Fazenda Nova
We all have dreams and things we wish for. But despite of all the fairy tales we heard as a child, fairy tales actually need you to put them into reality. Unfortunately, they don’t come true out of nothing. Most of the times a lot of hard work and sometimes even life changing events might be the key. For Hallie and Tim it was a very painful happening that brought them to a happy and fulfilling life in Algarve, Portugal. Hallie and Tim used to live in London and had both very stressful jobs. They dreamed of living abroad and giving their children a different life to the one they were having in the capital of the UK. Hallie and Tim wanted them to be bi-lingual and live a simpler existence and they were themselves looking for a change and new challenges.
It was only when Tim suffered a mild heart attack that they decided to put their dreams into reality and move with their children, aged 3, 4 and 7 at that time, to Algarve, Portugal. And so in 2009 their big adventure started which led to having fulfilled lives in a place they call home now – Eastern Algarve.
Fazenda Nova is a secluded luxury Country House in the heart of the Eastern Algarve, near the beautiful historic coastal town of Tavira and stunning coastline and beaches. It’s an original Portuguese country house that has been renovated to combine a modern style with traditional architecture and features.
As you already know, I was born in Algarve and spent a lot of my childhood in Eastern Algarve. When we get back, we usually stay with my parents but the Fazenda Nova is definitely on our to-visit list now. We specially love to spend time on the countryside of Algarve. It’s so quiet and peaceful.
Formerly a family home and farm, Fazenda Nova sits on ten hectares of land, with its own orchard, vegetable and herb gardens. In spring it is abundant with wild flowers growing among almond, carob and olive trees. The cleverly-designed gardens were created by a noted local landscaper. Simple and romantic, they surround the house and annexes. A series of paths lead you to undiscovered, wilder areas where you can reflect and relax and study the bird life. Shady areas are perfect for settling down with a great book. The gardens are tranquil, calm and simply planted, and complement the house and its leisurely ambience.
Organic Olive oil is produced every year and used as table oil and is available to buy. You can make your way to the rear of the house through gardens of olives, lavender and rosemary and find the outdoor infinity heated pool nestled into the landscape. With a large terraced deck that welcomes you to settle on the sun loungers or the daybeds that sit on top of the glorious white sand just steps away from the pool you can lay back and relax under the shade.
Enjoy a “A Cozinha” at the Fazenda restaurant Seasonal menus reflect the produce growing in the kitchen garden and orchard. Menus will have a broadly Iberian flavour, with some international favourites and fish from the nearby Ria Formosa and the best fish market in the Algarve at nearby Olhão.
The Fazenda also has a recent addition where you can enjoy music, The Vinyl Library. The library hosts over 1,500 records, lovingly curated and collected by the hotel owners, includes music from all genres. Guests can listen to the albums on wireless headphones whilst enjoying a relaxing drink.
Activities in the hotel include massages, a wellness yoga lesson, cookery classes or a unique journey to discover the olive oil of Fazenda Nova. In the surrounding areas you can enjoy birdwatching and a boat tour in Ria Formosa, a picnic on a desert beach, horse ride on the beach or just enjoy the mountain side of Algarve and its unique treasures.
See you soon in Algarve!
Liliana
Pictures © Fazenda Nova