It was purely by chance that I discovered Barco Casa, the Boat House. A neighbour gave me her copy of the ‘East Algarve Magazine’ and there on the front cover was my ideal of simple perfection on the water. I read the article, wreathed in smiles, and knew I had to follow it up. The Boat House is moored off the shoreline of Fuseta, in the unspoilt Eastern Algarve. The natural park, the Ria Formosa, surrounds the Algarve’s capital, Faro. It was a simple matter to arrange a viewing.
Tiago met me on the quayside and, with building excitement, I was ferried out into the lagoon. He patiently and thoroughly answered all my questions as he skippered the boat. This innovative project is a dream fulfilled for local architect Ricardo Badalo. He and his team at Passeios Ria Formosa have created a sustainable, eco-friendly, high quality home on the water. The surroundings are sublime, with a 360 degree view on this natural marine world.
Take a look at the promotional photo gallery. Imagine waking to watch the sun creep towards you across the water, and sunsets sitting on the sun deck, cradling your glass of wine. Perfect peace and calm, and a retreat from the clamouring world. A breakfast of fresh local fruits and pastries and the day is your own. Take the rowing boat across to the ilha and laze or swim. Snorkeling equipment is provided, for these waters are rich in sea life. A water taxi can take you ashore, if you want to venture further afield.
The Ria Formosa has been a protected natural park since 1987, with the aim of preserving the lagoon system. There is a huge diversity of flora and fauna, including the largest community of seahorses in the world. The area comprises 5 barrier islands and 2 peninsulas, the salt marsh and lagoon areas connected with a dense network of water channels. It has to be seen to be believed, and I’ve yet to discover a better way to observe it than from the Barco Casa.
You can make this a purely self catering experience, or opt to employ the services of a trained chef to add that touch of luxury. Tiago, who is passionate about the project, was formerly a chef in Lisbon, and can provide everything from oysters and champagne on the beach to a simple barbecue, with freshly caught fish.
Be as active or as lazy as you feel inclined. Ricardo has a keen interest in bird watching and marine biology and the company provide a full range of related tours. I’ve started to daydream about my romantic getaway. Maybe you will too.
I’m not given to writing promotional posts. This is my personal space and I like to keep it that way. But if I find something that excites me, it’s only natural to share, isn’t it? Further details can be found on the website http://www.passeios-ria-formosa.com.
Wow! I knew what Barco Casa means before I even read your blog. I know it’s an easy translation, but still … 🙂 It looks to be like a romantic setting, hmmm …. 😀
For that special lady, Rommel? 🙂
I checked out the gallery. It looks like a restful, comfortable spot. I love the blue sky and sea.
It’s a truly beautiful spot, Nicki, and a great idea. 🙂
I love travelling and one of my favorites spots is Portugal, especially because of my origins… I recently went to South Africa and love it…
Many thanks for your company, Valentina 🙂 🙂
oh wow, double wow in fact . . this would be amazing. One of us has to do it!!
It is a bit special, isn’t it? And right on your doorstep 🙂
Will definitely investigate . . thinking perhaps a Birthday treat in the spring 🙂
We’re back in the Algarve 2nd-16th January. Hoping to see you then xx
Excellent news…and yes we’re around for some of that time ☺
You’ve got to do it! For us. All that blue and white is startling. You make a great promoter. I’ll send hugs to join you on board.
It would be too tempting to sail off into the sunset, Meg. Though I don’t think they’d leave the keys around and we’d be bound to get stuck on a sandbar if they did. 🙂 🙂 My idea of heaven, and even better for the hugs.
Oh Jo! I could easily see myself sitting back and relaxing in these pictures. Wow! xxx
May I join you for a small tipple? 🙂 🙂
Absolutely! 😀 xxxx
Looks idyllic Jo – even with my propensity to sea sickness I could probably cope with this! 🙂
It was flat calm, Rosemay. Not a ripple! 🙂 🙂
I am not very good on water but I think I could make an exception for a holiday on that houseboat in that location. I would love to see sea horses.
It’s silly- I totally love it but I’m not at all confident in or around the water. I’d just lie there and gaze, Ann 🙂 And let the sea horses come to me 🙂
Sounds fine to me!
bene ce ne andiamo un po’ in giro? qui in Italia il tempo è ottimo, in Sicilia si fanno ancora i bagni nel mare!
ottimo lavoro
buonanotte Giovanna 🙂
It’s wet in Sicily? I believe they have rain in the Algarve too but I haven’t checked. I guess it might not be so good in the rain but a good reason to stay cosy in bed 🙂 🙂 Happy weekend, Annalisa!
ha ha no no!!! It is not rain in Sicily! the Sun is at 30 degrees and still make the bagninel sea! Maybe it’s better if I answer in how to prevent the Sicilians arise against me!
Even here in Tuscany on time, even though we are in November is very sunny
Thank you for your good wishes and for the week
good walks dear Jo
Even England has been warm this Autumn but not now. 6-8C! Brrrh 🙂 🙂
Oh my! That was beautiful. I can definitely imagine myself there.
You’d love it Anabel. I think most people would x
Oh my goodness, what a post to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening! Thank you, Jo. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
It seems ages since I was there, Susan, but it’s only about 3 weeks. 🙂
What a lovely place to stay. I think I would happily immerse myself in watching the sea while idling time away, in a meditative sort of way, and then enjoying piece of grilled fish with a glass of chilled wine. 😉
Sounds extremely good to me too 🙂
Oysters and champagne on that lovely boat…yes, please. 🙂
I thought that might appeal, Karen 🙂
This looks like paradise to me Jo. Shall we book the blogging convention there? 🙂
We’ll have to keep it select, Sue! It’s not very big 🙂 🙂
Well that likely won’t do then. I think we have a pretty wide circle of friends here. Perhaps we can make it an outing during the convention. 🙂
an ultimate getaway for me Jo! wow! 🙂
It could be, LolaWi. 🙂 Great to have you around again. Everything ok?
great to be back, Jo. yes, I’m okay. thank you. had a huge project for almost 3 months; thankfully completed 10/31 🙂 so very sorry about your Dad. did you get my sympathy message?
Thanks, hon. I don’t recall a message but so very many people were kind. Sorry if I’ve forgotten. Sending hugs 🙂
I am swooning! Even if we don’t stay on the house boat, that’s certainly a part of the Algarve that I’d like to explore. It looks beautiful.
Alison
It is, Alison. The stretch from Faro, east to Tavira and slightly beyond, is all like this. 🙂
One of my dreams not yet come true….
Spectaculars!
Sorry for the unnecessary “s”…., in my previous comment!
🙂
I was so excited to go and see it, Anna. I felt like a V.I.P 🙂
The area is perfect for a house boat, it looks divine, but way too expensive for me I’m afraid. Will you give it a go? You’d need at least two nights to make it worthwhile 🙂
I don’t suppose so, Gilly, but I can dream. 🙂 🙂 How you doing?
If I have to choose between 2 nights accommodation somewhere posh and 7 somewhere ordinary, 7 will always win!
I’m doing all right, walked a little way again this morning. Then i went shopping, hoping to find some food inspiration, failed though, my choices are limited at the moment. Excitement is a plain bagel with butter and honey! x 🙂 x
A strict diet will be necessary if it is what the consultant thinks, Gilly, and it will be difficult as a veggie, I think? I agree with you on the 7 nights though 🙂 🙂 Hugs, darlin!
My saving grace is that I eat some fish, hugs right back to you sweetheart ❤
I’m surprised they didn’t call it Casa Barco, the other way around. Looks like a unique experience and it is nice that they let you have a look around without staying there. Very similar to being at anchor with your own sailboat in a very beautiful, exciting and unique place. But, without all the work and challenges involved. For your next anniversary, Jo? 🙂
You never know, Liesbet 🙂 No harm in dreaming. I’ve seen it written both ways but I’m sticking with the name on their website.