Sao Martinho holiday cottage rental with swimming pool

Details of the Cottage

Casa das Vinhas is one of three charmingly restored gems that sit within the 4-acre working estate of Quinta Vista Alegre where bananas and vines are grown and century-old tropical gardens are tended. Astonishingly, this oasis of tranquillity is found in the main tourist zone of Funchal, near the sea and Belmond Reid's Palace Hotel. Converted from the old Billiard House, Stables and Factor's accommodation the cottage walls are of original stone and interiors are spacious, characterful and well designed with top quality furnishings and equipment. The large swimming pool is shared with the owner and their family (for a few days of the year this may include family children). The front patio is shaded by vines and a shared seating area, surrounded by banana trees, has 4 chairs, table & sun umbrella, the perfect place for some light reading or for enjoying an evening drink. Casa das Vinhas is on the ground floor and sleeps 2 guests. Entrance is directly into the living/dining room which is furnished to a high standard, some pieces locally crafted from wood from the estate. The sofa, two armchairs and the dining table seat up to 4 guests (ideal to share with friends/family staying next door) and there are table lamps for reading. There is a TV with cable & satellite channels, including German channels. The corner kitchenette has electric hob, combined microwave/oven, fridge, toaster and kettle and plenty of crockery/serving/cooking equipment. The bedroom (with double king bed) has a fitted wardrobe with drawers (and small safe), vanity section with mirror and an en-suite bathroom with large shower, basin, bidet and W.C. A private, electric entrance gate leads to a shared secure car park and a short, cobbled driveway. Casa das Vinhas is entirely on the ground-floor, ideal for those less mobile. Linen, bath & pool towels and weekly cleaning are provided. There is a shared separate laundry room with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board available for guests' use. These villas in Funchal are adult only and do not accept children. The swimming pool may be used between 09:00 and 17:00. Free Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth speaker are available for guests' use. An electric fan is provided in summer and a portable electric heater provided in winter months. The 4 acre estate of Quinta Vista Alegre has been in the Zino family for 70 years, the owners being the third generation. The main house (currently occupied by the owners) was built around 1867. It is a working Quinta growing vines and bananas. Much of the garden was laid out by an English family, the Stanfords, between 1902 and 1912 and Charles Thomas-Stanford wrote "Leaves from a Madeira Garden" about his garden and the island. Opposite the entrance to Quinta Vista Alegre (where the cottages are) is the entrance to Quinta Magnolia, previously an British Country Club which is now Government owned. Here you can enjoy beautiful gardens, a fitness circuit, and two tennis courts, all set in an area of about 40.000 square meters. Just down the street you have the two most prestigious hotels on the island, Belmond Reid's Palace, and the Savoy Palace. There are no other villas in Madeira that offer this mix of tranquil character and traditon with a central sought after location. Nearby are other excellent hotels and a good variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and small supermarkets. You can enjoy sea swimming at the public Lido about 1 km by foot, or you may just want to walk along the coast in this area. Funchal town centre is only a 20 minute leisurely stroll away (less than 2 kilometres). Buses/taxis are close and frequent. A car is not essential but advisable to explore this beautiful island. Booking notes The cottages are adult only and children under 18 are not permitted. Maximum occupancy in each cottage is 2 people. The advertised prices are based on a 2-person occupancy and supplements apply should additional people join you for any length of time. To secure your reservation, a deposit of 30% is required, or the full amount if within 8 weeks or arrival, and the balance is due 8 weeks prior to arrival. Should you cancel up to 8 weeks prior to arrival only the deposit is non-refundable, and within this period the full amount. This property is registered and has an Alojamento Local lodging license nº65910/AL.