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Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!

Photo gallery for Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!

Front driveway and entrance to Vivenda Franco.
Dining area in the foreground, living area in the background.
View of the living area.
Dining area.
Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5160 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!

Experience living in pure architectural simplicity whilst being in harmony with nature. Retaining its traditional Portuguese exterior, this villa's interior was completely transformed into a loft-like space which is filled with natural light. Designed by well-known architect Erik Kortchinsky, this is a unique modern country house. The floor to ceiling windows in the living and dining-room area allow nature to enter seamlessly inside the space. The interior of the house is bathed in light every moment of the day, illuminating the glossy concrete floors and walls. The furnishings are minimal and contemporary, allowing the energy of the space to flow. The house has wi-fi and cable TV, and all necessary kitchen equipment. The terrace opens onto the south side of the house, and from the mezzanine you are able to see the sea in the distance. On the mezzanine floor there is a sofa bed, allowing for another one or two persons.

Safety awareness- because of the mezzanine area, & stairs with open spaces between them, this home is not suitable for children under 8 years old, the very elderly or very small dogs/puppies.There is also a strict no-smoking policy inside the house, but one may smoke in the outside areas of the property, taking extreme care in the hot and dry summer months because of fires.

A car is essential to travel to nearby beaches and the local towns, however one can easily walk to the village of Santo Estevao, which has a pharmacy, one small but adequate supermarket, and a local cafe cum restaurant.

As the property is situated in nature & part of an ecological reserve area, there is not a swimming-pool. There are several beautiful beaches within a 10-15 minute drive. One can also sit in or by, the water feature to refresh oneself on a hot day.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Not suitable for babies or young children.
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Events

No events allowed
Small gatherings permitted.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
With previous permission from the owner.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed inside the house.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: Small gatherings permitted.
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Tavira

Tavira is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cabanas Beach and Ria Formosa Natural Park, while Palacio da Galeria Museum and Tavira Living Science Center are cultural highlights. Centro de Artes e Ofícios and Centro Cultural e de Inovação de Bordeira are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
View more Holiday homes in TaviraOpens in a new window
Map
Santo Estevão, Faro District

What's nearby

  • Tavira Castle - 8 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Roman Bridge - 8 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Praca da Republica - 8 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park - 8 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Old Town - 9 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

  • Tavira Station - 8 min drive
  • Faro (FAO-Faro Intl.) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Luis Do Prego - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Vela 2 - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mesa Farta - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Black Anchor - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bar Nora @ Pedras d'El Rei - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!?

As of 8 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside! on 3 March 2026 start from NZ$209, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Architectural gem in the Algarve countryside! located?

Situated in Tavira, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Hell's Pool and within 6 miles (10 km) of Ria Formosa Natural Park and Praia do Homem Nu. Barril Beach and Cemetery of Anchors 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. 60 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olaf T.

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

Great place to have the family together

We enjoyed very much having our youngest daughter stay with us while our oldest could stay at the literally "around the corner" B&B with swimming pool.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue W.

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

Stunning

A beautiful location, stunning property, stunning views and so peaceful. Cannot fault at all
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ilona B.

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

Lovely house and large garden

The beautiful house has a nice vibe, everything you need is there. Nice, large garden with all kinds of fruittrees. Lovely view over the fields to the see. A nice place to relax in nature with lots of nice places to visit nearby. 10 min walk to the village and 10 min by car to Tavira.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marian C.

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

Amazing

The pictures do not do the beauty of this home justice. It’s location is ideal-away from the main tourist area but close enough to easily visit. The house itself is comfortable, relaxing and had everything we needed for a perfect stay. Thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda D.

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

Beautiful house, lovely landscape

We really enjoyed our stay and would love to return once travelling will be easier again. The house is a gem, the sorroundings are quiet and peaceful, it is a wonderful place to relax. This part of Algarve is great for people who want to avoid mass tourism and crowds. Thank you Sonam for letting us use your exceptional home!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim W.

Peaceful Easy Feeling

This home met my check list. Quiet,comfortable, clean and well equipped. I like the location. It is away from noise and activity but within close proximity to good beaches, shopping and restaurants. The place has a peaceful aura about it and a wonderful yard. I recommend it
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip W.

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

Vivenda Franca / Santo Estaveo

A amazing property, which shows even been better than VRBO photos. The gardens were expansive and well manicured with a distant view of the sea .The interior furnishings were delightful and the kitchen was so well equipped. Sonam, the owner was extremely helpful, and forwarded restaurant suggestions which were top notch. We would love to go back again for another month and hopefully will do so.
Stayed 21 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick S.

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

Superb

Gorgeous renovated stone outbuilding. Architect designed and meticulously crafted. The home has all the appliances and amenities one could hope for. Everything speaks of quality. The home and yard are very private and peaceful. The owner and Kerry, the manager, are delightful, easy to contact and eager to help.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Randall M.

Perfect Getaway Spot

My wife and I spent six nights here in September and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location is great; close to the highway and to Tavira but remote enough that you can be totally isolated if you choose. The house and property are beautiful, spacious and well-appointed. Kitchen is well-equipped and dining areas both inside and out are great. As the winter months approach in New England we’ll often think back wistfully to breakfasts on the patio with the perfect weather and views. Check in was seamless and all communications with Sonam were excellent. We highly recommend choosing this house for your next stay in the eastern Algarve.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lutz B.

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

Paradise

We have had a wonderful week in Sonams more than beautiful house! The design of the house is fantastic and outstanding aswell as the interior. The area around the house is also beautiful. The view from the terrace is amazing. The house is very well equipped, you will find everything you need. There are a lot of very nice beaches and towns nearby. Sonam and her manager Kerry are more than nice and easy to communicate with. We hope to come back - it was hard to leave!! Thank you Sonam, for letting us stay in your extraordinary place!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Beth S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Beautiful home

This is a beautiful home! The views are gorgeous as well! The kitchen is well stocked. Many extras! Kerry, the manager, was a delight and promptly answered any questions we had during our stay! I would suggest though that the house be cleaned better. There were dead bugs behind roller screens on the inside of the windows and many cobwebs behind decorative lights on walls. Dusting could have been better as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chitra B.

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

Beautiful, tranquil and very well equipped

We stayed in Tavira for a week in mid May. Couldn't have asked for anything better. Beautiful house and property, tranquil surroundings, extremely peaceful, very well equipped. Quiet and away from all the hustle, bustle and noise but conveniently located close enough to the city center and just a short drive from other popular destinations. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening suppers on the patio with a view to the ocean. Just want we needed to wind down before our return home. Kerry - the property manager, was very prompt in responding to all our enquiries. We absolutely enjoyed our stay here. Highly recommend this property to others.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, serene location

The villa is nestled between a couple farms which lends to an extremely quiet, serene environment. The property has almond and olive trees and many birds pass through. We had a fabulous week at the house, eating dinner several nights on the covered terrace, looking out at the ocean and stars. We would absolutely stay again. The only recommendation I would have for the owner would be to regularly ispect the property and tidy up a bit. There were some work tools and things not where they belong, but it didn't detract from a fabulous house and location.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reiner G.

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

Relaxed time

We had a great, relaxed time at Sonam s house. All is said about the architecture before - that's exactly how we found the place. We appreciated the location a few km from Tavira to escape the city's hustle and bustle. But still close enough (by car) to have a drink or meal or go for shopping. Also a perfect location for our trips to the coast and the Backcountry. Although it's been a little chilly in December, we enjoyed sitting on the terrace and watching the birds around (from sparrow to hoe-poe we encountered around 30 species right around the house without great efforts). The fireplace guaranteed cosy and warm evenings. We strongly recommend to go there if you are looking for some peaceful days.
Stayed 15 nights in Dec 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Barry & Sheila J.

Luxurious tranquility!

We stayed at this property for two months during the winter. We loved it and are planning to return next year for an even longer stay. The house has been newly renovated by a local architect and is all quite comfortable. It has very modern conveniences. The wifi worked perfectly. It allowed us to connect with grandchildren back in North America using face time. It is cooler in the winter in Portugal but we found that the electric heaters did a good job of heating the house when necessary. There is a fireplace that worked well, with some firewood supplied but we only used it once. Working with the owner, Sonam, was easy. She was very accommodating and all arrangements regarding deposits and arrival and departure times were very straightforward. She also left a booklet, not only about the house, but also with recommendations about local restaurants, markets, and beaches. We tried many of her suggestions and found them to be excellent. There is also Adelaide, the local manager. She was very available whenever we had questions and helped us a great deal. One of the things we really enjoyed about Vivenda Franco was the setting. It is within walking distance of the small village of Santo Estavao and about a 10 minute drive from Tavira. It is at the end of a long lane. The property is beautiful with a view of the ocean in the distance. There is no traffic whatsoever near the house. We very much enjoyed the peace and quiet. I would say, however, that you must have a car to enjoy this property. There is plenty of room for two couples. Our son and daughter-in-law came to visit for ten days and we were quite comfortable. If I had one minor complaint I would say that Vivenda Franco needs some better outdoor lounges. There were two but they were not terribly comfortable. I understand from Adelaide that new outdoor furniture is on the way. In closing, I guess the fact that we are planning on returning and would recommend this place to any friend or family is the best recommendation I can give it.
Stayed 59 nights in Feb 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita B.

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

Estadía

Ótima
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vincent V.

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

Havre de paix

Tres belle habitation magnifiquement revisitée par un architecte. Décorée avec soin, idéalement localisée au calme dans un charmant village. Vue magnifique sur l'océan, extérieur pourvu d'un point d'eau. Nos meilleures vacances en Algarve et de loin.ressourçant au retour de la plage.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CECILE B.

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

Magnifique !

Très belle maison fonctionnelle et agréable. Tout confort. Un séjour magnifique ! Merci !
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

karine r.

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

Magnifique maison

Excellent séjour dans cette très belle maison. Tout y est, la maison est parfaitement équipée et les extérieurs sont tres agréables. Merci pour ce beau séjour
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arndt S.

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

Traumhaus

Das Haus ist ein Traum! Es ist ruhig im Hinterland gelegen. Ein in der Nähe gelegenes B&B stört überhaupt nicht, sondern vermittelt eher das angenehme Gefühl, dass es Nachbarn gibt. Haus und Garten laden zum Verweilen und Entspannen ein. Das Haus selbst ist tatsächlich eine architektonisches Perle, lichtdurchflutet und auch mit ausreichend Schatten für den Sommer. Die Ausstattung lässt nichts zu wünschen übrig. Die Übergabe erfolgt unkompliziert und freundlich. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt und würden uns freuen, wenn wir bald wiederkommen könnten. Vielen Dank an Sonam, dass wir diesen ganz besonderen Ort besuchen durften.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bernard m.

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

super

tres belle propriété
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurence B.

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

Une belle parenthèse hivernale

Superbe semaine dans cette très jolie maison meublée et décorée avec beaucoup de goût et de personnalité. La cuisine très bien équipée permet de profiter au maximum du séjour en ne se sentant pas obligé d'aller au restaurant et de plus le joli jardin au calme et avec une vue dégagée permet de se déconnecter du monde extérieur avec sérénité.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michel H.

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

un lieu exceptionnel

C’était notre second séjour dans cette maison très soignée, confortable, au milieu de la nature et à nouveau, nous avons particulièrement apprécié notre séjour.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Vincent B.

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

Détente en Algarve

Très bel endroit avec une belle vue sur la vallée, beaucoup de calme et un accueil très aimable et compétent. Contrepartie: il faut sans cesse prendre sa voiture pour faire les courses, pour aller à la plage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

nicole d.

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

calme en pleine nature

très belle maison dans un environnement très paisible. équipement au top ...manque une piscine pour que ce soit parfait ...!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sonam Kushner

Host profile image
I grew up in India, went to school in England, then lived and worked in London. Prior to coming to the US, I was based in Belgium, living and working all over Europe. My home here is in the New York area, where I live with my husband and daughter. I have my own homeopathic practice since 1997. My other passions in life are our two Tibetan Terriers, good food and wine, yoga and traveling. I have owned my home in the Algarve since 1984, and have recently re-built the interior with the help of a fantastically gifted architect by the name of Eric Kortchinsky. He has done his magic and created my Dream Home!

Why they chose this property

Portugal is a very special country, the people are wonderful, the food and wine delicious, the fado music amazing, and the quality of light there is extraordinary. The location is also great- from my home, it is just half an hour to the Spanish border, less than two hours by car to Seville, and three hours to Lisbon.

What makes this property unique

Inspite of the huge influx of visitors and the inevitable general increase over these last years in tourism to the area, I feel that this eastern part of the Algarve still retains some of its old traditional charm, and remains relatively unspoiled. Tavira is a lovely town, and nearby Olhao has become home to many artists, both Portuguese and foreigners.

Languages:

English
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