We rented a villa through The Villa Agency, The Lanes, Brighton (rentals@thevillaagency.demon.co.uk, phone no +44, 1273 747811.) They have quite a few places available in Portugal, mostly towards the more expensive end of the market. I stayed there with my parents, younger brother, and a friend of my brother. The place was called Casa da Fazenda, and was near the hamlet of Riberia de Alte, about 20 miles from Silves and the same from the coastal town of Albufeira. The villa was great - a single-story house; it was furnished and equipped well. There was a large living room, a dining area and kitchen, 3 large double rooms, 2 en-suite bathrooms and another shower-room. The grounds were fairly large, with many olive and tangerine trees, and there was a good-sized swimming pool, overlooking a great view of the Algarve. In addition, there was a roof terrace that overlooked the pool and scenery. At the back of the house, in an olive grove, was a brick barbecue structure, and garden table and chairs nearby for an al fresco meal. The TV had cable, and we could therefore watch the 4 main British TV channels, although there were not many others available.

The support from the agency was great - there was a maid, a man to tend the garden and the pool, and an agent who came in to see we were OK, advise us on beaches, food, and whatever else we wanted to ask him about.