Our Story

The Family Behind the Fonte 

We are Sonia and Sergio, a family of four based in the UK, with strong roots in Portugal. Portugal has always held a very special place in our hearts.

Our family roots are in the very north of the country, a part of Portugal that feels very different from the Algarve, greener, cooler, more rural, with plenty of rain and even snowy winters. We still spend our summers there with family, but over the years we also fell in love with the Algarve.

There is something very special about this part of Portugal: the light, the coastline, the food, the people, the outdoor way of life, and the feeling of being able to slow down almost all year round.


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Why Casa da Fonte

Casa da Fonte became part of that story from the very first moment we saw it. We were drawn to its peaceful setting, privacy, beautiful light and relaxed outdoor living.

Like many people, life can be busy, with work, school, family commitments and everyday routines often taking over. Casa da Fonte has become our retreat, a place to step away, slow down, enjoy long meals outside, spend time by the pool and make proper memories together.

That feeling is a big part of what we hope our guests experience here too.

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Why Santa Barbara de Nexe

We specifically chose Bordeira, near Santa Bárbara de Nexe, because it gives us the best of both worlds. Casa da Fonte feels calm, private and tucked away from the hustle and bustle, but it is still close to everything we could need.

Within easy reach, you have local villages, restaurants, shopping, Faro Airport, golf, beautiful beaches and some of the best places to explore in the Algarve. It feels hidden away, without ever feeling remote.

We love that balance, peaceful when you want to relax, but well placed when you want to go out, explore, eat well, shop, visit the coast or discover somewhere new.

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The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Casa da Fonte also has a lovely connection to the area. “Fonte” means fountain, spring or water source, and we understand that this part of Bordeira was once connected with local cooperative workers who worked together in the surrounding area.

Casa da Fonte was linked to the place where water was collected, and there is still an old water point at the bottom of the road today. We love that the house carries this small piece of local history with it.

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Sharing Casa da Fonte

Sharing Casa da Fonte has become something we genuinely enjoy. For us, it is not just about letting a house. It is about sharing a place that means something to us, and it makes us really happy to know that other families, couples and groups of friends from around the world are making their own memories here too.

Over time, we have been lucky to welcome guests who have returned again and again, sometimes bringing friends or family with them. We have even had guests come back to celebrate very special moments, including weddings, which is something that means a lot to us.

We also love hearing what guests have enjoyed most about their stay, the restaurants they discovered, the places they visited, the beaches they found and the little tips they picked up along the way. Some of those recommendations have even made it into our own list of places to try.

The Algarve is full of hidden corners, family-run restaurants, quiet villages, beautiful viewpoints, local markets and beaches that you keep discovering little by little. It is always lovely when people share their holiday stories with us, and it helps us keep discovering the area through their eyes too.

Whether it is long breakfasts outside, lazy afternoons by the pool, sunset drinks on the terrace or evenings spent together, we love knowing that Casa da Fonte is part of those memories.

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Why We Created This Guide

We created this guide to help you settle in quickly, find your feet and make the most of your time at Casa da Fonte and in the Algarve.

It includes practical information we think is useful, but also the places, tips and little discoveries that have made this part of Portugal so special to us. We especially enjoy finding places that still feel local and genuine, family-run restaurants, small shops, traditional markets and quieter spots away from the busiest tourist areas.

Whether you are here to relax by the pool, explore the local area, enjoy time with family and friends, discover new restaurants, or simply switch off for a while, we hope Casa da Fonte feels like a home from home.

Casa da Fonte is very special to us, so we simply ask that you enjoy it with care, as you would your own home.

We hope you have a wonderful stay and leave with very happy memories.

With warm wishes,

Sergio, Sonia, Amelie & Angela