The Marmalade House

Informações gerais

A stunning house renovation in the historic bairro of Olhão. Just 100m from the seafront and ferries to unspoilt beaches; one of the Algarve's best kept secrets. Sleeps 2/3 people.

The Marmalade House is located in the picturesque fishing village of olhão, a stone’s throw from Faro and is the perfect getaway for those who want to experience the unspoiled Algarve, but be close enough to all the other attractions.

Winding cobbled streets lead down to the waterfront markets for the freshest of ingredients and an abundance of incredible restaurants and wine bars. So why not sit down and watch the perfect sunset across the river while enjoying a glass of wine. Minutes away a boat ferry will take you on a picturesque ride to some of the best beaches in the Algarve, a lot more peaceful than others.

There is a strong Moorish influence in the town and many of the houses like ours are composed of a ground floor, first floor and a flat roof, called an ‘açoteia’, originally used for drying almonds and figs, but now making a perfect place to sunbathe or have an evening drink looking across the ancient rooftops towards the sea.

No expense has been spared in renovating this stunning little house with local craftsmen seamlessly marrying the old with the modern facilities guests now expect. Intricately worked brick domed ceilings, renovated hardwood doors and exposed stone walls abound. It has been fully furnished with classic pieces that give this little house a romantic feel.

Bedroom:
In keeping with tradition, the bedroom is situated downstairs, guaranteeing it stays cool during the hot summer nights. Thick wooden shutters, a spectacularly renovated brick arch ceiling and typical Portuguese tiled floors make up the main structure of the room. It is equipped with air conditioning, for ultimate comfort.

The bedroom features a romantic queen-size iron bed, with high quality spring mattress and percale cotton linens, covered with plenty of pillows so you can lay back and relax. Brass and crystal chandeliers complete the rooms romantic look making it perfect for a getaway for two.

Bathroom:
The newly renovated bathroom features a bath with a beautiful brass ‘rain shower’, WC and spacious sink.
Each guest will find a set of Egyptian cotton towels and a local handmade soap so you don’t have to worry about packing any of that in your bag.

Kitchen:
The kitchen is upstairs and opens to the living room. It is equipped with a high quality full electric oven, with halogen hob and extractor fan, fridge with freezer compartment and a large granite worktop that allows plenty of room for your cooking.

The kitchen is supplied with a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and toaster but is also fully equipped with all the cooking utensils and crockery you’ll need to cook yourself a fantastic meal. You’ll have some essentials to start you off, including plenty of tea and a selection of coffee capsules.

Living Room:
The sliding doors open up completely, making the shaded varanda an extension of the living room, the perfect scenery to have a romantic meal al fresco among the lemon trees.

It is a space designed for ultimate relaxation with a iron day bed covered in soft cushions, ideal for lounging on a hot afternoon while the gentle sea breeze cools you down.

The living room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV. The day bed also transforms into a single bed for the extra guest, supplied with high quality percale cotton linens.

Included services:
Beds are made up for arrival with percale cotton linens, 2 sets of pillows, goose feather duvet and a throw. One set of 3 Egyptian bathroom towels per guest. Linens and towels are changed weekly however changes can be arranged. A beach towel is supplied per guest along with a beach bag.
We also include a set of local handmade soaps.
The kitchen is supplied with some essentials including: tea bags, nespresso coffee capsules, local sea salt, black pepper, virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, butter, milk and sugar.
We keep an updated local guide recommending the best sightseeing, restaurants and bars in the area - Includes local services information.
A welcome basket including two bottles of wine, red and white, piri-piri sauce, local dried fruits, home made preserve, sardine pate, olives and local biscuits. The contents of the welcome basket may vary depending on availability and period of stay.

Extra services:
Airport pick up and drop off service – We are more than happy to pick you up and drop you off at faro Airport for a small extra charge (10€)
Cookery lessons – The Portuguese cuisine is known worldwide for its incredible diversity and seasonality. Cookery lessons are given by experienced cook Tatiana Bento, owner of Marmalade Cookery School and will cover a selection of seasonal dishes and market visits. Lessons will be tailored to each person’s interests and ability. Lessons need to be booked in advance. Please contact us for details and prices.

Amenities / Facilities:
Flat screen TV with 130 cable channels. HDMI input and USB input.
High speed wireless internet – unlimited usage.
Fully equipped barbeque with utensils and a fresh bag of coals.
Fridge, hob/stove, iron, ironing board, oven, coffee machine, toaster, kettle
Air Conditioning throughout.

Accessibility:
Inside
Like all original houses in Olhao the stairs are steep but ours have been remodelled and are better than many. There is good ambient light and wrought iron handrails to further improve the access. It has ancient stone walls and Santa Catarina tiled floors which keep the property cool on a hot summers day.

Outside
There is a perfect little eating terrace off the living room with a table and chairs that can be brought in if needed. From here stairs lead up to the rooftop terrace which has a charming view across the rooftops towards the sea - visible on the horizon. At night you should be able to glimpse the lighthouse at Farol, a sandbank island - warning ships on the Atlantic side of the island.
The roof terrace has sun loungers and an inbuilt BBQ. It is also fully equipped with electric points and lighting.

Notes on accommodation
In order to retain the wonderful original terrace further accommodation was not put on the roof. This house ideally suit couples. We are local and always available for any emergency or guidance.

The Marmalade House is in the bustling heart of Olhao, and life in Rua 31 de Janeiro is local and authentic. The real Portugal complete with hustle and bustle of daily life not a standard holiday resort - and that’s exactly what we love about it. The street is pedestrianised and spared of any traffic noise. The roof unlike many properties is not overshadowed by neighbouring properties so offers a wonderful sun trap especially in winter, with amazing sunsets.