eastoffaro.com holidays in the Eastern Algarve, Portugal

Quinta da Arte

Peaceful hillside retreat with artist-designed accommodation.

Sleeps  2/3.

nr. Tavira, St. Catarina

Off-the-beaten-track rating -

Throw out any conventional ideas of holiday accommodation; Quinta da Arte is different. Set in a private, hillside location, you can choose between four unique, artist-designed bungalows in which you live amongst nature - outside as much as inside. You are surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and wild maquis with both botanical and artistic surprises at every turn.  Yu are a million miles away from everything and yet only 15 minutes drive from the beautiful town of Tavira. If you want a real escape, come to Quinta da Arte.

Prices (in pounds Sterling, per house, per week for 2 people. A third person costs an extra 50 pounds per week.)

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Further information

What is the accommodation like ?

O Atelier / The Atelier

 The Atelier is exactly that - now converted into accommodation for you. The lounge, kitchen, dining area and several large art works occupy the old atelier; a big, bright (and with a/c) cool space for you to relax in. There is a separate bedroom with double bed shrouded under a square mosquito net. Both bedroom and lounge area have full height glass doors looking out over the gardens and down to the coast. There is a separate shower room with hand basin and WC. The private outside area is equipped with sun chairs and dining table and chairs.

  Availability Calendar

Casa das Rochas / House of Rocks

 Occupies the highest part of the quinta - the 'King of the castle' - overlooking everything right down to the sea. The hillside and gardens are built into the house making a unique and totally private romantic retreat. The bedroom is open plan with the lounge and has an en-suite bathroom. The garden kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and barbequing. There are sun and shade terraces, an outside shower and a wonderful viewpoint. The sofa bed can be made up to sleep one extra person.

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Pavilhão da Arte / Art Pavilion

Grows out of a cargo container (now the air-conditioned bedroom) and is a complete challenge to convention. The en-suite bathroom is surrounded by garden and features a huge, not-to-be-missed 'lover's bath'. The huge, glass 'lounge' is also a gallery of avant-garde art. There is a fabulous outside 'day-bed' for pure relaxation. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering and opens onto a wonderful outside dining and barbeque area. There are sun and shade terraces and an outside shower.

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Casa do Teatro / Theatre house

Casa do Teatro is a feast of colours and design ideas. Your double bed can be wheeled out so you sleep under the stars in the fresh night air. There is an interesting large bath from which you look out to your garden. There is a separate shower room with WC. There's a large and light lounge area to laze in. The fabulous kitchen is just a step away and is fully equipped for self-catering, including a barbeque. Outside, there is a shaded dining area, a sun terrace with loungers and an outside shower. All is surrounded by your own private garden. The pool is just around the corner. The double day bed in the lounge can be made up to sleep an extra person or couple.

  Availability Calendar

What outside spaces and facilities are there ?

The three houses are set in 12 hectares of hillside and gardens which you are free to explore. The gardens not only contain a large variety of Mediterranean plants but also many large-scale art installations. There is a shared pool with a raised sun deck, shower and columned shaded terrace.  There is a petanque square with seats and a small fridge - should you feel stirred into competition.

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

In principle, you can arrive and leave on any day, but we do have to fit bookings closely together.

For how long can we stay ?

You can stay for any number of nights with a minimum of 7.

How close are the nearest food shops ?

The small villages of St.Estavão and St.Catarina are both about ten minutes drive away. Each has a small supermarket, a cash machine, a post box, a few cafés, a restaurant, a church, a telephone box and a few dogs sleeping in the street. For more choice, a fifteen minute drive will take you to Tavira's municipal market (fruit, veg, sea food, meat, deli), to its large supermarket and to a host of other smaller food shops.

How close is the nearest restaurant ?

There are local restaurants at St.Estavão and St.Catarina. However, for greater choice and quality just head into Tavira, St.Luzia or Cabanas - all about 15 minutes drive.

How close is the nearest beach ?

The nearest beaches are Tavira, St.Luzia, Barril, and Cabanas. The nearest beach to drive to is at Manta Rota, about 25 minutes drive away. 

What is there to do at Quinta da Arte ?

Perhaps the best answer is 'nothing'. Come here to relax in the peaceful setting, spend time with each other, escape. Have a dip in the pool, a few ends of petanque, or stroll around the grounds until you feel at home'. If you venture outside, you'll find many local festivals during the summer in nearby towns and villages and Tavira has a good programe of evening entertainment throughout the high season.

Do we need to hire a car ?

Yes. Quinta da Arte is out on its own and you need a car to get there and then to get about once there.

How far is Quinta da Arte from the airport ?

It is about 30 minutes drive from Faro airport.

Can we smoke in the house ?

No. Ashtrays are provided for smoking outside. You must dispose of your cigarettes with great care in the summer to avoid the risk of fire.

What else should I know about Quinta da Arte ?

There are three large dogs at Quinta da Arte which are loose in the grounds.