On our travels, we like to remain in distinctive lodging – suppose boutique accommodations with inexpensive luxurious. We discover that the correct lodging makes a visit not solely extra pleasant but additionally extra memorable. On considered one of our very first worldwide journeys post-lockdown, we visited The Algarve area in Portugal the place we discovered a noteworthy property named Rufino Quinta positioned in Alcantarilha. Located in an orange grove (that’s an orchard to a few of you), the Rufino Quinta Airbnb is a celebration of design and placement. That is NOT a sponsored submit. We merely beloved this property a lot that we determined to share it.
Again to Portugal… once more!
If you happen to’ve been following our weblog for a while, you already know that we LOVE visiting Portugal. The nation virtually all the time offers us worth for cash when it comes to the climate, food and drinks, heritage and tradition, and structure – and all for an inexpensive value. We have now loved our visits to The Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Duoro, and Porto Santo to call a couple of places in Portugal.
This time, our plan was to go to Alentejo, the extra rural and agricultural area to the north of The Algarve that’s thought to be Portugal’s breadbasket. Inquisitive about Alentejo? Learn our article “The Alentejo Farm The place Love is Blind But it surely Tastes So Good” to get a style (pun meant) of it.
Nonetheless, the drive to Alentejo must look forward to a couple of days. With an pressing must ‘escape’ our residence in Kent after lockdown, we wished a ‘residence away from residence’ that will reignite our ardour for journey. A fast search on Airbnb revealed a couple of fascinating lodging choices. Finally, we selected Rufino Quinta for one cause…the oranges! We have now by no means earlier than stayed in an orange grove!
Rufino Quinta Airbnb
An web search didn’t reveal a lot in regards to the orange grove, the historical past of the property, or the household who owns it. The Rufino Quinta Airbnb itemizing additionally doesn’t give away a lot aside from the fundamental particulars.
The reserving course of was easy and Margarida, our host, was pleasant in our correspondence. We confirmed self-check-in particulars and declined the non-obligatory (additional however inexpensive value) of getting breakfast delivered each day (given the standard of native components in Portugal, we usually favor self-catering).
We drove the 55 km from Faro Airport to Alcantarilha, a municipality in Silves, and arrived at a set of enormous black wrought iron gates off a trunk highway. They swung open routinely upon entry of the entry code we got.
And that is the place our jaws first started to drop…
Driving from the gates alongside a gravel highway to the property (a bungalow with about 10 rooms), you’re surrounded by hundreds of orange timber. We felt like we might actually style the fruit by simply being surrounded by vibrant colors of oranges at totally different levels of ripening and the heavy citrus aromas that hung within the barely humid autumn air.
Design inspiration
On the time we visited, we have been within the course of of constructing our personal inside design selections for our new residence in Kent. We took away some design inspiration from our keep at Rufino Quinta Airbnb which we attempt to seize in phrases that greatest describe the sentiments this place evoked inside us.
Minimalist, peaceable, clear strains, class, white, lavender, olives, rosemary, fragrant, multi-sensory, classic, move, softness.
Bed room
Our Rufino Quinta Airbnb got here with a double mattress, kitchen, front room, massive bathe room, and all of the facilities. We had a non-public patio with outside seating that opened up into the orange grove. The property comes with an out of doors scorching tub which we didn’t get an opportunity to make use of.
Lounge
Not too long ago opened and designed by Margarida and her mom (with whom we had a patchy Portuguese/English dialog), the interiors mix totally different components together with meticulously chosen gentle furnishings, high quality materials, a gentle color palette, and textured wooden gadgets.
Margarida’s mum confirmed us a couple of vintage items (together with a large Indian teak wooden garments chest) that the household had collected over time from their travels. Every room had a curated vintage piece of furnishings – our room got here with a standing mirror which had a body restored from authentic centuries-old wooden beams.
Rufino Quinta – the orange grove
HDYTI Tip: This can be a working orange orchard so be conscious of farm gear on the transfer. Additionally, the soil is the sticky clay kind that sticks to footwear and hardens rapidly. Watch out to not destroy your sneakers in the event you wander round for images.
Helpful journey data
When a property makes such an impression, you possibly can’t assist however share it, are you able to?
A couple of issues to notice in the event you select to remain at Rufino Quina Airbnb…
Getting round: You’ll want a automobile to get round in the event you’re staying at Rufina Quinta. It may be doable to e-book native taxis however, with all that there’s to discover in The Algarve, you’ll recognize the flexibleness of self-driving.
Self-catering: Bear in mind we stated we love coming to Portugal due to the standard of native components? Effectively, for self-catering (in the event you resolve to not go together with the Rufino Quinta catered choice), there’s an area LIDL that has THE BEST high quality components (no exaggeration) we’ve seen in all of the LIDL shops we’ve ever shopped at. Despite the fact that we have been staying in an orange orchard, we determined to attempt LIDL’s recent orange juice. It’s next-level stuff.
Native sights: Seashores – there are a number of alongside the coast inside a brief drive from Alcantarilha (common 20 minutes). You’ll be spoiled for alternative as you’re in The Algarve in spite of everything! If castles are of curiosity, once more, you’re in the correct area to discover a number of in cities throughout the Algarve.
Native eating places: We had a memorable dinner at O Leão de Porches, a family-run restaurant positioned in an outdated farmhouse. Meals and wine pairings can be found and once more… nice high quality components!
Bookings: Go to Airbnb and seek for the itemizing. Alternatively, go to their web site Rufinoquinta.com
