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The Philosopher's Stone

  • 8 guests

  • 4 bedrooms

  • 2 bathrooms

    +1 extra toilet

  • sq/ft

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There are several things we love about this home. First of all, it's housed in a gorgeous refurbished 19th-century building that used to belong to a commander from the 1800s. The second reason is for its Harry Potter connections – the house opposite is where JK Rowling lived during her time in Porto. It’s said she wrote the first three chapters of the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone there. Third, but by no means least, is the sunny, large courtyard garden with its rocking chair, barbecue, sofa and dining table, which is the real highlight of this home. It's filled with roses, geraniums, and a lemon tree – it's the perfect place to gather with your family or friends. Inside, there are plenty of character features such as exposed stone walls, beams, shutters and traditional tiles. Whip up some bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (cod casserole) in the kitchen and enjoy it at the huge wooden table. Out and about, there's plenty to see in this enchanting city. Jardim de São Lázaro, Lisbon's oldest municipal park, is a four-minute stroll, while the Via Catarina Shopping Mall is eight minutes on foot. It's around the same distance to Bolhão Market...


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Ask the host anything

Do you have a question about this home or the local area?

What to expect


Highlights

Head to Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, under a twenty-minute walk away

Head to Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, under a twenty-minute walk away

Sunbathe next to the fragrant lemon tree and geraniums

Sunbathe next to the fragrant lemon tree and geraniums

Enjoy a francesinha sandwich at your outdoor table

Enjoy a francesinha sandwich at your outdoor table

Admire the traditional features

Admire the traditional features

Like what you see? Explore more of this home

Home truths

    This home has a private entrance

    A travel cot and high chair is available upon request

    The full bathroom is on the second floor

    There are stairs at this home – something to bear in mind for those with limited mobility

    There are mattress heaters here

    The dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly space

    Guests are kindly asked to respect the quiet hours here, which are between 10pm and 8am

    Porto Airport is nineteen minutes in the car

About this stay


Amenities

Desk / workplace

Wi-fi

Garden

TV

Dishwasher

Fridge

Bedrooms & bathrooms

4 bedrooms, 5 beds

2 bathrooms, 1 additional toilet

Extras


VIP services

Airport pick up

Daily cleaning

Additional fees

  • There's no free parking at this home, but you can pay to use the nearby public car park

  • If you’ll be arriving between 9pm and 11pm, you’ll be charged a late arrival fee of €15 – your host charges €30 for arrivals after 11pm

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.

Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.

Local guide


About Batalha

Directly south of Bolhão and its famous market, Batalha is an inner-city area that borders on the historic centres of Baixa and Ribeira. Like a lot of Porto’s centre, it was relatively run-down until around fifteen years ago, but has since undergone a cultural revival. There’s a wide range of nearby restaurants to try out, and some famous music and theatre venues. Some parts have a calmer, more residential vibe,...

Explore the area

Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Enjoy a picnic at Jardim das Virtudes

Enjoy a picnic at Jardim das Virtudes

The terraced gardens with panomaric views over the Arrábida Bridge and the Douro river are always packed with locals enjoying the sun – join them!

This is for Meat and Cheese Lovers

This is for Meat and Cheese Lovers

Taste here the best pernil sandwiches with queijo da serra, a Portuguese cheese, for lunch or dinner or whenever you feel hungry.

Catch a play at São João Theatre

Catch a play at São João Theatre

Beautifully renovated after a fire in 1908, the São João National Theatre's programme is full of great performing art.

Watch a movie at the Rivoli Theatre

Watch a movie at the Rivoli Theatre

Rivoli theatre is home to one of the oldest film festivals in Portugal – Fantasporto. Even outside festival season, their screening programme is superb.

Admire the tiles at São Bento Station

Admire the tiles at São Bento Station

Recently declared a UNESCO Heritage site, São Bento Railway Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Elegant and Traditional Café

Elegant and Traditional Café

Known as the café of musicians, this café opened since 1933 serves portuguese delicatesse and has nights dedicated to fado music.

Stroll along the Ribera Riverbank

Stroll along the Ribera Riverbank

This area by the river Douro is one of the most picturesque walks in Portugal. Take it slow, admire the colourful houses and enjoy the river breeze.

Indulge in a francesinha at Bufete Fase

Indulge in a francesinha at Bufete Fase

Bufete Fase is a snack bar that only sells francesinhas. Their reputation has earned them queues out the door, but you won't wait long if you get there early.

Booking policies


House Rules

Children welcome (1-12 years)

Infants welcome (under 12 months)

Smoking allowed

No pets

No parties or events

Good to know

Arrival from 16:00

Departure before 11:00

Wifi

No air con

Cancellation policy

  • Up until

    5

    days

    Cancel at least 5 days before your check-in date for a full refund.

  • Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 5 days away.

Host


This home is managed by Duarte

This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Duarte loves meeting new people and hosting comes naturally to him. He rents a wide portfolio of homes and is always happy to boost his guests' journeys with tips and local recommendations.

Registration or licence number: 81864/AL.

This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.

  • Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.

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  • Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
  • Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
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  • Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
  • Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.