Sao Bras Holidays

This recently constructed villa is situated off the beaten track in the Rocha da Gralheira area between São Brás de Alportel and Loulé, and offers comfortable accommodation with views over the Algarve countryside to the sea. The house is modern, but has been built and furnished in traditional Portuguese style, with cool interiors providing a perfect retreat in the heat of the day.

Casa Bliss has been recently renovated along stylish lines and is a comfortable base from which to explore the undulating countryside on foot. The sea is visible through the hills from the pool terrace behind the villa, which is a lovely venue for a light lunch of fresh local sardines or skewered meat prepared on the stone-built barbecue.

Couples and groups of friends will appreciate this well equipped, split-level villa for a fun holiday. Set in a quiet area, with mountain views, it offers a pool and a full music system. Bars and restaurants are close to hand while a sandy beach is just 20 minutes' drive away.

Serendipity has played a part in Casa Cristina's evolution; Cristina Von Rosen rescued a lovely stone lintel, dated 1904, from a ruin and used it over the door of her own house. Later, on quizzing a venerable neighbour on when her house had been built, Cristina finally received the answer, after much consideration of what else might have happened in the same year - '1904'. In those days chickens occupied part of the building and the donkey had to pass through the smoke-blackened kitchen (now a gleaming-white bedroom reached through a door leading from the present kitchen) to reach the stable.

An attractively converted farmhouse, Casa da Tia Nita has just the right blend of charm and convenience for a really relaxing holiday. Old beams, whitewashed walls, brick floors and rustic antiques set a traditional ambience in which home comforts take an equal place.

Villa Helena sits in a delightful spot, just ten minutes from the oh-so pretty whitewashed town of Sao Bras. A historical centre that's full of traditional charm, you'll find a selection of handicraft shops here, as well as superb typical Portuguese restaurants, serving specialities such as chicken piri-piri.

A traditional, welcoming rural house, and the friendly owners live next door should you have any problems. With three bedrooms, one of which is en suite, the quinta offers ample room for either families or smaller groups of friends. A pleasing touch is the addition of heating, a welcome facility for cooler times of the year. The grounds too are being developed, and with careful planting, winter rains and early spring sunshine, will blossom into a relaxing backdrop to the pool and terraces.