Our most inspiring ruin and renovation properties in Portugal

Lucy Paterson

​Are you eager to pick up your tool kit and make a crumbling house your dream home? Portugal is the perfect location to do just that! With so many hidden architectural gems, ripe for restoration and brimming with potential, you can bring new life to a rustic cottage, restore a sun-drenched villa, or create a tranquil retreat in Portugal’s scenic countryside.


From stone village houses in Vila de Rei to expansive plots overlooking the serene Zêzere River in Sertã, these properties present unique opportunities to craft your ideal Portuguese haven. Starting from as little as €6,000, you can transform a historic ruin into a bespoke countryside retreat, a lucrative holiday let, or a distinctive boutique enterprise.​


Each property is full of Portuguese charm, set in stunning landscapes with easy access to local markets, history, and cuisine. Ready to embrace a new chapter while crafting something truly special? Our listings are refreshed regularly—don't miss your chance to discover the next hidden gem.
 

Share this:

Quaint quinta with Douro River views

Cinfaes 595k.png
This charming farmhouse, perched above the Douro River, offers a unique renovation opportunity. The property includes a house with terrace, a wine cellar, and a traditional olive oil press, all set within expansive grounds.


Price: €595,000
Location: São Cristóvão de Nogueira, Cinfães
Special features: House with terrace, wine cellar, olive oil press, extensive land
Close to: Douro River, local amenities in Cinfães, regional vineyards and wineries

Hilltop hideaway with Douro Valley vistas

marco do canaveses 59k.jpg
This traditional stone ruin offers a fantastic renovation project in the heart of the Douro Valley. Set on a generous 6,000 m² plot, it provides ample space for gardens or even a small vineyard, with sweeping countryside views that capture the beauty of northern Portugal.

 

Price: €59,000
Location: Marco de Canaveses, Porto District
Special features: Stone house for restoration, extensive land, scenic valley views
Close to: Local amenities in Marco de Canaveses, Douro Valley vineyards, countryside walking trails

Rustic farmhouse with vast potential in the Algarve

Silves 265k.jpg
This once-grand farmhouse is ready for transformation. Set on a sprawling plot, the property offers the perfect foundation for a striking renovation, with traditional stone walls, open countryside views, and plenty of space for gardens, a pool, or even an orchard. An ambitious project with huge rewards.

 

Price: €265,000
Location: Silves, Faro District
Special features: Expansive land, traditional stone construction, renovation potential
Close to: Historic town of Silves, local markets, Algarve beaches, countryside trails

Stone cottage with expansive grounds in Padornelo

Padornelo 96.5k.jpg
This rustic two-bedroom stone cottage, ripe for restoration, is nestled within a generous 2,700 m² plot in the tranquil parish of Padornelo. The property offers ample space for gardens or additional structures, making it an ideal canvas for your countryside retreat.

 

Price: €96,500
Location: Padornelo, Paredes de Coura, Viana do Castelo District
Special features: Traditional stone construction, extensive plot, renovation potential
Close to: Paredes de Coura town centre, local markets, scenic walking trails

Traditional villa with wine cellar  in Alenquer

Alenquer 149.9k.jpg
This spacious villa offers a prime renovation opportunity, featuring a plot of 642 m². The property includes a main house with multiple rooms, outbuildings, and ample outdoor space, ideal for creating a bespoke family residence or a charming rural retreat.​

 

Price: €149,900​
Location: Alenquer, Lisbon District​
Special features: Extensive plot, multiple outbuildings, renovation potential​
Close to: Alenquer town centre, local vineyards, easy access to Lisbon
 

Rustic stone house with land in Ponta do Pargo

Ponta do Pargo 125k.png
Nestled in the serene countryside of Ponta do Pargo, this old stone house offers a unique renovation opportunity. Set on a 675 m² plot, the property provides ample space for creating a tranquil retreat amidst nature.​

 

Price: €125,000​
Location: Ponta do Pargo, Calheta, Madeira​
Special features: Stone construction, countryside views, garden with fruit trees​
Close to: Golf courses, scenic walking trails, local amenities

Charming villa with annexes in Óbidos

Obidos 230k.jpg

This property offers a main villa with two annexes, providing ample space for renovation and customization. The main house features a traditional layout, while the annexes offer additional living areas or potential guest accommodations. The surrounding land provides opportunities for gardens or outdoor leisure spaces.​

 

Price: €230,000​
Location: Óbidos, Leiria District​
Special features: Main villa with two annexes, traditional architecture, spacious plot​
Close to: Óbidos Castle, local shops and cafes, Silver Coast beaches

Village house with garden in Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei 55k.jpeg
This two-bedroom village house, ripe for renovation, sits on an impressive 3,704 m² plot, offering endless possibilities for expansion, gardening, or even a rural tourism project. A rare find in the heart of Vila de Rei, this property is perfect for those seeking a peaceful countryside lifestyle with modern conveniences nearby.

 

Price: €55,000
Location: Vila de Rei, Castelo Branco District
Special features: Two-bedroom house, 3,704 m² plot, renovation potential
Close to: Local shops, cafes, public services, nature trails

Riverside plot with approved villa project in Sertã

Serta 95k.jpeg

This 1,185 m² plot offers stunning views of the Zêzere River and comes with an approved project for two semi-detached villas, each featuring modern architecture and private swimming pools. It's an excellent opportunity for investors or those looking to build a custom riverside retreat.

 

Price: €95,000
Location: Sertã, Castelo Branco District
Special features: Approved construction project, river views, potential for two villas
Close to: Zêzere River, local amenities, natural parks

Part-renovated schist stone village house in Góis

Gois 110k.jpg

This charming village house has been partially renovated, blending traditional Portuguese architecture with modern comforts. The property features a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and a delightful garden perfect for outdoor relaxation. Located in the picturesque town of Góis, it offers a serene lifestyle amidst natural beauty.​

 

Price: €110,000​
Location: Góis, Coimbra District​
Special features: Renovated interiors, private garden, traditional architecture​
Close to: Local amenities, river beaches, hiking trails

Townhouse restoration project in the heart of Paredes de Coura

Paredes de Coura 49k.jpg
This character-filled townhouse is ready for a complete transformation. With a 98 m² build size on a 50 m² plot, it offers an exciting opportunity to craft a bespoke home in a lively and picturesque town. The small courtyard provides potential for an intimate outdoor retreat, while the central location ensures easy access to local amenities. A rewarding project for those looking to breathe new life into a traditional Portuguese property.

 

Price: €49,000
Location: Paredes de Coura, Viana do Castelo District
Special features: Full renovation opportunity, small courtyard, central location
Close to: Town centre, local markets, cultural events, countryside walks

Traditional Azorean villa ready for restoration in Horta

Horta 89.5k.jpg

Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this traditional Azorean villa offers an exciting renovation opportunity. With a generous plot and classic architectural features, it’s the perfect project for those looking to restore a piece of Faial’s charm. Whether creating a family home or a tranquil retreat, this property is full of potential.

 

Price: €89,500
Location: Horta, Faial, Azores
Special features: Traditional Azorean architecture, spacious plot, full renovation opportunity
Close to: Horta town centre, local shops and restaurants, nature trails

Cluster of stone houses with land in Calheta

Calheta 285k.png
This unique property comprises three stone houses and two barns, all in need of restoration. Set on a 1,500 m² plot, it offers parking for up to four vehicles and the flexibility to adapt the structures to individual needs, making it ideal for a family compound or rural tourism project.​

 

Price: €285,000​
Location: Calheta, Madeira​
Special features: Multiple stone houses, barns, large plot​
Close to: Calheta beach, local amenities, scenic hiking routes

Historic ruin with expansive grounds in Gamil e Midões

Gamil e Midoes 250k.png
This property offers a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of history near Barcelos. The ruined house, set on a generous 2,400 m² plot, awaits restoration, providing a blank canvas for those wishing to create a bespoke residence that blends historical elements with modern design.​

 

Price: €250,000​
Location: Gamil e Midões, Braga District​
Special features: Historic ruin, large plot, proximity to Barcelos​
Close to: Barcelos town centre, local markets, cultural landmarks

Schist stone bargain in Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco 6k.jpg
This two-storey schist stone ruin, set in a tranquil Beira village, offers a fantastic opportunity for restoration. With a 30 m² footprint, it’s perfect for creating a cosy retreat that embraces the region’s traditional architecture. The sale includes half of the villa, but there is the possibility of purchasing the other half for the same price, making it an even more enticing project for those looking to maximise space and potential.

 

Price: €6,000
Location: Almaceda, Castelo Branco District
Special features: Schist stone construction, opportunity to expand, mountain and countryside views
Close to: Traditional village amenities, transport links, scenic walking trails


Be the first to comment!

    Add your voice