On foot it takes no more then 15 minutes to get to the village where you will find a post office, a bank, small supermarket, pharmacy and at least 4 cafes. The little road that goes past the house dates back to the time of the Romans. The area is great for biking and walking. If you want something that resembles meditation : The owner gives discounts to guests who are willing to help a bit with the carob or olive harvest ( between sept and nov.).

The area is fantastic for walking and biking and maps are available at the house.

The Guest House is available for hire all year round, (except july & august, when O Monte only as a whole is available) - this sleeps up to 2 people, is entirely self-contained and features a fully-fitted kitchen with all facilities, wood-burning stove, radiators and solar-heated water.

"O Monte"  has a 10x4m salt pool (cleaned twice a week) with comfortable sun loungers and parasols, and is surrounded by 2 hectares of land containing fig and almond trees, olive trees and alfarobeiras (the carob tree). Although there are almost no other houses in view, O Monte is not isolated, situated as it is on a hill looking out on a green valley between Tavira and São Bras.
Some gorgeous beaches are within 15 - 20 km. Mostly empty (except july & august) golden sand, wide beaches. The sea water is the warmest in September. All beaches are part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and some can only be reached by a short ferry ride (usually small boats handled by friendly Portuguese) .

The big house has a large shaded terrace on the west with a dining area. There is one large living area that includes a well equiped kitchen. Attached is the study and 2 bedrooms & bathrooms.
O Mont is very charming and comfortable, unlike the "often sterile" rental properties.
The Annex is a seperate unit, containing a spacious bedroom and bathroom.

The Big House is available for hire with the other two buildings only during July and August. It sleeps 8 guests and features all mod cons, TV&DVD and wireless internet as well as books, CD's and games.  Apart from these two months the owner herself lives in the Big House with 2 dogs and a cat. When she goes away for summer she takes the dogs with her but the cat stays at the house, lives outside during summer and is in charge of mice-control!

During the summer months a cleaning lady comes in once a week to change linens etc. as well as someone who checks on the garden.