Forming part of the Portuguese royal family estate, Villa Royale is set atop the cliffs near to the pretty village of Ferragudo in the West Algarve. Overlooking the beaches, with Praia da Rocha, Lagos and Sagres to the West, the hills of Monchique behind, and the coastline of Carvoeiro and Albufeira to the East, this is a very unique 9 bedroom property that can sleep up to 19. Villa Royale sits on a large plot, ensuring privacy and untrammelled views of the surroundings.

The exterior

Outside at Villa Royale there is a generous sized swimming pool 12,5m x 5m, which overlooks the sea. The pool can be heated – charges apply. The terraces are perfect for relaxed outside living and have absolutely beautiful views to the sea, across the river estuary to Praia da Rocha beach and marina, to the hills of Monchique at the rear and to the cove beaches of Ferragudo and Carvoeiro. There is a path form the villa to the beach at the base of Villa Royale. An older building, Villa Royale has beautiful colonnaded terraces, wooden ceiling beams, stone fireplaces and thick walls that keep the villa cool in summer and warm in winter. Villa Royale has resident staff of a housekeeper and gardener who ensure that the property is always perfect.

The living areas

Renovated and refurbished to provide all comforts and conveniences, including Wi-Fi (included in rates), and air conditioning in the upper bedrooms, great care was taken during the renovation to preserve the charm and history of the villa. Much of the original furniture was retained after restoration, including the original bed frames that incorporate the family coat of arms. Not everyone that gets to fall asleep beneath the crest of the Royal House of Bragança, but you can.

The ground floor at Villa Royale consists of the main drawing room which overlooks the terrace with lovely sea views. In perfect keeping with the tone of the house, there is both a grand piano and cable TV in the drawing room. There is a formal dining room with impressive, sturdy chairs that are generations old, as well as a breakfast room, and the terrace has ample space for outside dining. There is a separate music room and even a small chapel, which has been used for wedding ceremonies. The kitchen, recently renovated, is well equipped to fill your needs with dishwasher, microwave, hob and 2 ovens.

The bedrooms

There are 4 bedrooms on the ground floor – 2 doubles and 2 twin rooms. All rooms are en-suite and all have access to terraces and have either sea or river view. All rooms have heating and beautiful furniture in keeping with the history of Villa Royale. The views are quite simply superb – relaxing on your bed you have fabulous views across the ocean.

On the first floor there are a further 4 rooms. One double room with garden view and 3 twin rooms, two of which are connected by a small sitting room , and with sea views and access to the terrace. The lower ground floor level has another bedroom – a triple en-suite room (can be turned into a double) with a sitting room and access via steps to the pool terrace. On this lower ground floor there is also a bar and cloakroom, which is very handy and means you don’t have to return to the main kitchen when you fancy a cold drink or a snack.

Note – for parties of 10 or less, the ground and lower ground floors only may be used.

About the area

The small fishing village of Ferragudo is just 5 minutes drive from Villa Royale. This is a charming village with small white washed houses nestling together in the bright sunshine. There are several simple but very good restaurants here and beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy. Across the estuary from Villa Royale you can see the long golden expanse of Praia da Rocha beach and its colourful marina. To the rear you can see the green hills of Monchique, where life is lived at a very gentle pace.