The split-level living/dining room of O Monte is a spacious airy room with rustic terracotta tiles underfoot and light décor which keeps the room fresh and cool. At the living room end there is comfortable seating for your party gathered around the room’s wood burning stove set in a tapered chimney. There is a television in the room, and a traditional feature dresser, along with wooden patio doors which open out onto the garden. A wide arch and three steps lead up to the dining area, which has chairs and adjoins the villa’s kitchen. The kitchen is modern and well equipped, with a hob, oven, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. Also on the ground floor is one of the villa’s three bedrooms. It has dark wood twin beds, fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom.

Tiled stairs sweep round in a curve to the first floor where a family suite can be found. A dark wood double bed is complemented by freestanding furniture and upholstered chairs. The other bedroom has twin beds, and both rooms share the separate bathroom.

Outside O Monte are several covered areas on the spacious terrace. Metal outdoor dining furniture can be found on the cobbled terrace, which is surrounded by pretty flowering shrubs and mature plants. Several steps down will take you to the pool terrace, which is perfectly secluded as it is surrounded by walls. The pool area is also gated, giving some extra peace of mind with small children. Sun loungers line the pool side, along with parasols for those who prefer the shade.

O Monte is located just 1.6km from the pretty coastal village of Alvor, with its bars, restaurants and fine white sandy beach. This quaint old coastal port on the mouth of the Ria de Alvor is close to the market town of Portimao (7km) and about 20km east of Lagos. The village has stunning views across the harbour to the Atlantic Ocean and a natural lagoon which is a haven for wildlife. Alvor itself is an interesting mixture of the old and new. Once a small fishing village with narrow streets and white-washed cubic houses, it has now become a popular holiday resort for all ages. The village hosts many interesting craft shops, boutiques, bars and excellent restaurants providing the visitor with a wide and select choice. You can take a quiet evening stroll to the nearby restaurant, just 300m from the villa, or if you prefer to eat in, the closest supermarket is only 1km away – a quick drive.

The small farm of Quinta Ladeira da Nora is well located in a rural area enjoying spectacular views across the Alvor lagoon from the house, now a national bird sanctuary, as well as the coastline of the Western Algarve. The villa is within 5km of a selection of five beaches providing the young beachcomber with surfing or the family party with small sheltered coves, beaches and rock pools. The Marina harbour in Praia da Rocha supports a windsurfing school on the beach in an ideal location looking across to Ferragudo.

The provincial town of Portimao, now a bustling commercial centre, is around 7km away and is famous for its sardine factories and fishing fleet. Continente Shopping Centre, located at the newly established Retail Park on the N125 towards Praia da Rocha, has a food hall and cinema complex. Down the coast going west, the town of Lagos prospers with a large marina. The fishing villages of Praia da Luz, Salema and Burgau are all within 30 minutes drive.

Those with children of all ages looking for activities will enjoy a visit to Zoo Marine and the water parks. Slide & Splash is situated at Estombar, east of Lagoa, and Aqualand, Europe’s biggest open air water park, is a half hour drive away, both on the EN125. Also there are exciting local possibilities to take a trip from Alvor out to see the dolphins, deep sea fishing, planned outward bound activities such as organised kayaking, cross country cycle tours and countryside walks, including tennis and a 25m indoor swimming pool at the sports centre. Pleasure flights in a light aircraft can be taken from the aerodrome only 2kms from the villa. There are wildlife parks at Monchique and Lagos with bird watching every Thursday at Quinta da Rocha across the lagoon i