Villa Joaquina

The villa

In a quiet coastal setting, backed by dunes and a short walk from the beach, Villa Joaquina is a spacious holiday home on the Troia peninsula of Portugal. Part of a complex of villas, Villa Joaquina enjoys a secure and private situation with a private swimming pool and bright rooms throughout the interior.

The open - plan living area that extends to most of the ground floor is the perfect place for all the family to get together. A comfortable seating area with television and DVD player sits next to another sociable space for relaxing and chatting, which provides access to the pool area via patio doors.

An oversized corner sofa has room for everyone to recline and relax, with a stylish fireplace providing a focal point and further doors leading out onto the outside space. Sharing this area is an elegant dining table and chairs for more formal dining, with the kitchen having a more relaxed country - style table and chairs.

Also in the fully fitted kitchen are a range of modern facilities to help make cooking delicious meals quick and easy. For your convenience is a utility room with washing machine and laundry tub.

There are two bedrooms on this floor, with one having a queen size bed and the other a double bed and a twin bunk bed. Serving these bedrooms are two bathrooms, with one having entrance via the swimming pool or kitchen area.

To the first floor is a master bedroom with a king size bed, ensuite bathroom with shower and bath and doors opening onto two terraces. Another bedroom with king size bed has an ensuite bathroom with shower and access to a patio. There are two further bedrooms, each with queen size beds and one with doors to the terrace area. A bathroom with shower provides additional bathing options.

Outside is a large, private swimming pool and shower. Surrounding the pool is a terrace with loungers and dining area, with a barbecue that's perfect for enjoying some local seafood al fresco. A lawned area features mature trees and plants for a peaceful space in which to relax or to kick a ball about with the family.

The villa is just 300 m from the beautiful sands of Praia Troia, so you can go from the front door to the beach in a matter of minutes.

Restaurants and a supermarket are within easy walking distance also. Being on a peninsula, the beach tends to be quiet, so you can explore the long sandy stretches and warm waters without worrying about crowds.

There are beautiful views across the sea to the city of Setubal, and you can even get a ferry from the marina that will take you straight there. If you're lucky, you'll also spot the dolphins that congregate in this area and like to swim near the boats.

If you're a keen golfer, you'll be pleased to know that an 18 - hole golf course is just 3 km away from the villa. If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, a spa is within easy reach for a pampering session after a long day out.

For history lovers, there are the Roman Ruins of Troia to explore. What was once a Roman fish salting complex is now an intriguing site where you can learn more about the trade in the area and the impact it had on local life.

Take the 15 - minute ferry trip to Setubal, and you'll find plenty of exciting attractions and things to do with the family. The Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is an area of wetland between the Sado estuary and the sea and features countless species of birds.

Habitats include marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies and woods, with the opportunity to explore many of these on hiking trails.