Number42

The house appears to be a classic Olhao townhouse from the outside but the building is much larger than it appears from the street. On entering the house you are faced with a spectacular barrel-arched hallway and living area eventually leading to a ground-floor patio area. To the right is a large second sitting room with a flat-screen TV and there is also a large kitchen and dining area that adjoins the patio.

A secondary hall with a stone and glass floating stairway opens up to the roof level to allow light into the core of the house. A further set of stairs at the rear of the house is situated adjacent to a ground-floor barrel-arched bedroom. The ground floor itself is laid with an off-white Portuguese limestone known as moleanos with underfloor heating which is only necessary in the winter months.   The front stairs lead to two large, very high-ceilinged master bedrooms laid with wooden floors and to a smaller double bedroom and a separate study. The rear stairs lead to two other first-floor double bedrooms. All bedrooms are en suite (one with a bath) and contain air conditioning and ceiling fans. Beds are either 160 cm or 180 cm and in the case of two of the bedrooms can also be set up as twins. The first floor also contains a large terrace with seating areas and external stairs leading to the flat roof.   The rooftop contains a second kitchen equipped with hob, fridge, washing machine and microwave, a studio for yoga, art or exercise, an outside dining area, a deck area with seating and a sunbathing terrace with salt water pool (7 x 2.5 metres) containing an exercise jet.   A further set of stairs lead to a viewing area known locally as a mirante, which is ideal for evening drinks at sunset and offers spectacular views out over the water to the islands and over the old town.

The property has a rooftop saltwater pool (7 x 2.5 metres), air conditioning in all bedrooms, in the dining area and the TV room. There is underfloor heating in all the areas with stone floors which comprises the entirety of the property save for bedrooms. Bedrooms have wooden floors and are heated by air conditioning systems. All bedrooms also have ceiling fans. In addition to the main kitchen, there is a fully equipped rooftop kitchen with a fridge, hob and microwave.

The local residents spend many hours just sitting and chatting over a coffee while watching the world go by. We would recommend doing the same as Olhão works its magic on you. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll come across enchanting historic buildings. From Number42’s rooftop, you can admire the cubist architecture of the town, which is famous throughout Portugal and reminiscent of Marrakech’s medina.

The nearby fish market is always fascinating and well-stocked with fresh fish including unusual species. Out on the water, you can see the fishing boats coming and going. The nearby islands have outstanding beaches that you can enjoy all to yourself, not to mention cool cafes and restaurants where the locals congregate. A ferry ride to the islands is an event in itself.

Additionally, you can tour the local salt pans and olive oil farms or go walking and cycling along the Coastal Ecovia. We can organise cooking demonstrations and yoga classes at the house or put you in touch with guides for birdwatching tours. Aside from its beaches, the Algarve is also known for its golf courses and shopping.