For a Virtual Tour of Casa Violeta please go to the photo section where a photo gives the link.
Casa Violeta is an ideal retreat for families and friends seeking peace and tranquility in an authentically rural private setting in "real Portugal". There's a comfortably furnished sun terrace above the exclusive secluded swimming pool heated year-round free of charge to 23C enabling winter swimming. (ideal for sun worshipping); a west-facing shady garden with a barbecue plays host to a hot tub (free unlimited use) from which wonderful sunsets can be watched while sipping a cooling drink.
As well as four sun loungers by the pool there are 2 double hammocks in the garden. Four brightly painted and comfortable Adirondack chairs range along the end of the pool for relaxing view gazing.
The house, built in 1931, is full of character in authentic rustic style with thick walls for coolness and archways encouraging breezes from room to room. The bedrooms, living room and dining room all have airconditioning and ceiling fans and insect protection screens are fitted on every window and door.
There are many beautiful mountain walks and tracks, ideal for walkers perhaps looking for a picnic site overlooking one of the many manmade lakes in the area. Mountain bikers, geo cashers and hikers would love the many quiet rough roads and trails. After an energetic day swimming, hiking, biking or pony trekking the hot tub waits to massage your tired limbs.
Whilst the location itself is quiet, the region's main town, Sao Bras de Alportel is less than ten minutes' drive away. There you will find all amenities - supermarkets, newsagents, diverse and amazingly good value restaurants, a bustling local market, fascinating Museum, bars, cafes, hairdressers, pharmacies, etc.
Although there are no shops in the village, bread, meat, fish, frozen food and fruit and veg vendors frequently drive up to the village in their vans and occasionally on a Sunday morning fresh produce can be bought just a short walk down the lane from your doorstep.
Further details indoors
Although the house was initially for four people, there's ample room for a cot which can be supplied, free of charge, along with a high chair, on application. Recently added is a child's bed in its own little area adjoining the master bedroom, so there's capacity for a family of six (ie: 2 adults, two "grown" children (or two adults in the twin room), a small child and an infant). There's plenty of room for 5 chairs around the dining room and barbecue tables and one three-seater sofa and two two-seater sofas in the living room.The kitchen's well equipped for aspiring cooks and, as well as the usual gadgets, includes a bread making machine, food processor and an essential large ice-making machine. We have a cool box in case it's required for picnics and excursions and also picnic crockery and cutlery.In winter the evenings can be chilly and we supply cosy electric blankets and fleecy dressing gowns. In summer as well as all bedding, towelling, etc., we supply waffle dressing gowns.There's a house laptop with free wi-fi for guests to check emails, surf the net, check in flights, print boarding cards, etc.Board games and books are also provided in the villa as well as a selection of DVDs.
Further details outdoors
There's ample parking down a small track accessed directly from the garden. The pool and sun terrace are fenced for additional security.The pool measures 8 metres x 4 metres, from 90 centimetres at the shallow end to 1.90 metres at the deep end and has a pool cover which when used at night, stops the heat escaping. This is not necessary in summer months but can make a significant difference in Spring and Autumn when the nights are cooler - also essential for keeping the warmth in as the pool is heated all year! Although we have no hidden extras in our prices unfortunately we do need to ask for an additional Euro150.00 per week payable on arrival - if pool heating is required and please let us know on booking.The hot tub, heated to 38C, is separate from the pool area at the bottom of the back garden. The mountain view has no buildings and is totally secluded.We can arrrange to hire mountain bikes if requested on application.