Location
On the western part of the Algarve, the house is perched on the cliffs of Ferragudo. It faces west over the bay of Lagos and towards Sagres and the setting sun. The view is of the peaceful waters of the Algarve coast: yachts making their way from the marinas and fishing boats passing in front of the house.
Across the wide estuary is a distant view along Praia Rocha beach that is well known to the many visitors to the Algarve region of Portugal.
Ferragudo is 2km away and one of the last remaining unspoilt fishing villages of the Algarve. Situated on the bank of the Portimao river and overlooking the town’s marina, Ferragudo is a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets. The leafy square is backed by alleyways meandering up the hill to the church which affords a panoramic view of the estuary and the famous 17th century fort, which is currently being restored. This is a centre for local artists, with many galleries selling paintings of local scenes. The village centre has a good selection shops and places to stop for a refreshing cool drink on a warm summers day. Nearby Lagos and Portimao both have excellent shopping - Portimao is well known for its shoe shops, which sell good quality international shoes at a very low price, compared to the UK.
The harbour is lined with good quality seafood restaurants overlooking the boats of the wealthy, who moor their boats there. These restaurants prepare and cook your chosen seafood in the traditional Portuguese way and are ideally situated to watch the fishermen bring in the day’s catch or enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over Portimao.
The surrounding coastline has a mixture of sandy coves and wider golden beaches. Snorkellers will find the cliffs and rocks at nearby Algar Seco a must. Praia Grande is a great beach for water sports, and wind-surfing, catamaran sailing and water skiing are all available at the Wind-Surf School there. Nearby Penina has been linked in people’s minds with championship golf since the sixties when it was designed by British champion Henry Cotton.
Those with children may enjoy:
• A family day of fun at a water park. Slide and Splash, is east of Lagoa and children up to 5 years old are admitted free.
• Sail away from Portimao on a Pirate Ship Adventure Cruise in a two-mast vessel bound for the east. Visit enormous caves at Benagil, Alfanzina and Lagos. Enjoy a barbecue on the beach with the family in the warm Portuguese sunshine.
• Discover Krazy World near Silves, with its 36 hole mini golf course. There are live alligators in the swamp, a snake pit and a quad bike circuit.
Villa Walkthrough
Approach:The magnificent property Casa Da Infanta is as regal as its history. A former residence of the Portuguese royal family, the villa has been restored to its former glory and now is available for large parties of friends and family travelling together.Ground Floor:As you walk into the villa’s grand entrance hall, past the cloakroom, double doors lead to the residence’s private chapel, which is complete with altar and pews. The beautiful main drawing room has lovely seaviews and boasts a beautiful grand piano. The formal dining room has a main table which seats eight people, and further seating for 8-10 on two further circular tables. The breakfast room is often used by our guests to serve children’s meals, and the kitchen has recently been re-modelled. It comes complete with all the modern conveniences that you would expect, including hob, oven, fridge/freezer, microwave and dishwasher, not to mention cooking equipment suitable for catering for large parties. A delightful terrace awash with Algarvean sunshine makes a delightful place for enjoying a glass of wine as the sun goes down, or for those noisy family meals outdoors. There is furniture for 16 people to dine, and the terrace has a retractable sun awning. The music room on this level has a CD player and comfortable chairs to curl up in and read a book.
On this floor, there are two double bedrooms and a twin which all have en-suite shower/bathrooms, and doors which lead out onto a terrace with fabulous views of the ocean. There is a further twin room which has a garden view, bathroom and with doors onto a terrace offering river views.
All the furniture of the house has been restored, and is often very old and precious. The bedrooms have been refurbished in a more modern style, but retain the original beds, which incorporate the family coat of arms.
Ground Floor:Lower Ground Floor:
Downstairs, there is a television room, a bar and a cloakroom. Also on this level, is a triple bedroom suitable for children with en-suite and sitting area. Doors from the sitting area lead out onto the pool terrace.
First Floor:Upstairs, are the remaining bedrooms. One twin bedroom has an en-suite bath/shower room and a garden view. A double bedroom with ensuite bath/shower also has garden view and a foldway sofa bed suitable for young chidren. There is a further twin room with an en-suite and sitting room leading to the final twin bedroom with seaview and doors to a terrace.Outside:The splendid terraces of Casa da Infanta have beautiful views over the glistening blue ocean and the coastline lights in the distance. The house is set in glorious grounds with shaved lawns, well-tended borders and established trees. The swimming pool has similar sea views, is large and rectangular with integral steps, along with a poolside bar, shower, and toilet. The pool has the added advantage of being heated by solar energy. The children will take delight in the former garage, which now houses a playroom and has a table tennis table. Also outside there is a laundry room containing two washing machines and an ironing room. There is access direct from the property, onto the local beach 50m away.
Facilities
Private Pool
TV
BBQ
Seaview
Towels
Linen
Maid Service
Microwave
Telephone
Washing Machine
Heatable Pool
Video
CD Radio Cassette
Short Break
Garden
Safe
Ironing Facilities
Internet Access
Satellite TV