A happy little villa, where crisp white décor is splashed with summer colours in fabrics and artworks, Beach Cottage is just 200m from a broad sandy shore, reached along a gently sloping track through the grounds of its historic private estate. This rather special spot enjoys a peaceful sense of seclusion, though shops and restaurants in old-world Ferragudo village are a walkable 1km away; and golf, tennis and water sports are all within a 4km drive. Refurbished to add a contemporary twist to its characterful interiors, the villa’s three bedrooms are furnished with charming simplicity, fitted with air conditioning, and served by stylishly modern bath and shower rooms; two twin rooms on the split-level ground floor and a double privately occupying the floor above.

The cheerful living room leads up to the kitchen area, and opens out to a beautiful shaded terrace for al fresco meals, with views of the sea and sands, a portable barbecue, and built-in seating with brightly coloured cushions. And steps lead down from here to a generously sized swimming pool, hemmed by a timber sun deck with ample chairs and loungers.