Reviews of Property: Casa Rochinha, rustic 3 bed/2 bath house in hills, solar heated pool
Description
Villa, 190 m²,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet
Facilities
mountain, rural,
pool,
garden,
terrace,
internet access
Tony Hughes-Lewis
+351 291-827770
+351 914-850454
+351 914-850454
Speaks: English
9 Reviews of Property 54738 in Calheta, Portugal
Go to page (Page 1 of 1)
1
What a week in casa Rochinha!
Review Submitted: October 27, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
We spent with our family a week in casa Rochinha (16-23 oct. 2009) we enjoyed the beautiful house, the island and the food. The house(villa) is very well equipt and very luxury. The island is beautiful en we recommend the house for other families. The pool has a telescopic cover and can be used anytime. The garden looks perfect and there is plenty of room for everyone.
If you want a holiday with everything you need: casa Rochinha
If you want a holiday with everything you need: casa Rochinha
Owner's Response: Many thanks for this wonderful review which will be helpful to anyone thinking of booking Casa Rochinha in future.
Wonderful Rural Retreat
Review Submitted: November 9, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
Having done our research thoroughly, Casa Rochinha was exactly what we'd hoped for ... a fantastic rural setting in the mountains with great views and access directly onto the Levada Nova with miles of potential walking. It is extremely spacious with a lovely garden.
We came for peace and quiet and the walking -However, if you want to do lots of sunbathing and have the ability to walk to shops / restaurants, then this villa would not be a good choice as at 600m it can be quite cool and cloudy in the winter months and it is a 10 minute drive to the nearest village / town.
Although the villa was generally clean and tidy inside it was a little disapointing to find the bathroom bins had not been emptied, and the BBQ / lounge fireplace had not been cleared from the previous occupants. Also, there were quite a few mice inhabiting the villa with us - but I suspect they hadn't booked!!
We came for peace and quiet and the walking -However, if you want to do lots of sunbathing and have the ability to walk to shops / restaurants, then this villa would not be a good choice as at 600m it can be quite cool and cloudy in the winter months and it is a 10 minute drive to the nearest village / town.
Although the villa was generally clean and tidy inside it was a little disapointing to find the bathroom bins had not been emptied, and the BBQ / lounge fireplace had not been cleared from the previous occupants. Also, there were quite a few mice inhabiting the villa with us - but I suspect they hadn't booked!!
Owner's Response: Many thanks for your comments. We're delighted that you enjoyed Casa Rochinha and that it suited your needs so well.
Regarding cleanliness etc, the cleaner is briefed not to empty out all the ash in the fireplace: the fire burns only wood and a bed of ash increases warmth and helps to keep the fire going. The dustbins were an oversight. The house is very rural and unoccupied when not rented out, and there is therefore no-one permanently on the premises to act as a deterrent to the ingress of mice. However, there has never been any evidence of mice on the premises and this is the first time they have been mentioned. The cleaner has been briefed to be vigilant in the removal of foodstuffs when the property is unoccupied.
Regarding cleanliness etc, the cleaner is briefed not to empty out all the ash in the fireplace: the fire burns only wood and a bed of ash increases warmth and helps to keep the fire going. The dustbins were an oversight. The house is very rural and unoccupied when not rented out, and there is therefore no-one permanently on the premises to act as a deterrent to the ingress of mice. However, there has never been any evidence of mice on the premises and this is the first time they have been mentioned. The cleaner has been briefed to be vigilant in the removal of foodstuffs when the property is unoccupied.
Fantastic Villa - Brilliant holiday!
Review Submitted: April 23, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2008
We had a fantastic 2 weeks holiday at Casa Rochinha. The weather was mixed but the accommodation was so relaxing and comfortable. Being situated alongside the levada was a bonus. We really enjoyed our walks although in some parts it was a bit dangerous I felt. Depends I suppose on if you can cope with heights or not! We were unfortunately 'in the clouds' for some of the time when the sun was shining brightly lower down the hill but this didn't spoil our holiday at all. We had no satellite tv (problem with location of the dish) but we don't go on holiday to watch television, it's a holiday after all! The shop down in Calheta is adequate for your shopping although we did travel to Ribeira on a few occasions for some items not available in the Calheta store. Having a cover on the pool was a bonus as when it did rain and was cooler, we were able to use the pool with the cover on. (The cover was actually faulty whilst we were there and couldn't be opened fully anyway - would assume this has been fixed now) We had been to Madeira before and will certainly visit again (maybe next year). I would definately recommend this villa!
Haven In The Hills
Review Submitted: December 2, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
Recommended - a thoroughly enjoyable holiday! Spacious, very well equipped, comfortable and relaxing villa. Helpful, friendly owners and staff. Excellent review diary in the villa gives suggestions of what to do and where to go.
Coastal views are fab, as is star gazing at night in the other direction. Large patio with BBQ, pizza oven and excellent pool, now with retractable dome cover. Sections of the large patio can be shady at times, but didn't cause us a problem. On the spot for lavada walking and the whole island is easily accessible by car from here.
The road to the villa is steep and winding, so not for the feint hearted passenger, but the excellent main road network is never too far away.
The local supermarket in Calhetta is well stocked and sells excellent fillet steaks for the BBQ. It is also close to the only sandy beach of the island and some good restaurants.
Casa Rochinha is not too far from anywhere by car, yet it is away from it all - bliss!
Coastal views are fab, as is star gazing at night in the other direction. Large patio with BBQ, pizza oven and excellent pool, now with retractable dome cover. Sections of the large patio can be shady at times, but didn't cause us a problem. On the spot for lavada walking and the whole island is easily accessible by car from here.
The road to the villa is steep and winding, so not for the feint hearted passenger, but the excellent main road network is never too far away.
The local supermarket in Calhetta is well stocked and sells excellent fillet steaks for the BBQ. It is also close to the only sandy beach of the island and some good restaurants.
Casa Rochinha is not too far from anywhere by car, yet it is away from it all - bliss!
Owner's Response: Hello Carole, Robin, Anthony and family! Your holiday at Casa Rochinha in August must be a bit of a hazy blurr by now so it is specially kind of you to take the trouble to write a review. I'm very happy that you all had such a great time and your comments will be very useful for anyone considering making a future booking.
I should mention that during the cooler months of the year the transparent telescopic pool cover is fixed in a closed position with only the sliding end door giving access. This is to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is retained in the water and air above and the maximum amount debris from the hillside trees (which can be considerable if we have a storm) is kept out.
Thanks again and best wishes for a happy Christmas and good New Year.
Judith (Island Homes Lda)
I should mention that during the cooler months of the year the transparent telescopic pool cover is fixed in a closed position with only the sliding end door giving access. This is to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is retained in the water and air above and the maximum amount debris from the hillside trees (which can be considerable if we have a storm) is kept out.
Thanks again and best wishes for a happy Christmas and good New Year.
Judith (Island Homes Lda)
Madeira: Hawaii of the Atlantic
Review Submitted: August 14, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
Privacy! And views and sunsets from the deck that were astounding. Casa Rochinha is the perfect place for anyone who loves to cook, hike, or explore the nearby beaches and observe the culture and customs of the local people.
The house is spacious with airy light and the yard is full of beautiful flowers and shrubs. Although the television service was not available, we enjoyed the DVD's CD's and information manuals on hiking, history, and flora and fauna of the island which helped us plan each day of our stay.
From the Casa one can easily drive to the northern side of the island through the majestic scenery of the inner mountains and valleys to the lush greenery of the vineyards of Sao Vincente. Funchal is about 30 minutes away, close enough for a day of shopping and wine tasting but far enough away to allow one to immerse in the serenity of the rural lifestyle of this area.
After exploring the many trails and levadas, we enjoyed a refreshing daily dip in the pool, stoked up the "barbie" and mastered our culinary attempts at espada (took two tries but we finally got it got it right). And the whole time we slept like innocent babes.
Madeira is a special place and Casa Rochinha allowed us to appreciate its beauty and charm to the fullest.
Carl and Kathryn
USA and Germany
The house is spacious with airy light and the yard is full of beautiful flowers and shrubs. Although the television service was not available, we enjoyed the DVD's CD's and information manuals on hiking, history, and flora and fauna of the island which helped us plan each day of our stay.
From the Casa one can easily drive to the northern side of the island through the majestic scenery of the inner mountains and valleys to the lush greenery of the vineyards of Sao Vincente. Funchal is about 30 minutes away, close enough for a day of shopping and wine tasting but far enough away to allow one to immerse in the serenity of the rural lifestyle of this area.
After exploring the many trails and levadas, we enjoyed a refreshing daily dip in the pool, stoked up the "barbie" and mastered our culinary attempts at espada (took two tries but we finally got it got it right). And the whole time we slept like innocent babes.
Madeira is a special place and Casa Rochinha allowed us to appreciate its beauty and charm to the fullest.
Carl and Kathryn
USA and Germany
Owner's Response: On Madeira we don't have many visitors from USA (currently based in Germany) so this review with such glowing reports about Casa Rochinha and this beautiful island, is particularly appreciated. To Kathryn and Carl, many thanks from the owners and from the agent, Judith of Island Homes Madeira. We hope to see you back again!
Wonderful holiday !
Review Submitted: August 13, 2008
Date of Stay: June 2008
Casa Rochinha was the 4th villa we rented (2 in Spain and 1 in Italy) and for sure, this is the most lovely one, very well furnished and very spacious ! And... what a fantastic view !!
We stayed there for 3 weeks from June 28th to July 19th 2008 and guess what : 18 sunny days and only 3 days without sun ! This means that the swimming pool was at 30° and we and our kids enjoyed a lot !
The house is well situated on the hills and is almost the last one of the street, which means that you don't have so much traffic ! Of course, who says hills says that the end of the day it is more "cooler"" but Madeira is not a hot "country" neither....
Weather is not the same on the north side or the south side of the island. So just a tip : to know what's the weather like in Sao Vicente, look to the sky at the back of the villa and if it is blue, go ahead !!
Don't forget that "downstairs" at Calheta you have a real beach with real sand !!!
Greetings from Christine, Philippe, Quentin and Céline, from Belgium !
We stayed there for 3 weeks from June 28th to July 19th 2008 and guess what : 18 sunny days and only 3 days without sun ! This means that the swimming pool was at 30° and we and our kids enjoyed a lot !
The house is well situated on the hills and is almost the last one of the street, which means that you don't have so much traffic ! Of course, who says hills says that the end of the day it is more "cooler"" but Madeira is not a hot "country" neither....
Weather is not the same on the north side or the south side of the island. So just a tip : to know what's the weather like in Sao Vicente, look to the sky at the back of the villa and if it is blue, go ahead !!
Don't forget that "downstairs" at Calheta you have a real beach with real sand !!!
Greetings from Christine, Philippe, Quentin and Céline, from Belgium !
Owner's Response: Huge thanks for your enthusiastic appreciation, Christine! We are very happy that you had a wonderful family holiday at Casa Rochinha. Your comments and weather tips will be useful for future guests. Best wishes to you all and come back as soon as you can! Judith, Island Homes, Madeira
horrible experience
Review Submitted: July 3, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2007
I spend the most horrible holiday in this house.
Locals who swim uninvited in your pool or keep watching you from the hill above, shouting unfriendly language.
Lots of people around the house,especially at night'.
Never any privacy!!!
Absolutely not far from it all, a flat in town gives more privacy.
Sun mostly a few miles further down.
600 Metres is far too high.
our arrival date 17-07 2006
Please take my advice :
DONOT GO NEAR THIS HOUSE!!!
Judith showed us with flair the house but that was all we have seen of her for the rest of the holiday.
All in all a very bad experience.
Locals who swim uninvited in your pool or keep watching you from the hill above, shouting unfriendly language.
Lots of people around the house,especially at night'.
Never any privacy!!!
Absolutely not far from it all, a flat in town gives more privacy.
Sun mostly a few miles further down.
600 Metres is far too high.
our arrival date 17-07 2006
Please take my advice :
DONOT GO NEAR THIS HOUSE!!!
Judith showed us with flair the house but that was all we have seen of her for the rest of the holiday.
All in all a very bad experience.
Owner's Response: This party brought to our attention some problems which arose during their stay two years ago and were thoroughly addressed at the time. We have increased security and, with the co-operation of the police and neighbours, unwanted visits by local youngsters have become a short-lived issue of the past.
The 2007/08 guest comments (which are shown on the Casa Rochinha property page) come from the house guest book and you will see that other guests have had trouble-free holidays with plenty of peace and privacy. And normally plenty of sunshine! Unfortunately the weather during most of July 2006 was uncharacteristically cloudy and chilly.
Fortunately, today we have by chance received a very appreciative and more recent review which should give any future guests the utmost of confidence in booking this gorgeous holiday house. Watch this space!
Judith, Island Homes Rentals
The 2007/08 guest comments (which are shown on the Casa Rochinha property page) come from the house guest book and you will see that other guests have had trouble-free holidays with plenty of peace and privacy. And normally plenty of sunshine! Unfortunately the weather during most of July 2006 was uncharacteristically cloudy and chilly.
Fortunately, today we have by chance received a very appreciative and more recent review which should give any future guests the utmost of confidence in booking this gorgeous holiday house. Watch this space!
Judith, Island Homes Rentals
homely
Review Submitted: July 2, 2008
Date of Stay: February 2008
fantastic villa,that felt very homely.would visit again maybe with friends or family.very helpful owner.fantastic views.very relaxing.
only slightly annoying thing was the pool cleaner machine !!!!!
only slightly annoying thing was the pool cleaner machine !!!!!
Owner's Response: Thanks for your enthusiastic and glowing comments - they are just what future guests want to read!
Yes, the pool cleaner is a bit obtrusive but because of the abundance of trees and plants nearby, is very necessary. It doesn't appear to stop guests enjoying wonderful holidays in this stunningly situated house. I hope we shall see you back here again soon!
Judith, Island Homes Rentals
Yes, the pool cleaner is a bit obtrusive but because of the abundance of trees and plants nearby, is very necessary. It doesn't appear to stop guests enjoying wonderful holidays in this stunningly situated house. I hope we shall see you back here again soon!
Judith, Island Homes Rentals
Comments from Owner Guestbook
Review Submitted: December 6, 2007
Date of Stay: December 2007
JUL 06: (poem) Casa Rochinha, a great place to stay; with the weather so great, a great place to play. The pool is fantastic at 33 degrees; great for volleyball but beware of the breeze! Walking the roads are narrow and steep; when we reach the villa, we're all in a heap! Celio's at Loreto, a great place to eat; the family who run it a delight to meet. The locals you meet on the walk there and back, sit on the wall and stop you for a chat. Would be good if we could understand the words we hear, so we need to improve on our Portuguese for next year! Thanks! (Steve, Tracey, Mark, Karen & Stacey from Birmingham)
You have already voted for this review. Thanks for voting!
Thank you for your response.
Helpful votes:
Go to page (Page 1 of 1)
1
