Casa do Riacho is a traditional Algarvian style villa, built in 2009 by the current owners, who know the area well and feel they have created the perfect place to quickly relax by themselves with friends and family all year round. In the foothills of Santa Catarina, it is with in easy reach of the A270 São Bras/Tavira road and is situated a little way up a country track/lane in a rural area, convenient and well positioned for local shops and a variety of restaurants. The villa is furnished comfortably and to a very high standard. It includes free WiFi, two way air conditioning, a log fire, TV, CD and DVD players and an iPod dock. The villa is quiet, peaceful and the private rural location is stunning, surrounded by hills, unspoilt countryside and amazing views, with fabulous wildlife, yet is just a short walk from the local shops which caters for all the usual provisions. It is within close reach of Faro Airport (20 mins) , with easy access by car to numerous beautiful sandy beaches such as Fuseta (15 mins) and Barril (20 mins) and the local towns of Tavira (15 mins), Olhao & S. Bras (10 mins), Loule (20 mins) and is only 6km from the A22 motorway jct 15, linking the whole of the Algarve coast with Spain and Lisbon (the Spanish border is less than a 20 min drive). Additionally, the villa is 30 mins drive from many of the region's best golf courses, including those of Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago to the West and Benamor, Monte Rei, Quinta da Cima, Quinta da Ria, Castro Marim, Quinta do Vale to the East, plus it is in very easy reach of the Central and Western Algarve tourist attractions including Zoomarine, the water parks and many historical places of interest. The Colina Verde 9 hole gof course and leisure club is just 15 mins drive. A horse riding centre is situated on the out skirts of the village and offers wonderful treks through the unspoilt countryside and rolling hills. The villa boasts 3 good sized bedrooms with plenty of cupboard space (and hairdryers) and 3 bathrooms (2 en suite and one adjacent). It comfortably sleeps up to 6 people in two double rooms and one twin bedroom (babies cots available on request). The fabulous 8 x 4 metre clear water swimming pool is unfenced and is located at the front of the villa, from which there are spectacular hillside views. There are several lovely terraces on which to sunbathe and dine alfresco. The pretty mature well tended gardens, including carob and olive trees, offer additional natural shady areas to relax.. The immediate surrounding area has wonderful country trails for keen walkers and the area in general attracts cyclists, horse riders (riding close by) and bird watchers. The small local town of Santa Catarina is conveniently just a short walk/drive away. It offers several mini mercados/small supermarkets, a bank, pharmacy, health centre, fresh fish and fruit shop, newsagent, cafe/bar cum lovely bakery, offering many choices of fresh bread and locally baked cakes. There is a very good and very reasonably priced traditional Portuguese restaurant, O Constantino, 400 metres/a couple of minutes walk from the villa and many others within a very short drive. The nearest main (and reasonably priced) large supermarket is less than a 10 min drive away. There are several others within easy reach too including an Aldi and a Lidl 95 mins). The new Mar Shopping Centre in Loule is just 20 mins drive, where there is a big Designer Outlet, Ikea and a lovely enclosed mall with lovely fashion shops and even a Primark. For dining at the villa, there is an efficient and easy to use brick built BBQ on the main terrace with a huge selection of utensils available. The kitchen is extremely well equipped, as it would be at home. The villa is very well managed/serviced by our property manager, Sara, who is on hand for help and advice who is always happy to discuss clients' requirements before arrival. We can be flexible concerning arrival days, early arrivals, length of stay and longer lets. The villa offers FREE WIFI and Smart TV including the main UK terrestrial/news channels, plus a good selection of CDs, videos, books, DVDs and games. We have a selection of beach towels we can provide to guests free of charge. Please see the video review of the property by Celebrity Radio IMPORTANT NOTES: POOL: Whilst families are always very welcome and have a great time at Casa do Riacho, it should be pointed out that the swimming pool (shallow end approx 1 metre deep) is NOT fenced and is located very close to the villa and is therefore unsuitable for unsupervised children or non-swimmers. There is a small brook that runs through part of the garden during periods of rain only. It is dry for most of the year. There are prickly cactus plants along the front edge boundary, which parents with little ones should be aware of. SMOKERS: Smoking is not accepted in the villa but is not a problem on the terraces and in the gardens, though careful disposal of cigarette butts is essential, due to the risk of forest fires, especially in the dry season. DOGS/PETS: The owners are huge dog/animal lovers but please enquire regarding bringing your pet with you, as this will completely be at the discretion of the owners. OWNERS' OWN INFORMATION FORM & TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This will be made available to clients by the owners or property manager. UNDER PORTUGUESE RENTAL LICENCE NO. 23989/AL