A tropical oasis of tiered gardens packed with palm trees and cacti, the extensive property of Casa do Monte looks down from the hills over Praia do Castelo and far beyond. Just west of Albufeira, with the marina and choice of beaches and golf courses moments away, Casa do Monte is a memorably unique property combining spectacular views, imaginative eco-friendly planning, and 5000 square metres of grounds that can only be described as paradise.

The current owner has worked diligently to transform a large but ordinary villa into a luxury property, cocooned in its own tropical world. With an incredible 1300 square metres of covered area, developing over several floors and in separate buildings, Casa do Monte is full of surprises. Renovation work, endowing the house with the very latest in heating and cooling technologies and all the modern conveniences one would expect, has also opened up the house, taking advantage of its southern aspect with large windows and the addition of broad covered terraces on every level of the main house. With over a dozen bathrooms and seven bedrooms suites, the property is well prepared for welcoming guests.

For family time, the games and TV rooms on the lower floor are joined by a large study with garden views. The grandiose entrance hall rises to the very apex of the house with the staircase sweeping around its extremities to reach three suites, including the master suite with changing room, all with large terraces and sea views. The ground floor welcomes three further suites and a spacious living room leading through to a kitchen/informal living area, with large windows offering an eye onto the tropical foliage outside.

Besides the pool system with grotto, waterfalls, the sauna/spa area, tennis court with apartment, further guesthouse, fountains and ponds, the outstanding feature of the property is its landscaped gardens. Inordinate cacti are joined by an array of mature palms, succulents and native plants.

Equally appealing, the property's purposely devised energy-saving systems, including solar panels, heat pump generated heating, false ceilings, and a series of rainfall reservoirs, providing water for the garden and pool the year through.