Casa da Infanta translates into English as the “House of the Princess” and remains in the ownership of the Portuguese Royal family today. Located on the Western Algarve, the house is perched on the cliffs of Ferragudo. It faces west over the bay of Lagos and towards Sagres and the setting sun. The magnificent views are of the peaceful waters of the Algarve coast and yachts making their way from the marinas and of fishing boats passing in front of the house. Across the wide estuary is a distant view along Praia Rocha beach, which is a well-known resort to many visitors to the Algarve.

Casa da Infanta has been completely refurbished and updated to modern standards, yet retaining many of the house’s original features, including the antique beds with the family coat of arms. There are a total of 9 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, sleeping 19 persons spread over three floors of the building, and a lift services each level.

The main drawing room with sea view also opens onto an extensive terrace and boasts a beautiful grand piano. There are terraces at all levels enjoying the magnificent views, and a swimming pool overlooking the sea. A downstairs bar and WC are available from the pool which also has a poolside shower.

Ferragudo is undoubtedly one of the gems of the Algarve coast  - the quiet charm of this waterside village makes this house more suitable to families and persons wanting to enjoy the special Portuguese magic or for golfing groups, rather than young parties seeking the nightlife of the resorts.  We strongly recommend a walk along the beach to the small restaurants quayside where you can get delicious fresh fish grilled on a charcoal brazier; and there are many golf courses, located within a short drive away.

NB The owners of the house are non-smokers and it is suggested that those wanting to smoke should use the downstairs television room or go outside on the terraces and balconies.

READ PAST CLIENT COMMENTS!

ACCOMMODATION – 10 OR 19 GUESTS

LOWER GROUND FLOOR - Television room. Triple children’s bedrooms (narrow beds) with small en-suite sitting area, opening onto pool terrace. Bar & bathroom also opening to pool terrace. Laundry room.

GROUND FLOOR - Entrance hall and cloakroom. Double doors leading to a private chapel.  Formal dining room seating 8 at the main table, and a further 8-10 on two circular tables.  Main drawing room opening onto terrace, which has a retractable sun awning and tables for outside eating, for 16 people. Music room with a CD player and comfortable chairs. Well equipped kitchen and breakfast room, which is ideal for children’s meals.

Two double and one twin bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and the others with en-suite bathrooms, sea views and doors leading out to a shared terraces.  One further twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom and garden/river view. The former garage has been turned into a playroom for children and has table tennis.

FIRST FLOOR  (FOR FULL CAPACITY RENTALS ONLY) - Twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom and garden views. Double bedroom with en-suite shower room (extra sofa bed for child up to 8 years) and doors out to roof terrace. Two further twin bedrooms sharing a bathroom and a small sitting room, sea views and doors out to a shared terrace.

STAFF & SERVICES

Resident Housekeeper & Gardener  - D. Regina the housekeeper, has been employed at the villa for over 25 years and was housekeeper to the Princess until her death.  Guests will be met by the housekeeper on Saturdays, whatever time they arrive. D. Regina (and her team’s) primary job is to clean the house and ensure the washing of the house linen  (09:30 – 16:30 hours), weekdays only.  All bedrooms, public areas and bathrooms are cleaned and tidied once a day.  Not included: washing of guests personal  clothes, or dish washing/tidying up kitchens etc. Sr. Porfirio the gardener also works weekdays only (09:30 – 14:00 hours) but swimming pool and terraces are cleaned a bit earlier (07:00 – 08:00 hours).

Cooking Service - The housekeeper may be able to prepare simple meals (grilled fish or meat, salads, etc) on alternate days of stay. The cost of this service is Euros 20 per hour, paid locally. Shopping hours and cost of ingredients are extra. Should this service be required, please request in advance, as it may not always be possible.

Welcome Hamper - Whilst this is not included in the rental, it is possible to order a standard list for 10 people (Euros 130) or for 19 people (Euros 250), paid locally on arrival.

Baby Sitting –  On request, arranged  with housekeeper at Euros 20 per hour, paid locally.

DISTANCES

Ferragudo (nearest shops & restaurants) - 1 km; Beach  - 50 metres (the sandy beach just bellow Casa da Infanta can be reached from a steep flight of private steps directly from the villa or; a gentler slope but longer walk from the estate grounds) will take you to Praia Grande. Portimão & Marina (major shops & banks, bars & restaurants, hospital etc)  - upstream on the other side of the river or 2 kms drive away.  Faro Airport – 60 mins drive.

THINGS TO DO

• Play a round of golf -  The Algarve is one of Europe’s top golfing holiday destinations and several of the best Algarve courses are only a short drive away
• Eat lunch under the bridge in Portimão - Where fresh sardines are unloaded from fishing boats and cooked at rough-and-ready harbour side stalls, advertising their presence with the delicious scent of charcoal-grilled fish - there are various restaurants located between the old and the  new  bridge
• Visit Monchique – From Portimão follow the winding  road inland and uphill to  the mountain range of Serra de Monchique – surrounded by steep, terraced fields and forests, this  area of the Algarve is  best known know for,  it’s cured ham and chicken “piri piri” (a  spicy hot barbeque  recipe), introduced to  Portugal by sailors traveling back from India and Africa.  On the way to the very top of this mountain range  you will first pass the centuries-old spa town of Caldas de Monchique, a haven of tranquility and ancient spa dating back to the Romans; followed by the sleepy town of Monchique; and further still, above the tree line at just over 900 metres (approx 3,300 feet), you can stand on the summit at Foia – on a clear day you can view almost all of the Algarve coast from this point!

OTHER FACTS:

Saturday change over days.  Minimum 1-week rentals. Check-in after 14:00 hours/check-out before 10:00 hours. Welcome Hamper on request at an extra cost. Bed linen and bath towels are supplied and changed mid week. One swimming pool /beach towel per person is also provided free of charge per stay. The villa has an internal telephone/fax system with the cost of the calls being logged automatically –  a deposit is required paid locally in advance and requests for additional payments maybe be made if usage is high. WIFI internet access available at Euros 25 (flat rate) per week – on request and paid locally in advance. Swimming pool  (12.5 metres x 5 metres,  1.4 metres deep end/0,8 metres shallow end) with roman steps and.   Other equipment available: 2 cots and 2 high chairs; hair dryers in all bathrooms;  safe; barbecue;  Satellite TV (CNN,  Sky News, Panda, Cartoon, Eurosport, Hollywood, Odisseia, Bloomberg, MTV, Nat. Geographic, Fashion TV, People + Arts ). Laundry/Ironing Room with 2 washing machines.

Solar panel pool heating is available  on request at Euros 200 per week (approx 10 hours a day), paid in advance with the rental.  Central heating is also available on request at Euros 200 per week (full house) or Euros 100 per week (half house), paid in advance with the rental. The property enjoys the benefit of the cooling winds from the sea and Portuguese trade winds in the summer. There are also shutters throughout and these can be adjusted to avoid direct sunlight, keeping the interior cool.

RENTAL PRICES ON REQUEST!

BOOKING/CANCELLATION TERMS