Hunting for My Dream Farmhouse in Portugal | Algarve Homes
Good morning from the Algarve in southern Portugal. Joen and I are here on a very special trip — to look at farmhouses in Portugal and imagine what our future could look like.
Our vision is simple but big: we dream of creating a farm stay and retreat center, surrounded by wild nature and a lush food garden. A place where we, and hopefully future guests, can slow down, breathe, and feel connected to the land.
On this trip, we’re visiting two different properties, both full of charm and possibility. They’re far from perfect, but each has something that makes us stop and imagine what life might be like if we made it our home.
First Stop: The Lakeside Farmhouse
Our first stop was a traditional farmhouse in Portugal, tucked away by a beautiful lake. The drive out there was long, but it was also scenic and calming — the kind of road that makes you fall in love with the countryside all over again.
The house itself was small but full of charm. It had three rooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy living area. The ceilings were high, which made the main space feel open, even though the rooms weren’t huge. I could imagine how beautiful it could become with the right interior touches.
Still, there were things we’d want to change. The kitchen felt too small, and since I love cooking, a large kitchen with a dining area is a must for me. The bathrooms also needed to be updated with a warmer, more “farm stay” feel.
The land was full of potential. There were water sources on the property, so it could easily support a lush garden full of vegetables and flowers. There was even space for guesthouses, a dock by the lake, and maybe even a little BBQ area. Lara certainly loved exploring the raw nature, even if it meant her fur picked up every little leaf and twig.
Despite its charm, the house didn’t give us that gut feeling. It wasn’t bad, but we wanted something a little quirkier, something with more personality. So we decided to keep looking.
Dinner in the Algarve Countryside
After a long day of exploring, we headed out for dinner. We were staying at a friend’s house, but since they were busy, it was just the three of us — Joen, Lara, and me. Driving through the countryside at sunset was magical. The golden light over the rolling hills made everything feel cozy and picturesque.
We ended up at a small Greek restaurant that immediately reminded me of home. I’m part Greek, and my mother is an incredible cook, so my expectations were high. The moment the food arrived, I knew it would not disappoint. Simple, authentic dishes made with good ingredients — just as Greek food should be.
The flavors brought me straight back to my mother’s kitchen, and it felt like such a comforting end to the day. Lara waited patiently by our side, hoping for a taste, and she did get a little treat. For me, one of the best things about traveling is discovering small, authentic places like this, where food feels like love on a plate.
Day Two: Exploring a Traditional 1950s Farmhouse
The next morning, we drove inland to see another farmhouse in Portugal, this time in a very rural part of the Algarve. The road was bumpy, and our rental car wasn’t made for gravel paths, but eventually we arrived at a property built in 1951. It had been maintained in the old style, and from the moment we stepped into the courtyard, we could feel its charm.
The house itself was adorable — full of quirks and history. Inside, the rooms were small, as is typical for traditional farmhouses, but there was space spread across several areas. The interior wasn’t our taste, but it was easy to imagine how beautiful it could look with a fresh design that stayed true to the architecture.
Some of the details made us smile. There was even an old prison door from Cyprus that the first owner had brought back. Fireplaces dotted the house, and a huge pizza oven sat in the kitchen next to a sunny little breakfast nook. Of course, the kitchen and bathrooms would need updating, but the soul of the place was lovely.
The property also included two newer guest units, plus a pool and a huge backyard. On paper, it was perfect: three bedrooms, multiple kitchens, and lots of outdoor space. But in reality, the units needed more work than we expected. The roofs were sinking, the interiors were outdated, and even the pool needed a full renovation.
Still, the land was incredible — vast, fertile, and with its own dam and two water sources. It had so much potential for growing food and creating a true retreat. Yet, as exciting as it was, the sheer amount of renovation needed made us question whether it was really “the one.”
Reflecting on Rural Living
After seeing two different farmhouses in Portugal, we started to realize something important: as much as we love the idea of rural life, neither of us has actually lived that way before. The charm of nature, wide-open land, and quirky old houses is undeniable — but so are the challenges.
Both properties had potential, but neither felt quite right. One lacked the quirks and space we were looking for, while the other required far more renovation than we had imagined. More than that, we realized we weren’t yet sure if rural living, far from the city, would truly fit us.
So instead of rushing into a decision, we booked a stay at a very rural hotel for the next two days. We wanted to test the lifestyle — the quiet, the distance, the slower rhythm — to see how it feels before taking the leap into buying a farmhouse of our own.
Closing Thoughts
Hunting for a farmhouse in Portugal has been exciting, eye-opening, and full of inspiration. Even though we didn’t find “the one” this time, each property helped us understand more about what we want — and what we don’t.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Algarve countryside. In my next post, I’ll share what it was like to stay in a truly rural hotel and how that experience shaped our dream even further.
Hugs x
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