Entire home

Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite…..

Photo gallery for Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite…..

Beach nearby, sun-loungers, beach towels
Terrace/patio
2 bedrooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, in-room safe, desk
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, Netflix, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 493 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite…..

Located right beside the marina / main restaurant area, Casa Clare offers four people comfortable, convenient home-from-home accommodation with its two bedrooms, traditional barbeque, large patio and roof terrace offering stunning views over the marina as far as Lagos.

With a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters, summer temperatures are high, but moderated by the sea breeze. It is said that the Algarve has one of the best all year climates in Europe.

Alvor, in the Western Algarve is testament to that! It is perfectly located, close to the sea and countryside it is the optimal destination for those seeking a versatile holiday. Alvor is a 50 minute drive from Faro airport.

Village life is pleasant, you can wander to the market hall or bakery in the morning and buy your fresh fruit, fish and bread and spend your afternoons relaxing on the beach. For the more energetic there’s golf, horseback riding, water sports and a wide selection of excursions (land and sea, all available within 100 metres of Casa Clare).

Steps immediately outside Casa Clare on Rua dos Pescadores lead down to the main restaurant area / marina. Alvor boasts over 100 restaurants, most of which are an easy stroll from the house.

Our fully equipped kitchen will make home cooking a pleasure and should the weather warrant it, the dining suite in the living room provides for comfortable eating indoors

The living room boasts two large Italian sofas with matching foot stools. The entertainment unit housing a 50” smart TV with Netflix and Chromecast, books and games and a stand-alone wood burning stove creates a cosy homely feel on the rare cool day or chilly night. Of course there is air-conditioning! There is hi speed wifi throughout the house and terraced areas.

But who wants to be indoors? Eating out at home is such a joy…….the aromatic scent of fresh herbs, coupled with the sizzling sound of fresh fish or meat on the charcoal is mouth-watering at any time of day!

Breakfast outside on the patio is extra special with cheerful birdsong and the faint sounds of the fishermen returning with their late night or early morning catch!

There’s no need for a clock here, the local church bells ring in the hours and lively antics and calls of the seagulls announce mealtimes!

Sundowners on the rooftop to the sound of the wind blowing through the rigging and halyards of sail boats in the marina, the fading light “through dark clouds a red rose peeping and an amber gleam*” eases the day into the night. (*Afanasy Afanasyevich Fet)

The master bedroom (king size bed) to the rear of the property is en-suite (shower & toilet); it has air-conditioning and an electric fan. There is ample storage in the wardrobe, two bedside lockers and vanity unit.

The second bedroom to the front of the house has twin beds, a large wardrobe, bedside lockers, vanity unit and under window storage

There is an electric fan and a Windows PC for guest use and a separate guest shower and toilet. All beds are made up with luxurious Egyptian cotton linen and Egyptian cotton guest towels are also provided.


Both shower rooms have extractor systems and heated towel rails. Both bedrooms have hair dryers and hot & cold fans.

There is a large safety deposit box (can hold 2 laptops) in the living room

Suitability: Casa Clare is best suited for responsible adults due to the tiled and graded floors, multiple steps and a high terrace. It may not be suitable for the very elderly or infirm. It is not wheelchair friendly. Guests and potential guests should note that our garden sun loungers and garden chairs are rated for a maximum user weight of 125 kg which is 19.6 stone or 275 pounds. Our zero gravity fold up chairs are rated for a maximum user weight of 110 kg which is 17.3 stone or 242 pounds.

Smoking is not permitted in the house and pets are not allowed.

Casa Clare is on a pedestrian only street. There is free on-street parking in Alvor (50 to 100 metres from the property).

Please note the primary renter minimum age is 30 with no exceptions.

Maximum stay is 30 days


Property manager

Zoe Giltrap MacCourt

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Netflix
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Streaming services
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Rooftop terrace

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: smoking outdoors only in garden area

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Steps roof terrace so care needed with small kids.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 11534/AL

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Far Madding Crowdbut Not Quite. House Alvor
Far Madding Crowdbut Not Quite. House
Far Madding Crowdbut Not Quite. Alvor
Far From The Madding Crowdbut Not Quite. Portimao
Far From The Madding Crowdbut Not Quite. Private vacation home

About the area

Map
Alvor, Faro District

What's nearby

  • Alvor Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Alvor Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Tres Irmaos Beach - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Algarve Casino - 6 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Rocha Beach - 14 min drive - 5.6 km

Getting around

  • Portimao Station - 17 min drive
  • Portimao (PRM) - 4 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Beer&Co. - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante A Ribeira - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante A Lota - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Casa Maré - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Lusitânia - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. ?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Alvor Boardwalk and Alvor Beach. Hospital Alvor and Tres Irmaos Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Far From The Madding Crowd…But Not Quite….. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect spot in the perfect place
The property is located just one street away from the main area of Alvor with its bars and restaurants. The house has everything you need: large TV with a host of UK channels. The kitchen is very well equipped with ample crockery, cutlery, hob and a large fridge freezer. The main bedroom has an ensuite shower room and a very comfortable double bed and air con. The front bedroom has 2 single beds with a fan instead of aircon. The garden area has a table we used every day. The roof terrace has space for 2 sun loungers and is very much a suntrap. It's slightly overlooked but nothing intrusive. We were very well looked after by Lorna who kept in touch with us throughout our stay - she's lovely. The owners Zoe and Gervase also looked after us very well with great communication prior to our arrival and throughout our stay. We had a small issue with the washing machine that was promptly resolved by Zoe and Lorna. The only areas of improvement that we would suggest is that the air con system be upgraded with an additional unit in the front bedroom. We also think the kitchen and storage areas/drawers could benefit from being cleared as there are a lot of items there that have built up over many stays. We have stayed in a number of properties in Alvor since 1997 but Casa Claire allowed us to have one of the best, most relaxing holidays we've ever had. We enjoyed the sun during the day and the town at night with everything an easy stroll away and would recommend it to anyone!
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilary D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay in Alvor
Perfect, fantastic location. Close to centre, peaceful with a lovely garden.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola D., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay at Casa Clare, again!
Our second visit to Casa Clare, which is so well located for all the lovely restaurants in Alvor - a few minutes walk. The house is clean, comfortable, and with all facilities you could need. We also enjoyed the shaded garden and roof terrace. We hope to return!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Guy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
Very nice and very comfortable, felt right at home. Outdoor space is great and location is perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B., Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness
As advertised
Everything was exactly as promised. A great location and both the rooftop and garden patios were great outdoor spaces. Kitchen is well equipped although we did have most meals at one of the many great restaurants.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Monita L.

Alvor get-away
Although property is a bit rundown, it was clean and appliances were functional. The apartment and location did not meet our expectations, but that is on us.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peshe K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable, beautifully located house in small town
This comfortable house with all necessary amenities,including wifi and a clothes dryer as well as attractive outdoor space, was perfect for a month's stay for my husband and myself. It was easy to get around town on foot and pleasant to be among Portuguese neighbors who were always friendly. We rented a car which we parked at the marina. In February it was no problem to find a space nearby. The host was always responsive to email. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Casa Clare.
Stayed 29 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location
We spent 6 nights at Casa Clare and had a wonderful time! As advertised it is in the middle of the action but far enough away not to be bothered by the noise and energy of the evening activities. The house was so comfortable and equipped with everything you could need or imagine. It felt like a home away from home. We had a few perfect beach days and many delicious meals; joined a kayak tour from Portimao to tour the caves! We enjoyed cooking “ at home” a few nights and dined on the back patio. We toasted the sunset from the upper deck. Alvor is a lovely town, still quaint and not over run by tourism . Would highly recommend staying here P.S- the bed in main bedroom was extremely comfortable with high quality bedding.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxim A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very pleasant comfortable stay
The house came as advertised. It had absolutely everything you could need with the kitchen fully stocked, living room with TV, books, umbrellas, beach towels, washing products, literally everything. Apartment is 2 steps away from the main restaurant street with about 2 dozen restaurant choices, supermarket, etc. The host asked to check in before 6pm to avoid extra charge, but that’s only thing that might be an issue for some. Overall highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short stay in Alvor
We loved Casa Clare. The house is just perfect, right in the centre of beautiful Alvor on a lovely quiet and traditional street but only steps away from the harbour and Main Street with all the bars and restaurants. What really makes the space really special is the outdoor space. We enjoyed having our breakfast and pre-dinner drinks on the roof terrace, and we also made use of the BBQ and dining area outside. We will definitely be back to Alvor and I just hope this fab little place is available when we do! Thank you for a lovely stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at Casa Clare
We had a wonderful time with family at Casa Clare. Nice touches of leaving milk and water for us and we could use beach towels and cool boxes for the beach. Proximity to the main restaurant area is just round the corner, yet quiet at night. Outdoor area was superb too. Would stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Aidan R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Clare
Very central , very well equipped all mod cons, beautiful outside space
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W., Nova Scotia Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice property
This cottage is in the centre of the village within easy walking distance of beach, shops and restaurants. It is very well equipped with everything you need ( and more) . We would stay there again if available
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicola D., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable house, perfectly situated
We had a great 10 days in this comfortable and well-equipped little house in the heart of old Alvor. The beds are very comfortable and the house has everything you’d need for a holiday. The house is literally a couple of minutes’ walk from Alvor’s best restaurants and 15 minutes walk from the beautiful beach. Lorna, the local representative couldn’t have been more helpful- and the same was true of the owners. We definitely plan to return one day.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Alvor is quite central for exploring the Algarve, while being quiet and laidback. The property is as described. It's even more central in Alvor than we initially realized - many, many restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars are within a block or two. The house is comfortable. We appreciated use of the washer & dryer. Communication with the owners was clear and prompt. Would recommend for a group of 2-4.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joyce A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casa Clare is the best!
My husband and I stayed for a month at Casa Clare. Can’t say enough about the location being perfect. Loved being on a little street where the neighbors hang out the window to see what’s going on or sometimes to hang their laundry. Roslyn down the street a bit always had a bom dia and a smile for us and Maria across the way always said hi! Yet 2 mins walk and you are at the marina or a plethora of restaurants As for the house many days spent on the rooftop terrace with some wine, bread, butter and olives and enjoying the view. Just amazing! Inside fully equipped kitchen could want for nothing more Washer and dryer included and also a clothesline outside. If you want to experience Portugal in style this is the place to stay in the Algarve
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve L., Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England

Liked: Cleanliness
The Perfect Holiday Property
We first stayed at Casa Clare four years ago and left a glowing review. Nothing has changed and having read the comments of other guests, which are universally complimentary, it is hard to find something original to add! We have stayed in many rental properties and this is right up there as one of the very best in every single department. The owners are extremely pleasant and communicate most professionally and promptly. The check in process was friendly and very welcoming accompanied by a generous 'welcome pack' of essentials plus wine! To be honest, we have never stayed in a holiday rental that is so comprehensively equipped with absolutely anything and everything you could possibly need - and that includes our own! It is a real home from home. It is situated in the heart of the charming fishing village of Alvor which has an abundance of restaurants to suit all tastes, a delightful coastal boardwalk and is a most peaceful and charming haven. We would like to thank Zoe and Gervase, the owners, for providing such a perfect holiday property and we shall most certainly return.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

adam b.

Liked: Cleanliness
A week at Casa Clare in the summer
My partner and I loved Casa Clare. There’s a cute outdoor area with sunshine and a beautiful bougainvillea, and also a place to sit on the roof terrace which looks out over the bay and where you can watch the sunset. The house is nice too though we didn’t spend a lot of time inside. The Main Street with shops and restaurants is one street over so it’s very easy to head out into town. Lovely house. Hope we cam go back at some stage.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Merna P., Belair, Manitoba, CANADA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Portugal Haven
What a good week we had in Casa Clare! Everything, from the comfort of the beds, the well stocked kitchen, the gift of the glorious Port, the bottle of wine, the perfect outside area, and a clothes washer! all was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting our neighbour Rosa, loved exploring the little winding cobblestone streets, walking the boardwalk, and trying different restaurants. Thank you to our “greeters” and to Zoe and Gervase (sp.). We would love to return one day.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Diana H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely winter getaway
We had a great time staying here with our young family. The location was perfect for going to the beach, a stroll along the board walks or popping into town to the local play area. The property was very well equipped with everything we could need. Check process was simple. Overall a great week in the February sunshine.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home from Home in the Algarve
A great and very well appointed property in a quiet location, but in the heart of one of the most characterful locations in the Algarve. Super selection of fish restaurants. We walked every day, and found this a very central location for both coastal paths and the mountains around Monchique (We did 75 miles and 9,000' climb in the week). The bird and wild plant life was exceptional. Brian and Moira Biggs
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Colin G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cottage and Location
Casa Clare is absolutely perfect for a relaxing break. It is very much a home from home with every detail thought of. Whether sitting out on the patio or relaxing on the roof terrace, the only sounds you hear are the birds and the town clock chiming-very, very relaxing. The view from the terrace is magnificent and, sitting there with a drink watching the sun go down is the perfect end to a day. The location is fantastic with excellent restaurants very close by but the icing on the cake was to have The Green Door Restaurant, literally 3 doors up the street- we visited this 4 times!! My wife and I considered this a perfect holiday and we would love to come back one day. Colin Goldsmith

10/10 Excellent

Tara W., Newquay

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutly perfect!!!
Compleatly loved our stay! We had everything we needed and more, the Port we chose to crack open on arrival was pure luxury and a lovely touch! We used the sun terrace everyday it gets the sun all day long and has a wonderfull view! Being in the center of town made our stay all the more fun but u can hardly notice late night noise so thumbs up from me! All in all the perfect base for our holidays and we would love to think we will return in the future. Thanks to our lovely hosts for all the local info xx
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Perfect location. Everything you need.
Casa Clare is the best stocked Airbnb we have ever been in. I almost felt like cooking just to use the spices and such in the kitchen cupboard. Packing a picnic was a breeze thanks to plastic containers, an insulated backpack, plastic wrap, and freezer packs. Location also can’t be beat — quiet but close to everything. We loved the town of Alvor too— not too small or too big. Only negative is that the main room could use better lighting and the matresses in the large bedroom are a little soft. But the back patio and rooftop terrace alone more than make up for these minor dings. Host also very responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ejner K.

A lovely renovated fisherman’s cottage in the perfect location for all the facilities in Alvor.
The property was very well equipped and as we were in the second month of a winter break the washing machine was well used! The earl part of our month was especially sunny and the roof terrace gave an opportunity for afternoon sunbathing out of any wind. Having the restaurants so close meant very little use made of the excellent kitchen facilities apart from breakfasts. Congratulations to the owners for every help given by way of information and advice - we really enjoyed our stay. Thank you Ejner Knudsen
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2019