FAQ
Everything about Casa Brava
Whether you are planning a stay at Casa Brava, looking for someone to care for your home in the Algarve, considering holiday rental management, improving a property or starting a real estate project, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
Based near Loulé in the Central Algarve, Casa Brava brings together hospitality, Home Care & Key Holding, holiday rental and Alojamento Local management, Property Enhancement, renovation coordination and real estate expertise. Explore the categories below to find the information you need.
STAY AT CASA BRAVA
Discover Casa Brava, our independent Eco Guest House in the countryside near Loulé, in the Central Algarve. Set in a restored 19th-century stone farmhouse, Casa Brava offers three independent guest suites, private outdoor spaces, Mediterranean gardens and a natural swimming pool.
What is Casa Brava?
Casa Brava is an independent Eco Guest House in the countryside near Loulé, in the Algarve, Portugal. Set in a restored 19th-century stone farmhouse, it offers just three independent guest suites surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and nature.
Where is Casa Brava located?
Casa Brava is located in the countryside just outside Loulé, in the Central Algarve. Loulé town centre is approximately 5–10 minutes away by car, while Faro Airport and the Algarve coast are around 20–25 minutes away.
Is Casa Brava a hotel?
No. Casa Brava is a small independent guest house with only three suites. The owners live on the property, which is also their family home, while guests enjoy independent accommodation and private outdoor spaces.
How many suites does Casa Brava have?
Casa Brava has three independent suites: The Old Pig, The Old Donkey and The Old Cellar.
Do the suites have private entrances and outdoor spaces?
Yes. Each suite has its own independent entrance and private terrace and/or garden area, allowing guests to enjoy an independent stay within the Casa Brava property.
Which suite has a full kitchen?
The Old Pig has a fully equipped kitchen, including cooking facilities, dishwasher, refrigerator and everyday kitchen equipment.
Does The Old Donkey have cooking facilities?
Yes. The Old Donkey has a kitchenette with a sink, mini-fridge and small hob, suitable for preparing simple meals during your stay.
Does The Old Cellar have a kitchen?
The Old Cellar has an amenities corner for drinks and simple refreshments rather than a full kitchen.
How many guests can stay in The Old Pig?
The Old Pig can accommodate up to 4 adults plus 1 baby under 2 years old.
How many guests can stay in The Old Donkey?
The Old Donkey can accommodate up to 4 adults plus 1 baby under 2 years old.
How many guests can stay in The Old Cellar?
The Old Cellar is designed for 2 adults, with the possibility of accommodating 1 baby under 2 years old or a child under 14 years old.
Does Casa Brava have a swimming pool?
Yes. Casa Brava has a natural ecological swimming pool integrated into the Mediterranean garden.
Is the pool treated with chlorine?
No. It is a living natural pool and does not use conventional chemical pool treatment.
Is the natural pool heated?
No. The natural swimming pool is not heated. Its water temperature therefore changes naturally according to the season and weather.
Is the pool open all year?
Yes. The natural pool remains accessible throughout the year, although its temperature naturally varies with the season.
Are children welcome at Casa Brava?
Yes. Children are welcome at Casa Brava, and the appropriate suite can be selected according to the size and needs of the family.
Do you provide baby equipment?
Yes. A baby kit can be arranged in advance, including a baby bed, sheets, towels, baby bath and bottle warmer.
Does Casa Brava serve breakfast?
Casa Brava offers independent stays rather than a traditional bed-and-breakfast service. Guests receive a Gourmet Welcome Basket on arrival, and the suites provide facilities for preparing drinks and simple meals according to their equipment.
What is included in the Gourmet Welcome Basket?
The welcome selection may include water, beer, snacks, yogurts, biscuits, local mini jams, tea, coffee capsules and milk portions. Contents may vary according to availability.
Is Wi-Fi available at Casa Brava?
Yes. Casa Brava has fibre Wi-Fi available to guests throughout their stay.
Do the suites have air conditioning and heating?
Yes. The guest suites have air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort.
Do the suites have Smart TVs?
Yes. Smart TVs are available in the suites.
Are bath and pool towels provided?
Yes. Bath and pool towels are provided, as well as bathrobes.
Is laundry service available?
Yes. Laundry service can be arranged for an additional charge.
Can I work remotely from Casa Brava?
Yes. Fibre Wi-Fi is available, although Casa Brava is primarily designed as a place to stay, relax and discover the Algarve rather than as a dedicated coworking property.
Does Casa Brava have an easily accessible suite?
Yes. The Old Donkey is the most easily accessible suite. Parking is available on the same level as the suite and there are no steps between the parking area and the accommodation.
Which Casa Brava suite is best for guests who want to avoid stairs?
The Old Donkey is the most suitable option because it can be reached from parking on the same level without steps.
Can I charge an electric car at Casa Brava?
Dedicated EV charging facilities are currently being developed. Please contact us before your stay for the latest information.
Can I invite visitors who are not included in my reservation?
No. For the privacy, security and tranquillity of everyone staying at Casa Brava, outside visitors are not permitted in the suites, gardens, pool or shared guest areas unless expressly authorised in advance.
Can friends who are not staying at Casa Brava use the pool?
No. The natural pool and Casa Brava guest facilities are reserved exclusively for registered guests.
LOULÉ, NATURE & ECO STAY
Casa Brava offers a countryside alternative to the Algarve’s coastal resorts, combining proximity to the historic town of Loulé with nature, Mediterranean gardens and easy access to the coast and the wider Algarve.
Is Casa Brava a good place to stay for visiting Loulé?
Yes. Casa Brava combines a peaceful countryside setting with quick access to Loulé town centre, allowing guests to enjoy both rural Algarve and the historic market town.
Is Casa Brava close to Loulé Market?
Yes. Loulé’s historic centre and municipal market are approximately 5–10 minutes away by car.
Can I stay in the Algarve without staying in a coastal resort?
Yes. Casa Brava is an alternative for travellers who want to experience the Algarve countryside while remaining within easy driving distance of the coast.
Is Casa Brava a good base for exploring the Algarve?
Yes. Its Central Algarve location provides convenient access to Loulé, Faro, the coast and inland areas while allowing guests to return to a quiet countryside setting.
Is Casa Brava suitable for slow travel?
Yes. Its small scale, independent suites, private outdoor spaces, Mediterranean gardens, natural pool and countryside location are particularly suited to travellers who prefer slower, more independent stays.
Can I go walking or hiking near Casa Brava?
Yes. Casa Brava is surrounded by countryside and local paths, with further walking, hiking and nature opportunities throughout the Loulé area and inland Algarve.
Can Casa Brava recommend local restaurants and activities?
Yes. We are happy to share local recommendations, places to discover and seasonal ideas with our guests, from restaurants and markets to nature, cultural and outdoor activities.
Why is Casa Brava described as an Eco Guest House?
Casa Brava combines the restoration of an old rural property with an approach centred on nature, a Mediterranean dry garden, a natural swimming pool and a deliberately small-scale hospitality model.
Is Casa Brava a newly built property?
No. Casa Brava was created from an old stone farm dating from around the mid-19th century. Former agricultural spaces were restored and transformed rather than replaced by a new-build hospitality property.
Does Casa Brava have a Mediterranean garden?
Yes. The property is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and a dry garden adapted to the local climate and
landscape.
Is Casa Brava a large resort?
No. Casa Brava has only three guest suites. The intention is deliberately to remain a small-scale, independent guest house where guests can enjoy privacy, nature and a more personal experience of the Algarve.
BOOKING & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Practical information for planning and booking a stay at Casa Brava near Loulé, including direct reservations, arrival, transport, parking and access to Faro Airport and the Algarve coast.
Can I book Casa Brava directly?
Yes. Direct reservations can be made through the Casa Brava website.
Is Casa Brava also available on Airbnb and Booking.com?
Yes. Casa Brava is also present on major accommodation platforms, including Airbnb and Booking.com.
What is the usual minimum stay at Casa Brava?
The usual minimum stay is two nights, although requirements may vary according to dates, season or specific offers.
What time is check-in at Casa Brava?
Standard check-in is from 3:00 pm.
What time is check-out?
Check-out is by 11:00 am.
Can I request an earlier check-in or later check-out?
Yes, you can ask us. Availability depends on previous and following reservations and therefore cannot always be guaranteed.
Do I need a car to stay at Casa Brava?
A car is strongly recommended. Casa Brava is in the countryside and a car makes exploring Loulé, the coast and the rest of the Algarve much easier.
Can I use taxis or ride-hailing services to reach Casa Brava?
Yes. Taxis and ride-hailing services can generally be used to reach Casa Brava and the surrounding area.
Can I walk from Casa Brava into Loulé?
It is possible, but the walk takes approximately 40 minutes and the return journey is uphill. For most guests, a car or taxi is more convenient.
Is parking available at Casa Brava?
Yes. Parking is available at the property for guests.
How far is Casa Brava from Faro Airport?
Faro Airport is approximately 20–25 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.
How far is Casa Brava from the beach?
Several Algarve beaches can be reached in approximately 20–30 minutes by car, depending on the destination and traffic.
Can Casa Brava organise an airport transfer?
Yes. Airport transfers can be organised on request.
HOME CARE & KEY HOLDING
Casa Brava provides local Home Care, Property Care and Key Holding for homeowners around Loulé. Our recurring services are deliberately concentrated in Loulé, Almancil, Quarteira, Boliqueime and São Brás de Alportel so that we can remain close to the properties under our care and respond when needed.
Does Casa Brava provide property care around Loulé?
Yes. Casa Brava provides local Home Care, property supervision and Key Holding in Loulé and selected surrounding areas.
Which areas do you cover for Home Care and Key Holding?
Our regular local service area includes Loulé, Almancil, Quarteira, Boliqueime and São Brás de Alportel.
Do you provide regular Home Care in Faro?
Our recurring Home Care, Property Management and Key Holding services are deliberately concentrated around our defined local area rather than Faro. Staying local allows us to remain close to the properties under our care and respond quickly.
Can you look after a second home when the owner lives abroad?
Yes. This is one of the main purposes of our Home Care service: acting as a trusted local presence while the owner is away.
Can you regularly inspect an empty house in the Algarve?
Yes. Visits can be arranged monthly, fortnightly, weekly or more frequently when required.
Do you provide a report after every property inspection?
Yes. A photographic report is systematically sent on the same day as each scheduled property visit.
Can you inspect my property during a long absence?
Yes. Regular and technical inspections can be arranged during prolonged absences.
Can you check my house after a storm or heavy rain?
Yes. Additional inspections can be organised when weather conditions or another event make a property check advisable.
Do you offer Key Holding near Loulé?
Yes. Casa Brava can securely hold property keys as part of its local Home Care and Property Care services.
Can you respond to an emergency at my property?
Yes. Emergency assistance is available 24/7 for properties under our care. Our defined local service area is designed to support rapid response when required.
Do you provide Home Care at weekends and on public holidays?
Yes. Home Care support can operate at weekends and on public holidays when required.
Can you give access to a plumber, technician or contractor while I am away?
Yes. We can coordinate agreed access and follow interventions on behalf of the owner.
Can you coordinate gardeners and pool maintenance?
Yes. Casa Brava can coordinate regular gardening and pool maintenance services with the relevant professionals.
Can you coordinate plumbing, air-conditioning and other maintenance?
Yes. Casa Brava can act as the owner's local point of contact and coordinate agreed professionals and maintenance interventions.
Can you obtain quotations before work is carried out?
Yes. Quotations can be obtained and submitted to the owner for approval before planned work proceeds.
Can you supervise longer works while I am abroad?
Yes. We can be present locally and coordinate ongoing work, including longer projects, according to the agreed scope.
Can you receive parcels or deliveries at my property?
Yes. Reception of parcels, furniture, equipment and other agreed deliveries can be organised.
Can you prepare my house before I arrive in Portugal?
Yes. Pre-arrival preparation can include opening and airing the property, cleaning, preparing beds and household linen, arranging groceries and other agreed preparations.
Can you arrange cleaning before my arrival?
Yes. Cleaning can be coordinated before the owner's arrival.
Can you prepare beds and linen before I arrive?
Yes. Beds and household linen can be prepared as part of a pre-arrival service.
Can you arrange groceries before I arrive?
Yes. Groceries and other agreed essentials can be arranged before your arrival.
Can you arrange an airport transfer for an owner arriving in Portugal?
Yes. Airport transfers can be organised on request.
Can you make daily property visits when necessary?
Yes. More frequent visits, including daily visits, can be arranged when the situation requires them.
Do I need a long-term Home Care contract?
No. Casa Brava offers both regular service arrangements and flexible, tailor-made assistance according to the property and owner's needs.
Can I use Key Holding without Rental Management?
Yes. Home Care and Key Holding are independent services and do not require the property to be operated as a holiday rental.
FOR OWNERS LIVING ABROAD
Casa Brava provides a trusted local presence for international and overseas homeowners who own property around Loulé but spend part or all of the year outside Portugal. Services can combine property inspections, Key Holding, maintenance coordination, arrival preparation and rental management.
I live abroad and own a house in the Algarve. Can Casa Brava look after it?
Yes. Casa Brava can act as your local point of contact within our Home Care area, with scheduled inspections, same-day photo reports, Key Holding, maintenance coordination and emergency assistance.
Can someone check my Algarve home while I spend several months abroad?
Yes. Visits can be scheduled monthly, fortnightly, weekly or more frequently according to your needs and the property.
Can you send me photos of my property while I am abroad?
Yes. A photographic report is systematically sent on the day of each scheduled inspection.
Can you deal with contractors if I am not in Portugal?
Yes. We can obtain quotations, coordinate agreed professionals, provide access and follow work locally.
Can you prepare my Portuguese home before I fly in?
Yes. Cleaning, airing, beds and linen, groceries and other agreed arrival preparations can be organised in advance.
Can you supervise renovation work if I cannot be in Portugal?
Yes. Depending on the project, Casa Brava can coordinate works and act as a local interface between the owner and the professionals involved.
Can you manage my holiday rental if I live outside Portugal?
Yes. Our combination of local Property Management, Home Care and operational coordination is particularly suited to owners who live abroad or divide their time between Portugal and another country.
HOLIDAY RENTAL & ALOJAMENTO LOCAL MANAGEMENT
Casa Brava provides local holiday rental and Alojamento Local management around Loulé, combining property knowledge, guest experience, distribution, dynamic pricing, administrative coordination and local property oversight.
Does Casa Brava manage holiday rentals?
Yes. Casa Brava provides holiday rental and Alojamento Local management within its defined local Property Management area.
Which areas do you cover for recurring Property Management?
Our recurring Property Management activity focuses on Loulé and surrounding areas, including Almancil, Quarteira, Boliqueime and São Brás de Alportel.
Can you manage my Airbnb in Loulé?
Yes. Casa Brava can manage and optimise Airbnb accommodation within its local Property Management area.
Do you manage Booking.com properties?
Yes. Booking.com can form part of the property's distribution and reservation strategy.
Can you manage direct bookings?
Yes. Direct reservations can form part of the property's distribution strategy alongside appropriate booking platforms.
Can a managed property be presented on the Casa Brava website?
Selected properties can be presented through Casa Brava when they meet our standards for equipment, guest comfort, presentation and aesthetics.
What if my property does not fit the Casa Brava selection?
A property can still benefit from appropriate professional services. More straightforward or differently positioned accommodation may instead be presented through BASICA PROPERTIES, depending on its characteristics and strategy.
Can you help a holiday rental gain visibility on Google?
Yes. Online distribution can include appropriate Google visibility alongside booking platforms and direct booking channels.
Do you manage several booking channels at the same time?
Yes. Properties can be distributed across several appropriate channels rather than relying on a single platform.
Do you use dynamic pricing for holiday rentals?
Yes. Pricing and revenue management form part of our management approach, with rates reviewed according to seasonality and the property's booking environment.
Can you optimise an existing Airbnb without taking over full management?
Yes. Casa Brava can audit and optimise an existing accommodation, including its positioning, presentation, equipment and online listings.
Can you launch a new Alojamento Local?
Yes. Our launch service is designed to accompany properties entering the holiday rental market.
Can you help with RNAL registration and Alojamento Local formalities?
Yes. Casa Brava can coordinate the necessary steps connected with establishing and operating an Alojamento Local, working with the appropriate authorities and professionals where required.
Can you help with the start-of-activity declaration, required diagnostics and regulatory file?
Yes. These steps can be coordinated as part of the Alojamento Local creation or compliance process.
Can you help with mandatory insurance and Livro de Reclamações requirements?
Yes. Necessary compliance requirements can be incorporated into the administrative process, with the appropriate professionals or authorities involved where required.
Can you assist with guest reporting and tourist tax requirements?
Yes. Required guest-reporting procedures and applicable municipal tourist-tax processes can be integrated into the operational management.
Do you provide monthly rental management reporting?
Yes. Monthly activity reporting forms part of our management service.
Can you coordinate cleaning and laundry between stays?
Yes, depending on the selected management plan.
Can you coordinate routine maintenance and 24/7 rental emergencies?
Yes. These operational services are included in our more comprehensive management plan.
Do you continue checking a managed property during low season?
Yes. Low-season property visits are part of our management structure, with frequency depending on the selected plan.
How much does holiday rental management cost?
Casa Brava currently offers two management levels. The Essential plan is charged at 15% of accommodation revenue and the Comfort plan at 25%, both subject to a minimum monthly management fee of €150. VAT applies at the legal rate. Initial services, equipment and third-party costs may apply according to the property.
What is the difference between Essential and Comfort Management?
Both plans include dynamic pricing, reservation and guest communication management, direct-booking visibility, administrative and fiscal coordination and monthly reporting. The Comfort plan adds more extensive technical and operational management, including cleaning and laundry coordination, routine maintenance follow-up, 24/7 emergency management and weekly low-season property visits.
How often is a property visited in low season?
Under the current management structure, the Essential plan includes one low-season visit every two weeks, while the Comfort plan includes one visit per week.
How much does Alojamento Local creation or administrative compliance support cost?
The current follow-up fee is €300 plus actual third-party costs. The scope can include RNAL registration, start-of-activity coordination, required diagnostics and preparation of the regulatory file.
Do you provide an onboarding and property optimisation service?
Yes. The service can include a functional accommodation audit, home staging, equipment review, guest information and signage, visual identity, listing creation or optimisation and review analysis.
How much does onboarding and property optimisation cost?
Under the current management structure, the follow-up fee is €700 with Essential Management and €500 with Comfort Management, plus the actual cost of equipment where required.
PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT, FURNISHING & RENOVATION
Casa Brava Property Enhancement helps owners improve, transform and reveal the potential of a property. Projects can range from furnishing, styling and home staging to outdoor improvements and substantial renovation coordination, whether the objective is to live in, rent or sell the property.
What is Property Enhancement?
Property Enhancement is Casa Brava's approach to improving a property through targeted changes in layout, presentation, decoration, furnishing, outdoor spaces or renovation, according to whether the objective is to live in, rent or sell the property.
Is Property Enhancement the same as interior design?
Not exactly. It can include interior styling and decoration, but may also extend to property analysis, space planning, sourcing, renovation coordination, outdoor areas, rental optimisation and preparation for sale.
Can you improve a property before it is rented?
Yes. We can analyse a property and identify improvements that strengthen its presentation, equipment and suitability for the rental market.
Can you improve an existing Airbnb or holiday rental?
Yes. This can include layout, furniture, decoration, equipment, photography preparation, outdoor areas and other changes relevant to the guest experience.
Can you furnish an empty property?
Yes. We can select, source and purchase furniture and equipment and coordinate delivery and installation according to the project.
Can you work within an agreed furnishing or renovation budget?
Yes. Projects are defined according to the property's objectives, scope and agreed budget.
Do you provide home staging before a property is sold?
Yes. Property preparation and presentation before sale can form part of our Property Enhancement services.
Can you prepare a property for professional photography?
Yes. Styling and preparation for photography can be incorporated into the project.
Can you improve outdoor areas?
Yes. Terraces, gardens and other outdoor spaces can form part of the overall enhancement strategy.
Do you coordinate renovation work?
Yes. Casa Brava has experience with renovation and project coordination, ranging from targeted improvements to substantial transformations.
Do you only manage small renovations?
No. Our experience is not limited to cosmetic work or small refurbishments.
Do you have experience with major renovations?
Yes. Our experience includes the extensive reconstruction and transformation of Casa Brava itself, as well as previous property renovation and development experience in Paris.
Can you coordinate a larger renovation project?
Yes, depending on the project. We can assess the scope and coordinate the appropriate professionals and trades.
Do you carry out all construction work yourselves?
The role depends on the project. Casa Brava can coordinate and manage the transformation while specialised work is carried out by the appropriate trades and professionals.
Is Property Enhancement limited to the Loulé area?
No. Unlike recurring Home Care and Property Management, Property Enhancement is project-based and can therefore cover a much wider geographical area.
Can you undertake a Property Enhancement project elsewhere in the Algarve?
Yes. Property Enhancement projects can be considered throughout the Algarve according to their scope.
Can you work on a property project in the Alentejo?
Yes. Suitable Property Enhancement and renovation projects can be considered in the Alentejo.
Can you undertake a property project in Lisbon?
Yes. For suitable project-based assignments, our geographical reach can extend to Lisbon.
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY ADVISORY
Casa Brava combines hospitality, renovation and property experience with real-estate knowledge developed in France and Portugal. Our property expertise can support owners, sellers and buyers, with dedicated real-estate activity connected to BASICA PROPERTIES.
Does Casa Brava have real-estate experience?
Yes. Our background includes property management, sales, renovation and property development experience in France and Portugal.
Can you help me sell a property in the Algarve?
Yes. Casa Brava's property expertise can support owners preparing and selling properties, with dedicated real-estate activity connected to BASICA PROPERTIES.
Can you help prepare my house before selling it?
Yes. Combining real-estate knowledge with Property Enhancement allows us to identify practical improvements that can strengthen a property's presentation before it enters the market.
Can you help me buy a property in the Algarve?
Yes. Property advisory and real-estate services can assist buyers looking for property in the Algarve.
Which geographical areas do you cover for real estate?
Our real-estate activity can cover the Algarve and extend through the Alentejo towards Lisbon depending on the assignment.
What is BASICA PROPERTIES?
BASICA PROPERTIES is our dedicated real-estate and property-services brand. It provides a more specialised environment for real-estate activity while remaining complementary to Casa Brava.
Why combine real estate and renovation experience?
Understanding renovation potential, layout, presentation, rental use and operating constraints can provide valuable practical context when assessing a property for purchase or preparing one for sale.
ABOUT CASA BRAVA
Casa Brava is an independent Franco-Portuguese family project based in the hills of Loulé. What began with the transformation of an old Algarve farmhouse has developed into an ecosystem combining hospitality, Property Care, Rental Management, Property Enhancement and real-estate expertise.
Who is behind Casa Brava?
Casa Brava is an independent family project created and managed locally by its owners, Julie and Marco.
Do the owners live at Casa Brava?
Yes. Casa Brava is also our family home, while the guest suites have independent entrances and private outdoor spaces.
Is Casa Brava locally based?
Yes. We live and work locally near Loulé. This local presence is particularly important for Home Care, Key Holding and Property Management.
Why do you limit recurring property services to a relatively small area?
Because proximity is part of the service. Rather than covering the whole Algarve for recurring visits, we deliberately remain within our local area so that we can know the properties we manage, maintain regular contact and respond quickly when required.
Do you work with international property owners?
Yes. Our services are particularly suited to owners who live abroad or divide their time between Portugal and another country.
Can the different Casa Brava property services be combined?
Yes. Depending on the owner's needs, Home Care, Key Holding, Rental Management, Property Enhancement and real-estate services can complement one another.
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