14 December, 2013

Stunningly flamboyant townhouse to rent in Ferragudo

When driving through the beautiful and charismatic towns and villages of the Algarve, asides the dazzling whitewashed buildings another construction style stands out, house facades adorned with tiles of various designs and colours. Given their stark contrast to the traditional whitewashed exterior, you can’t help but find these funky looking houses quite surprising.

Onda Azul

Living in a townhouse has many benefits, primarily because it puts the visitor right on top of the action. Being situated in a town the need of a car can be redundant as a choice of bars, restaurants, shops and beaches are a stroll away from the front door.

This delightful tiled design that is typical of the region and being at the heart of the action can be applied to Onda Azul, a quirky townhouse located in a narrow cobbled street in the town of Ferragudo.

The owner of Onda Azul is an artist, which is blatantly reflected in the imaginative layout, décor and design of the house. Offbeat features provide a refreshing surprise round almost every corner. Likewise, original wall paintings add to the colour, vibrancy and individualism of this thoroughly unique Portuguese home.

It has to be said that the entrance to the dining area is a masterpiece of pure unadulterated flamboyance. The arched entrance forms almost a complete circle as one might expect in a Hobbit’s house in The Lord of the Rings. Alongside the flamboyance the house is traditional and practical, such as the easy to clean tiled floors.

Onda Azul has been lovingly restored by an artist who has cut loose and let his spirit run free without forgetting the practical necessities required when living in the Algarve, such as cool tiled floors to give some respite to the intense summer heat.

Onda Azul is a roomy townhouse with three bedrooms that can sleep up to six people comfortably. Doors from the master bedroom lead to the decked sun terrace which can also be accessed via steps from the lounge. The splendid tiled mural that depicts some rather large ladies bathing overlooks a plunge pool shaded by chunky, solid timber beams is definitely the masterpiece of the terrace. A small slender palm tree and spasmodic cacti dotted around also stand out on this lovely outdoor terrace, the perfect spot for some serious al fresco wining and dining.

Ferragudo is undoubtedly a pretty town. It possesses a somewhat Bohemian vibe intermingled with the day to day realities of the fishermen mending their nets in the sun. There are ample bars and restaurants and the beach is only a ten minute walk away from the house.

If you feel the need to explore and turn the car’s engine over there are alternative beaches only ten minutes drive away. Or to discover some Algarvian rural bliss, the Monchique Mountain Range is just 25 kilometres from Ferragudo.

For further information on this quirky townhouse in the sun and for photos and prices, visit vintagetravel.co.uk