Reviews of Property: Quinta d'Alegria: luxurious, traditional, peaceful & private with heated pool
Description
House, 200 m²,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, 3 Bathrooms
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, 3 Bathrooms
Facilities
near the sea, town,
pool,
garden,
terrace,
internet access
Rates
per property
Set rates in Euros
Set rates in Euros
€994 -
€1,400/week
GBP Conversion - Estimated
£895 -
£1,261/week Judith Hughes-Lewis
+351 291-827770
+351 916-965250
+351 916-965250
Speaks: English
6 Reviews of Property 65677 in Funchal, Portugal
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1
A dreamy Quinta
Review Submitted: September 29, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
We had a wonderful two weeks visit in September 2009. The Quinta does provide excellent accommodation for a family or large party although it would have been amazing to have had one extra bathroom, there is a shower room outside close to the pool but to have had an additional one inside for a large family would have been easier. Joy lived up to her name ...such a gracious host, beautiful food was home cooked for us and my fathers diet was catered for with the utmost care.The neighborhood is amazing, going for early morning walks can be fun with the cockerels crowing, they can not be heard in the villa though so no need to worry. The church on the hill bells the time but thankfully not through the night it was such a comforting sound through the day. the views are lovely and the butterflies are so big they are a sight to see. The Quinta sits about half-way downhill between Monte and Funchal city center, it is possible to sample life in Madeira as though you are a resident rather than a tourist. the pool and garden are superb and we also had breakfast and evening meals outdoors every day we were there. The town center is around a 30 minute downhill walk, We would recommend a car or taxi or bus back up it is steep. A car would be a bonus unless you simply want to relax at the Quinta. We swam in the Lava pools in Porto Moniz and you must go to the top of the mountain at Pico de Areeiro Fantastic choose a cloudy day and you are above the clouds quite stunning. Accessing the dual carriageway and the island highway network takes only a few minutes but the locals do drive fast so beware. Could I go there again YES, would I like to live there YES a truly wonderful holiday and I would recommend the Quinta to anyone... Couples on Honeymoon or families.
Owner's Response: Many thanks for your detailed review which will be of great help to future guests. This reply is coming from Judith who handles bookings for Joy who owns this Quinta and neighbouring Casa Belflores. I quite understand your feelings about a third bathroom upstairs but unfortunately this Quinta is categorised as being of historic value and when Joy and her husband restored it from a delapidated state in 1999 the extensive restrictions that applied mitigated against a third bathroom.
The lovely comments you make about Joy and her cooking are totally justified! She is happy to cook meals sometimes for her guests (at a very reasonable charge) and on this occasion she took special care to supply dishes suitable for a celiac. Many visitors are particularly grateful for supper on their first night, especially if they arrive on an evening flight.
Your descriptions of the neighbourhood and your experiences of the island in general are full of such warmth and enthusiasm that we hope to see you back here again soon and are sure that your words will encourage many others to do likewise!
The lovely comments you make about Joy and her cooking are totally justified! She is happy to cook meals sometimes for her guests (at a very reasonable charge) and on this occasion she took special care to supply dishes suitable for a celiac. Many visitors are particularly grateful for supper on their first night, especially if they arrive on an evening flight.
Your descriptions of the neighbourhood and your experiences of the island in general are full of such warmth and enthusiasm that we hope to see you back here again soon and are sure that your words will encourage many others to do likewise!
Paradise
Review Submitted: June 9, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2009
We stayed here for a week at the end of May. It is unusual for a property to be actually better than the photographs, but honestly the photographs do not do justice to the wonderful house (we were contemplating becoming squatters!). The rooms are very spacious with loads of cupboard space.
The property was beautifully clean and well maintained. Joy, the owner, provided excellent customer service (including a wonderful meal that she cooked for us on our first night). The garden was completely secluded and to sit out under the trees eating breakfast or lunch in the garden was beyond words. The swimming pool was an added bonus. I would certainly recommend this property to a friend.
Every morning we went to the bakery just round the corner and (after fighting your way through the taxis who wanted to take us to the town) we had a wonderful coffee and cake. We did not feel too bad about the cake because we certainly walked them off - you cannot be off it because of the steep streets - everything clings on to the mountain side.
Joy gave us the names of taxis who would take us on trips, which were wonderful because you did not have to go with all the other tourists.
Food is good and the great thing is that you eat fruit and vegetables that are in season, not from a freezer or packet. The seafood is to die for.
You can do without a car, which is just as well because of the steep roads and the fact that the locals drive really fast. The bus service is good and you can barter with the taxi drivers to get you home!
All in all a wonderful, wonderful holiday. We just loved every minute.
The property was beautifully clean and well maintained. Joy, the owner, provided excellent customer service (including a wonderful meal that she cooked for us on our first night). The garden was completely secluded and to sit out under the trees eating breakfast or lunch in the garden was beyond words. The swimming pool was an added bonus. I would certainly recommend this property to a friend.
Every morning we went to the bakery just round the corner and (after fighting your way through the taxis who wanted to take us to the town) we had a wonderful coffee and cake. We did not feel too bad about the cake because we certainly walked them off - you cannot be off it because of the steep streets - everything clings on to the mountain side.
Joy gave us the names of taxis who would take us on trips, which were wonderful because you did not have to go with all the other tourists.
Food is good and the great thing is that you eat fruit and vegetables that are in season, not from a freezer or packet. The seafood is to die for.
You can do without a car, which is just as well because of the steep roads and the fact that the locals drive really fast. The bus service is good and you can barter with the taxi drivers to get you home!
All in all a wonderful, wonderful holiday. We just loved every minute.
Owner's Response: Wow, what a great help this is to anyone thinking of renting Quinta d'Alegria in the future! This party of three ladies obviously want you feel confident not only that the villa is gorgeous and beautifully maintained, but that owner and neighbour Joy will ensure that you are brilliantly well looked-after during your stay, even to the extent of providing the occasional delicious home-cooked meal in situ. Many guests opt for this on their arrival evening especially. We must provide some new photos.... (this comes from Joy's friend Judith, who handles her bookings!)
Heavenly
Review Submitted: February 24, 2009
Date of Stay: May 2008
We stayed for a week in May 2008. The villa was beautiful and clean, very spacious, surrounded by a gorgeous 'botanical' garden, all overlooking stunning Funchal.
Joy and her team were excellent hosts and made us feel very welcome.
Weather was changeable [which I adore], pool slightly too cold at times.
Fabulous villa, fabulous island !
Joy and her team were excellent hosts and made us feel very welcome.
Weather was changeable [which I adore], pool slightly too cold at times.
Fabulous villa, fabulous island !
Owner's Response: Here is another testimony of a family holiday thoroughly enjoyed at Quinta d'Alegria last May. Extra heating was requested to maintain the pool water temperature at 24/25ºC and this should have been the case. I wonder whether the cover was closed when the pool was not in use? If the air temperature drops below that of the pool water (which it certainly did during this family's stay) it is essential to do so and your comments will be helpful for future guests.
funchal gem
Review Submitted: December 30, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
we enjoyed a three week visit in july/august 2008. the quinta provides excellent accommodation for a family or large party. Set in a suburban neighborhood, about half-way between Monte and Funchal city centre, it is possible to sample life in Madeira as though you are a resident rather than a tourist. the pool and garden are superb and we were able to breakfast outdoors most days, the views are fantastic, 180 degrees overlooking Funchal and the Atlantic. Funchal town centre is around a 30 minute downhill walk away, with the return uphill trek taking 45 minutes or more. A car or taxi is essential unless you simply want to relax at the quinta. We were diving, swimming in sea pools, playing tennis, walking levadas and exploring the countryside. Accessing the dual carriageway and the island highway network takes only a few minutes. Finally, the courteous owner made us feel very welcome at all times.
Villa excellent, weather not the greatest!
Review Submitted: October 8, 2008
Date of Stay: September 2008
Villa excellent, clean and beautifully restored. About 5 mins in a taxi from main Funchal centre. Bit of a nightmare if no car when getting provisions etc. Weather not the best, very changeable and for 6 women was what we craved! Apparently best time to go for hot weather is July and August. Restaurants recommended were excellent. Maid service good, but would actually prefer not to see the maid nearly every day (she cleaned the house next door and used our laundry room). Overall we had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves.
Owner's Response: Thank you ladies for your comments which are really helpful for future guests. I am sorry that the weather during your chosen week wasn’t at its best; daytime temperatures were always 20ºC+ but you had a couple of days of rain.
Madeira is a small, mountainous island sitting mid-Atlantic with many micro-climates which are particularly affected by the wind direction. At times (normally Oct-Apr) we have the odd storm blowing over but luckily they are usually short-lived and no sooner does the rain stop, then the sun comes out. Predicting weather and temperatures for any particular period is frustratingly uncertain! For instance, this year our October weather has been glorious; today (21 Oct 08) it is 28ºC in the shade with not a cloud in the sky.
The maid service provided at the Quinta by Ciseltina is included in the accommodation package and most guests find it a wonderful 5-star bonus, however, if you prefer to reduce it we are more than happy to do so. Guests can use the laundry room located at the side of the Quinta (also used by Ciseltina, who is very discrete). For any future guests looking for complete, undisturbed privacy during their stay at this wonderful accommodation please inform us and this will be arranged.
Very best wishes to you all from Clare, Island Homes Lda
Madeira is a small, mountainous island sitting mid-Atlantic with many micro-climates which are particularly affected by the wind direction. At times (normally Oct-Apr) we have the odd storm blowing over but luckily they are usually short-lived and no sooner does the rain stop, then the sun comes out. Predicting weather and temperatures for any particular period is frustratingly uncertain! For instance, this year our October weather has been glorious; today (21 Oct 08) it is 28ºC in the shade with not a cloud in the sky.
The maid service provided at the Quinta by Ciseltina is included in the accommodation package and most guests find it a wonderful 5-star bonus, however, if you prefer to reduce it we are more than happy to do so. Guests can use the laundry room located at the side of the Quinta (also used by Ciseltina, who is very discrete). For any future guests looking for complete, undisturbed privacy during their stay at this wonderful accommodation please inform us and this will be arranged.
Very best wishes to you all from Clare, Island Homes Lda
The fabulous Quinta d'Alegria
Review Submitted: January 11, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2007
My family and I stayed here for Christmas and New Year 2007-2008 (children are 3 and 6 years old). The villa is just as described and more. A very luxurious and special Quinta with plenty of space. The views are fantastic, especially for the New Year celebrations - the best fireworks in the world! The friendly maid (who knows some English) keeps the villa spotless. The pool is fab fun for all the family too. Don’t forget to buy plenty of meat for the barbeque too. The owner even provides skewers for the yummy Madeira specialty Espetada (beef on skewers).
Five minutes walk from the villa there is a bakery with café bar. Making fresh bread, even whole meal on request. On your way to the bakery you will pass a souvenir shop with good quality gifts run by a couple with perfect English. 20 minutes walk down hill to Funchal (centre) with plenty going on. You must try the Espetada (beef) and espada (fish). The kids love the espada in a bun… healthy burger!
So many places to visit on this beautiful island full of excellent places to eat. Santana is worth a visit with the traditional triangular shaped tiny houses. The Botanic gardens are huge and full of lots to see, including tropical birds, peacocks – white ones too. The cable cars give you a fantastic view lasting 9 minutes each way… leaving from two locations. Try going up the cable car from the Botanic gardens, to Monte (with more gardens which we didn’t have the chance to visit) and down the hill on the famous toboggan run which stops at the end of the street of the villa… they will go slow if you want. The kids loved it!
The agent and the owner are very helpful, any questions answered with both a professional and friendly approach.
Madeira is one of the most beautiful places in the world… enjoy.
Five minutes walk from the villa there is a bakery with café bar. Making fresh bread, even whole meal on request. On your way to the bakery you will pass a souvenir shop with good quality gifts run by a couple with perfect English. 20 minutes walk down hill to Funchal (centre) with plenty going on. You must try the Espetada (beef) and espada (fish). The kids love the espada in a bun… healthy burger!
So many places to visit on this beautiful island full of excellent places to eat. Santana is worth a visit with the traditional triangular shaped tiny houses. The Botanic gardens are huge and full of lots to see, including tropical birds, peacocks – white ones too. The cable cars give you a fantastic view lasting 9 minutes each way… leaving from two locations. Try going up the cable car from the Botanic gardens, to Monte (with more gardens which we didn’t have the chance to visit) and down the hill on the famous toboggan run which stops at the end of the street of the villa… they will go slow if you want. The kids loved it!
The agent and the owner are very helpful, any questions answered with both a professional and friendly approach.
Madeira is one of the most beautiful places in the world… enjoy.
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