Villa Lerez

Five-bedroom Villa Lerez is a beautifully-restored, 200-year-old, school house in Galicia, Spain. Thanks to its original features and rural location, this family-friendly retreat exudes rustic charm. The villa is set between tree-lined forests and mountains near the Rias Baixas – the region’s four longest coastal inlets. Here, the mix of pretty villages, sandy beaches and top-notch eating options – especially the famous fresh seafood – make the destination a family holiday favourite.

Perfect for rest and relaxation, the villa is in a quiet and private location, surrounded by trees. It flaunts a big pool – lined with cushioned sun loungers – and has plenty of grassy spots for children to play on, or adults to sprawl out with their favourite holiday read. Throw in a terrace area with alfresco dining table and chairs, too, and you can see why Villa Lerez is high on our must-stay-at list.

Inside, the villa features exposed stone and brickwork for a traditional, farm-like feel. Don’t think it skimps on modern facilities, though. We’re talking a fully-equipped kitchen and comfy living and dining room. The villa is split into two sections and can sleep 12 guests. Split into the main house and a separate cottage, both have a kitchen and living facilities to work together or separately – making it ideal for families or groups of friends who are sharing.

To keep younger kids entertained, Villa Lerez flaunts a wooden playhouse with toys, books and games, too. There’s also a washing machine for a hassle-free holiday, plus two barbeques so you can cook up a storm in the warm Mediterranean sunshine – you can pick up your produce in Pontevedra.

Apart from its supermarkets, shops and restaurants, nearby Pontevedra also has a well-preserved old town that you can explore. Livelier Vigo and the quaint Albarino wine capital of Cambados are must visits, too, and can easily be reached from this villa. At the latter, you can book winery tours for sampling the region’s finest and learning about the local wine-making history.