Private Villas & Country Homes in Portugal

___________________________________________________________________________________

These TWO exclusive architect-designed “casas” are set within a nature reserve, surrounded by hundreds of olive trees, a few miles away from the most beautiful beaches in the south of Portugal. Just 20 minutes outside of the historic town of Faro, they are an oasis of peace and quiet, offering complete privacy.

Between the green knotty olive-trees, the first “casa” shines brightly in white. Once rundown and neglected, this traditional house has been rebuilt and extended. It now boasts three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large lounge and dining area with open fireplace. There are several patios, terraces, and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views over the hills of the surrounding nature reserve as well as a modern 15-metre swimming pool.

Once a ruin at the end of a dirt road, the second four-bedroom “casa” is striking against the natural backdrop with its modern architecture dominated by strong lines, white walls, and concrete. Large windows and doors let the outside in while local materials are found throughout including the use of natural stone for the semi-enclosed pool. The white walls and concrete floors create a neutral palette, with the addition of wood and textiles to add warmth. On the upper level, the living room connects with the back garden and a huge rooftop terrace with stunning views of the nature reserve. The relaxing sound of water from the fountain makes it the perfect place to hang out, to read a book or just enjoy the sun.

A short drive away, you’ll find Santa Barbara de Nexe, a picturesque village with bars and restaurants, a supermarket, and bakery. You can also take advantage of nearby five-star resorts with excellent golf and tennis facilities or head to the coast to try fishing, water sports, snorkeling, or dolphin spotting. Places to visit in the area include Évora, Sagres and the Ria Formosa. The properties are located 2.5 hours by car from Lisbon and less than two hours from Sevilla, Spain.

___________________________________________________________________________________

The stunning Douro Valley runs along the “River of Gold” in Northern Portugal from the city of Porto. The beautiful riverside setting overlooked by vast vineyards offers one of the most picturesque and scenic journeys in Europe. A globally esteemed wine trail, the Douro is blessed with Portugal’s most fruitful autumn harvests amidst the protection of luscious hillsides.

Built into the hillside overlooking the valley, this villa, with five suites and two connecting rooms, enjoys panoramic terraces and has its own garden, vineyard, and olive grove. Chill by the heated pool or sit back in the indoor jacuzzi; explore the private wine cellar or have fun in the cinema and games room. Activities available on request include off-road rides, boat trips, guided tours to wineries, caves and “quintas” or helicopter tours.

___________________________________________________________________________________

We absolutely love the collection of granite houses and eco cabins at one of our favorite rural hotels in Portugal. Here you get to enjoy all the facilities of an amazingly friendly rural hotel but have your own private world away from the main house.

Located at the top of a medieval village where it’s hard to say where the castle ends and the property starts, the hotel is full of original touches providing an authentic Portuguese experience. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and panoramic jacuzzi to complete the peaceful and spectacular atmosphere. The breakfasts are a unique experience, with home-made bread and jams made by the owner, natural fruit juices and apple tart. The location is perfectly located for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, and the property owners can take you down the river on their fabulous boat.

From the owner: “We are prepared for all travelers. While we have totally isolated accommodations, the majority are well spaced out; 31 rooms in 21 fully autonomous buildings, adding to that we are in a region that until today has not registered a single COVID case and only 23 people live in our little village!”

___________________________________________________________________________________

With far-reaching views over the green Algarve countryside, this former farmhouse stands proud. A place of singular beauty with whitewashed walls, terracotta floors and almost 300 years of history, the property is within one of the largest and elegant estates in Algarve.

The owners have restored the elegant estate back to its former beauty, respecting its history and traditional Portuguese architecture, but adding a contemporary style, using mostly locally sourced materials. The result is an award-winning place of beauty and tranquility but also of natural unpretentiousness. A place where you can be just yourself, a space that offers privacy when you crave for it, a place that soothes the eye with its natural aesthetics. A dream in white, a place of magic.

In the main house there are five suites, of which two are family-suites. In the former stables, next to the central courtyard, there are two more suites. All are spacious (between 32m2–65m2) and almost monastic in their simplicity: white walls, high ceilings and warm traditional floors made from handmade terracotta tiles. Decoration is kept very natural and minimal using mostly wooden furniture made with pride by local craftsman and small items found at local antiques markets. Sophisticated simplicity reduced to its purest form. There are so many gorgeous touches, but one of our favorites is the four-poster bed on the rooftop terrace, equipped with mosquito net, to sleep outside in summer under the beautiful Portuguese night sky. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Located in the central Algarve and just 10 miles from the ocean, it’s a perfect starting spot from which to explore. Apart from the beckoning ocean and beaches, all types of activities can be arranged for you such as golf, hiking, biking, horse riding, sailing, dolphin watching, kayaking, picnics in secret spots, and artisanal food tastings. Back at the property, the owners can serve all meals.

___________________________________________________________________________________

There are a number of small luxury hotels in Portugal with their own private villas, and another of our favorites overlooks the Atlantic. It’s a natural haven just an hour north of Lisbon. Amongst cliffs, pine trees, sand dunes and bare rocks, it’s a refuge, a retreat. To restart, to reconnect.

The villas here are seductive and autonomous, and are ideal for families who welcome the services of a five-star property on tap. Each villa has an outdoor pool and a furnished garden area, replete with a barbecue area. The villas are over 2,000 square feet so plenty of space; comfortable large lounges, fully-fitted kitchens, and tasteful bedrooms. Bathrooms are vast, with showers and tubs big enough for two set on the varnished floors. The ocean is a 10-minute walk away or you can rent bikes from the property.

From the owners: “With the great and warm support of Madrid & Beyond, we will be waiting for you from June 9th. Our doors and hearts will be open to host you, with all the necessary preventive measures in place to assure your health and well-being.”

___________________________________________________________________________________

Alentejo is one of our favorite regions anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula. It stretches from the Atlantic coast across to the Spanish border and contains so much of what makes Portugal irresistible. Over the centuries, it has preserved its rich heritage, undoubtable charm and picturesque rural landscape. It is the essence of the traditional Portuguese countryside, where you are transported to cork-oak forests, wheat fields and olive groves. Alentejo is also home to a myriad of UNESCO world heritage sites, some of Europe’s most ragged coastlines and undiscovered wild beaches.

Deep in the Alentejo, against a stunning backdrop of vast, golden plains where olive and oak trees provide cool shade, this country home, a former farmstead, has been in the owner’s family for generations. Refurbished by a local architect, the floors are paved with Portuguese clay while the fully equipped kitchen in beautiful white marble overlooks the 400-metre-square swimming pool through a floor to ceiling window. There are four suites with a mixture of modern bedding and regional wooden furniture and handmade tiles.

___________________________________________________________________________________

This collection of stunning villas is nestled on a stunning 17-acre estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields, and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches. Only one hour south from Lisbon, wildlife is abundant, time seems to stand still, and guests can experience all that is genuine and authentic – a welcoming local population, great foods and wines. Rooms, suites and villas are distributed across several buildings adding to the intimacy of the site. Choose from the Owner’s House, the Guest Suites, the Bio Pool Suites and several 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom “cabana”-style villas all of which include a private pool, fireplace, and terraces.

This is a just a small selection of private villas or country homes we can arrange. If you’re seeking something or somewhere else, just let us know and we can provide other options.