Originally a sheep farm, the property was bought and converted by its new owners some five years ago.
Refurbished throughout, the building now has mains electricity, new plumbing, tiled en-suite bathrooms and a filtered swimming pool. Considerable time and trouble have been spent to embrace the charm and atmosphere of the original farmhouse and the conversion has been carried out to the latest specifications while still retaining many original features and artefacts.
Surrounded by fields and some 500m from the road, the property is extremely quiet and remote from other houses. The original 3ft thick walls of the building are composed of solid stone and clay, offering protection from the summer heat while several of the rooms display exposed beam and cane ceilings. The house is floored throughout with traditional sun-baked tiles.
The farmhouse comprises two large twin bedrooms - both with en-suite bathrooms (one with bath, one with bath and shower). Finished with traditional Portuguese wall tiles, both bathrooms are complete with shaving points.
The 40ft long split-level living room seats six in comfort around an open fireplace with a dining table on the lower level. There is an adjoining cloakroom with toilet and wash basin. The solid wood kitchen has both gas hob and electric oven whilst water for the house is supplied from the adjoining well.
Select Kitchen (30k) or Lounge (?k) to see views of either area.
The farmhouse borders a vineyard to the rear. On its right a field used to grow sunflowers sweeps down the valley. You can literally see for miles.
Neighbouring farmers produce fruit and vegetables in abundance and will be happy to sell oranges, lemons, peaches, apricots, nectarines when in season. Unless you speak Portuguese, you will have endless fun at the nearby shop shopping by sign language. The adjoining cafe remains open late into the night for the locals to discuss the day's events.
Tucked away behind the main coast road, the farmhouse is 50 km from Faro Airport, a 45 minute drive. The small town of Lagoa is less than 6 km away, while Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve with Moorish castle perched atop the town, lies 9 km to the north. There are markets in the nearby towns where you can buy fresh local produce and craftwork - pottery, linen goods and leatherwork being particularly popular.
Leisure facilities available in the area include The Big One - the Algarve's largest water pleasure park - 5 km away, the Zoomarine seaworld theme park with funfair 8 km away, and the David Lloyd Tennis Centre and Sesmarias Golf Club 10 km away. Facilities for water sports can be found on many beaches along the coast.
The nearest beaches are less than a 15 minute drive. In this part of the Algarve there are extremes of coastal scenery - from beaches hidden away below magnificent cliffs and reached by steps cut into the rock to long open stretches of sand more easily reached by car.
There is plenty of choice should you wish to eat out. Best value for money is usually found in traditional Portuguese restaurants where a good meal for two including wine will normally be less than £15. Specially for seafood fans is "Ruis" in Silves, renowned throughout the Algarve and well worth a visit. In Carvoeiro (10 km away) you can eat outside in a magnificent courtyard under mature palm trees at the "Mistral" restaurant.
The property has an English manager. Having lived in the Algarve for many years, she has an intimate knowledge of the region which she is happy to share and is able to help in anything from arranging laundry to providing information about shark fishing trips in the locality.
In short, with the variety this part of the Algarve has to offer, there is something to suit almost all tastes within 15 minutes drive so the type of holiday you choose to make is entirely up to you.
Chris Young or Sandy Skuse
Tel: 01483 726868 (GB)
1a Woodbury, Castle Road, WOKING, Surrey GU21 4ET, ENGLAND