Home > Accommodation > Lagoon Cottage

Holiday cottage accommodation, 4 bedrooms

Sleeps 9 (6 adults, 3 children).
near Fuzeta, Moncarapacho, Tavira, Olhão

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Description (Property Reference: 133) Lagoon Cottage is a gem for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It sits in 36,000 m2 of its own land, including a pine wood behind the house. From the terrace in front of the house and from the roof terrace, you enjoy uninterrupted views out over the lagoon of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve to the gap between the Ilhas de Tavira and Armona and the sea beyond. You can expect to see hoopoes, bee-eaters and golden oriels in the land around the house, and black-winged stilts, white stork and spoonbills in the lagoon in front of the house. Take in the view, take in the sea breeze, take in the tranquility and bird song around you and you can forget that you ever booked a return flight. Ideal for couples seeking a quiet natural setting or for families with children eager to explore.

Our ratings ? Off-the beaten-track rating Privacy Quality

Prices

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Period Price GBP 1 Apr 2010 to 31 May 2010   GBP 449 31 May 2010 to 30 Jun 2010   GBP 499 30 Jun 2010 to 14 Jul 2010   GBP 699 14 Jul 2010 to 25 Aug 2010   GBP 799 25 Aug 2010 to 29 Sep 2010   GBP 599 29 Sep 2010 to 1 Nov 2010   GBP 499

Notes Prices are for the property per week, regardless of the number of people (up to the maximum number of people for the property).

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Facility Comment oven YES hob YES - gas microwave YES fridge/freezer YES gas kettle YES toaster YES coffee machine YES expresso maker YES

Facility Comment iron YES ironing board YES wood burning fire YES bedroom fans YES barbeque YES terrestrial TV YES washing machine YES

What is the accommodation like ?

Lagoon Cottage is a traditional cottage with many antiques features, which has been updated to make a holiday home. It has three small double bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and a fourth bedroom with a small single bed and bunk beds for children. There is a bathroom complete with bath (and stand-in shower), handbasin and WC. There is also a second, more rustic, small shower room with WC.  There is a fitted kitchen fully equipped for self-catering. At the centre of the house is a lounge/dining area divided by an open fire place.

What outside spaces and facilities are there ?

The focus of the cottage is the large front terrace which is accessed from the dining room and the kitchen. It features a traditional, built-in seat the length of the house and a barbeque. It is private and gives spectacular, uninterrupted views over the lagoon and to the sea. This is truely a great place to be. There is also a roof terrace, which is accessed via an outside staircase and which makes an exceptional 'viewing' platform of the Ria Formosa, of the countryside and of the pine wood behind. You have - literally - acres of land on which to amble, explore, and in which you can watch and listen to the birds. There is plenty of space to park and to play petanque (boule).

What is it like walking from the property ?

You can do a fair amount of walking within the boundaries of the property. However, venturing outside, you are immediately at the lagoon shore and the Algarve Ecoway - the coastal cycle and walking path. Walking east will take you past some good marsh for bird watching and eventually out onto the waterfront in Pinheiro - where there happens to be an excellent and cheap local seafood restaurant. You can follow the path all the way along the coast into St Luzia, Tavira, and beyond.

Walking west, I would go along the shore if I were you, instead of following the coastal path on its diversion inland, passing the inlet of Arroteia de Baixo and joining the footpath again as it passes an area of salt pans which is excellent for bird watching. The footpath then takes you into Fuzeta and beyond.

For the adventurous, the other option is to strike out south from the shore and walk through the marsh out to the wide expanse of the sandy shore of the lagoon. Not only does this offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching but also for bathing, once you get to the open lagoon. The really adventurous can then carry on and wade across to the islands and the ocean at low tide; though don't forget that you have to come back.

Whichever way you choose, you'll return soaked through by the sun, the salt-laden sea breeze, the dazzingly light and the many impressions of the day.

How close is the nearest beach ?

Pretty near as the crow flies, through the marsh at low tide. Otherwise, Fuzeta, which is a five minute drive away or can be walked to along the coastal footpath.

How close are the nearest food shops ?

The nearest food shops are at Fuzeta and Moncarapacho, a 5 and 10 minute drive away respectively. Bigger markets and supermarkets are available at Tavira and Olhão, both about 15 minutes drive away.

How close are the nearest restaurants ?

There are three local restaurants within 10 minutes walking distance along the shore.

How far is the nearest airport ?

Faro airport is about a 30 drive away.

Do we need to hire a car ?

Yes, you're out in the sticks here. Look at our car hire. 

What is there to do ?

This is a place for bird watchers and for people who are happy to be in and explore nature. The interessed and the curious will find plenty to entertain them in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the local fishing villages. For the bird watchers, the near-by areas of lagoon, salt marsh and salt pans offer excellent opportunites for seeing wading and coastal birds, many of which are rare or unseen in the UK, including: greater flamingo, spoonbill, avocet, black-winged stilt, godwits, curlew, curlew sandpiper, Kentish plover, little egrets, white stork, little tern, Caspian tern, sandwich tern, green shank, grey plover, kingfisher and many more. Other species include: bluethroat, sardinian warbler, Cetti's warbler, fan-tailed warbler, common waxbill, bee-eater, golden oriel, hoopoe, crested tit, little owl, barn owl, red-necked nightjar.

Apart from its birds, the Ria Formosa is a fascinating place for its plant life, marine life, the cycle of its tides and the many uses to whcih it is put by humans. Its all on your door step.

Are children welcome ?

Yes, very. The big outdoors is waiting for them to wear out their energy and curiosity and the 'kids' bedroom is waiting for their dreams at night.

Are pets welcome ?

No, sorry.

Can we smoke in the property ?

No. Smoking outside only. SMOKERS MUST BE VERY VIGILANT IN THE DRY SUMMER MONTHS DUE TO THE HEIGHTENED RISK OF CAUSING FIRE.

On which day(s) can we arrive/leave ?

The change-over day is Wednesday.

Is there a minimum/maximum length of stay ?

The minimum stay is 7 nights, and the maximum 28.

Are there any dangerous/safety features for small children ?

The property is far from the road and is fenced all the way around.

Is there anything else I should know about the property ?

For guests who have stayed here before, Lagoon Cottage is the new name for Cerro da Vela.

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