Occupying a commanding position in the historic area of Moimenta da Beira, this substantial private home is offered for sale, a rare opportunity in its centuries-long history. Structurally in good order, the interior of this former Convent requires upgrading, enabling the new owner the flexibility to create an exceptional property.

Classified as 'of national interest', Casa do Convento (formal name: ‘Convento de Nossa Senhora da Purificação’) is a grand, L-shaped mansion over two floors with three outbuildings, set in 4.1 hectares of land. Of these former agricultural buildings, two are adjacent to the main house and the third, with a water garden and notable 18th century statuary, is within 100 metres.

The Casa do Convento estate, a mixture of forest, arable land and fruit trees, has abundant water and is connected to mains electricity. A mature and productive plantation of walnut trees lies immediately to the south of the main building. 

An adjacent plot of 5.7 hectares, approved for low-density construction, is under the same ownership as Casa do Convento and is for sale by separate negotiation. The purchase and development of this additional land could subsidise the purchase and development of the Convent.

Currently registered as a 10-bedroom property, the conversion of Casa do Convento into a 27-bedroom hotel was analysed in a 2017 study. The plans included developing a further eight guest rooms in one outbuilding, a second outbuilding repurposed as a 48-seat restaurant with independent access from the main road and the third outbuilding converted into an events hall, with capacity for 120 people. The redeveloped site would include a swimming pool and parking spaces for 74 vehicles.

Grants and tax concessions can be applied for if Casa do Convento is purchased for conversion to tourism use. Attached to the convent is one of the town’s churches which occasionally is used for weddings. Though not part of the sale, its proximity reinforces the convent’s history, character and importance to the town’s life.

Casa do Convento is in a region producing fine wines and fruits, close to numerous tourist attractions and leisure and recreation facilities. The Vilar reservoir is 10km to the east, known for its calm waters, birdlife, hiking trails, water sports and cycling paths, including the Távora walkway.

Two charming villages, Freixinho and Fonte Arcada, to the east, afford spectacular views over the reservoir. The Lapa Sanctuary, 18km south, attracts many pilgrims. To the west lie the picturesque villages of Alvite and Leomil. The historic town of Sernancelhe, 17km south-east, known as the 'lands of the chestnut', boasts a 12th century main church and a ruined castle, both part of a fascinating historic centre.

Casa do Convento’s immediate surroundings offer every reason to attract tourists and the Douro River, famed for its vineyards and river cruises, is a 30-minute drive north. The city of Viseu is less than an hour's drive, while Porto airport is 1h50 away.