Rich Pickings

Found in arguably one of the Algarve’s most charming coastal towns, Tavira, the setting for this sleek townhouse is hard to beat. Spend your days ambling through the historic Moorish streets surrounding the home – a sunny square dotted with cafes is waiting for you. And when the sea air calls, just hop on the ferry weaving down the Gilão River to the unspoilt, golden shores of Ilha de Tavira – trips to the beach don’t get much more scenic than this.

Back home, the interiors of this three-storey townhouse are as polished and contemporary as they come. So, it's a surprise to hear that this building started as a humble olive mill. Pay homage to the home’s past with a Mediterranean feast around that light-filled dining area – the nearby daily food market will deliver all the goods, including lashings of olive oil for salad plates. Then the rest of the day is yours to hang out beside the shared pool terraces. Surrounded by tumbling bougainvillaea and fragrant citrus trees, it’s a fine place to spend the day. And when it’s finally time to lay your heads, each bedroom with ensuite is set out on a separate floor, so you can all spill out with a little extra space and privacy here.

Home truths:
*On-street parking is available at the rear of the townhouse
*This home has a private entrance
*There are two internal staircases within the townhouse which may be unsuitable for guests with limited mobility
*A starter kit of kitchen and bathroom essentials is provided to help settle you in
*Cots and high chairs are available for little ones on request
*The twin bedroom can be made into a double bed if you prefer – just request with your host in advance
*There’s a dedicated desk space at this home for remote working