We are a mixed Brazilian-Italian family with three kids aged 9, 11, and 13. This is our first time exchanging homes, and we’re truly excited about the experience and the chance to welcome others into the space we’ve created with so much care.
Our family home is nestled at the edge of the Mata Nacional forest in the Algarve, surrounded by peaceful greenery and open skies. Set on 1.6 hectares of gently sloping land, the property has been lovingly cared for and gradually restored over the past three years. It now features more than 300 newly planted native trees, over 100 fruit trees, a small tranquil lake, and wide outdoor spaces where children can play and families can unwind together.
Designed for family living, the house blends comfort and practicality. The kids have plenty of room to move, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, while adults can relax into the rhythm of the land. Whether you’re reading under the trees, harvesting from the garden, cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, or simply enjoying the stillness of the forest, our home invites a slower, more grounded pace of life—something we’ve come to deeply value as a family.
The Space
Our spacious and comfortable single-story home includes:
- Kitchen: Fully equipped for cooking and sharing meals, with a microwave, dishwasher, oven, fridge, freezer, Thermomix, and grill.
- Living Room: A large communal space with a dining table for 8, two cozy sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, and comfortable chairs.
- Bedrooms:
The master bedroom features a double bed and private en-suite bathroom.
The boys' bedroom has three individual beds and is fitted with climbing grips for active play.
The girls' room includes two beds and charming decor.
- Bathrooms: Two full bathrooms—one en-suite with the main bedroom, and one shared.
Additional Spaces: An entry hall, a fully equipped laundry room with washing machine, and a covered outdoor terrace with a large dining table.
The Outside is surrounded by the serenity of nature, our outdoor area is an expansive, vibrant extension of the home:
- Play and Recreation: Children can enjoy the trampoline, ping pong table, and matraquilhos (foosball).
- Gardens and Trees: Our small permaculture-inspired food garden provides seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits. We've planted more than 300 native trees and over 100 fruit trees (which are still growing), creating a biodiverse and sustainable environment.
- Functional Spaces: Large area for drying clothes outdoors, shaded nooks for rest, and plenty of open areas for exploration, yoga, or outdoor meals.
Guest Access
Guests will have full and private access to the main house and most of the land surrounding it. The entire property is located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views and a refreshing breeze. In the lower section of the land, not visible from the house, are two small homes rented to local residents under long-term agreements. They have independent access and do not interfere with guest privacy.
Notes
Our home is a space of care and intention. We kindly ask that guests respect the rhythms of the land and our ecological values. We are happy to share tips about the garden and provide access to seasonal fruits and vegetables when in abundance. This is an ideal place for families, nature lovers, artists, remote workers, and anyone looking for a reset in the middle of nature.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Adventure
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Relaxing
Eco
Mountains
Beach
Water
Remote
Tropical
Hiking
Cycling
Accessibility
Single level
Accessible door handles
Accessible windows
House Rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Low allergen
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Neighbourhood
The nearest beach, Boca do Rio, is just a 10-minute drive away—a peaceful, less crowded spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. Within a 30-minute drive, you’ll find many wild beaches both in the west and south coast, surfing hotspots, and historical landmarks.
Our home is uniquely located within the Mata Nacional forest zone, offering immediate access to quiet walking paths, forest trails, and bike routes that wind through scenic hills and ancient cork oak groves. We are a short drive from over 100 of Europe’s most stunning beaches, many of which are framed by dramatic cliffs and golden sands.
Getting to my home
The easiest way to reach our home is by flying into Faro Airport, followed by a scenic one-hour drive through the Algarve countryside. Please note that access to the property includes a 500-meter unpaved road with a short but steep hill (approximately 100 meters), which may require careful driving, especially with low-clearance vehicles.
We’re also open to car exchanges, which can make travel easier and more environmentally friendly for both parties.
Nearest airport
Faro Airport: 1 hour by car.
Lisbon Airport: 3 hours by car.
Seville Airport (Spain): 3 hours by car.
Getting Around
We are just a 10-minute walk from Barão de São Miguel, a small, welcoming village with a combined bar, restaurant, and grocery store. They regularly host live music on Saturday evenings and provide a friendly atmosphere for visitors.
Larger shopping needs can be met at the Intermarché supermarket in Budens, a 12-minute drive away. The town of Lagos, just 25 minutes by car, offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, shops, a marina, cultural events, and a local cinema. For dramatic coastal scenery and surfing, Sagres is 30 minutes away—don’t miss watching the sunset at the fortress at the edge of the world.
Map of Approximate Location
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Ricardo
We are a mixed Brazilian-Italian family with three energetic and curious children aged 9, 11, and 13. This is our first time exchanging homes, and we’re truly excited about the experience and the chance to welcome others into the space we’ve created with so much care.
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.