The Quinta da Saudade is a small British-run estate of privately-owned villas occupying approximately twenty-four acres about five miles west of Albufeira.

Nestling in the peaceful country setting of an old hillside farm estate and set amid orange, almond and olive trees, the Quinta is about forty-five minutes drive from the Airport at Faro.

The nearest beach, less than two miles away, is a magnificent long stretch of sand, bounded by dunes, where it is always possible to escape the crowds, even in August.

There are two swimming pools, a children's play area and pool, tennis court, restaurant and bar, mini-golf course, table tennis and petonque.

The Riding Stables at the Quinta have some fabulous horses that are available for gallops across the dunes or slow hacks through the countryside.

There are attractive country walks in the vicinity and there is a wetlands nature reserve nearby with a wealth of bird and plant life not commonly found in the UK. Purple Heron, Little Bittern, Alpine Swift, Bee Eater, Red Necked Night Jar, Azure Winged Magpie and more.

Casa Redonda is situated slightly away from the main group of villas.

It has an entrance hall/dining-room, a good-size sitting room, a twin bedroom and a bathroom with separate shower and electric towel rail.

The kitchen has a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, double sink, microwave oven, electric oven with eye level grill, and a hob with both electric and gas rings.

The sitting-room has a television receiving BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC Choice, BBC News 24 plus others including Portuguese television.

For Winter occupation, there is a good stove/open fire in the sitting-room and elctric heaters throughout.

There is a forty metre long garden with terrace, barbecue and a small shallow pool (3.6m wide and .75m deep) which is ideal for a refreshing dip and particularly good for children.

There are tables and chairs for eating out as well as sun loungers and umbrellas. Bedding and towels are provided but not towels for the beach or pools.

There is a telephone for in-coming calls.

The villa is for two people but an extra bed or cot can be put in for a child or baby at an extra cost of £50 per week.

The villa rental is inclusive of maid service (except Sundays), hot water and cooking gas. Electricity and logs are also inclusive, except for November through to March.

A complimentary starter pack will be put in the villa consisting of eggs, milk, butter, sugar, coffee, tea, bread, drinking water and white wine.

The rent also includes the use of all the amenities at the Quinta, except for a charge for the tennis court.

Bookings are on a weekly basis from Thursday to Thursday, but if your holiday has to start on specific days, please let me know - we can be flexible.

The winter rental rate does not include electricity and wood