A countryside villa located on the edge of the quaint village of Santa Catarina. Situated in a secluded elevated hillside position, hugged by mature gardens and trees, the villa offers uninterrupted spectacular views of rolling hills on all sides. A tranquil location with a selection of terraces for sunbathing and dining plus a sparkling swimming pool. The local village with its range of amenities is just short stroll away. Very central for many attractions and great beaches. The perfect choice for those seeking quality time with family and friends.
Just outside Santa Catarina in the direction of Sao Bras, the villa is majestically elevated in the hillside and nestled amongst many cork, olive and carob trees, embraced by private mature gardens. It is reached via a short country lane and a gated driveway.
THE VILLA
Casa do Riacho is Algarvian in style and was built in 2009 to a high modern spec by the current owners, who know the area well and feel they have created the idea place to offer instant relaxation and a perfect holiday haven. In addition to an abundance of character, the décor is fresh, homely and well maintained. It also provides thoroughly modern facilities and is exceedingly well equipped. Located approx. 500 metres from the village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo. The electric security gate opens on to a large gravel drive, offering an ample and easily accessible parking area. A set of shallow steps lead from the drive to the house and your first greeting is the beautiful welcoming 8 x 4 metre pool, shimmering away, perfectly situated in front of the property, offering bathers sunshine all day and fabulous countryside views all around.
The villa has been lovingly designed and the interior layout itself is appealingly unique, with accommodation on three levels. The décor is fresh and well-maintained. The front door leads directly into the open plan living area where you will be instantly charmed by the homely ambience. Firstly, a super fully equipped country-style kitchen, opens out to a large dining area, ideal for more for formal meals, just as the Portuguese culture suggests. There is also a small book library and a selection of games for guests enjoyment. Take a few steps down to the cosy lounge where you will find comfy sofas and an armchair inviting you to relax. The room also boasts a smart TV, which comes with huge compliment of key UK and International channels, plus there is a CD player and a small CD and DVD library. The room has high vaulted ceiling and an upstairs galleried landing and at sunset, sunlight cascades down from a wonderful abstract stained glass window in multicoloured hues. The arched French doors offer easy access to the pool, garden and its terraces.
The sleeping accommodation is conveniently spaced around the house. The roomy master suite with king size bed occupies the entire upper floor, with a super large terrace and ensuite bathroom featuring a large walk in shower and "Jack and Jill" double basins. From the terrace, the hillside views are stunning and it’s a wonderful spot watch the sun rise and set across the hills and also to take in some romantic stargazing ! The second double bedroom is positioned on the ground level, just off the dining room and also has an adjacent shower room. The third bedroom, a twin with ensuite bathroom includes a bath tub with shower and is positioned on the lower level and accessed from the far side of the lounge. The position of the three bedrooms ensures maximum privacy and comfort for all guests. For cooler times, air conditioning units throughout, together with a fabulous fireplace, provide for all heating needs.
OUTSIDE SPACE
Aside from the well planned and cosy interior, the outside living areas are a real treat. There are two large areas for dining, the main one being just off the dining room and kitchen. It is elevated and boasts a large round marble dining table, plus there is room for sunbathing on a large selection of sun beds. . From here, the views are wonderful and at night this area is a great stargazing spot. There is easy access via steps to the pool from here, plus to a larger cobbled dining and sunbathing terrace with more amazing views. Here there is a large marble dining table and a purpose built brick BBQ. To the far side of the property, there is an additional garden complete with a rotary clothes dryer and a further rustic garden area to the right of the driveway with numerous olive and carob trees. The villa is nestled amongst mature gardens with its Mediterranean and indigenous shrubs, plus interesting succulents and more carob/olive trees. There is a fabulous backdrop of green rolling hills and countryside on all sides. The thoughtfully planted gardens and paved terraces hug the house and create a genuine countryside feeling. The villa is private and due to its elevation, is not overlooked on any side.
Beautifully placed at the front of the house, catching the sun all day, the swimming pool is clear and blue offering the perfect spot for families to enjoy a calming pool day. Here sun worshipers can relax on the sunbeds soaking up the rays with nothing more than birdsong to disturb the peace.
The local area is a walkers’ paradise and there are many amazing footpaths and walking trails around the spectacular surrounding hills area that are easy to navigate via Google Maps or a dedicated walking app.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THE SWIMMING POOL:
Please note that the swimming pool is located close to the villa and is not fenced off, making it potentially unsuitable for some families with unsupervised young/small children and non-swimmers. The owners have installed a gate from the kitchen terrace to the pool level and the living room French doors can be locked, theoretically blocking the two main pool entry points, though they advise that this is not a child-proof solution. The 8m x 4m pool is accessed by integral steps into the shallow end, which is just under 1m in depth. It shelves to 2m at the deep end.
FINAL NOTES…
Overall, this is an exceptionally well appointed and equipped villa,ideally located for couples, families and friends to enjoy a perfectly peaceful and tranquil break. A very short walk from several local cafes, restaurants and bars, plus the village shops providing all the essentials. This property is within easy reach of all the Eastern Algarve golf courses and the rest of the Algarve. It is also within half an hour’s drive of Faro Airport and 15-20 minutes or so drive from the beautiful unspoilt neighbouring towns of Tavira, Olhao, Moncarapacho and Sao Bras de Alportel, plus the most divine sandy beaches of Fuseta and Barril. Fuseta offers boating trips for both leisure and fishing, numerous water sports and its golden 'lagoon beach' makes it ideal for young children. The small town has fabulous inexpensive and amazing water side fish restaurants along and a great beach bar! From Pedras d'el Rei to Barril Beach, there is a narrow gauge railway to the beach, loved by children and adults alike. Instead of taking the train, the more energetic can walk the one kilometer to the beach along a natural pine tree wildlife path.
The main A22 motorway which links Spain with the Western Algarve, plus Lisbon is just a 6 km drive drive to the South.
PARKING AND ACCESS
This is a private residence and guests will be able to access all advertised areas and use all advertised facilities. Please note that steps lead to the villa entrance and there are stairs within the property itself to reach two of the bedrooms, Living accommodation is all on 3 different levels and parking is within the grounds, free of charge.
SMARTAVILLAS AT YOUR SERVICE:
1. A Warm Welcome -
We can assist with airport transfers, a shopping service and food to order. (Please ask for more details). Plus a warm welcome from one of our Guest Service Managers (subject to arrival times).
2. Important Information -
We will send a comprehensive welcome email before you arrive, and in your accommodation, you will find a huge holiday guide packed with local recommendations.
3. A 24 Hour Helpline -
The Smartavillas Team is always on duty if you need assistance of any kind.
4. Legally Yours -
• SEF REQUIREMENTS. All property owners in Portugal have a legal requirement to report tourists' and guests' information to Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (known for short as, SEF). To comply with legal requirements, we shall send to you a link to our SEF form for you to complete and send back to us before your arrival. It is a mandatory requirement.
• TOURIST TAXES
Some municipalities within the Eastern Algarve region have now introduced a Tourist Tax, where charges of around 1€ per person per night are applied to a maximum of 7 nights. This charge is levied by the Government, not Smartavillas. You will be informed at the time of booking if you are required to pay this.
