You’ll find this eighteenth-century Pombaline residence standing proud along the water’s edge of the charming fishing town of Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve. With its impossible-to-miss red façade, lofty frescoed ceilings, and mosaic-tiled floors, this is the Portuguese retreat you have dreamed about. But we doubt you’d imagined an achingly cool shared swimming pool high on the rooftop with breathtaking views of the mighty Guadiana River. Neither did we. Back downstairs in the apartment, while the historic splendour remains, mid-century-inspired wooden furniture dials down the ornate features beautifully –⁠ and a luxurious bathroom and smart kitchen bring everything firmly into the twenty-first century. Sunny days call for coffees and breakfast on the shady outdoor terrace before an early morning dip in the pool to awaken the senses. Should you ever be tempted to stray from the suntrap roof terrace, the vast sands of Praia de Santo António are just an eleven-minute drive away. And when thoughts turn to food, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars serving up tasty seafood plates and a glass of something chilled just steps away along the harbourfront.

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