Sítio dos Gaviões is built in a style which evokes a Portuguese
manor house of about 200 years ago. It combines traditional
elegance with the convenience of modern technology. It is situated
not far from the cliff top in an area of great natural beauty where
development is not normally permitted, and just beyond the limits
of the historic city of Lagos. The nearest beach is about 10 minutes
walk away. The nearest shops, within walking distance for the very
energetic, are only a few minutes drive.
The front door of Sítio dos Gaviões leads directly into a large
family kitchen/dining room. One end is a fully equipped fitted kitchen with electric oven,
gas hob, microwave, two large fridges with separate ice compartments, dishwasher,
and washing machine. The other end has a refectory style table which seats 10 in
comfort. There is a wood burning stove for the winter. Doorways from this room
lead to four bedrooms, all with air conditioning, which can also produce warm air in
cool weather. One has a small old-style Portuguese double bed and its own bathroom;
the second has twin beds and its own bathroom; the third also has twin beds and
shares a bathroom with a fourth, very small, furnished with bunk beds.
These bedrooms, which have
sufficient hanging and shelf space, are on the small side but quite
adequate for holiday use. Upstairs is a sunny spacious drawing
room with some fine views and French windows to two terraces;
and the large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a small dressing room,
suitable as a bedroom for a baby or small child. The house is
furnished with the practical needs of a family on holiday very much in mind. In
the drawing room is a satellite television set (Sky) and a video player (VHS).
Sítio dos Gaviões stands in a plot of about one acre. There is a
swimming pool (11 metres) and a terrace area. Part of the terrace
has a shaded area under an unusual and attractive awning. The
pool has a fence around it for the safety of small children. The land
surrounding the house has been landscaped and planted with shrubs.
There is a barbecue on the south front of the house. The house itself
is surrounded by a pergola supporting climbing plants which shade what is in effect a
veranda. There is a changing room (with loo) in the house with access from
the outside only. There is a folder in the house full of detailed
information to help you settle in and enjoy the house and local area.
For the energetic there are lots of beaches to visit; several excellent local golf courses; water-sports at nearby Luz; and opportunities for surfing – the house is close to beaches facing both south and west so there is usually some surf somewhere. A comprehensive folder at the house contains suggestions and contacts.
Sítio dos Gaviões (pronounced “Sityo dosh Gavvy-oinsh”) derives
from the old name for the general area, “Matos Gaviões” (meaning
“sparrowhawks’ bushes”). A “Sítio” is a smallholding. So far as
we know there are no longer sparrowhawks here, but it is often
so peaceful that bird song is the loudest noise to be heard. Yet the
house is close to the urban delights of Lagos, a large sandy beach,
and delightful cliff top walks, making it ideal for a holiday as
energetic or relaxed as you wish.
