Rectoral de Cobres 1729

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


A HIDDEN TREASURE.........

Tucked into the brilliant green hillside overlooking the Strait of Rande, Rectoral de Cobres is a fantastic find. Pertaining to the parish of San Adrián de Cobres, this historical treasure dates back to 1729 and is one of the oldest monuments of the Vilaboa area. Friendly owners Randi Hanssen, a native of Norway, and her Spanish husband Juan Carlos Madriñan have lavished great love and attention on this original rectory, transforming it not just into their home, but an intimate little hotel that is overflowing with charm.

From its lawned gardens, swimming pool and several of the bedrooms, guests can take in the stunning views over the Vigo estuary and ¨Ría¨or Strait of Rande. It is here where the legendary Battle of Rande took place in 1702; galleons loaded with gold and silver from the Spanish colonies in America were sunk at the hands of the Anglo-Dutch fleet. This same battle inspired Jules Verne´s novel ¨Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea¨, wherein Captain Nemo regularly visited Rande with the “Nautilus” to finance his expeditions with the treasure that, even to this day, is believed to still remain on the estuary floor.

A gated entrance opens to reveal a beautiful property, complete with an original stone granary (now used to present the works of local artists), and the rectory chapel. To the right, the exquisite stone house sits proudly. By now, Lúa and Chispi, Juan Carlos and Randi´s two sweet little dogs will have come to greet you. Upon entering the Hotel, a striking stone staircase carries your eye up to the 1st floor where eight bedrooms are situated off a small but cosy salon. To the right of reception is a charming little bar in which to enjoy a coffee or drink at your leisure, and further into the heart of the house is an alluring salon with its awe-inspiring stone archways and bold beamed celings – all original, of course. A wood-buring fireplace offers a soothing atmosphere after a day´s sightseeing or simply a sublime setting for snuggling with a book from the library in the cooler months.

The spacious bedrooms, most of which have views over the ¨Ría¨, have been very tastefully decorated and the little touches like fresh flowers will not go unnoticed. I loved the hydrangeas! The light and airy rooms are spotlessly clean, further complemented by neutral tones of beige, white and soft green. One of the rooms features the rector´s original ¨lareira¨, or stone oven, and another a romantic four-poster bed – the decorative touches are lovely! All are equipped with satellite TV, internet access, mini-bar, safe, telephone and heating. The rooms are not air-conditioned, but Galicia generally does not receive extreme temperatures in the summer months.

Delicious breakfasts are served in a charming little breakfast room reminiscent of an open-plan country kitchen with a few tables and pretty wicker chairs, and one larger table. Although the Hotel does not serve lunch or dinner, there are excellent dining options nearby, including the oyster capital of Arcade which is just 11km away. Vigo, just 10km from the Hotel, is also easily accessible and offers a wide variety of traditional restaurants.

When it comes to activities you will not be at a loss for things to see and do. The historical centre of Pontevedra is just 12km from the Hotel, and the beaches of Vigo are a mere 15 minutes by car. Golfers, the Ría de Vigo Golf Club is just 4km from the hotel, and boat excursions to the Cíes Islands as well as kayaking, windsurfing, horse riding, walking routes are literally at your fingertips. For those hoping to find that sunken treasure in the Strait of Rande, scuba diving can be arranged!

An ideal Hotel if you are looking for a peaceful retreat, or an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area; where you will arrive as guests and leave as friends.