Vacation Rental Description
This fabulous villa is situated in the foothills of the picturesque Monchique mountains close to the popular beauty spot of Caldas de Monchique. In a secluded but by no means remote location where there are no high rise apartment blocks, just unspoiled country views. Not far inland from the fishing port of Portimao and beach restort at Praia da Rocha, it is less than 48 miles from Faro airport and only 8 miles on a good road from the nearest motorway junction.
This modern four bedroom, four bath/shower house is spacious and airy. The ground floor has a huge open plan living room which is comfortably furnished and French doors lead onto one of the patios. For the comfort of winter guests there is a large woodburning stove. The large fitted kitchen is well equipped and is next to the separate dining room where French doors lead to another patio that is close to the barbecue and pool. There is a downstairs shower-room with shower, washbasin, bidet and w/c. Two curved marble staircases lead upstairs where there are four bedrooms. The master bedroom has a king size double bed, a balcony and an en-suite bathroom with bath/shower, w/c, washbasin and bidet. Bedroom two has a double bed and a very large sun deck. Bedroom 3 has twin beds and a covered balcony and there is a bathroom which has bath/shower, w/c, bidet and washbasin and located right by the doors to bedrooms 2 & 3. A further flight of curved marble stairs lead to the nearly circular tower bedroom which has twin beds and an en-suite shower and wc. This villa really is as big as the pictures show it to be.
Outside, the 10 metre swimming pool has attractive waterfall features, a terrace area with 6 sunbeds and a barbecue. For the safety of children, there is a gate to the pool terrace. There are over 12 acres of grounds belonging to the villa, divided by a small river that flows throughout the year. The land has numerous orange and lemon trees, pine covered hills, and of course the beautiful Mimosa trees. A woodland walk takes you through a bed of massive bamboos and if you enjoy walking, a rough path leads to neighbouring forest tracks that lead for many miles with some spectacular scenery on the way.
The Monchique mountains are the highest in the Algarve at about 3000 feet and you can drive to the top to enjoy the fabulous views. Often featured in TV documentaries, the actual village of Caldas de Monchique is about 2 km up the road. It is well known for it`s spa waters, its unusual houses and sub-tropical appearance. Being in the foothills, the villa is only about 400 feet above sea level in an area where you can enjoy being in the countryside without being isolated.
Within about 13 miles (15 to 30 minutes drive)on good main roads are:
Some fabulous beaches including Praia da Rocha and Alvor.
Historic Silves with its Magnificent Castle and Cathedral.
The large shops and fishing port of Portimao.
A little further, you will find the vast and usually quiet sweeping bay between Alvor and Lagos, Meia Praia.
Worth a visit are the huge country markets, held each month at Lagos, Silves and Portimao and several villages.
There are many good golf courses within easy reach to suit all levels of skill. The new golf development at Morgado de Reguengos which claims to be one of the Algarves best is only about 12 km from the villa, near the motorway junction. The superb facilities at Penina are only about a 20 minute drive away.
Restaurants are plentiful in the area and three are literally within a stones throw of the driveway. This area is famous for chicken piri-piri, the delicious local dish of hot barbecued chicken which is said to have originated here. Also try the local smoked hams that are plentiful in the Monchique region. However, if the weather is as good as it usually is, then a BBQ at home by the pool will probably be your choice.
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
DVD
Heating
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Open Fire
Amenity Parking
Private Pool
Refrigerator
Sterio
TV
Washer
The fully equipped kitchen has a large fridge/freezer, built in oven with rotisserie, electric hob and a microwave. The maid comes in most weekdays for a couple of hours and she speaks English. The swimming pool is 10 x 5 metres and has a small spa pool next to it with a bubble pump. For winter guestes, there are electric heaters for the bedrooms and a large woodburner in the living room.
Activities
Beach
Boating
Cinema
Fishing
Golf
Mountain Biking
Night Clubs
Restaurant
Sailing
Shopping
Water Sports
Lots of good and inexpensive restaurants are nearby, some just across the road from the driveway. There are large shopping centres at Portimao, only about 15 minutes drive away or smaller shops can be found in Monchique. At Portimao or Praia da Rocha you will find water sports, fishing trips, cinemas and plenty of night life. Trails directly adjoining the property are wonderful for hiking and mountain biking. golfers will find the big development at Morgados is only a short drive down the hill and many other courses are within easy reach.