This old quinta set in the Madeiran countryside but handy for the local shop and the fast road along the south coast is an ideal centre from which to tour Madeira.The `mother house` is tastefully furnished with antiques in a relaxed rustic style , has 6 bedrooms ensuite , a pool and a beautiful but not manicured garden facing south over vineyards.
Down a steep path but with its own entrance drive is a group of about 12 selfcatering cottages also with a pool. The cottages are in local stone /plaster and are equipped for 2/3. There is a large double height living/dining/kitchen with a sofa bed and a mezzanine bedroom with 2 single/1double bed . The cottages all have sitting out areas but some are nicer than others so if you want a grassy area rather than a patio be sure to ask on booking . We didn`t and got a very small patio.Cottage guests can eat in the quinta -we did twice and enjoyed the meals which are like good homecooking rather than restaurant food. At 16.50euros a 3 course dinner is good value. Check what`s on the menu before booking a meal -the beef Madeira was very good.Everyone eats together at a big table so its very sociable.We enjoyed our stay and to tell the truth were so busy out and about we didn`t sit around the cottage much and only used the pool once -a bit chilly in March though the weather was warm ,if a bit changeable. This is typical of Madeira -if you don`t like the weather where you are just drive a few km on or back or up or down. At one point we were sunbathing above cloud level. The site isn`t very good for small children as its on a hillside-but then most of Madeira is. At Calheta nearbye there is an imported sand beach, marina and picnic area.We managed to see most of the island and do levada walks from das Vinhas and would recommend it as a centre for touring.

From the moment we drove down the steep, narrow, cobbled drive through the vinyard we had a good feeling about this place. Parking up and seeing the view, the gardens, the original features of the building we liked it even more. This feeling was enhanced when we met Melissa at the reception: friendly, enthusastic and efficient........we couldn't have asked for more. When she showed us into the main building, well, I can only say we fell in the love with the place.
If I was going to run a small hotel, this is a place I would aspire to. Tastfully decorated, beautiful furniture, lots of original features. The place not only looked clean it smelt clean, and not an antiseptic clean, rather a perfumed, fresh-air cleanliness.
Our room had a view out over the gardens and down to the distant sea, comfortable, well sized beds (I'm 6ft 4), great bathroom and was simply but elegantly furnished.
The only negative about the whole place, and the only reason I didn't give it an excellent rating was the evening meal. Unfortunately like many of the other places we stayed on the island the food was rather dull and overcooked. Having said that the wine list was great, the breakfast good and the service really friendly. I actually feel rather awful saying something bad about the place as we loved it so much, but I want to be as honest as I can.
Needless to say we shall return one day in the not too distant future, and hope to find the place as beautiful as before.

Do not miss an opportunity to stay at this lovely getaway. Stunning sea views, cozy common areas, and gracious staff make this inn a must see. We hiked through the village, relaxed by the pool overlooking the ocean and vineyards and enjoyed a one of a kind meal with fellow visitors in the main dining hall. The rooms were also very comfortable, with newly remodeled bathrooms. You'll have to rent a car (or venture onto a bus) to get there but it is well worth the visit.

After you have find the hotel among the vine yards surrounding it,
you feel like coming home!

The main house has just six rooms which are all very finely
decorated with beautiful bathrooms. There is also a common large sitting room with a fire place and lots of comfortable sofas.
Breakfast is served in the old kitchen. You sit together with the
other guests (if you happen to eat at the same time, you can have
breakfast from 8.00 - 10.00 o'clock). You can also have dinner there at night, again together with the other guests. For only 15 euros you get a three meal course which is served and prepared with lots of love. In the morning the evening menu is announced and you can sign in if you like to join.

Surrounding the main building are lots of terraces and a swimming pool in a nice garden. The views go as far as the sea.

You can also hire a cottage a bit away from the main house where breakfast is served in your own house. Those are a bit more expensive.

So, nothing negative to say: just the most lovely place to relax and
feel at home in a beautiful surrounding!