This magnificent, traditionally furnished house echoes back to the aristocratic lifestyle of earlier generations. Solar da Rede is the first hotel to operate under a franchise agreement with the Pousadas of Portugal.

The furniture is outstanding and the individually designed bedrooms have been described as "a museum of beds". Each room contains one of the finest beds of an age and all the furniture in the bedroom co-ordinates with it.

These fine pieces are also seen throughout the public rooms of the hotel and fit perfectly with the architectural grandeur, furnishings and the beautiful, decorated azulejos (painted tiles) on many of the walls.

The Solar was built in the 18th Century on the terraced vineyards leading down to the River Douro.

At that time the view would have been to the fast flowing river but now it is a long lake with hotel boats making a tranquil cruise across the breadth of Portugal to the Spanish border.

The perfect way to arrive at this hotel must be to take one of the boats going up river from Porto and see the magnificent scenery with the terraced vineyards and the white Quintas and Solares standing proudly in the middle of their estates.

For those with less time there is a helicopter pad at the Pousada hotel.

The first owner of this Quinta was Jose Maria de Alpoim who was a controversial political activist at the time when the monarchy gave way to a republic.

After his death in 1916 the house was abandoned and fell into disrepair until it was bought by Pinto Marques in 1962 and it underwent a complete restoration.

When it was bought by the present owner in 1997 the house was in a perfect state and only the kitchen required remodelling.

As you enter the doors into this magnificent building the feeling is one of stepping back into the past.

The hall has a granite floor and half way up the walls are the famous painted tiles for which Portugal is famous.

On a rug in the centre is a beautiful carved table with rustic bench seats at the walls.

In the centre a fine granite staircase leads up to a balcony at first floor level.

Other fine rooms are throughout the house including a dining room containing 17th Century furniture which is now only used for special occasions.

The old kitchens, with their tiled floors and walls, have been converted to the hotel dining room. Formerly it was 3 rooms separated by granite arches and this creates an intimate atmosphere.

In the cellars you will find the wine tasting room - the reason for the house and estate. This room still has the old inlaid table in the middle of the 'cave' whose walls are lined with barrels containing the wines of the Quinta.

The outside swimming pool has views over the vineyards and there is also a tennis court. The 25 hectares vineyard provides interesting walks through magnificent scenery.

The accommodation comprises 8 suites and 21 bedrooms. 17 rooms are located in various small houses surrounding the main building.

All bedrooms have private bathroom, air conditioning, hair dryer, bathing gowns, telephone and Cable television. Some rooms have mini-bar.

The Pousada is air conditioned and facilities include heliport, restaurant, bar, terrace, snooker and family games, swimming pool, tennis court and parking.

This Pousada offers conference facilities.

Activities in the area include golf, river cruises, hunting, fishing, bicycle tours and country walks.

For golfers there is an excellent course at Amarante Golf Course.

The pousada is reached by the road from Amarante to Regua with the international airport at Porto (Oporto) approximately 83 kilometers away.