Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

In what must be one of the most serene, tranquil and authentic zones in Algarve, lies this imposing estate. As the electric gate opens, we follow the driveway up to an impressive southfacing villa. The villa measures 472m2 has been built in 2012 on the ruins of an old farmhouse and counts 3 bedrooms, 2 of which are ensuite, a guest bathroom, a massive dining/living area with fireplace, a fully equipped open kitchen, a utility room and a garage big enough for 3 cars (or for converting into 2 more bedrooms). There is also a small cellar, currently used to stock provisions. Outside stairs lead up to the first floor where we find another space measuring 60m2, currently used as a hobby room but it could be easily transformed in 2 more ensuite bedrooms. The first floor is surrounded by terraces, offering open views to the ocean, just a couple of km away.  For summer entertainment there is a double outdoor kitchen, covered seating area, an outdoor shower and a heated chlorine pool. The villa stands in the middle of a fenced and landscaped 1.7 hectare garden, with tens of different fruit trees, lush palm trees, several native plants and a large vegetable garden to cultivate your own food.

The villa is state of the art and boasts an astonishing A+ energy rating.  There is solar powered underfloor heating throughout most of the house, solar heating for hot water, insulation in walls, floor and roof as well as triple glazed windows. Rotating solar panels coupled to a 10kw home-battery make the villa as good as self-sufficient in electricity. There is also air-conditioning in the bedrooms.

Water for the garden is provided by a shared borehole and an old (still functioning) well. The villa is also connected to mains water.

The villa is located in a very quiet and noble area, surrounded by orange orchards. Santa Luzia (Praia do Barril) and cute Fuseta are less than 8km drive away.  Ideal for a leisurely bicycle-ride on the deserted countryroads. Tavira and its golf courses are just a bit beyond.

If you want to feel like country nobility in the noble area surrounding Tavira, then this is for sure your estate.