Casa do Peixe Azul (House of the Blue Fish) is a single storey, detached villa, completed in 2004. It enjoys an elevated position in a tranquil, rural location nestling in the hills close to the village of Moncarapacho, 25kms east of Faro. The area is known for its citrus groves – Laranjeiro, the nearby hamlet, means ‘orange tree’. The house has its own private pool (10m*5m), is well equipped and furnished to a high standard. There is space to relax and take in sunshine and shade around the villa, in the gardens and next to the pool. Also, a large roof terrace allows you to take in views of the peaceful surrounding countryside and the sea on the horizon. The nearest beach at Fuseta is a short drive, 5kms away.
Inside the villa.: There are 4 bedrooms - 2 have a double bed, a third has two single beds. In addition, a converted study acts as a 4th bedroom - the room is a little smaller, but it has it has a double bed, wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Wi-fi is included in the cost of rental. The kitchen is equipped with a gas hob, electric fan oven, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, fridge freezer, a fridge for drinks plus a generous array of other accessories. The living room has seating for 9 people and has a flat screen TV (including local and some international programmes), DVD player and a Bose iPod dock. A separate adjoining dining area leads onto an outside barbecue terrace where one can dine or simply enjoy the evening sun. There are 2 bathrooms – one with a shower, the other with a bath with a shower attachment. Each has a WC. The villa is air conditioned and can be heated if necessary during winter (logs are at extra cost). Maid service and linen change is weekly, but additional cleaning can be arranged and is chargeable locally. Smoking is discouraged inside the villa but welcome on the terraces.
Other notes.: Outside, the 10m*5m freshwater swimming pool is adjoined by a lawned garden overlooking the fields behind the villa. It benefits from an external shower and there is plenty of space to relax on sunloungers. We supply some beach towels for guests. A covered patio area offers shelter from the sun close to the pool, while the roof top terrace is ideal for sunlovers as well as providing a panoramic vista. A double car port at the front of the property enables parking for 2 cars in the shade. Children and infants are very welcome. We provide a travel cot, a high chair and a baby bouncer for very little ones. In addition we have a few books, puzzles and games.
The Eastern Algarve.: The Eastern Algarve has its own distinct, picturesque character with the countryside dotted with citrus, almond and carob trees. Moncarapacho, the local village, has a 16th century church at its heart yet has small supermarkets, restaurants, a selection of local café/bars, shops, banks etc. The area’s beaches are absolutely superb. Many are based on sandbanks, or ilhas, which can be accessed by boat, or in one case, a miniature train. These boast kilometres of golden sand with both decent facilities and plenty of space to escape the crowds. In addition the nearby towns of Tavira, Olhão and Estói are all worth a visit, while the proximity of Spain means that a day trip is little effort. The Rio Formosa Natural Park is a must for birdwatchers. A 9 hole golf course is very close, while a number of 18 hole courses are a reasonable drive away.