Our hand-picked Portugal programme is full of nice surprises, and this stunning contemporary villa for eight is definitely not what we expected to find in amongst the carob, almond and olive trees of the Boliqueime countryside. Casa do Patio is chic, unique and a tiny bit quirky, with top marks for style plus restaurants within walking distance and easy access to golf courses and the coast.

From the outside, this pristine white house is all clean lines and sharp angles, softened by lush, Mediterranean-style walled gardens that sit below the pool. With peaceful countryside views, this is a splendid spot for sunworshippers all day long, and it’s even more magnificent as dusk falls and the pool becomes a mirror reflecting all the magical lights and colours of evening. Vast expanses of sliding glass sit front and back, open to a shaded inner courtyard on one side, and the pool on the other, with a further terrace up on the roof for distant sea views.

In contrast to the minimalist exterior, the décor inside feels soft and inviting, setting soft rugs and pretty florals against a pared-back framework of exposed concrete and natural wood. Three of the four bedrooms are accessed from the inner courtyard, offering an extra sense of privacy for a family with teens or an adult group, with plenty of social spaces when you all want to get together. And while Boliqueime doesn’t offer any wild nightlife, it is walkable in just seven minutes, giving older kids the freedom to come and go under their own steam.

Boliqueime is a typical small town with whitewashed houses and traditional restaurants, making this an excellent base if you want a more authentic and uncrowded Algarve holiday, and there’s wonderful walking countryside all around if you’re here during the cooler months. It’s also an easy option when you want to combine coast and country, just a 15 to 20 minute drive from some of the best beaches on the whole of the Algarve.