The villa is “;upside down”;, upstairs next to the carport with the Kitchen, lounge/diner and one bedroom, on the level of the entrance doors, which has En-suite facilities with bath/shower. There is a full-length balcony on the south facing side with a large table and chairs for eating ‘al-fresco’ while still within easy reach of the well equipped kitchen.

On the lower level of the villa, all three bedrooms have French doors opening out onto the gated terrace, where there is plenty of space for you to relax and for children to play. All three downstairs bedrooms have En-suite facilities with shower.

Bedroom 1 on the upper floor has a king size bed and double doors leading out onto the balcony with views to the sea. The bathroom is fully fitted with bath, bidet and WC. There is a seating area on the balcony suitable for breakfasting with a table large enough to seat 8 people.

Bedroom 2 is a double room with king-size bed. There is also a settee in the room for quiet indoor resting. The double doors lead out onto the terrace and offer a view towards the sea. The bathroom is fully fitted with shower cubicle, vanity unit bidet and WC.

The centre of the lower floor is occupied by bedroom 3. This room is fitted with twin beds and has double doors out onto the terrace with a view towards the sea. The wardrobes are in an ante-room through an archway with the shower room leading off. The shower room has a shower cubicle, vanity unit and WC.

Bedroom 4 is fitted with twin beds, a chest of drawers and wardrobes. The double doors lead out onto the terrace with a view towards the sea. The room has its own shower room off complete with shower cubicle, vanity unit, bidet and WC.

A gate opens onto the staircase which leads down to the swimming pool. The pool is fiberglass lined which is heated during the cooler months. In summer simply using the cover when the pool is not in use will keep the water temperature at a very comfortable level (you may often manage 32 degrees in July & August). Having 10m x 4m in size, it is a good size for swimming, the depth ranges from 1.2m to 2.0m so children should not be left unattended in the pool area.

The extensive garden has undergone a major refurbishment, which has included the creation of a large water deposit and adjacent garden store. All the water for use in the villa comes from the spring and the deposit acts as a reservoir to ensure a constant supply even in the dry seasons (the water can be drank straight from the tap, but some may prefer to use bottled water).

The large terrace area is in two sections. The main terrace in front of the villa has a gate to try and prevent young ones gaining access to the pool area.

At the western end is a BBQ terrace with flowerbeds and seating. This can also be accessed from the upper level via a staircase from the carport by the entrance door. The BBQ area has now been completed with brick/concrete barbeque flanked by marble worktops. There is terrace lighting installed.

The lounge is comfortably furnished with three sofas and a footstool grouped around with the open fire as a focus. There is a bookcase with a variety of reading material to suit most tastes. The room benefits from a TV/DVD installation with surround sound. The DVD player can also play audio and MP3 discs. Unfortunately we are unable to receive any useful TV or satellite signal.

The dining area, at the opposite end of the room from the fireplace has a large table capable of seating 8. The window looks out on the wooded hillside and there are double doors out onto the balcony with a view towards the sea.

The kitchen was fully refitted in 2006. There is a range cooker which is dual fuel with gas hob and two electric ovens. There is a dishwasher, microwave and a wide range of utensils for the enthusiastic cook. Concealed in one cupboard is a mini music centre so that you can have your choice of music to cook by. The solid oak work-surface has a lowered area for others to sit at or to use as a breakfast bar. Doors lead off to the dining area and the utility and hall. The window looks out over bushes towards the tree covered hillside and benefits from the morning sun.

What better way to start your day than standing on the balcony with a glass of juice looking out over the view And then perhaps, as the day fades to an end with the stars above, a glass of Port whilst looking out towards the twinkling lights of Portimâ;o, Alvor and Lagos

About the area:

Monchique is the highest village of the Algarve, located 485 meters above sea level. The highest point in the Algarve is also located in the mountain range of Monchique, at Fóia, with 904 meters above sea level.

It is said that the Romans populated Monchique due the healing power of the waters of the Monchique mountains. Even today the village is highly sought after by visitors due to natural thermal baths, like the Romans, today still believed to have healing powers.

In fact, it was the Romans who gave Monchique its name, from the Latin expression "Mons Cicus", than meant “;Sacred Water" and built the SPA in Caldas de Monchique, but there is evidence that the area was populated as far back as the Stone Age.

Visiting the Serra de Monchique is like visiting a mountainous area with widely diverse vegetation and a mild climate, affectionately known as "The Sintra of the Algarve." A natural heritage, which induces to contemplation, with pristine streams meandering at the bottom of deep valleys. Endowed with high environmental quality, the mountain's freshness is presented in contrast to the warm coastal area down further south.

In the town centre, you can enjoy a magnificent view from the belvedere of Saint Sebastian Park, visit the main church of Monchique, which dates back to the early 16th century, the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile), take a stroll along the town's narrow streets, see the many white houses with their typical "skirt-shaped" chimneys and stop to visit the handicraft shops.

It is also worthwhile to climb the mountain up to Fóia, where you may grasp a large extension of landscape, South to almost all the Algarvian coast and North-West from Cape St. Vincent to Serra da Arrá;bida, near Setúbal. Also worth visiting is the Poucochinho Mill, at Barranco dos Pisões, where you can enjoy a picnic on its stone tables and under the shade of one of the many classified trees found at Serra de Monchique - a Maple tree.

Taking a stroll along the towns of Alferce, Marmelete and Monchique, means enjoying the architectural, historical and cultural heritage, along with the vast natural beauty, and tasting traditional cuisine, honey, sweet desserts and, of course, the "Medronho", a strong brandy spirit, made from a traditional fruit obtained from the Medronho tree, Arbutus unedo, also called “;strawberry tree”;. Medronho trees grow wild on the poor soils of these rural regions of Portugal such as this inner part of the Algarve.

Be sure to visit Caldas de Monchique, which comprises a small square surrounded by large trees and fountains, a suitable place for picnics. And also get to know the Termas (SPAs) and their springs of mineral medicinal wa