Based on previous reviews these cottages had a lot to live up to!
We stayed for, sadly, only one week in Casa das Vinhas. It certainly lived up to every one of our high expectations. Right from the start, walking up through the vines and bananas to our front door, we felt instantly at home. The surroundings are lovely, private, calming. The cottage itself didn't really feel like a rental property, more like someones little home we had borrowed. A lovely atmosphere. Everything there we could want.
We swam, laid by the pool, drank wine on our patio, generally chilled out.....exactly what we needed and this cottage delivered it in spades !!
The sea, Funchal's shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. We didn't have a car and didn't miss one.
The owners, Frank and Buffy were away for the first few days of our stay but came to see us once they returned to ensure all was well and were we happy and did we need anything. That was such a kind personal touch which made us feel so welcome. They also came to say goodbye when we left.
Its not often that we say this but we would definately return to Madeira and without doubt we would return to "our" Casa.