Reviews of Property: Stunning house and garden with beautiful sea views
Description
House, 280 m²,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet
Facilities
near the sea, rural,
garden,
terrace,
balcony,
satellite or cable
Rates
per property
(GBP)
£450/week
Paul & Clare Castanho
+44 (0)208-9496444
Speaks: English, Portuguese
13 Reviews of Property 86346 in Calheta, Portugal
Comments from Owner Guestbook
Review Submitted: December 6, 2007
Date of Stay: December 2007
From the moment we turned of the 'highway' into the village of Arco da Calheta, we were transported into a different world. We never failed to be exhilarated by the remarkable zig-zag climb through the village tp A Vigia, whose views are truly magnificent over the whold of Arco da Calheta and the ocean beyond. And the sunsets, wow....The villa exceeded our expectations in terms of accommodation and finish and is great value for money. And we were knocked out by the new beach and marina just a short drive away and the local restaurants which offer good inexpensive food. We are absolutely convinced that A Vigia is THE perfect location for a vacation in Madeira - there's no better place to be based. One of our best holidays ever. Thank you!
Paul and Diana Haynes.
Paul and Diana Haynes.
Wonderful stay at A Viagia
Review Submitted: March 10, 2009
Date of Stay: November 2008
We stayed for a week in November at A Viagia, The accommodation was excellent, The caretaker was helpful. Views were stunning. The house has good facilites, Madeira was a great island. The only negative was the distance to nearby resturants - needed to drive - but this was the only (small) negative point. Everything else more than made up for this.
We enjoyed this holiday very much, We would recommend it to anyone and hope to go back soon.
We enjoyed this holiday very much, We would recommend it to anyone and hope to go back soon.
Een geweldig huis op een prachtige plek.
Review Submitted: March 1, 2009
Date of Stay: December 2008
Het huis en de service van de eigenaren hebben onze verwachtingen overtroffen!
Vanuit de tuin en vanuit het huis, dat hoog tegen een berg langs een rustige weg ligt heb je een prachtig uitzicht over Arco de Calheta en de oceaan. In de winter heb je vanaf ongeveer 11.00 uur tot de vaak geweldig mooie zonsondergang de zon in de tuin. Het huis is erg ruim, licht en van alle gemakken voorzien. Zo goed dat wij totaal géén behoefte hadden om in een restaurant te gaan eten. Heerlijk zelf kokkerellen met alle specialiteiten die op het eiland te verkrijgen zijn, zoals de vreemd uitziende maar heerlijke espada's! De eigenaren Paul en Clare en de verzorger Fernando doen echt van alles om jouw verblijf zo prettig als mogelijk te maken. Zo was in ons geval het huis op verzoek in kerstsfeer aangekleed, inclusief kerstboom etc. En omdat het kouder was dan normaal in december kocht Paul nog 3 extra olie-radiatoren voor ons, zodat wij er lekker warmpje bijzaten. Bij problemen kun je altijd bij Fernando aankloppen. Fernando woont in een appartement onder het huis aan de staatzijde. Hij verzorgt de tuin, regelt de uitstekende schoonmaak en in de winter vult hij de houtvoorraad voor de kachel aan. Een ontzettend aardige en behulpzame man die je privacy absoluut respecteert.
Omdat er een trap vanuit de woonkamer van het huis naar het ondergelegen appartement loopt (met een afgesloten deur), ontkom je er niet aan dat je de stem van Fernando en zijn eventuele bezoekers wel eens hoort, maar dat vonden wij absoluut niet storend. In de tuin, die op vernuftige wijze op het appartement is aangelegt en in het huis beleef je dus alle rust en vrijheid die je je maar wensen mag. Kortom, wij hebben ons de koning te rijk gevoeld tijdens ons 18 daagse verblijf in dit geweldige huis op dit wonderschone eiland. Een aanrader en een plek waar wij in de toekomst zeker nog eens terug zullen keren!
Vanuit de tuin en vanuit het huis, dat hoog tegen een berg langs een rustige weg ligt heb je een prachtig uitzicht over Arco de Calheta en de oceaan. In de winter heb je vanaf ongeveer 11.00 uur tot de vaak geweldig mooie zonsondergang de zon in de tuin. Het huis is erg ruim, licht en van alle gemakken voorzien. Zo goed dat wij totaal géén behoefte hadden om in een restaurant te gaan eten. Heerlijk zelf kokkerellen met alle specialiteiten die op het eiland te verkrijgen zijn, zoals de vreemd uitziende maar heerlijke espada's! De eigenaren Paul en Clare en de verzorger Fernando doen echt van alles om jouw verblijf zo prettig als mogelijk te maken. Zo was in ons geval het huis op verzoek in kerstsfeer aangekleed, inclusief kerstboom etc. En omdat het kouder was dan normaal in december kocht Paul nog 3 extra olie-radiatoren voor ons, zodat wij er lekker warmpje bijzaten. Bij problemen kun je altijd bij Fernando aankloppen. Fernando woont in een appartement onder het huis aan de staatzijde. Hij verzorgt de tuin, regelt de uitstekende schoonmaak en in de winter vult hij de houtvoorraad voor de kachel aan. Een ontzettend aardige en behulpzame man die je privacy absoluut respecteert.
Omdat er een trap vanuit de woonkamer van het huis naar het ondergelegen appartement loopt (met een afgesloten deur), ontkom je er niet aan dat je de stem van Fernando en zijn eventuele bezoekers wel eens hoort, maar dat vonden wij absoluut niet storend. In de tuin, die op vernuftige wijze op het appartement is aangelegt en in het huis beleef je dus alle rust en vrijheid die je je maar wensen mag. Kortom, wij hebben ons de koning te rijk gevoeld tijdens ons 18 daagse verblijf in dit geweldige huis op dit wonderschone eiland. Een aanrader en een plek waar wij in de toekomst zeker nog eens terug zullen keren!
Truly breathtaking
Review Submitted: September 29, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
If you are looking for a large villa on Madeira then try this one and you'll love it. Clean big airy sun filled rooms in a traditional villa set in a large garden all with stunning views across Arco da Calheta and the ocean beyond.
It is set above the town so you need transport but car hire was reasonably priced and enabled us to explore the whole island.
This is the best location we found on an island which is every bit as picturesque as we were led to believe. The villa is about a mile from the small harbour and man made beaches but set just high enough to be a welcome refuge during the hottest part of the day. If anything it is better than it appears on the web site.
There is also a Madeiran concierge living in an annex who could not have been more helpful and is a real bonus to anybody wanting to learn more about the island from a local.
It is set above the town so you need transport but car hire was reasonably priced and enabled us to explore the whole island.
This is the best location we found on an island which is every bit as picturesque as we were led to believe. The villa is about a mile from the small harbour and man made beaches but set just high enough to be a welcome refuge during the hottest part of the day. If anything it is better than it appears on the web site.
There is also a Madeiran concierge living in an annex who could not have been more helpful and is a real bonus to anybody wanting to learn more about the island from a local.
Holiday at Avigia in Arco
Review Submitted: September 6, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2007
A wonderful villa, delightful host, excellent weather, stupendous scenery and a friendly, homely restaurant at the "end of the universe" - ie, up the road! What more could you ask for?
Liz and David
Liz and David
Our holiday Experience at 'A Vigia'
Review Submitted: August 20, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
This was our first visit to Madeira and we certainly weren't disappointed. 'A Vigia' exceeded our expectations, it was very well equipped and kept beautifully clean by Fernando and his cleaner (bedding/towels changed weekly and general cleaning done weekly.) We encountered a small problem during our stay and having Fernando on site was a real help. He also advised us on places to visit, Levada walks to take and those to avoid, he even took us sight seeing on his boat.Clare and Paul provided an excellent booking service and provided advice on activities we were interested in prior to our visit.
We plan to return.
Many thanks again to Fernando.
We plan to return.
Many thanks again to Fernando.
rural retreat in lovely location
Review Submitted: August 19, 2008
Date of Stay: August 2008
Our second stay in this beautiful property. Tasteful modern decor, well appointed, spacious rooms, restful & peaceful, a real delight to return to. Wonderful open views towards the sea from all main rooms and spacious garden. Feeling of light and space throughout the property and garden. Beautifully maintained and very clean. Good communication from owners, friendly and helpful service. Good centre for exploring the western part of this spectacular island. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone seeking a high quality, peaceful base with spectacular views for their holiday. We intend to return again!
A Vigia in May
Review Submitted: June 17, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
Stayed here for a week in May, wished we had booked for 2 weeks, stunning views over the bay. The property was excellent and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to friends and family.
A previous reviewer mentioned the fact that Fernando, the caretaker lives in the basement flat. This is not a problem, we saw him once, watering the garden, we also heard him once on the telephone, again not a problem. If you email Claire, the owner, with a shopping list Fernando will get your supplies for you, saves you dashing out on your first day or if you have a late flight.
You will need a car. There's a reasonable choice of restaurants within a short drive of the house having said that Funchal is only a 30 - 35 minute drive away, lots of choice there. The supermarket in Calheta, 10 minutes by car, is a reasonable size and carrys a good selection of products.
The house is well placed to reach all parts of the island.
If you want a night in with a glass on Vino Verde the owners have a good selection of DVD's and videos that you can use.
We had a good holiday, the owners Claire and Paul have a beautiful home and it was a privilege to share it.
Paul & Fran
A previous reviewer mentioned the fact that Fernando, the caretaker lives in the basement flat. This is not a problem, we saw him once, watering the garden, we also heard him once on the telephone, again not a problem. If you email Claire, the owner, with a shopping list Fernando will get your supplies for you, saves you dashing out on your first day or if you have a late flight.
You will need a car. There's a reasonable choice of restaurants within a short drive of the house having said that Funchal is only a 30 - 35 minute drive away, lots of choice there. The supermarket in Calheta, 10 minutes by car, is a reasonable size and carrys a good selection of products.
The house is well placed to reach all parts of the island.
If you want a night in with a glass on Vino Verde the owners have a good selection of DVD's and videos that you can use.
We had a good holiday, the owners Claire and Paul have a beautiful home and it was a privilege to share it.
Paul & Fran
The Perfect Get Away!
Review Submitted: June 2, 2008
Date of Stay: April 2008
A Vigia is located with in a mountainside village in the unspoilt and sunny western end of the beautiful garden island of Madeira.
A car is essential, but boy are you rewarded with the most stunning of locations. The house has been lovingly furnished and has all mod cons to enhance your stay. Along with a wonderful garden and terrace with views you just cannot stop looking at.
We took our two sons aged 21 & 23 with us and they were able to relax, it certainly isn't a clubbing destination but the Marina down at Calheta has a couple of good beaches and a variety of eateries can be enjoyed whilst you lunch over looking the impressive yachts.
In all if you are looking for a quality break at affordable price look no further than A Vigia.
We had a wonderful time, thank you Clare we look forward to returing in the future.
A car is essential, but boy are you rewarded with the most stunning of locations. The house has been lovingly furnished and has all mod cons to enhance your stay. Along with a wonderful garden and terrace with views you just cannot stop looking at.
We took our two sons aged 21 & 23 with us and they were able to relax, it certainly isn't a clubbing destination but the Marina down at Calheta has a couple of good beaches and a variety of eateries can be enjoyed whilst you lunch over looking the impressive yachts.
In all if you are looking for a quality break at affordable price look no further than A Vigia.
We had a wonderful time, thank you Clare we look forward to returing in the future.
The nicest place we have ever stayed!
Review Submitted: May 7, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2007
Xmas 2007 / New Year2008
What a gorgeous villa, superbly situated for relaxation and tranquility, with views to die for from the comfort of the super king sized bed where you can drift off watching the twinkling lights in the village below at night and wake up to blue skies and sea, and pretty hillside villas below. We even saw a pod of dolphins one day (with binoculars). We have some lovely memories of a superb holiday and hope to come back again one day.
The owners 'walked the extra mile' in their dealings with us. I only asked for their advice on whether we could purchase a Christmas tree in Madeira, and before we knew it, Clare had it all organised, with additional trimmings too! It was very much appreciated and really made it extra special for the children.
As if that wasn't enough, Paul and Fernando couldn't do enough for us - they were superb, even taking us out on their motor boat one day. On New Years Eve, Paul allowed us to follow him into Funchal, as he knew a place we could park, then we all got into his car and he taxied us into the centre, making sure we knew directions for walking back to the car later that evening after the awesome firework display over Funchal Harbour.
He would have willingly loaned us bikes and taken us for a bike ride if we had been up for it - unfortunately, we are not that fit! Anyway, nothing was too much trouble - in fact he became more of a friend than the owner of the villa we were renting.
The caretakers, Fernando and Paul's mum (sorry, don't know her name) keep the place immaculate.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Avigia to the rest of the world!
Best Wishes with the new activities venture.
Bev, Pete, Lydia (13) and Eve (12)
What a gorgeous villa, superbly situated for relaxation and tranquility, with views to die for from the comfort of the super king sized bed where you can drift off watching the twinkling lights in the village below at night and wake up to blue skies and sea, and pretty hillside villas below. We even saw a pod of dolphins one day (with binoculars). We have some lovely memories of a superb holiday and hope to come back again one day.
The owners 'walked the extra mile' in their dealings with us. I only asked for their advice on whether we could purchase a Christmas tree in Madeira, and before we knew it, Clare had it all organised, with additional trimmings too! It was very much appreciated and really made it extra special for the children.
As if that wasn't enough, Paul and Fernando couldn't do enough for us - they were superb, even taking us out on their motor boat one day. On New Years Eve, Paul allowed us to follow him into Funchal, as he knew a place we could park, then we all got into his car and he taxied us into the centre, making sure we knew directions for walking back to the car later that evening after the awesome firework display over Funchal Harbour.
He would have willingly loaned us bikes and taken us for a bike ride if we had been up for it - unfortunately, we are not that fit! Anyway, nothing was too much trouble - in fact he became more of a friend than the owner of the villa we were renting.
The caretakers, Fernando and Paul's mum (sorry, don't know her name) keep the place immaculate.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Avigia to the rest of the world!
Best Wishes with the new activities venture.
Bev, Pete, Lydia (13) and Eve (12)
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