Our background was hotel and restaurant management. We like people and languages and are always happy to meet and interact with new people of all walks of life. Portugal was interesting to us 28 years ago. Pleasant people, good food, cheap land prices...but also, importantly, it had no nuclear power. We wanted our children to grow up in a healthy environment. Today Portugal generates 80% of it's energy from renewable sources. The town of Tavira was a good choice. Some of the other areas of the Algarve have developed badly, Tavira has developed well. It is the nicest place on the Algarve, without a doubt, and will just keep getting better. We wanted to keep the original farm house ruin, without destroying it's soul of 175 years. Though we added on to the ruin the majority is still just the way it was. Naturally we added modern conveniences: aircon, heating, internet...but the feel of the place is still very palpable.

Our renovated guest house "Fazendinha" sits on it's own property overlooking a valley, just 5 minute's from Tavira. The location is quiet and full of wildlife. As part of our view of sustainability, apart from roof beams, all materials used in the reconstruction are local. Our insulation is cork, which makes sense as Portugal is the world's largest producer. There are many different common areas, so all guests have a sense of privacy. Our doors are never locked - you can come and go as you wish - invite friends over for a BBQ or a party - the key to "Fazendinha" is our relaxed, helpful style while maintaining professionalism. Groups and individual guests just love it here. Though our furnishings are simplistic, they are functional and you can feel at home. The renovation was done keeping the exact footprint of the old house as we believe the soul of past builders and tenants is thus kept. There is truly a kind of magic in Fazendinha. Every attempt was made to integrate in the natural countryside and all plants in our garden are relatively hardy and need little watering - thus saving our world's most important element. You will find no lawns or rose beds. Though the renovation was in principal a reconstruction and although we wished to maintain the farmhouse feel, we put in essential features like underfloor heating (partially warmed by our solar panels) and a passive air conditioning system without internal blowers but condensing cupboards that work on thermosyphon. Our septic tanks are complex and discharge zero contaminants or microorganisms as after an extensive anaerobic digester we have a reed bed where the discharge from the septic system is passed through the roots of special plants that absorb all of the contaminants that other systems do not. You do not need to put toilet paper in a basket as with many establishments. The cellulose aids the digesting process. Naturally no nappies or wet wipes should go down the toilets, but this should be common sense.

Tavira is beautiful. The river runs through the middle of the town with a Roman bridge. Okay, it is not Venice, but still very special: the salt flats with flamingos and many other birds; the old market; the 56 churches; the beaches that are accessible by ferry, small train or car; great restaurants and a reasonably good night life (though it is NOT Albufeira). Near Tavira are many cute villages and Spain is just 20 minute's away. I wake up every morning thinking: "what a great place to wake up to".