somewhere2stayVilla Helena in The Algarve, Portugal

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The spacious Villa Helena sits in a sunny corner plot on the same estate as Villas Visamar, Ocean and Atlantic. Just 20 minutes' walk from Gale centre, with its assortment of Portuguese and English restaurants, gift shops, minimarkets and bars, it is also extremely handy for sandy Lorenco beach only 10 minutes' saunter away, as well as being a short drive away from a nearby golf course.

In a cul-de-sac location, which ensures guests enjoy peace and quiet, the well-maintained villa makes a clean and comfortable base. Furnishings are simple and traditional in style, with dark wood pieces a feature of most rooms, including the spacious sitting-dining room, which has patio doors out to the pool terrace. The fitted kitchen has a washing machine for extra convenience and there is a useful downstairs cloakroom and bathroom. An upstairs terrace, shaded from the sun, is another attractive touch and leads from a bedroom.

Skirting three sides of the house is a neat lawned garden studded with shade-giving trees and enclosed by hedgerows and walls, which add to the sense of privacy. The pool sits to one side and its terracing offers ample space for sunloungers and dining out.

Comfortably close to Albufeira and other beaches and resorts, and with a supermarket close by, the Helena makes a truly convenient and pleasing choice.

NB. A refundable breakages deposit of 200 euros is payable in cash on arrival.