Algarve Voted “Best Place To Retire Overseas” Again!

The Algarve, for the second year running, has been voted “The Best Place To Retire Overseas” at the Live and Invest Overseas Conference. So whether you dream of immersing yourself in Algarvian village life, living it up in one of the lively seaside resorts, or escaping the ray race altogether in a countryside getaway, Ideal Homes has the perfect retirement option for you.

We have chosen a selection of 10 of the best for you below.

1, Country Getaway €670,000

This beautiful villa is set in over 30,000 square metres of unspoilt Algarvian countryside, yet still less than 10 minutes drive from the nearest large town. The villa itself has 3 bedrooms plus another room which could be used as a further bedroom or study, 4 bathrooms, a lovely large open plan living area and sunroom. The grounds consist of a pool surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, 2 fully stocked private lakes and a further, currently unused meadow. There is a large garage and storage area to the side of the private, gravelled driveway. If you are looking for a peaceful country retreat within touching distance of all the local life, this is your perfect choice.

2, Unique Villa €680,000

This unique, luxury villa lies just on the outskirts of the central resort of Albufeira, close enough for a short taxi ride to the main areas, but far enough away to remain unaffected by the strong tourist trade. The house has 4 en-suite bedrooms, the 3 located on the first floor all have private balconies. The main living area, which is connected to the dining room via an archway, has the most fantastic arabian style, vaulted ceiling. The large pool is saltwater filled and surrounded by landscaped gardens, and the entire plot is fenced and has electric gates. For those of you who like to be near the hustle and bustle of a resort, but not too near, this is a great choice.

3, 4 Bedroom Semi Detached House €260,000

This town house is located in Ferragudo, a lovely, traditional fishing village close to the city of Portimao. The house is located in a quiet residential area and is within easy walking distance of the beach and central areas. There are 4 bedrooms in this property, 2 on the ground floor and 2 on the first floor affording lovely views over the whole town. The living spaces downstairs are light, bright and modern and the kitchen is fully fitted with Bosch appliances. A perfect choice for those wishing to be in a traditionally Portuguese town setting.

4, Traditional Country Cottage €295,000

This beautifully restored, traditional farm cottage sits in the hills above the town of Boliquieme in the central Algarve. Set in its own grounds of 1100 sqm, it retains all its traditional stone features and flooring. There are 3 bedrooms in this property and cosy lounge area with wood burner and library area. The dining room leads directly off the kitchen and has a mezzanine floor which is currently being used as an office. Outside there are lovely, English style gardens, with an above ground plunge pool and al fresco dining area. The views of the surrounding countryside from the roof terrace are fabulous. For those who like the idea of traditional Portuguese property, this is one for the list!

5, 3 Bedroom Villa Close To Golf Course

This fabulous 3 bedroom villa is in a perfect location for lovers of golf and boats alike. Being just outside the Vila Sol Golf Resort and only five minutes drive from Vilamoura Marina it is in a very desirable location. Entrance on the ground level will take you through the entrance hall, past the guest cloakroom and into to the lovely light living/dining area with large open plan kitchen and pantry. There is also an en-suite bedroom on this floor and a second living area which has been cleverly converted from the garage. There is a covered al fresco dining area and lovely sea and country views. Steps lead up through the gardens to the pool area. On the first floor there are a further 2 en suite bedrooms which share a large terrace leading to the pool and garden area. A great option for sport lovers!

6, 4 Bedroom Country Villa €440,000

This fabulous villa sits in a great position between Boliquieme and Loule and has fantastic views which can be enjoyed from all areas of the property. Inside the villa there is a fully fitted kitchen with top of the range fittings and appliances, a lovely lounge filled with natural light and four bedrooms. Outside the current owners have made it a fantastic entertaining space. There is a Morrocan terrace with covered area, built in barbecue and hot tub for dining and relaxing, and a raised, decked seating area with fabulous views which is just perfect for sundowners. If outdoor entertaining and spectacular views are your thing this is the property for you.

7, Contemporary 4 Bedroom Villa €390,000

This stunning, new villa is situated just  afew minutes from Salgados Golf Course and the beautiful beaches in the suburb of Gale, Albufeira. The ground floor living/dining area has floor to ceiling windows which let in loads of natural light, and this area leads striaght through to the fully fitted, modern kitchen. Also on this floor is a study/office, which could be used as an additional bedroom, and the Master en-suite bedroom. On the first floor there are a further 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and an additional lounge area. The property has a garden to the front and rear and pre-approval for a swimming pool. To the east and west of this property the land is classified as agricultural, so no further building will be allowed, proptecting the privacy and views of future owners. This property is in the perfect place for beach lovers!

8, 4 Bedroom Villa With 2 Bedroom Apartment €975,000

This exceptional villa is situated around 10 minutes from the historical City of Lagos and is set in almost 5 hectares of beautiful countryside. The main house has a large living area with log fire and adjoining study, a large fitted kitchen, utility room and dining room, all of which lead out through patio doors to the veranda and pool. There are 2 double en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor and the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom that has a jacuzzi bath and separate shower. On the first floor is a large double studio bedroom with en-suite, which has its own entrance and sun terrace. The self contained apartment has 2 bedrooms and an open plan living and kitchen area where you can enjoy spectacular country views. Outside amongst the landscape gardens with fruit trees, flowers, walkways, courtyards and natural countryside is a heated swimming pool, covered dinning area, BBQ house, full size floodlit tennis court, double garage, car port and brick built stable. Perfect for anyone with lots of family to visit.

9, 2 Bedroom Villa With Windmill €335,000

This fantastic villa in the countryside near Sao Bartolomeu de Messines and the ancient capital city of Silves has almost 7,000m2 of land and stunning views across the countryside all the way to the distant coast.The villa has a spacious living room with a log effect gas fire, air conditioning and patio doors to a large terrace area. On the south side of the villa, accessed from the living room, there is a very large open plan room, which has 3 sets of double stable doors overlooking the gardens and pool to the fabulous views beyond. This generous space could easily be converted into a separate studio or annex. The villa has 2 bedrooms, with the master bedroom having an en-suite full bathroom.The landscaped grounds of the property surround the villa and have full automatic irrigation with a self sufficient water supply from the borehole. On the highest point on the plot stands the yet untouched windmill, with 360 degree view over the countryside. A fabulous property with lots of potential for those who like to keep busy.

10, 4 Bedroom Villa €595,000

This fantastic villa is located near the village of Amorosa, just 5 minutes from the market town of Sao Bartolomeu de Messines. The house has an entrance hall leading to a large sunken living room and with adjoining dining area, this area has large, windows which were specifically chosen to make the most of the views and let in as much light as possible. In addition to the main living room there is also a cosy sitting room, a large fully equipped  kitchen with a separate breakfast / dining area and a laundry Room. Also on this level are 3 en-suite bedrooms and an additional guest cloakroom. On the first floor is a large open landing currently used as a library, a good sized roof terrace and the master suite which has an elevated sitting room and large bathroom. Outside there is a pool,a covered terrace with a large outdoor kitchen,  a barbecue and sitting areas. The landscaped gardens surround the villa and are fully irrigated for easy maintenance. The plot is fully fenced and entry is gained through an electric gate with video entry system, the door to the double garage is also operated with an electric remote. A quality property in an area with a good mix of all nationalities.

For more information on these and other fantastic properties, please contact the team at Ideal Homes on UK Freephone 0800 133 7644 or (00351) 289 513 434, email us info@idealhomesportugal.com or visit the website www.idealhomesportugal.com