Casa do Vale

A contemporary hillside villa with postcard-worthy views, the Casa do Vale makes a stylish holiday base. Set in its own gated gardens, there’s an air of seclusion to this villa. Plus, because it's built on a hillside, the views are to die for – you can see right down to the coast. That said, it’s not entirely off the beaten track. The centre of Loule is just a five minute drive away – so you’ve got a good mix of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach. And when you do fancy a day at the beach, the Algarve’s coastline is just twenty minutes away by car. Plus, Faro’s about the same distance.

As for the villa itself, it’s a modern terracotta-coloured number framed by lawns and shrubs. Outside, a good-sized pool takes centre-stage. It overlooks the countryside and is fringed by a terrace peppered with loungers and linen shades. There’s a built-in barbecue, too, and an al fresco dining area with tables and chairs.

Head inside and a bright and airy set-up greets you. In terms of space, this roomy villa offers five bedrooms and the same number of bathrooms, so it easily sleeps ten. And on the décor front, it’s all about chic, contemporary touches. Think boldly coloured feature walls offset by an otherwise neutral colour scheme, monochrome sofas and over-sized rugs. In terms of extras, you’ll find nice touches like a CD and DVD player. The kitchen comes kitted out with everything you need including the all-important microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. Head upstairs, meanwhile, and you’ll find the bedrooms all come with balconies - perfect for soaking up those coastal views whenever you like.