1
Reviews of Property: Summary of Painters Cottage 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2
Description
Cottage, 40 m²,
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2, 1 Bathroom
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 2, 1 Bathroom
Facilities
near the sea, town,
garden,
terrace,
balcony,
satellite or cable
C. Belloc
+351 (0)96-4020726
+351 (0)291-281740
+351 (0)291-281740
Speaks: English, Portuguese
12 Reviews of Property 63383 in Funchal, Portugal
Fantastic experience!
Review Submitted: March 3, 2008
Date of Stay: February 2008
We have just returned from two weeks in Funchal, where we stayed in the Painter's Cottage. It was the best vacation we have ever taken! We have traveled to many countries on several continents and are well familiar with five star hotels (we stayed last year in a five star hotel in Funchal) as well as country bed & breakfasts. The Painter's Cottage was one of our best experiences ever. First, the location is ideal: it is close to (and above) the Old Town, which is bristling with many great restaurants and food/wine stores. It is high enough up the hill to give a magnificent view (especially from the large, private terrace) but not too high to access from the Old Town/waterfront by foot. We only took the bus back once (when we were especially tired from a long, active day) and the bus stopped very close to our street. There are no fewer than five buses that will take you up the hill. If you choose to walk up, we learned that the route using the Conde Carvalhal was the gentlest. I'm 70 and it was do-able for me, so that gives you an idea.
The street is quiet and attractive. The owner's house is just below, within the same compound, but distinct. The Pool Flat is below the Painter's Cottage and has a separate entrance. It's possible to spend your entire visit without even seeing the other occupants. The terrace off the Painter's Cottage is private and can only be accessed by you.
The apartment itself is delicious: while it is only 40 sq.meters, the rooms seem more spacious than that. The living room also has a small kitchen (more than adequate for simple meals) as well as the terrace joining at the other end. The entire wall leading to the terrace is glass, with big French doors you can open and actually bring the "outside in".
The terrace looks south, towards the ocean and harbor, but the view also encompasses some of the hills of the "amphitheater" of Funchal. The furniture throughout is comfortable and functional. There is a TV with sky-cable access. The bed is very comfortable (although it is a double-size--which we found fine).
Having read the review that was so bad, I can only assume those people should stay in a hotel. Some people prefer the sterility (and uniformity) of that experience to staying in an apartment. I can't understand their complaints at all! This is one of the nicest places imaginable! We plan to go again and stay for twice as long!
Adam and Aliz
San Francisco CA/Budapest Hungary
The street is quiet and attractive. The owner's house is just below, within the same compound, but distinct. The Pool Flat is below the Painter's Cottage and has a separate entrance. It's possible to spend your entire visit without even seeing the other occupants. The terrace off the Painter's Cottage is private and can only be accessed by you.
The apartment itself is delicious: while it is only 40 sq.meters, the rooms seem more spacious than that. The living room also has a small kitchen (more than adequate for simple meals) as well as the terrace joining at the other end. The entire wall leading to the terrace is glass, with big French doors you can open and actually bring the "outside in".
The terrace looks south, towards the ocean and harbor, but the view also encompasses some of the hills of the "amphitheater" of Funchal. The furniture throughout is comfortable and functional. There is a TV with sky-cable access. The bed is very comfortable (although it is a double-size--which we found fine).
Having read the review that was so bad, I can only assume those people should stay in a hotel. Some people prefer the sterility (and uniformity) of that experience to staying in an apartment. I can't understand their complaints at all! This is one of the nicest places imaginable! We plan to go again and stay for twice as long!
Adam and Aliz
San Francisco CA/Budapest Hungary
Not quite the holiday we had planned!
Review Submitted: October 20, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
Painter's Cottage provides enchanting accommodation ideal for enjoying Madeira. It is in an excellent location near to the old town and its many restaurants. The cottage has a spectacular view across town and on to the harbour. The bedroom is a good size with a very comfortable bed and pillows. The bathroom could do with a little refreshing and the shower though excellent doesn't have a shower screen or curtain. The balcony is beautiful with excellent views and a barbeque and also has a comfortable hammock for the afternoon siesta. The kitchen has most things you need but no oven; Cristina (the owner) ensures that some essentials stock the cupboard to ease your stay.
Madeiran weather is neither too hot nor too cold and air conditioning isn't really essential however we did have a few mosquitoes and were planning to get an over-bed mosquito net the next day. We had also planned to ask that the pool cleaning and filtration unit was back up and running but first thing on the following morning we were disturbed by a gang of workman who had unexpectedly turned up to re-roof the owners house following some recent storm damage. Clearly this situation was quite inconvenient for our holiday week so Cristina quickly rearranged our stay to another apartment hotel at the other end of town: it wasn't quite what we had planned but rescued a weeks holiday.
Having spent so little time in Painter's Cottage this rather feels like an unfinished holiday but we may look to book again next year.
Madeiran weather is neither too hot nor too cold and air conditioning isn't really essential however we did have a few mosquitoes and were planning to get an over-bed mosquito net the next day. We had also planned to ask that the pool cleaning and filtration unit was back up and running but first thing on the following morning we were disturbed by a gang of workman who had unexpectedly turned up to re-roof the owners house following some recent storm damage. Clearly this situation was quite inconvenient for our holiday week so Cristina quickly rearranged our stay to another apartment hotel at the other end of town: it wasn't quite what we had planned but rescued a weeks holiday.
Having spent so little time in Painter's Cottage this rather feels like an unfinished holiday but we may look to book again next year.
Owner's Response: Thank you for your review, and for your wonderful attitude. The week before these guests arrived Funchal had 2 days of freak intensive rain, and this caused some of the roof in front of the Painters Cottage to collapse, and before the winter arrived we were told it was not an option, the roof had to be re-tiled that week. I´m glad to say it was finished last week, with their cooperation. When we saw that building work would disturb their holiday, I immediately made a few calls to get a nice sea-front apartment with breakfast, to try and make this change into an upgrade. My family stayed there and enjoyed their holiday so I thought it would be the nicest option, I´m very happy they considered this rescued their holiday, as it was my biggest concern. I´m glad to say that Painters Cottage has a lovely new curtain for the bath, and that the battery in the pool was replaced (this was why it had not worked over the weekend). The mosquito season should be coming to an end now, as they are all over Funchal, but with some repellent and the help of an electric racket they should not bother you. It was certainly not a normal Painters Cottage holiday these guests enjoyed, but the important thing was that their holiday was a success, which was our focus.
Wonderful Honeymoon
Review Submitted: September 22, 2009
Date of Stay: July 2009
We had a wonderful honeymoon at this place.
Very nice hosts, spectacular view on the bay. Perfect for travellers without car. You can do a lazy bathing holiday with going to the bars and restaurants as well as going hiking and experiencing the nature of the island. Also perfect for two couples, one in this flat and one in the flat below.
We definitely consider to come back one day!
Very nice hosts, spectacular view on the bay. Perfect for travellers without car. You can do a lazy bathing holiday with going to the bars and restaurants as well as going hiking and experiencing the nature of the island. Also perfect for two couples, one in this flat and one in the flat below.
We definitely consider to come back one day!
Great Find!
Review Submitted: July 6, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
We rented both cottages as it was perfect as a base for us as two couples.As with the other reviews,the cottages were situated and equipped exactly as advertised and we would have no hesitation in recommending them.The hills are steep but you wouldn't have the view from the balcony without them and,as other reviewers have said,buses and taxis are readily available and you get used to the hills after a couple of days.The situation is perfect for the restaurants in the old town and we enjoyed every meal we had,especially at Portao and Arsenios.Don't miss going to listen to Fado at Marcelino's in the old town,very enjoyable after a nice meal.We will definitely return to Painters and Pool Cottages!
Painters Cottage - a tranquil holiday retreat
Review Submitted: June 7, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
This accomodation matched all our hopes and expectations. A helpful website description and an efficient, well informed response to our E Mail enquiries. Painters Cottage offers a simple, comfortable and well equipped base from which to explore this wonderfully fascinating island. The location, a 10 minute walk from the centre of Funchal close to the quaint Old Town area was ideal and we both improved our fitness tackling the steep streets back from Town. The cleanliness and quality of the cottage reflected the high standards in place across the whole island. We were grateful that the weather allowed us an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful pool and comfortable sun beds. The private and relaxed surroundings provided a great haven after an exhausting day on the Levada walks. We saw the whole island thanks to great days out with 2 local Taxi drivers. Money well spent rather than hiring a car, particularly if it is a first visit to Madeira. Good restaurant recommendations in the cottage - our favourite was Riso, contemporary style set at the top of the Old Town in a wonderful cliff top setting, offering great food and VFM. The owner, Cristina, provided lots of useful information including her own beautifully illustrated and well written books about the island including some local recipes which we tried out! Our top 3 from Madeira were the Palace Gardens at Monte via the Cable Car, a visit to the fish market and a trip to the East side taking in the Pico Do Arieiro at 1,810 mts!
We'll be back
We'll be back
A great place to stay
Review Submitted: October 15, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
The photos of this accommodation are absolutely accurate.
This accommodation was perfect! Beautiful terrace with plenty of space to eat and relax. Gorgoues views out over the harbour. Very spacious inside and immaculately clean. The bed was really comfortable.
The pool area is great and even comes complete with BBQ.
We really enjoyed our stay here and would recommend this accommodation.
Thank you
This accommodation was perfect! Beautiful terrace with plenty of space to eat and relax. Gorgoues views out over the harbour. Very spacious inside and immaculately clean. The bed was really comfortable.
The pool area is great and even comes complete with BBQ.
We really enjoyed our stay here and would recommend this accommodation.
Thank you
The Pool Cottage & Funchal, Madeira
Review Submitted: February 13, 2008
Date of Stay: January 2008
Great holiday. Comfortable & relaxing. Apartment description was accurate. Everything was as the owner described it. Quiet location & lots of privacy as only two apartments there. Bus stop at corner of street. Funchal is quite hilly so we used bus, mostly to come back up from the city. Plenty of taxis if you prefer.
Clean, fresh apartment, obviously well cared for. Plenty of towels & extra bedding for any chilly nights.
Owner was in house next door. Never intrusive but always on hand & happy to assist.
Happy to recommend this property.
Didn't do much sight-seeing as we went to relax, but intend to go back & do some tours & boat trips.
Lots of restaurants, spoilt for choice. Reasonably priced. Left cards in the apartment for the ones we especially liked.
Many thanks, folks. We'll be back.
Clean, fresh apartment, obviously well cared for. Plenty of towels & extra bedding for any chilly nights.
Owner was in house next door. Never intrusive but always on hand & happy to assist.
Happy to recommend this property.
Didn't do much sight-seeing as we went to relax, but intend to go back & do some tours & boat trips.
Lots of restaurants, spoilt for choice. Reasonably priced. Left cards in the apartment for the ones we especially liked.
Many thanks, folks. We'll be back.
I hope to come soon again!
Review Submitted: January 27, 2008
Date of Stay: January 2008
For the English speaking guests I’ll write just a few lines. A detailed review in German follows below.
I only can confirm what Devon UK in “Young at Heart” says. I liked the painters cottage very much, especially the verandah with the absolutely gorgeous view on Funchal and the harbour. It was so nice to lie for a while in the hammock after a long levada walk! As mentioned in “Young at Heart” the owner was very friendly and helpful. I think that guests can ask her all kind of questions about Madeira – she surely will know the answer: she has written two books about Madeira!
I am sure I’ll come back to painters cottage! Maybe I can convince my sister and her husband to come with me.
Deutscher Text:
Der zweiwöchige Aufenthalt im Januar 2008 im Painters Cottage hat mir sehr gut gefallen (ich war allein dort). Ich habe die feste Absicht, wieder einmal dorthin zu gehen – ich für mich würde wieder Painters Cottage nehmen. Toll ist es natürlich, wenn zwei befreundete oder verwandte Ehepaare hingehen – dann hat man das ganze Haus und den Pool für sich allein.
Ein paar spezielle Erwähnungen:
Die grosse Veranda ist toll. (Man sieht sie auf dem Bild nicht so genau.) Ein Teil ist. überdeckt, der grössere Teil offen. Tisch mit 2 Stühlen, zwei Liegestühle, Hängematte und Sonnenschirm. Vor allem die Hängematte hat es mir angetan! Der Blick auf Funchal und den Hafen ist grossartig! Auch wenn man im Wohnzimmer auf dem Sofa sitzt, sieht man durch die Glasfront einen Teil von Funchal und in der Nacht das Lichtermeer. Ich konnte von diesem nächtlichen Blick durchs Fenster fast nicht genug kriegen! Die Veranda ist von unten (vom Pool) her nicht einsehbar, ausser wenn man vorne am Geländer steht. Von daher kann man im Painters absolute Privatsphäre geniessen.
Im Schlafzimmer habe ich das französische Bett mit guter Matratze genossen. Was für mich sehr positiv war: Normalerweise sind in den südlichen Ländern die Betten in den Hotels oder Wohnungen immer mit Wolldecken bedeckt, was ich eher unhygienisch finde. Hier lag eine normale Bettdecke, natürlich mit einem wechselbaren Deckenüberzug.
Es ist normal, dass nach einer Woche Bettwäsche zum Wechseln hingelegt wird. Hier hingegen wurde das Bett neu bezogen und die ganze Wohnung geputzt. Das ist natürlich angenehm. Es hat aber auch Putzmaterialen, falls man zwischendurch mal selber ein bisschen sauber machen will.
Fernsehen: Die englischsprachigen Gäste haben eine grosse Auswahl. In Deutsch hat es nur ARD.
Der Empfang war herzlich (mit einem Madeira-Törtchen und einer kleinen Flasche Wein). In der Wohnung hat es mehrere Artikel, die man sonst in Ferienwohnungen nicht findet (Taschenlampe für Levada-Wanderungen, Wärmeflasche, Schirm, Seifen und Kleenex-Tücher, Wanderführer, Busfahrtpläne etc.)
Die Vermieterin ist sehr nett und hilfsbereit. Wenn man etwas über die Insel, vielleicht auch über die Geschichte, wissen möchte, ist man bei ihr direkt an der Quelle – sie hat nämlich zwei fundierte Bücher über Madeira geschrieben.
Mir hat die Lage sehr gut gefallen – es hat viel Atmosphäre im Gegensatz zum Westen von Funchal, wo ein Hotelblock neben dem andern steht. Eine steile Strasse führt hinab in den ganz alten Teil von Funchal. In wenigen Minuten ist man zu Fuss unten und kann dann entweder durch eines der schmalen Strässchen oder dem Meer entlang ins Zentrum wandern. Den Weg hinunter bin ich immer sehr gerne gegangen. Man sieht von oben auf das Meer hinunter und über den Häusern erhebt sich die hübsche Kuppel einer Kirche – sehr malerisch. Beim Hinaufgehen legt man automatisch einen langsameren Gang ein, sonst gerät man schnell einmal ausser Atem. Man kann aber vom Zentrum her auch einen Bus nehmen oder ein Taxi. Ich bin immer zu Fuss gegangen. (Mit den gelben Stadtbussen kostet eine Fahrt zur Zeit 85 Cents. Es gibt auch einen 7 Tage gültigen Touristenpass, mit dem man unbeschränkt auf dem Stadtnetz fahren kann - ich glaube, er kostet Euro 17.50.
Das Haus liegt nicht
I only can confirm what Devon UK in “Young at Heart” says. I liked the painters cottage very much, especially the verandah with the absolutely gorgeous view on Funchal and the harbour. It was so nice to lie for a while in the hammock after a long levada walk! As mentioned in “Young at Heart” the owner was very friendly and helpful. I think that guests can ask her all kind of questions about Madeira – she surely will know the answer: she has written two books about Madeira!
I am sure I’ll come back to painters cottage! Maybe I can convince my sister and her husband to come with me.
Deutscher Text:
Der zweiwöchige Aufenthalt im Januar 2008 im Painters Cottage hat mir sehr gut gefallen (ich war allein dort). Ich habe die feste Absicht, wieder einmal dorthin zu gehen – ich für mich würde wieder Painters Cottage nehmen. Toll ist es natürlich, wenn zwei befreundete oder verwandte Ehepaare hingehen – dann hat man das ganze Haus und den Pool für sich allein.
Ein paar spezielle Erwähnungen:
Die grosse Veranda ist toll. (Man sieht sie auf dem Bild nicht so genau.) Ein Teil ist. überdeckt, der grössere Teil offen. Tisch mit 2 Stühlen, zwei Liegestühle, Hängematte und Sonnenschirm. Vor allem die Hängematte hat es mir angetan! Der Blick auf Funchal und den Hafen ist grossartig! Auch wenn man im Wohnzimmer auf dem Sofa sitzt, sieht man durch die Glasfront einen Teil von Funchal und in der Nacht das Lichtermeer. Ich konnte von diesem nächtlichen Blick durchs Fenster fast nicht genug kriegen! Die Veranda ist von unten (vom Pool) her nicht einsehbar, ausser wenn man vorne am Geländer steht. Von daher kann man im Painters absolute Privatsphäre geniessen.
Im Schlafzimmer habe ich das französische Bett mit guter Matratze genossen. Was für mich sehr positiv war: Normalerweise sind in den südlichen Ländern die Betten in den Hotels oder Wohnungen immer mit Wolldecken bedeckt, was ich eher unhygienisch finde. Hier lag eine normale Bettdecke, natürlich mit einem wechselbaren Deckenüberzug.
Es ist normal, dass nach einer Woche Bettwäsche zum Wechseln hingelegt wird. Hier hingegen wurde das Bett neu bezogen und die ganze Wohnung geputzt. Das ist natürlich angenehm. Es hat aber auch Putzmaterialen, falls man zwischendurch mal selber ein bisschen sauber machen will.
Fernsehen: Die englischsprachigen Gäste haben eine grosse Auswahl. In Deutsch hat es nur ARD.
Der Empfang war herzlich (mit einem Madeira-Törtchen und einer kleinen Flasche Wein). In der Wohnung hat es mehrere Artikel, die man sonst in Ferienwohnungen nicht findet (Taschenlampe für Levada-Wanderungen, Wärmeflasche, Schirm, Seifen und Kleenex-Tücher, Wanderführer, Busfahrtpläne etc.)
Die Vermieterin ist sehr nett und hilfsbereit. Wenn man etwas über die Insel, vielleicht auch über die Geschichte, wissen möchte, ist man bei ihr direkt an der Quelle – sie hat nämlich zwei fundierte Bücher über Madeira geschrieben.
Mir hat die Lage sehr gut gefallen – es hat viel Atmosphäre im Gegensatz zum Westen von Funchal, wo ein Hotelblock neben dem andern steht. Eine steile Strasse führt hinab in den ganz alten Teil von Funchal. In wenigen Minuten ist man zu Fuss unten und kann dann entweder durch eines der schmalen Strässchen oder dem Meer entlang ins Zentrum wandern. Den Weg hinunter bin ich immer sehr gerne gegangen. Man sieht von oben auf das Meer hinunter und über den Häusern erhebt sich die hübsche Kuppel einer Kirche – sehr malerisch. Beim Hinaufgehen legt man automatisch einen langsameren Gang ein, sonst gerät man schnell einmal ausser Atem. Man kann aber vom Zentrum her auch einen Bus nehmen oder ein Taxi. Ich bin immer zu Fuss gegangen. (Mit den gelben Stadtbussen kostet eine Fahrt zur Zeit 85 Cents. Es gibt auch einen 7 Tage gültigen Touristenpass, mit dem man unbeschränkt auf dem Stadtnetz fahren kann - ich glaube, er kostet Euro 17.50.
Das Haus liegt nicht
Unhappy with our stay at Painters Cottage.
Review Submitted: January 10, 2008
Date of Stay: November 2007
We stayed at Painters Cottage for a week in November 2007. We were not at all impressed with this rental and complained to the owner on our return home. This property was dirty. It had spiders webs in every corner of the room. The gaps under the front and back doors ensured that we were visited by lots of insects during our weeks stay. Centipede type insects, black caterpillar type insects, numerous flies. Our floor was constantly covered in ants and we had a cockroach living in the radiator. The floor area was filthy around and behind chairs. The mat in the middle of the floor was filthy and the sink in the en suite and only bathroom had an almost constant smell from it. The bathroom roof was covered in mould stains as was the area around the bath.The chairs were covered in a previous occupants grey hairs.
There was no hairdryer provided, nice to have if you are staying a week. We had no bin other than an internal waste basket in which to put our rubbish. There was no sweeping brush provided, iron or ironing board to freshen up our clothes.
Amazingly when we complained to the owner requesting a refund of monies she suggested that we were "professional complainers" who made up complaints in order to look for a refund. As regards the outside bin and hairdryer she said that "the description on the website does not mention luxuries".
On the positive side this rental is close to Funchal but uphill. The views from the balcony are spectacular. It has good satellite T.V. channels.
There was no hairdryer provided, nice to have if you are staying a week. We had no bin other than an internal waste basket in which to put our rubbish. There was no sweeping brush provided, iron or ironing board to freshen up our clothes.
Amazingly when we complained to the owner requesting a refund of monies she suggested that we were "professional complainers" who made up complaints in order to look for a refund. As regards the outside bin and hairdryer she said that "the description on the website does not mention luxuries".
On the positive side this rental is close to Funchal but uphill. The views from the balcony are spectacular. It has good satellite T.V. channels.
Owner's Response: I´m very sorry you feel this way, specially as you seemed so content each time you met us, we met days after your arrival, several times, and we asked if everything was alright and both of you said everything was well and that you were both happy. Only when you got back did I hear of a complaint, and a request for a refund, which you got from us. Your complaint was shown to the people staying at the Painters Cottage after you, everyone staying at the flat has been extremely happy, specially the people staying just after you who even submitted a review (see review "young at heart"). If you had only told us anything at the time, we could have solved it instantly, flat could have been cleaned again, insect repellent provided (Madeira is a subtropical island for the good and bad). A plumber was sent round after your stay they found no problem, nor did anyone else who stayed before or after you. The flats are scrupulously cleaned by a maid and checked by us, and never has there been a complaint in two years. The week of your stay was specially rainy and gloomy, maybe this contributed to your very negative outlook, which is a pity. On a good note we have added a hairdryer and lots of other goodies to keep everyone happy.
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