Casa Amendoeira
Guia, Portugal

Casa Amendoeira is a pretty two bedroomed villa situated on the small privately owned Quinta da Saudade, a mature development occupying twenty four acres in a peaceful country setting amongst orange, almond and olive trees about five miles west of Albufeira. The Quinta overlooks farmland and the marshes of Pera where there is a wetlands nature reserve with an abundance of bird life. The Salgados golf course is only a few minutes away. The Quinta has two swimming pools, one large pool with a separate shallow end for smaller children and a quieter kidney shaped pool set in beautiful gardens close to Casa Amendoeira. In addition, there is a tennis court, mini golf, petanque, table tennis and a children’s play area with its own paddling pool. The original farmhouse has been converted into an independently run bar and restaurant that is open at lunchtime and in the evenings. There is also a poolside bar that serves light meals throughout the day and holds weekly barbecues in the Summer. The Riding Stables at the Quinta have a fabulous selection of horses and ponies for hacks and lessons. The accommodation at Amendoeira consists of two twin bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and the second bedroom has a separate full bathroom with shower. The kitchen is fully equipped with gas cooker, microwave, large fridge/freezer and coffee maker. There is also a separate utility room with an automatic washing machine. The sitting room is tastefully furnished with soft lighting, television, CD/cassette player, wood-burning stove, electric radiators and heaters making it ideal for winter lets. The villa has two terraces, one leading from the sitting room with table and chairs, parasol, barbecue and sun loungers. Both have wonderful views across open farmland towards the sea. The nearest beach, about 1½ miles away, has long stretches of sand bounded by dunes with a beach bar and is never crowded, even in August. Further along the coast there are pretty sandy coves, hidden amongst stunning Algarve rocks and cliffs, with clear rock pools to explore. The fishing towns of Albufeira and Armacao de Pera are about ten minutes drive away with plenty of restaurants, shops, markets and nightlife. Closer to the Quinta is the old village of Guia that has numerous inexpensive restaurants where chicken piri-piri is a mouth-watering speciality. Prices include maid service every day except Sundays, electricity and gas, linen and towels (not beach towels). The