Algarve self catering accommodation, Portugal

We are passionate about Monchique. This is a small working town. We have had our house here for 27 years. The town welcomes tourists, but it is essentially a town where people live and work. There are concerns that there is not enough work for young people who may have to leave of travel away for work. We hope that we contribute in a small way to the local economy, by providing stable employment and paying a fair wage.

The agents who manage our house are local people with whom we have worked for 27 years. Our maid has worked with us for 16 years and the handyman/pool man has worked with us for 9 years. His wife is qualified to give massage at the house to guests. We give our staff training and good employment conditions. Our maid has worked with us for 16 years. She has helped us create a comfortable house and garden. She is greatly appreciated by the guests. We are passionate about the quality of local produce. Monchique has few tourist amenities. The local restaurants use local produce which is also available in the market and shops. Local crafts are as good as anywhere in the region. We have furnished our house almost entirely from furniture and furnishings made in the town. Appliances, equipment and tools are all bought locally.

We have very little waste as produce is not prepacked. We supply wicker baskets for shopping and use any plastic supermarket bags that appear for bin liners. We have notices in our information packs and in the kitchen which reminds guests to conserve water. Electricity is from a wind turbines. We have 4 acres of grounds, most of which is wild. We do not use products which harm wildlife. We grow our own vegetables and compost waste.

Our house has been renovated using local building materials. Locally grown chestnut and local granite. The house was the subject of a PHD in conservation architecture. We encourage guests to buy locally and remind them it is the best they can get. We suggest they will find much to do with in walking distance or a short drive. We offer them fruit and vegetables from the garden, to pick up their own firewood for free and to compost waste. All office communication is by email or phone.