Guia, Portugal

The Quinta da Saudade is a small British-run estate of privately-owned villas occupying approximately twenty-four acres about five miles west of Albufeira. Nestling in the peaceful country setting of an old hillside farm estate and set amid orange, almond and olive trees, the Quinta is about forty-five minutes drive from the Airport at Faro. The nearest beach, less than two miles away, is a magnificent long stretch of sand, bounded by dunes, where it is always possible to escape the crowds, even in August. There are two swimming pools, a children's play area and pool, tennis court, restaurant and bar, mini-golf course, table tennis and petonque. There is a fabulous Riding Stable at the Quinta with horses that can be taken out for gallops along the dunes or slow hacks through the countryside. There are attractive country walks in the vicinity and there is a wetlands nature reserve nearby with a wealth of bird and plant life not commonly found in the UK. Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Alpine Swift, Bee Eater, Red Necked Night Jar, Azure Winged Magpie and more. Casa Velha is in the old Farmhouse which is situated in the heart of the Quinta. You enter the Casa through a small entrance hall going straight into the sitting room which has a magnificent fire place, ideal for winter occupation. There is a television receiving BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC Choice, BBC News 24 plus others including Portuguese television. There is a separate dining-room with views over the orange groves below. There is a good-sized twin bedroom with separate bathroom and a large double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. There is a large walk in wardrobe off the bedroom. Bedding and towels are provided but not towels for the beach or pools. The kitchen is well-equipped and includes a washing machine and microwave oven. The Casa has terraces off the sitting room with beautiful views out over the valley. There are tables and chairs for eating out. The villa is for four people but an extra bed or cot can be put in for a child or baby at an extra cost of £50 per week. The villa rental is inclusive of maid service (except Sundays), hot water and cooking gas. Electricity and logs are also inclusive, except for November through to March. A complimentary starter pack will be put in the villa consisting of eggs, milk, butter, sugar, coffee, tea, bread, drinking water and white wine. The rent also includes the use of all the amenities at the Quinta, except for a charge for