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Charming Countryside Cottage

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A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by lush greenery and hills in the background.
A spacious living area with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a coffee table, and a wicker chair.
A bathroom with a woven mirror, a wooden vanity, a basket, and a lamp.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, wicker furniture, and a colorful abstract painting.
A spacious living area with a wooden floor, a dining table with chairs, a sofa, a fireplace, and a bookshelf.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Games at the ready
    One of the few properties with video games available for guests.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Stª Barbara Nexe, Faro
  • Place, Santa Barbara de Nexe Church
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Faro Marina
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Faro Island Beach
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Faro (FAO-Faro Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Main ensuite bedroom

1 Queen Bed, 1 Crib and 1 Child Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Ensuite bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Countryside Cottage

Casa Sofia is an ideal villa for your holidays! This villa is 20min away from Faro airport and beaches and 5min driving from Stª Barbara Nexe (shops providing all your needs, supermarket, bank, cafes and good quality restaurants) with wonderful countryside views to the unspoiled and peaceful countryside. The property is fully walled and fenced with most privacy. It has 3 bedrooms (master doble bedroom with ensuite bathroom) and another bathroom shared by the other 2 twin bedrooms. A full equipped kitchen and living room with big fireplace and dinner area completes this house with all the amenities of an high standard villa. Outside there's a shaded courtyard with dinning area and barbeque and a fantastic pool area surrounded by garden and trees. Free internet and WiFi available.
Pool size: 9.00x4.50mts. You're 10min away driving for the access to the algarve's highway that cross the country from east to the west. The owner also owns Villa Marrakexe (https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p415863)

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
An extra portable bed can be added for an extra young adult as well a cot for a baby. A baby chair can be provided also
There's a touristic tax to be collected on the check-in on behalf of the Faro Municipal Council (1,50€ per night per person - up to max 7 nights)

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 1626/AL
Property # 8267717
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Faro

Located in Faro, this villa is in a rural area and near a water park. Faro Marina and Olhao Harbour are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Faro Island Beach and Quarteira Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Centro Cultural e de Inovação de Bordeira and Karting Almancil. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and mountain biking.
View more Villas in FaroOpens in a new window
Map
Stª Barbara Nexe, Faro

What's nearby

  • Santa Barbara de Nexe Church - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Faro Marina - 20 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Faro Island Beach - 21 min drive - 18.0 km
  • Old Town Square - 22 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Falesia Beach - 27 min drive - 23.7 km

Getting around

  • Loule Station - 17 min drive
  • Faro (FAO-Faro Intl.) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Amor Perfeito (Casa De Chá) - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Churrasqueira Leonel - ‬12 min drive
  • Natsu
  • ‪Burger King - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪O Cilindro - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Charming Countryside Cottage have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Charming Countryside Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Charming Countryside Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Countryside Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Countryside Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Countryside Cottage located?

This family-friendly Faro villa is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Santa Barbara de Nexe Church, Centro Cultural e de Inovação de Bordeira and Algarve Stadium. Costume Museum and Ruins of Milreu are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

ian p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely countryside villa, peaceful surroundings and a lovely pool. If you want ready access to "nightlife" this may not be for you, but for exploring via hire car (nearby towns like Faro, Tavira and Olhao) the ability to find nice meals quite locally and the ability to relax without interruption, this is ideal.João was so helpful during our stay and made us feel welcomed and supported if we needed help with anything. Highly recommended.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2026
Dear guests it was a pleasure to welcome you, I'm very happy that you've had a nice time at Casa Sofia! All the best Joao
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Douglas G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing out of town stay

Great villa in a very peaceful setting
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lucy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Countryside Villa

The perfect escape the villa was brilliant for our family holiday Joan was a great host. we hope we can visit again soon :)
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 June 2023
Thank you very much, you'll be most welcome in the future 😃
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely villa with fab pool, garden and views

Had a very enjoyable stay here with family including a 6 month old infant. Joao was incredibly helpful with everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2023
Dear guests, I'm so glad that you've enjoyed your staying! Best regards
Verified review

8/10 Good

Gail R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty villa

We were very happy to be in this villa in the countryside. We felt safe and Joao was most helpful and welcoming.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As amazing as the photos. Helpful host. Lovely pool. Very quiet area within easy drive of Faro airport, Faro old town and Tavira. We stayed a week in August and really appreciated the lovely cleaner that came and the pool cleaner / gardener.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2025
Thank you very much for your review! Hope to welcome you at Casa Sofia in the near future. Regards
Verified review

8/10 Good

lee a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer hols

Very quiet location but the drive down into either Faro or Amicli isn't too bad. Comfortable villa with good pool
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A good villa

We had a lovely stay here. Mosquitoes took their revenge but that is what we expected. A lovely holiday 👍
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Grace O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Villa is amazing! Stayed 2 weeks in September. Clean, open and airy, with beautiful views, inviting patio and pool. Perfect location for peace and quiet, short drive to beautiful beaches, old town Faro and airport. Joao helpful with recommendations regarding activities, restaurants, grocery stores and responded quickly when we messaged him with a question. We're looking forward to returning next year. Best vacation ever!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept 2025
Dear guests, I'm so thrilled with your comments, I'm glad that you've enjoyed your experience at Casa Sofia! See you soon in the future, you'll be most welcome!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely holiday villa

We had a lovely family holiday in Casa Sofia, it was beautifully peaceful with lovely views - just what we wanted. The villa was very well equipped, the pool was just perfect and Joao the host was so helpful and very attentive. The location was great too, with some great local restaurants and close enough to visit Faro and beaches. It all made for a perfect holiday, and we would have no hesitation in returning.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2022
When a property owner has such a nice guests as you, everything became easy! Thank you very much! Joao
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect escape

A fantastic Villa in a quiet and beautiful rural location. Whilst set away from the busier parts of the Algarve, with the excellent road network it’s only a short drive to many of the iconic coastal towns and villages. Joao who manages the property was tremendously helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2024
Dear guests it was a pleasure to assist you, I hope you'll be back in the near future! Regards, Joao
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved it.

Lovely Villa, Great Host, Super Pool (perfect temperature). Need I say more ?
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2023
Dear guest, thank you! Do come again!😃
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brilliant family stay

We loved our stay at this property. The house was situated in a great area- lots of places to visit and never far from a beautiful beach! The pool was amazing - our children (and us!) loved swimming every day. We loved watching the sunset and enjoying the view every evening. We would definitely recommend staying here. João was a great host and had plenty of recommendations- thank you!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alexander B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay in the ideal villa

It was everything and more we could have wished for. Not only was the villa just perfect but so was the local town. We ate out a fair amount, we BBQ loads. Hopefully we will retunr shortly.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2023
Dear guests, that was the perfect holidays! I hope to welcome you again in the future 😃
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Samantha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, lovely villa

We spent two weeks at the villa and it was exactly as described/as the photographs. Only a 20 minute drive from Faro Airport, but the villa is in a very quiet location. Joao, the owner gave us plenty of recommendations for shopping, beaches and restaurants which was so useful. Would definitely like to return.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just back from a lovely relaxing stay at Villa Sofia. Villa is as advertised and Joao our host was great. Contact before and during our stay was good. Answering our questions and sorting out a couple of small issues immediately. He sent us lots of information about facilities and places of interest to visit in the surrounding area. The villa is situated in a quiet area and I would say a car is essential. We are already looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2025
Dear guests,thank you for your nice comments, look forward to welcome you next time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Thomas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect holidays

- Perfect owner (Joao is super friendly and had great tips for us. The communication with him was always super easy) - Perfect villa (big pool, nice veranda overlooking the pool & garden, a lot of space outside & inside, full equipment) - Perfect location (Very quiet environment, within 20-30 some nice beaches and cities) Overall a perfect holiday for our family and we enjoyed each minute.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

james m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay here as a family of 4. Joao was a great host, he met us at the villa on arrival and was very responsive on messages to anything we needed to know. The villa was perfect for a family holiday, tucked away from the main hustle and bustle but only a 20 minute drive to beautful beaches and towns. The villa is very private, fully fenced and secure all around. The pool was a highlight, the section at the side where the kids can relax or play and just the right depth that an adult can walk up and down the whole length of the pool. We will be returning, thank you Joao.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2025
Thank you very much for your review! I'll be happy to welcome you again in the future 😃
Verified review

8/10 Good

MJ C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for quiet getaway....

We had a wonderful stay at this great villa which is only a short drive from the airport, but provides a quiet and beautiful location. For mid-to-late October, we were blessed with the weather, which only enhanced the beauty of the place and its surroundings. There are restaurants and amenities that are only a short drive away, so there's plenty still to see and do. Joao was an excellent host and communication with him was excellent. If I can guarantee the weather, I'll certainly be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2024
Thank you very much, I'm glad that you've had a good experience, please come again in the future 😃
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lydia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!

The property is so quiet and private, with beautiful views, the house designed to make the most of its situation. Shade during the day for the main room and seating area followed by the evening sun (and wonderful sunsets). A 20 minute walk takes you into Santa Barbara and the wonderful La Piazza for dinner - chicken that melts in the mouth and amazing Italian food - don't just take my word for it, check the reviews in Trip Adviser (song writer Ian Gillan's 'favourite restaurant in the world'!). Lovely walking home by the light of the moon and across the field with torches. Great places to visit all around - needed to stay for a month rather than a week! The owner, cleaner and gardeners make absolutely sure you don't have to lift a finger - house well stocked - all made for a beautifully relaxing holiday. Thank you, Joao, and we can't wait to be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Nov 2022
Dear guests, it's a joy to see that you've taken the most of your staying! Please come again, it will be a pleasure to welcome you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

stu l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A

Before we arrived Joao provided us with full details on directions to the villa, local attractions, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. The villa is very nicely located for peace, privacy and tranquillity amongst the countryside. It is very well equipped with everything you would need for a holiday. The bedrooms are a good size with efficient A/C, the bathrooms are clean and functional and the kitchen is ideal. The outside space is great with plenty of seating and loungers, shaded areas to enjoy a cold drink or full sun if you want the golden tan. The pool is a good size, clean and well maintained as is the garden. Regular visits from the garden/ pool team and cleaner without being intrusive. In almost 20 years of villa holidays this was probably the cleanest, well maintained and comfortable villa. The pictures don't quite do it justice. We would happily return. Thank you Joao
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2024
Dear Stuart, I'm so happy that Casa Sofia forfilled your best expectations, I hope to welcome you and your family again in the near future! Br, Joao
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tanja R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Die Lage hat uns super gefallen. Die nächsten Nachbarn sind so weit weg, dass man mit den Kindern ungestört rumtoben und laut sein kann. Der Ausblick ist ebenfalls großartig und der Kontakt zum Besitzer war einwandfrei. Wkr können das Haus guten Gewissens empfehlen und würden jederzeit wieder kommen.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept 2025
Dear guests, thank you for your comments, you'll be always welcome again in the future 😃
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

magali d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nous avons passé un super séjour dans cette villa. Au calme avec une piscine au top.Le propriétaire est très gentil très arrangeant et très disponible.À refaire avec plaisir
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2025
Merci beaucoup, je vous attends à la prochaine opportunité!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Philippe P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Un magnifique séjour dans une splendide villa avec piscine ! Tout est top! Une belle vue sur la vallée, une belle piscine, une spacieuse maison très bien équipée, de multiples endroits à l’extérieur pour se détendre.Tout est pensé pour passer de superbes vacances !Un propriétaire très agréable et accueillant. Toujours disponible en cas de besoin. Nous recommandons Nous souhaiterions revenir pour passer une nouvelle fois un magnifique séjour !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2025
Merci beaucoup il sera un plaisir de vous accueillir dans future prochaine!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour chez Joào, qui reste toujours disponible. Il nous a donné de très bonnes adresses. La maison est bien agencée, équipée. La piscine est très agréable avec des transats pour tout le monde. Nous recommandons cette maison qui est dans un cadre superbe
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2025
Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire!

About the host

Hosted by Joao

Host profile image
As an architect I love to do this renovation works on the Algarve's countryside. This villa was renovated in 2005 and well maintained since then. It is on the rental market since 2007 (through a Tour Operator) but only directly with the owner on Homeaway website since 2017.
The owner also owns Villa Marrakexe (https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p415863)

Languages:

English, French, Spanish, Portuguese

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