Although only a short drive from the Atlantic beaches, Verdemar’s setting is bucolic. Hidden away among stands of old cork oaks beyond the blue and white main gate a very special country retreat awaits.

Guest rooms are spread around the outbuildings but the focus is the main farmhouse and dining room.

The atmosphere is easy and cosy ; a wooden beamed ceiling, an open kitchen/bar, Nuno’s paintings, wooden stools and chairs. You’ll share fun, excellent wine and good food – al fresco in summer.

Nuno, a professional chef for 20 years in Amsterdam, loves to share your company as he prepares dinner and exchange a recipe or two.

Leading off the kitchen, the lounge, equally cosy with guitar, paintings, books; a cool place to escape summer heat.

Bedrooms are just right: no hotel extras but nothing lacking.

There is a very attractive swimming pool, too, fenced off for the safety of children. OUR TYPE OF IDYLL- WITH TRUE SPIRIT OF HONEST HOSTELRY.

Text by Carol Dymond, “Special places to stay”