Villa Francesca, Vale do Lobo, Algarve, Portugal Portugal Rental

Passing through the remote controlled, artfully oxidised steel clad gate, you’re entering a fortress of design, a temple to pared back beauty, a celebration of materials, to style, but also to the peace and tranquillity of the place.

The building is of the style of this community, yet the interpretation is the most individual and stylish in my opinion, but I feel it’ll be one of those villas that you either love or loathe. So, to set the scene, this villa is radically different, everything pared back to its simplest form to provide a functional “container” for the carefully chosen furnishings and objets d’arte that adorn the space and to perfectly frame the beautiful views through huge windows that slide open.

There are no tiles, the floor is polished concrete that feels so smooth to bare feet, all the surfaces in the bathrooms and even the sinks are crafted in polished concrete with glass screens to contain the water. Swinging doors where possible are eliminated in favour of chunky sliders that are often glazed to frame beautiful views of the pool, the gardens and the sky. Even the air conditioning has been integrated into the building so the usual wall-mounted boxes are eliminated and replaced with elegant vents supplying cooled air.

The master suite is on the upper floor, king-size bed facing the huge sliding window that opens to the private terrace, a veritable oasis and filled with potted plants, shrubs and trees. With the flick of a switch, a blind descends moderating the bright sunshine, there’s a TV and really cool up-cycled clothes storage unit. En suite shower room with twin sinks, toilet and walk-in shower that also opens to the terrace.

On the lower floor is a guest suite with king-size bed and en suite shower room, a door opens to the rear terrace with a little table under a parasol for two to enjoy a morning coffee. Two more bedrooms have twin mattresses on king-size bases so can be made up as king or twin beds depending on requirements. Each has en suite shower room, one has a door to a second little coffee spot a deux, the other has a sliding door framing a striking view to the pool.

Down a couple of steps into the stunning living space, from the glossy black kitchen, the dining area and the lounge you’re drawn to the perfectly presented and framed view of the pool and gardens, perfectly positioned for perfect alignment. But enjoy the interior too, the kitchen is wonderful and has all you could wish for, the dining space leads naturally to the outdoor dining space and the lounge is so comfortable and welcoming, filled with art and beautiful things, the polished floor strewn with vintage rugs. Perfect!

Open the sliding doors to a shaded sitting area beneath a pergola with two cushioned, wooden benches, the terrace of polished concrete a seamless extension from the living space. The “overflow” pool has integral steps and a shelf in the water to give a space for half in, half out relaxing, or enjoy one of the cushioned day beds, four singles and two doubles to choose from. Occupying one of the highest spots in the community, there are views outside the confines of the villa although surrounding hedges increase your privacy.

The final surprise is the steel clad box in the corner of the garden. It houses a guest suite, in some style, but here wood and ply replaces the concrete. Through a door in a glazed wall on the secluded side one enters into a little vestibule with the shower room to the left, storage straight ahead and behind the storage is the sleeping space, the end wall is a seamless expanse of glass giving a lovely view to a little table a deux in the shade of a pine. A shading blind descends to give a little more privacy and provide a screen for the projection TV overhead. Brilliant!

Check-in: 3:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Children are welcomed

Pets are not allowed

Smoking is prohibited

One week minimum stay required (Sat-to-Sat)

Rates vary depending on time of year

High season and holiday rates are higher

Maid service: 5 times per week (excluding weekends and holidays)

6% VAT

Optional pool heating available at €500 per week

Refundable damage deposit required

50% down to book

Balance due 60 days prior

Please bring proof of identification

Travel insurance recommended

All bookings are final

Rates and fees subject to change without notice