A sleek, seven-bedroom villa with a wine cave, wellness space and a 20-person Jacuzzi
Incredible attention to detail at Almancil Loulé's, an amazing home for sale in Portugal's exclusive Quinta do Lago resort.


Few likely predicted what the marshland that’s now Quinta do Lago, in Portugal’s Algarve region, could and would go on to become, some 45 years ago. And who can blame them? The original 1,360-acre site contained the ruins of an old farmhouse, a stone pine forest and the holiday resort of Vale do Lobo. And the country’s politics were still unstable: 1968 marked the end of António de Oliveira Salazar’s rule (he presided over one of the longest-lived authoritarian regimes in modern Europe), but the Portuguese Colonial War was ongoing. Not exactly prime building and investment conditions.
Enter André Jordan who, before his death in 2024, spoke often about how when he looked out across the parcel of largely undeveloped southern Portuguese land for the first time, he knew instantly what it could become. Jordan moved quickly, building golf courses and necessary infrastructure and establishing Quinta do Lago as one of Europe’s leading golf and real estate resorts. Today, he is billed as ‘the father of Portuguese tourism’.
Development of the resort — now under the ownership of Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien — continues to this day, including the construction of this seven-bedroom villa which has sea views, and is walking distance from some of the area’s best restaurants and the beach.






Almancil Loulé, all clean angles and floor-to-ceiling glass, was designed by Jutta Hoehn — the brains behind many of Quinta do Lago’s newer properties. Futuristic features of note include a floating gas fireplace, an electric front door and electronically-controlled glass walls which open out onto a poolside terrace that’s perfectly set-up for alfresco dining.
The entire first floor is reserved for the primary bedroom with ensuite bathroom (look out for the micro cement finish) and private terrace (elevated seating, firepit) — but you’ll have to divide your time between that and the sprawling rooftop one which has a 20-person jacuzzi and a mini kitchen for late-night entertaining.
It rains very little in the Algarve — and chiefly between November and March — but the house does come equipped with an additional indoor pool, bar area, wine cave, a gym and a home cinema, Turkish bath, sauna and a massage area — which should keep you busy as and when the sun decides to take a day off.
The best bit? It comes fully furnished, right down to a fully-stocked kitchen (induction hob, two ovens, a wine fridge, a Delonghi coffee making station) — so you can get on with holidaying in style.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Outside, you’ll find a carriage driveway, large garage with car turntable and an infinity swimming pool with an overflow feature that runs down to the lower garden.
Rosie is Country Life's Digital Content Director & Travel Editor. She joined the team in July 2014 — following a brief stint in the art world. In 2022, she edited the magazine's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated Country Life's own 125 birthday celebrations. She has also been invited to judge a travel media award and chaired live discussions on the London property market, sustainability and luxury travel trends. Rosie studied Art History at university and, beyond Country Life, has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal, among others. The rest of the office likes to joke that she splits her time between Claridge’s, Devon and the Maldives.
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
By Country Life Published
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
By Toby Keel Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated