Charming house steeped in history with an incredible patio. very warm welcome and great availability of the housekeeper. Very clean rental. Small inconvenience, room on the street side a bit noisy.

A mixed group of 12 adults ranging from 18 to 82, every one enjoyed the villa, it's location and especially the garden and pool area. Kitchen was well equipped but only negative was the washing machine which needs repairing or replacing. Overall a lovely villa and would visit again.

Amazing gem of a property! Perfect for a large holiday with family and friends. Walking distance to tons of restaurants and shops in Portimão. Wonderful pool for many hours of entertainment. Hope to come back many times.

Wonderful 16th century Villa full of antiques in quiet neighborhood but walking distance to restaurants, markets,shopping, etc. No need for a car and Ubers are very inexpensive. Housekeeper Galina is a true gem and a lovely person. We ranged in age from 17 to 84 and all loved it. The pool is big and was enjoyed tremendously. The owner, John, is Very helpful and quick to respond. The Villa has a fascinating history. We stayed for a month (with people coming and going) and no one wanted to leave!!! Many of us live on Maui, BTW, but still wanted to stay there forever! Best vacation and accomodations ever for us! People are friendly and helpful and were patient and kind with our few phrases of Portuguese! We felt almost like "locals" after a month and we cried and so did new friends when we had to leave at the end of our glorious month!

We had a wonderful stay in this quirky Manor House. There we 17 of us with ages ranging from under two to eighty six. The area is more of a local town but Alvor and Praia de Rocha were all within a short cab ride. Local amenities were all within walking distance. We ate at some great local restaurants which were all reasonably priced. We also made use of the BBQ next to the pool. The rooms were spacious and clean. John the owner kept in contact throughout the booking process and was quick to reply to any questions we had. He asked for a cot and a high chair and they were available on check in. Gallina helped us to keep the place clean and tidy and was there everyday. She would go out of her way to help with any problems or queries. She even tried to help us sort out our tests for our return. She is a great asset to the house.

Nous avons tous beaucoup aimé. On s’y sent comme dans une maison de famille. Les enfants ont beaucoup aimé cette maison pleine de recoins. On est très indépendant les uns des autres même a 17

Un manoir plein d’histoire. Pour fêter nos 20 ans de mariage accompagnés de nos amis et proches nous avons passés un excellent séjour dans ce très beau manoir situé en centre ville et très proche de la « rua das lojas » mais également de l’esplanade pour de belles promenades en bord de mer. Emplacement idéal. Chambres spacieuses toutes dotées d’une salle de bain. Belle piscine extérieur et un personnel à la hauteur. Un grand merci ! Je recommande vivement.

We couldn't be happier with our stay at Solar De Santa Isabel. The owners (John and Mark), Property Manager (Ala) and Housekeeper (Galina) were all extremely helpful in making sure we had a great vacation. We had 10 adults and 8 children and there was plenty of room for everyone. We also enjoyed the pool. We appreciated the fact that we were walking distance to shopping, great restaurants, etc and a short drive to explore the rest of the Algarve. We all felt that Portimao seemed very authentic compared to some of the other Cities we were initially considering. We would definitely stay at the Solar De Santa Isabel again and would strongly recommend this rental property.

Mycket trivsamt och vackert. Praktiska rum med både toalett och dusch till varje enhet. Innergården med poolen är helt underbar och en ren njutning att vistas i. Det som kunde ha fungerat bättre är möjligheten att laga mat till det antal personer som huset är dimensionerat för. Spisarna gick inte att reglera riktigt och det fanns bara en plåt till ugnen. Men, vi älskade ”vårt” hus❤️ Det hade varit intressant och roligt med någon ytterligare information om husets historia. Man blir nyfiken av alla tavlor, fotografier och övrig inredning. Med vänlig hälsning, Lise- Lotte o Micael Wolf

Emplacement idéal autant pour visiter les centres d’intérêt de l’Algarve (Benagil, Sagres, Lagos..) que pour profiter de l’animation, du centre de Portimao. Spacieuse et très agréable maison.

Parfait pour les grands groupes et/ou grandes familles ! Des tablées agréables près de la piscine. Et des chambres grandes qui permettent une bonne intimité après des moments en groupe.

We hebben een fantastische week gehad. Heerlijke bedden.wat ik heel belangrijk vind. Er warenzoals beloofd 2kinderstoelen. De kinderbedjes waren niet aanwezig,maar ze werden heel snel gehaald, zodat de kleintjes op tijd naar bed konden. Zeker aan te bevelen.

Just stayed with friends in the house, we felt at home with each our space to relax and even when the weather was not cooperating, we all found a spot to ourselves. Thank you for making this friendship reunion a great one to remember !

We stayed at Solar de Santa Isabel for a whole week with 22 people so filled the place up to the top. We are a group of friends between the age of 23 and 30, we were all pretty happy with the place. The house is large enough to host such a big group although I recommend going with a slightly smaller group. A few "double beds" are nearly too small (1,20m) to sleep two people comfortably next to each other, but would suffice for a couple! The house has a lot of old antique furniture and paintings which gives it a certain flair, but it could do with a few updates like working locks on the (bath-) rooms and a few brighter lights inside. There is a cozy living room upstairs, which comfortably sits around 15 people, but there is more space on the balcony upstairs which a several seating areas. The downstairs dining room only sits 16-18 adults, so we had to improvise at dinner, but that was easy enough. The kitchen has 2 stoves and ovens, 2 fridges for drinks, one big one for food, a freezer and most things you would need for cooking/eating in such a big group. The outside area and the pool are very nice and are perfect for relaxing. There is also a BBQ, which can be used. We went in October, so we wanted the pool heated, which was no problem, but it takes around 2 days - so probably I should have asked before. Solar de Santa Isabel is in walking distance to a lot of small, very good restaurants and the town Center. The beach, which is also great for surfing is 45 minute walk or a 10 minute drive away. We also took day trips to Lagos, Faro and the west coast, which is all in 20-60 minute driving distance. I recommend renting a car for the whole time, as it give the flexibility and shopping for a bigger group would be impossible without. All together the location is great (could do with a few upgrades), the communication is easy, the price is absolutely fair and we had a great holiday. Thank you!

Nous étions 16 personnes : 9 adultes, 3 enfants et 2 bébés qui ont eu chaises hautes et lits d'appoint. La maison est très bien située, dans une petite rue toute proche du port. Le quartier est calme et il n'y a pas de vis-à-vis, nous avons pu profiter de la piscine à toute heure et faire régulièrement des barbecues. Il y a des chambres situées au rez-de-chaussée pour les personnes ne pouvant pas monter les escaliers. La gardienne est sympathique, discrète et efficace. Possibilité de se garer en bas de la rue. Chacun de nous a pu prendre ses aises... avec une salle de bain dans chaque chambre. Je vous conseille cette maison fort agréable.

We stayed in the house with a group of 22 youngsters and had an incredible time. At first we were unsure about the size of our group and didn’t know which of the two houses (Solar de Santa Isabel or Casa da Viuda, which belong to the same owner) we should rent. There was a lot of see-saw but the owner was very helpful and very patient. Finally we rented Solar de Santa Isabel. The house is fantastic; it is huge and offers enough privacy for everyone. It is particularly convenient that every room has its own bathroom. The garden was also beautiful; an excellent place to relax and enjoy the sun or to have a barbecue. Another highlight was of course the swimming pool in which we spent most of our days.We were also amazed by the friendliness and the helpfulness of the housekeeper.The location is great too. It is in the heart of the old town of Portimao, in a quiet street. The water front is just a couple of meters down the road and you will find nice cafés and restaurants there. To go to the beach by car takes only 5-10 min., and taking a taxi costs just about 4 Euro. Altogether we spent a wonderful week in this house which exceeded our expectations. I can absolutely recommend it to any kind of group especially because the price is totally fair!

We stayed in the house with a group of 22 youngsters and had an incredible time. At first we were unsure about the size of our group and didn’t know which of the two houses (Solar de Santa Isabel or Casa da Viuda, which belong to the same owner) we should rent. There was a lot of see-saw but the owner was very helpful and very patient. Finally we rented Solar de Santa Isabel. The house is fantastic; it is huge and offers enough privacy for everyone. It is particularly convenient that every room has its own bathroom. The garden was also beautiful; an excellent place to relax and enjoy the sun or to have a barbecue. Another highlight was of course the swimming pool in which we spent most of our days.We were also amazed by the friendliness and the helpfulness of the housekeeper. The location is great too. It is in the heart of the old town of Portimao, in a quiet street. The water front is just a couple of meters down the road and you will find nice cafés and restaurants there. To go to the beach by car takes only 5-10 min., and taking a taxi costs just about 4 Euro. Altogether we spent a wonderful week in this house which exceeded our expectations. I can absolutely recommend it to any kind of group especially because the price is totally fair!

Nous avons passé un séjour trés agréable, votre maison a beaucoup de charme et de caractère et elle a grandement participé au succés de nos vacances. Je suis venu dans l'Algarve avec un à priori, j'en repart enchanté. Un grand merci à Tina également pour sa disponibilité et sa discrétion. Si la vie nous est favorable, j'espère revenir chez vous, une prochaine fois.

We had a wonderful stay here in October 2010. A large group of friends, we wanted somewhere where we could relax and enjoy each others company but have easy access to shops and restaurants with no need to hire a car. This house achieved all of that. A 5 minute walk to the harbour and restaurants plus lots of shops to keep us occupied. We also visted the museum. One of the group became unwell and the housekeeper could not have been more helpful, finding a doctor and arranging a taxi. The resident, very friendly, dog is a lovely touch and the perfect excuse for lots of walks. The only slight niggle was the kitchen facilities. Fortunately the weather was good so we could use the barbecue but it would be difficult to cook for a full house otherwise. But who wants to do much cooking anyway! Communication with the owner was good and he was very helpful.

We had a wonderful stay here in October 2010. A large group of friends, we wanted somewhere where we could relax and enjoy each others company but have easy access to shops and restaurants with no need to hire a car. This house achieved all of that. A 5 minute walk to the harbour and restaurants plus lots of shops to keep us occupied. We also visted the museum. One of the group became unwell and the housekeeper could not have been more helpful, finding a doctor and arranging a taxi. The resident, very friendly, dog is a lovely touch and the perfect excuse for lots of walks. The only slight niggle was the kitchen facilities. Fortunately the weather was good so we could use the barbecue but it would be difficult to cook for a full house otherwise. But who wants to do much cooking anyway! Communication with the owner was good and he was very helpful.

Four families rented this property together for one week. We were 7 adults and 7 children. Overall, we loved the place and really enjoyed our stay, so much that we hardly left the house, except for a couple of excursions, and visits to the supermarket. There was plenty of room for everyone, no loss of privacy, and enough space to all eat together. The pool was great fun for children and adults alike. The caretaker next door was extremely helpful and friendly, even helping us prepare freshly caught fish. Only criticisms were that the kitchen could have been slightly better equipped - eg dishwasher soap dispenser didn't work properly, oven was hard to regulate, knives not sharp enough etc, but these were minor problems.I would recommend the place to any large group.

Four families rented this property together for one week. We were 7 adults and 7 children. Overall, we loved the place and really enjoyed our stay, so much that we hardly left the house, except for a couple of excursions, and visits to the supermarket. There was plenty of room for everyone, no loss of privacy, and enough space to all eat together. The pool was great fun for children and adults alike. The caretaker next door was extremely helpful and friendly, even helping us prepare freshly caught fish. Only criticisms were that the kitchen could have been slightly better equipped - eg dishwasher soap dispenser didn't work properly, oven was hard to regulate, knives not sharp enough etc, but these were minor problems. I would recommend the place to any large group.

This is an amazing house it totally blew us all away, there were 27 of us 10 adults and 17 kids and we all had a ball. The pool is gorgeous, the decor stunning, the trust the owners have to rent this out with all the antiques and beautiful furniture is astounding. we were concerned that the plumbing might not be great in such an old house but it was perfect. Highly recommend this house and Portimao is a nice town not far from Alvor and Praia de rocha. We may be back !

We've visited Solar de Santa Isabel twice now - the first time our 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' all girls (ok, I use the term 'girls' with a little poetic license!) trip in 2006, with 12 ladies and then, because we loved it so much, we brought our hubbies and some other friends along in 2008 as a mixed group. The house and location are perfect for everyone - we range in age from early 20s to late 50s - singles and old marrieds - so you can't get more of a diverse range of people than us - and it suited everyone. There are lots of good restaurants locally, great beaches and livelier bars/clubs just a bus or (cheap!) taxi ride away (all available within about a five minute stroll). The house itself is quirky and interesting, all 12 bedrooms have en suites and there are interesting furniture, photos, curios and pictues etc all over the house. Pay to have the pool heated and you can have a lovely warm mid-night swim - fantastic! The couple of reviews that mention the 'small' kitchen make me smile - the kitchen is absolutely fine if you only want to prepare snacks and continental breakfasts to eat in the beautiful garden, and the main thing is that there's plenty of fridge room for wine and cocktail ingredients. To be honest, there are so many great eating places in Portimao and the various other towns/villages just a stones throw away, I can't imagine anyone wanting to prepare full on meals. We didn't even get round to BBQing although that would be wonderful in such a lovely environment. In a nutshell, this is a great venue for a big party of people and would pretty much suit any demographic. And ladies, as if all that wasn't enough, there's a fabulous designer shoe outlet shop just one minute further along the street - pretty much the icing on the cake if you ask me!!!

We were a group of 12 people over 60s had a wonderfull time right by all the amenities just a perfect place we hope to go back one year

Solar de Santa Isabel is an excellent rental choice in the heart of the Algarve. The house itself, with its authentic period charm, is a stones throw from both the town centre of Portimao and the marina. The house offers everything a large family group could want. All the rooms were en-suite, large dining areas, private garden and pool. We felt right at home, close to nightlife and restaurants and yet able to hold bbq's in the comfort of this wonderful house. The staff and of course Pepe the dog could not have been anymore helpful to us. All round a great house in a great location.

We have had two fantastic group holidays at Santa Isabel in 2006 and 2007 and although the kitchen is small it is possible to cater for 16 people very well. All rooms are delightfully quirky and are kept spotless by the resident housekeeper - the first floor drawing room is delightful. The owner is very helpful and friendly and Tina his friend who lives next door is wonderful - thanks for introducing us to Fada! I cannot recommend this house highly enough - great location, excellent local restaurants and bars, gorgeous pool and patio - perfect for that early morning swim and late afternoon G&T! Plus you get the added bonus of the wonderous Don Pepe the resident house dog! We will be back in 2009 to celebrate yet another milestone birthday! All in all a Stately Home experience on a semi-detached budget :-)

Santa Isabel is an excellent base for a large family or group wishing to walk to all amenities yet explore further afield, Its 12 ensuite bedrooms are possibly unique across the Algarve each with its own character offering a good choice for singles and doubles. The downside is the kitchen which is far too small to accommodate such a large group. Also the appliances and units are in much need of an upgrade. We will certainly consider going back but would want to see the kitchen facilities upgraded.