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Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.

Photo gallery for Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.

A stone building with a tiled roof, green shutters, and a wooden pergola.
View from cottage terrace
A stone house with a red-tiled roof, green shutters, and a wooden pergola.
A patio with two lounge chairs and a table under a green umbrella, surrounded by a garden with various plants and flowers.
Kitchen and dining area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Arco da Calheta, Madeira Region
  • Place, Casa das Mudas Arts Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, beach near Serra de Água
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Laurisilva of Madeira
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Funchal (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.

Tucked in a rural valley with sea and valley views, this lovely old building was recently renovated to a very high standard , completed July 2016.

Open plan upper floor with modern kitchen, dining table and chairs, sofa, TV, WiFi and log burner. Views down valley to sea.
Ground floor: modern bathroom with shower and washing machine and double bedroom with doors onto the large terrace.

2 terraces , one shaded by an old plum tree with a small barbeque for warm evenings

Situated in the sunny south-west of the island .Easily accessible on safe roads, 45 minutes from airport.
Small shop and bar 7 minutes on foot from house.
Local supermarket and cafe , cash machine and other small shops/cafes 4 minutes by car from house.

Ideally placed for walking the levadas . One levada accessible on foot from the house. Others , including the well-known Rabacal and 25 Fontes routes easily accessible by car .

Whale and dolphin watching trips from nearby Calheta marina with our friends at Lobosonda Whalewatching.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in and out times may be varied in individual cases depending on previous/ following guests. No smoking in house No candles
No Candles

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 49200/AL
Property # 6805017
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Calheta

Located in Calheta, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco and Achadas da Cruz Cable Car are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Laurisilva of Madeira and Ponta Do Sol Beach. Casa das Mudas Arts Center and Lava Pools are also worth visiting. Snorkelling and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby.
View more Holiday homes in CalhetaOpens in a new window
Map
Arco da Calheta, Madeira Region

What's nearby

  • Casa das Mudas Arts Center - 7 min drive - 6.9 km
  • beach near Serra de Água - 7 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Laurisilva of Madeira - 9 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Cascata dos Anjos - 13 min drive - 12.5 km
  • Ponta Do Sol Beach - 16 min drive - 14.8 km

Getting around

  • Funchal (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bar Sra Maria - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Pukiki Bar - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Leme Marisqueira - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Planalto - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful, rural location with stunning sea and valley views. located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Casa das Mudas Arts Center and within 9 miles (15 km) of Laurisilva of Madeira and Church of Our Lady of Light. Beachside Square and Ponta Do Sol Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wolfgang G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely small house for two persons. Very clean, quiet. Nice view to the sea from first floor. Everything available what needed including washing machine and indoor fireplace with fire wood. Karen - the owner - always provided very helpful information. Supermarket quite near by car. An ideal location to visit Madeira‘s western part, but also Funchal and the eastern part is reachable in 45-60 minutes. All in all stro g recommendation.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

tricia w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Can you say incredible - the beautiful views , the wonderfully restored home, the attention to details, the wonderful host!!!!! We were so blessed to stay her for a month!! You will be so so happy to choose this beautiful home. You can get to anywhere on the island, quickly. However you can immerse yourself in the small local villages, so easily from here. Karen your host, has put together in-depth info on restaurants, groceries, local ( not touristy) places not to miss. She also provides lots of books/info on all the tourist places too. The views on the moon over the ocean, the distant sounds of a cow, donkey, a lamb and a rooster, from above, high on the mountain, is very special. To watch the mountain fog/clouds come in is very very cool. Don’t miss this very special traditional Portuguese home!!!!!
Stayed 27 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tracey Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was extremely clean and comfortable. It had everything you needed, the fireplace was welcome in evening (we did visit in November)and owners left firewood for us which was great. Lovely hot shower and garden beautiful. Parking on road outside but was easy. Overall would thoroughly recommend this house.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Karen's beautifully restored accommodation. She spoiled us with homemade cakes and desserts. The only downside was the poor internet connection, which usually only worked at night.We can highly recommend Karen's cottage.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in madeira

Everything you need for a stay in Madeira
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic little cottage with sea views

Fab little cottage with gorgeous garden, quiet location, walking distance to local bar (excellent poncha, very quirky!), sea views from top floor, excellent communication with owner.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May, 2025
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you liked the garden . I aim for there always to be something in bloom . Russo’s bar, up in the village, is definitely worth a visit , for the character of the place and also his excellent, freshly made tangerine poncha!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jack L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing trip and stay!

Beautiful Island, beautiful location, beautiful property! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Madeira and highly recommend Karen's wonderful quiet cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit to the island and our property, after your long journey from Canada.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andreas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home to stay

AAA
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug, 2024
Thank you for your review . I am pleased you enjoyed your holiday
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Udo L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful quiet place

Beautiful quiet place
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar, 2024
Really pleased you had a peaceful holiday
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely property

Really enjoyed our stay. Communication with owner excellent with detailed directions and plenty ideas of places to visit and to eat. Very clean and well equipped.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May, 2024
I am glad you found our suggestions helpful and the property met your expectations . Thank you for the review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claudia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Mountain Retreat!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this cozy cottage. The cottage was very clean and perfectly peaceful. Close to markets, restaurants and cafes. Calheta is perfectly situated on the island where it is easy to drive to most areas.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2024
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you were happy with the accommodation and its location.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Konstantin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house and garden

Fabulous host who gives good recommendations and reacts quickly. Beautiful house and garden, cosy fire place, well assorted kitchen and all very clean.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Feb, 2025
Thank you for your generous review. So pleased you loved the house.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely little house on the countryside

We really loved this house. It looks small from the outside, but inside it is big enough and everything is there. It was a pity that we could not enjoy the nice outside space because the weather was very bad when we were there.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

riejan d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great and nice house (2 persons)

A beautiful and super house, you feel the warmth and very complete. Very sweet and nice hostess and host. We will definitely come back to the same address and a beautiful island. A beautiful house for 2 people, a warm welcome and you immediately feel welcome TOP
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Dec, 2024
It was lovely to meet you both . I am pleased you enjoyed your stay even though the weather was a bit mixed !
Verified review

8/10 Good

Heather F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Arco de Calheta

Great property in a good location...not as peaceful as expected as the road next to it is quite busy. We had a wonderful walking holiday.Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Nov, 2024
The road that passes the property goes up to our local village so there is some movement of residents in and out of the village , but it is not a main road. I am pleased you enjoyed your walking holiday.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jana L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Karen is a wonderful host

There's nothing to complain. Karen (and the neighbours) was always helpful, the cottage was super cute and cosy, the view absolutely awesome and the location between sea and mountains was quiet and nearly perfect. We had a wonderful stay.
Stayed 15 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you had a good holiday and enjoyed your time at the cottage.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angela F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage with stunning views

Lovely property, as described. Stunning views although you need a car as quite a way up in the mountains. Very comfortable. Great location for the beach at calheta. Travelled so much of the island, and the roads are safe but quite scary at times. Excellent communication with the owner. No complaints. Would happily stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your review . I am so pleased you liked the house and were able to explore the island. The house is situated at 500 metres and ,as you say ,is within easy reach of Calheta beach, about ten minutes in the car.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bee L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect rural location

Beautifully renovated detached property in a superb location. Very well equipped inside and outside. The small garden is beautiful and full of flowers. The property is in a rural and quiet location, but within just a few minutes drive of shops, restaurants and cafés. The host, Karen, was extremely helpful with ideas of places to visit and answered questions promptly. She always went the extra mile to ensure that we enjoyed our stay. I would thoroughly recommend this property and would love to return one day.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr, 2024
Thank you so much for your generous review. I am pleased you enjoyed your stay and the garden at the property. We would love to host you again should you return.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

At home with the locals

Karen has done a fabulous job renovating this lovely property. It has the perfect layout, from top terrace views watching the sun setting with a handy BBQ. To the lower terrace where you can soak up the sun surrounded by a delightful planted garden. You will have all you need inside too. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the local bar/supermarket watching the comings and goings of the village, with the help of a few Ponchas. We would highly recommend this cute villa to anyone looking to experience the real village life of Madeira.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roger Shufflebottom

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely renovated house

This old house has been beautifully renovated. On a sunny evening there's a great view of the distant sea and the garden has an array of interesting flowers. The facilities were just as advertised. A comfortable bed, a well-equipped kitchen and solid Wifi. There was a supply of logs for the woodburner - nice on a cool evening. It's in quite an isolated position but the nearest bar and shop are not too distant. Karen's directions were excellent. Recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your review. I’m pleased you liked the garden. I try to have something in flower all year round.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alexander W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice accommodation, carefully prepared

A little traditional stone hut, carefully renovated containing all necessary things for a satisfying holiday stay. We found a washing machine even with washing powder. This is ideal for sportive hiking holidays. The kitchen was well- stuffed and even offered waste-bags, salt and sugar. We travelled in winter. So it was very comfortable to light the log burner in the living room to have cozy evenings. The house has a very nice view over blooming busshes (even in winter!!!) down to the sea.It is an ideal base to discover the island. One of the levada walks starts some hundred meters from the house. The landlord offered a lot of information, books and maps in the house. Everything was prepared perfectly, the check- in and check-out without any problems. We can really recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restored stone farmhouse

The property was small but beautifully formed (and absolutely lovingly restored to a very high standard). It was very well equipped and maintained over 2 floors with delightful outside space too. Perfect for two people. The location was very rural, relatively high up on the hillside above Loreto but it gave a taste of "real" Madiera which was very different from staying in Funchal. A car was essential and going out walking entailed quite steep slopes. The host was excellent, providing great directions prior to arrival date and including lots of useful tips and maps/guides in the house for activities both nearby and elsewhere in the in the surrounding area. The house had reliable and effective internet access via ADSL with WiFi coverage. Mobile phone coverage was good too. Overall, we were delighted with the property and very much enjoyed our stay in what for us was a very different and rural side to Madeira
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you found everything you needed at the house. You are right that walking in Madeira inevitably involves a slope , unless you are at sea level!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vicky W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect rural stay for a couple

Lovely cottage, exactly as described. Incredibly clean and very well equipped for a comfortable self-catering holiday. Plenty of options for eating or just relaxing outdoors and indoors. The BBQ terrace offers amazing views to the sea whilst the lower terrace offers total privacy, as it is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The owner provides an excellent selection of maps, guide books and walking guides. There are also hand written suggestions about places to eat, places to visit and excursions. We enjoyed many of her suggestions. Communication with the owner prior to arrival and whilst staying in the cottage was excellent. There's a (very) local bar about a 10 minute walk away which is incredibly cheap and the owner is very friendly. It's a great place to stop off on a walk or just to people watch! The wifi in the cottage is very reliable and actually faster than our SKY broadband in the UK!! The TV system is great as you can use your own log in details to access NETFLIX etc. All in all, a lovely cottage for a relaxing, self catering holiday for a couple and a great place to stay if you're wanting to explore the island by car.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you for your generous review. I am pleased you found everything you needed at the cottage, and were able to visit our wonderful local bar.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Soeren B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top Marks

Another enthusiastic review of this lovely property, which is exactly as described and depicted. It really is a very well restored, robust old building, equipped with everything you need and with everything functioning, no leaky showers, dubious drainage or lack of hot water! Another bonus is the efficient washing machine. Communication with the owner was excellent, even ‘out of hours’ when our flight was delayed and we arrived after midnight. The maps, guides, local information and restaurant recommendations provided by the owner were very useful. The internet is fast. Having online maps is invaluable to show any current closures of roads or walking routes, usually because of fallen rocks. The temperature is markedly lower at the property than at the coast. If the house is chilly, the wood-burning stove warms the place well. There are also plug-in radiators, which do a good job but are not as charming. Our stay was in January, and although we sometimes lit the stove in the late evening, the early evenings saw us sitting outside (in T shirts) on the top terrace, enjoying a glass of local wine, watching the sun set, and admiring all the exotic plants and flowers. A wonderful, house, location and holiday.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stone cottage

We stayed in this gorgeous cottage in February for a week. What a great find, the cottage was comfortable & well-equipped & the log burner was a bonus as the evenings were a bit chilly. The views from the cottage to the sea are amazing & once you tear your eyes away the garden is beautifully done with some unusual plants for the British gardener. The cottage is well placed for a short drive to the 25 Fontes walk & all the stunning mountain scenery. The drive from Rabacal to Ribeira Brava via the Serra da Agua valley was breathtaking in more ways than one. Don’t miss the church in Ponta Delgada; none of the guide books mention the incredible painted ceiling - it was painted at the turn of the 20th century I believe & is a ‘modern’ take on a painted ceiling with domestic & wild animals, angels with butterfly wings, just gorgeous. The cottage is very well placed for exploring the west & north of the island but still within an easy drive of Funchal & all the brilliant museums plus of course the not to be missed toboggan ride from Monte. Karen is a great host. She provided us with some really helpful tips on where to go & great places to eat. We were lucky enough to meet her & her husband towards the end of our stay & little treats kept appearing over the garden wall. They are both lovely & so welcoming. There’s lots of info at the cottage & also walking guides & maps so everything is covered. In the local village there’s a great supermarket & the staff are very friendly & of course speak embarrassingly good English if your Portuguese only stretches to ‘obrigado’ & ‘bom dia’! The whole experience for us was great & the island is even more beautiful than I had imagined. The weather in February was pleasant but not really hot so ideal for walking & exploring but not necessarily for braving the natural pools on the north coast. We will definitely return perhaps at a later time in the year to see the island blooming.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2023
Thank you so much for the great review. It was lovely to meet you both. Come back in the summer and see the agapanthus! Regards Karen

About the host

Hosted by Karen

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

I bought this piece of land with two old stone buildings that had been abandoned for twenty years, because of the rural location and lovely sea views.

The beauty of the island, the climate and the friendliness and generosity of the Madeiran people make this a perfect destination.

What makes this property unique

Well located for exploring the island.
The Levada Nova can be accessed on foot from the house, and other popular levadas are easily accessible by car.

Languages:

English, Portuguese
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