The Little Cottage with Private Pool

This charming two bedroom, two bathroom cottage is accessed by a quiet lane and has breathtaking views across the Algarve hills. Traditionally furnished and retaining many of its original features, the cottage can be let on its own or with the neighbouring farmhouse which sleeps 6. The private fenced and gated pool is a good size and you can find shade under the old olive tree. The roof terrace is the star of the show and is perfect for an evening drink whilst watching the glorious sunsets. The veranda leads into the cosy sitting room with terracotta tiled floors and wicker furniture. The well equipped kitchen has the original stone work surface and oak table with seating for 4. The original 18th Century manger stalls have been designed to form additional seating. The two bedrooms are nicely furnished with the crisp white bedding contrasting with the Portuguese wooden furniture. The master bedroom leads onto the terrace where you feel that you have the whole of this glorious area to yourself. The parking is shared with the neighbouring villa We have an English speaking key holder who is always available. The Cottage nestles on a lush, herb covered hillside between the coast and mountains near to the town of Loule and Sao Bras de Alportel in the Eastern Algarve. This is the secret heart of the Algarve, where wild almond, fig and pomegranate trees grow around the villages, whose simple charms and whitewashed houses give the feeling of having stepped back in time. Sao Bras has an Intermarche supermarket and a farmers market on Saturdays. There are bars and some really good restaurants. The pretty town of Loule with its Medieval castle and historic centre, is close by. The narrow alleys of the old town are full of potters, saddlers and coppersmiths and a covered market selling seafood, fruits and vegetables alongside locally made pottery. On Saturday's the town is vibrant with its market spilling into the surrounding streets and alleyways. A great opportunity to buy sardines, dried fruit and local game. There is a large Continente supermarket – Portugal's answer to Sainsburys! There are numerous small towns and fishing villages on the coast between Faro and the Spanish border – particularly worth visiting are Olhão, which is well known for its fish market and numerous seafood restaurants, and Tavira – an elegant town on the river Gilao with its roman bridge spanning the water and riverside restaurants. It is only a 40 minute drive to the Spanish border where you can take the ferry across the river for only a few euros. The beaches are diving - the closest only being 20 minutes away.