Quinta De Oxalá, Estombar, Near Lagoa, Western Algarve

Quinta de Oxalá is a delightful restoration of an old farmhouse full of books, art and antiques. Escape the bustle and noise of the coastal resorts for the serenity of the countryside, yet only 5 minutes from family entertainment at Slide & Splash water park, and 10 minutes drive for a day out at fabulous beaches and seaside restaurants. On the 2 hectare property there is a swimming pool and plenty of leisure space. Dine on the spacious veranda or under the old carob tree shading the barbecue area overlooking the pool. A shaded bench beneath olive trees overlooks the water-lily pond with wild ducks, egrets and frogs. Ideal for a family holiday or romantic getaway. There's somewhere for everyone to find a favourite relaxing spot at Oxalá.

In the main sitting room there is TV and a music station that can be set to carry the sound through to the kitchen and dining areas. Games for children, (adults too!) can be found in a cupboard by the table. The farmhouse is filled with antiques and art from our travels, African camp-chairs, ancient carved doors from the Hindu Cush, kilims from Peshawar and carpets from Persia. The well-equipped kitchen is central to the house and has a serving window giving onto the main veranda, the favourite spot for most meals. There is a barbeque and dining area under the carob tree by the swimming pool. The bedroom windows are net-screened and beds are swathed in mosquito netting.

Sleeps 4 in Main house + 4 in Carob suite which is connected to the main house by a covered veranda. Ideal for 2 families, there is room for a cot or extra bed in either twin room.

Bedrooms
Master bedroom in main house with double bed, walk-in hanging space.
Bedroom in main house with twin beds.
Double room in Carob Suite with double bed.
Double room in Carob Suite with twin beds.
Cot or child's bed available.

Bathrooms
2 bathrooms with showers in main house.
1 bathroom with bath/shower in Carob suite.
1 roll-in wheelchair bathroom off the main veranda, also for showering before or after swimming.

Swimming pool with large shallow end for children which warms to a pleasant 27º in the summer, warm enough to use from April to October. Set in two hectares of open land with two ponds in the countryside with figs, almonds and gigantic olive trees, yet close to a small, unspoilt heritage village in a farming community; wake to the distant church bell ringing, cockerels crowing, dogs and donkeys greeting the new day. The baker stops at the top of the lane by the café every morning, the ice-cream van and the market gardener on a Saturday. For sun and sport outings 3 golf courses and the fabulous sandy beaches of Carvoeiro and Ferragudo are within a 5-8 minutes drive.

Large gravelled parking area with some shade from olive trees. Smooth paths and ramps for wheelchair access to main house and pool. Bathroom with shower for disabled access.

Internet access in the main house. All bed linen, bath towels and pool towels. Washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. Maid service 3 days a week.

Please do not smoke or take animals inside the house. Take great care with cigarette butts as there is high risk of fires in the Algarve, sand buckets are provided on the veranda. Our cat is called Petroleo and loves people, asks loudly to be cuddled but is not allowed indoors and should not be given tidbits on the veranda.

Quinta de Oxalá is close to the village where there is a marketplace, cafes, restaurants, supermarket and chemist. All within walking distance. Mass is held in the twin-steepled catholic church at noon on Sundays. There are colourful, musical processions on feast days. At Quinta dos Vales, the award winning adega nearby, arrange a Wine-Tasting and visit the Wine Shop. From Estombar train station you can travel to Lagos in the West, or via Faro to Vila Real de Santo António in the East at a gentle pace. Change at Tunes and get to Lisbon on the fast train in just two and a half hours. You can buy the ticket on the train. 5-10 minutes by car and you are at stunning golden beaches with restaurants and beach bars, watersports and sailing. For golfers, Pestana Gramacho, Vale de Pinta and Vale de Milho are a few kilometres away. Only a kilometre from the Quinta is Slide & Splash water-park. Silves with it's ancient walled castle and vibrant Saturday stree market is 9 kms away, and closer to home is Fontes, where there's a spring water swimming pool, picnic areas with tables, toilet facilities and an open air auditorium for summer music festivals. For lovers of night-life head for Carvoeiro or Ferragudo, bars, discos, restaurants abound, then come home to the peaceful country life in Estombar.