Design
Let yourself be guided by the original paintings and illustrations that inhabit the walls – by Olga Cardoso Pinto and Nuno Pinto – and by the windows that frame the green landscape of our mountains. Here, your gaze finds room to stretch.
Minho's granite walls embraced by modernity. And for greater comfort and convenience, private parking for 2 vehicles.
Nature
Where the horizon has no limits.
Explore
Paths of our village. We share with you our favorite paths through the village. Paths that reveal the authenticity of the landscape and the sounds that only the countryside can offer.
Feel
Picnics and river beaches. Reclaim the simplicity of a picnic in the shade or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the river beaches, true well-kept secrets.
Gastronomy
The taste of the territory.
Savor
At the table, set aside time for what is authentic. Let yourself be won over by the richness of a traditional Pica no Chão and the conventual sweetness of an Abade de Priscos Pudding – treasures of our gastronomy that pair perfectly with Vinhos Verdes.
Taste
The legacy of Vinho Verde. Explore the unique freshness of the region's wines at local producers where the passion for the vineyards is passed down through generations.
Culture
The heritage you can feel.
Feel
Let yourself be immersed in the sensations of the Lenços de Namorados (Sweetheart Handkerchiefs); touch the textures that narrate ancient love stories and discover, stitch by stitch, the writing of affection.
Live
Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Vila Verde, between the folklore of the Festas de Santo António (Saint Anthony's Festivals) and the authenticity of the Rota das Colheitas (Harvest Route), where work turns into celebration and the visitor becomes part of the table and the joy.
Inspire
Explore the dynamism of the Bienal de Arte (Art Biennale) or the Feira Quinhentista (16th-Century Fair), letting creativity and the legacy of Sá de Miranda awaken new perspectives.
Heritage
The time we inhabit.
Unveil
Explore corners where time has stood still, between sacred art, traditional crafts, and hidden stone villages; discover the secrets of those who, for centuries, shaped the soul of this territory.
Conquer
Ascend to the granitic peaks and conquer 360-degree horizons, where the immensity of the landscape invites you to suspend your gaze and breathe in the freedom of the Minho region.
Absorb history
Let the silence of the ancestral stones tell you stories of resilience and legends, taking with you not just photographs, but the living heritage of a place that is now yours too.
Our local community
Here we present some of the local producers, creators, and spaces that elevate our region's culture and bring life to our territory.
Cisacasão Wines
The simplicity and purity of Loureiro in the Cávado sub-region.
"The Cisacasão project was born in 2020 with the aim of valuing our region and heritage. We work exclusively with the region's autochthonous grape varieties, Loureiro and Vinhão. Every year, we want to bring the history of that specific harvest to your glass by producing minimal intervention wines. We are a micro-producer focused on showcasing terroir and longevity in our region. Let yourself be carried away by the tranquility of our winery while tasting and discovering everything we produce! I look forward to welcoming you, João Fernandes (Partner and Winemaker)."
Lactimercados
The best regional cheeses.
Founded in 2002, Lactimercados is a company dedicated to the production and marketing of the finest regional cheeses from the Minho region, under the brand "Quinta dos Moinhos Novos".
In 2016, with the opening of its factory in Vila Verde, Braga, Lactimercados acquired production capacity, a modern facility, and the ability to approach new markets and new business opportunities. The commitment to combining the best traditions in the art of cheese-making with top-quality products remains, now with the ambition of establishing a presence in several international markets, making foreign trade one of the brand's key focuses.
Mirtiflor
Sustainable production and artisanal processing of berries.
Mirtiflor is a company entirely dedicated to the production of berries and their transformation into products such as jams, liqueurs, blueberry marmalade, and blueberry vinegar. Everything is handcrafted.
Centro Interpretativo do Artesanato em Cerâmica (Interpretive Center for Ceramic Crafts)
A cultural space dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of the region's strong pottery tradition.
The Interpretive Center for Ceramic Crafts aims to give visitors the opportunity to discover the traditional "Loiças de Prado" (Prado pottery) and the most distinctive features of local ceramic production, before inviting them to get their hands dirty and work the clay on a potter's wheel. It features a workshop for visitors and artisans, as well as dedicated spaces for various activities. A space of memory, dedicated to knowledge, creativity, and cultural enjoyment.
* Vagar [va-gár]: The untranslatable Portuguese art of taking your time. A state of unhurried presence where the soul catches up with the body.
Vagar is our way of saying: Take your time.
Modern life demands a new rhythm. The "Círculo do Vagar" is not just a set of principles, but an invitation to tune into the pulse of Vila Verde. Here, time is no longer a resource to be exhausted, but a space to be inhabited. From the granite stones of Casa de Sobrado to the freshness of the Homem and Cávado riverbanks, we propose a return to the essential: where tranquility regenerates, the table unites, and lingering is the highest form of intelligence. Come in, set aside your haste, and let these principles guide your days among us.
FAQ
The "Vagar" protocol
What is the "Círculo do Vagar" (Circle of Lingering )?
The "Círculo do Vagar" is our exclusive community of guests and local enthusiasts. By joining this circle through our website registration, you guarantee priority access to seasonal offers, communications about Vila Verde’s cultural events, and early access to limited booking periods.
Can Circle of Lingering offers be combined with other promotions?
The exclusive conditions for "Círculo do Vagar" members are designed to offer the best available value. Should there be any public campaigns active, member conditions will always take priority or be more advantageous, unless otherwise stated in the specific offer’s terms.
Can I cancel my "Círculo do Vagar" registration?
Yes. Freedom and time are our core pillars. You may revoke your registration at any time via the link provided in all our communications, and our doors will always remain open for a future visit.
How can I ensure I receive offers in advance?
Upon confirming your registration, your email is added to our priority list. We recommend adding our contact address to your favorites to ensure our early booking communications are not filtered.
Is there a membership fee for the "Círculo do Vagar"?
No. Joining the "Círculo do Vagar" is a complimentary service provided by Take-YourTime.com and Casa de Sobrado for guests and those interested in Minho’s culture. Our goal is to facilitate access to the territory’s authenticity and a more balanced, mindful lifestyle.
What kind of regional activities will I receive by email?
We share initiatives that honor the territory and align with our values: from craft workshops to Vila Verde’s local events and traditions.
How are the region’s "Relevant Actions" selected?
Our curation is based on criteria of authenticity, quality, and proximity. We highlight initiatives that promote the enjoyment of nature, gastronomy, culture, and heritage – such as the Lenços de Namorados (lovers' handkerchiefs) or local events and traditions – ensuring that guests experience the very best and most genuine things the region has to offer.
What makes the Vila Verde territory ideal for "Vagar" ?
Vila Verde is a land of authenticity. The combination of nature, gastronomy, culture, and heritage – such as the serenity of the Homem and Cávado rivers, lingering meals, the silence of its sanctuaries, and the patience of its traditional arts (like the "Lenços dos Namorados") – creates the perfect ecosystem for those who need to slow down and catch their breath.
How can I get the "Vagar" Guide?
The Guide is a curated document that embodies the "Vagar" (Take-YourTime philosophy). To preserve the exclusivity of the experience, access to this guide is granted exclusively to our guests at the time of check-in.
The House: Your place of shelter
Casa de Sobrado Countryside House is your safe haven. Forget the notifications and the noise of the world outside. These granite walls are here to protect you and restore your calm. Come in, set down your luggage, and let the house help you switch off "autopilot." Here, time belongs to you.
The Pause: Tranquility as your guide
In this house, the pause is an act of freedom. Allow yourself moments of stillness. Inspired by the legacy of the 16th-century poet Sá de Miranda – who traded the noise of the courts for the peace of Minho – we invite you to rediscover the pleasure of reading and reflection. Here, words are in no hurry. Open a book, write down a thought, or simply contemplate the tranquil green of the mountain. Here, your gaze finds room to stretch and, like the poet, allow yourself to live this life of "vagar."
Nature: Where thought finds rest
Minho region is not a backdrop, it is a recharger. Walking through nature – whether through the region’s mountains, along the banks of the Homem and Cávado Rivers, or climbing to beautiful viewpoints to scan the horizon – is giving the mind space to breathe. In the freshness of the green, ideas regain clarity, and conversations with loved ones take on a new depth.
The Table: The ritual of lingering
Sitting at the table for a "Pica no Chão" (traditional rice dish) or the sweetness of an "Abade de Priscos" pudding is an act of respect for time. Accompanied by the crispness of "Vinhos Verdes", these flavors remind us that the best-crafted things in life cannot be rushed. Eat slowly, savor the conversation, and remember that happiness is also cooked over a low flame.
Tradition: Learning from those who know how to wait
The culture of Vila Verde – from the Lenços de Namorados (Valentine’s Handkerchiefs) to its ancient heritage – is our greatest lesson. Like a meticulous embroidery, our best projects and our affections require dedication and calm hands. To experience these traditions is to realize that "doing things slowly" is the highest form of care and excellence.
Sharing: "Vagar" as a common good
Being part of this community means understanding that one person's balance is everyone's balance. Cultivate gestures of courtesy and care, respecting the space and time of others. Whether in a word exchanged at the end of the day or in the respect for another’s solitude, Vagar flourishes when it is nurtured together.
The Return: Carrying balance in your luggage
The “Vagar” you find in the Minho region, in Vila Verde, may be temporary, but what you learn in this community stays with you. Depart with a clearer gaze and a lighter spirit. The goal is not to go back to rushing, but to return to your challenges with a new strength: the strength of knowing that life is inhabited with vagar, and that you are much more than your speed.
May the tranquility that lives here accompany you on your return, and may the memory of these moments of calm be your haven whenever the world outside is in a hurry.
“Círculo do Vagar”
The "Vagar" is not what we do. It`s how we choose to be.
Often, we mistake rest for the absence of movement. But the "Vagar" is not inertia, it is intention.
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It is not about the destination, it is about the step: You may walk miles along the riverbanks or through the village trails, but if you do so with your mind on tomorrow, you are not truly lingering. Lingering happens when your feet and your mind inhabit the same place.
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It is not about the menu, it is about the sharing: Sitting at a table in Vila Verde is not merely about satisfying hunger. It is the conscious choice to set aside the clock and let the conversation flow at the rhythm of the wine cooling in the glass. It is a respect for the time the earth took to create what you are now savoring.
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It is not about silence, it is about listening: You can be in the heart of a traditional pilgrimage or at a boisterous family table and still inhabit the state of lingering. it lives in your ability to observe, to smile without haste, and to honor the presence of those around you.
Lingering is a posture toward life.
It is the courage to say 'not now' to the world’s urgency in order to say 'yes' to the depth of the moment. It is the elegance of not rushing time, treating every gesture – whether an embroidery, a dip in the river, or a gaze at the horizon — as a work of art that admits no hurry.
In the Circle of Lingering, we do not ask you to do nothing. We ask that, in whatever you do, you are entirely there.
During your time in this territory, set aside your haste. Inhabit the moment. Feel the lingering.
Welcome.