As you enter the property there is a staircase on your right leading up to the first floor. The spacious living/dining room has a homely and traditional feel. Teracotta-style tiles are laid on the floor, the walls are white and there is attractive darkwood furniture. In the centre is an oval dining table and six chairs upon a rug. In the corner by the stairs is a small bar area with two bar stools. A lovely feature is the open fireplace which has a brick surround; scorched black from the previous heat of burning logs. In addition there are two cosy sofas, and a large side cabinet with the satellite TV. At the far end, patio doors open onto a covered terrace overlooking the pool. A small doorway leads to a cloakroom beneath the stairs.

A doorway to the side leads through to the country-style kitchen which has a range of wooden units at base and eye level, and a fresh white worktop. In the centre is a round breakfast table and four chairs and the kitchen is well-equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, as well as an oven/hob and fridge/freezer.

The attractive master bedroom has a cream metal bedframe, bedside cabinets with soft reading lamps and a matching chest of drawers. There are wardrobes along one wall and in the corner; a door opens to a tiled, en-suite shower room.

The staircase bends up and around to the central landing on the first floor. Straight ahead is a separate family bathroom with full bathtub, toilet and washbasin. On either side you will find a bedroom. One is fitted with a wooden-framed double bed, bedside cabinets, small lamps and fitted wardrobes. The other is similarly furnished but with twin beds.

Patio doors open from the living room to a dining terrace beneath the shade of the overhanging roof. There is a garden table and chairs, as well as an adjacent built-in barbecue - everything you need for relaxed family meals outdoors. There is also a poolside shower with blue tile, shaded by the overhanging leaves of a tall spiky palm. Handy for rinsing off after a sand-castling session down at the beach.

The terracotta sun terrace stretches out across the garden and contains the private swimming pool. In the corner, integral steps lead gently into the water. Sunloungers are lined up around the poolside where you can laze in the warm sun. To one side of the pool is a wide strip of green lawn. As well as a wall and tall palms, the garden is bordered by an attractive climbing plant that has grown across much of the garden spreading its red petals across the terrace.

Vivenda Silva is located in the peaceful back lanes of Gale, to the west of Albufiera. Gale has become very developed over the years, probably thanks to its lovely and popular sandy beach. The beach-front area of Gale is full with apartments, restaurants, and shops but Vivenda Silva is set back from the busy sea-front in a peaceful residential area. The local attractions are within walking distance and Albufiera`s ample amenities are just a short drive away.

The golden sands of Gale (1.6km away) stretch for miles and are lapped by the blue waters of the Mediterranean. As well as beachside cafes and bars, you will find water sports on offer in high season and the area enjoys nice clifftop walks.

The nearby town of Guia, about 3km away, is home to the popular ZooMarine ocean theme park; set amongst lakes and gardens this park offers a variety of live shows, rides and exhibitions to entertain the whole family. It features a huge range of marine animals from sea lions to turtles and exotic birds. (For a large fee - around €80 - you can also experience the magic of swimming with dolphins but make sure you pre-book). In Guia, you will also find the new `Algarve Shopping` mall, with a large selection of shops, fast food outlets, cinema screens (English language films) and a ten-pin bowling alley.

Albufeira, 3km away is a sprawling town with plenty to see and something to suit everyone. During the day you can enjoy the sandy stretches of beach or browse the markets where local handicrafts and fresh goods are sold. In the evening, a wide variety of bars, restaurants and clubs fill the streets with people and life; locals sit on the terraces of traditional restaurants, the bars fill up with thirsty punters, and all kinds of music drift across the air. You can also stroll around the newly completed marina in the west and admire the dazzling