Culture

La Fregeneda

The impressive farmhouse known as Valicobo is situated on a hill overlooking the junction of the River Águeda and the River Duero, near the Vega Terrón Quay.

The properties comprise a group of country houses with deep Portuguese influences located in the town of La Frageneda on the border with Portugal, which have been converted into rural accommodation.

The estate evokes the character of Portuguese quintas, as evidenced by its historical role in agricultural production prior to restoration and rebuilding. This is the reason why this group of houses is often referred to as the Quinta de Valicobo. The building's history includes the repair shop, the old oil mill for oil production, the slaughterhouse, the almond shed, and the mill used for animal feed production. There is evidence that wine, apples, oranges and lemons were also produced in significant quantities here in the past.

Valicobo farmhouse, a fine example of 19th-century architecture, reflects the opulence and modernity of the period. The property boasts several attractive features, including a caretaker's house, which was used to maintain the grounds. The interior space is well-cared for, with large halls and modernist decorations that resemble the houses of the Indianos. In this context, the architecture was more suited to an urban bourgeoisie than to those living in remote rural areas. The English influence is evident, as wine was previously traded with England.

The chapel of La Anunciada is a notable feature of this complex. The chapel is whitewashed and decorated with bands of cobalt blue, which aligns with the aesthetic of the property. The structure's architectural features include a belfry crowned by a weather vane at the top. From this advantageous vantage point, one can observe the Duero River's course through the Portuguese mountains towards Porto.

Furthermore, this location is an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The area is home to a diverse range of species, including dáurid swallows, musical chiffchaffs, grey herons, kingfishers, European bee-eaters, and other species of special conservation interest such as Bonelli's eagles or griffon vultures. .