Sylvia and Matthijs – boundlessly energetic, with a young family in tow – relocated from Holland and have breathed life back into this 19th-century farmhouse. In the peaceful hills near Boliqueime choose B&B or self-catering in simple stylish rooms with smart bathrooms: pale walls, white bedding on deeply comfy mattresses, masses of monogrammed towels. The apartments have neat little kitchens. Each room/apartment has a private balcony or terrace with dreamy views but twice a week guests can gather for guitar sing-alongs after delicious dinners on the terrace – children are catered for too. Moroccan lamps add atmosphere, abundant agapanthus and sweet-smelling bougainvillaea add colour and there’s a well-stocked honesty bar. Happy days can be spent splashing in the pool or lounging in the shade of the cypress, olive and palm trees circling the large neat lawn, but do head out – there’s heaps of energetic activities (sailing, kayaking, golf and more). Peckish? There’s a good restaurant within walking distance and bustling Faro is only 15 minutes in the car.
