Description The Good Stuff: São Vicente

Madeira Wine is famous the world over and this cosy home located on a six-acre vineyard on the north of the island brings you closer to this tradition.

It's a wonderfully peaceful location, sitting in between the Laurissilva forest and the agricultural lands of São Vicente. You can appreciate the rural tranquillity from the terrace or in the garden, in which you'll find a stream and several trees that date back a couple of centuries.

The home itself is rather traditional when it comes to design, with terracotta tiling, vintage-style furnishings and a preference for wood surfaces. Saying that, the pastel pink bedroom complete with botanical prints is cuter than we were expecting.

If you want to learn a little more about viticulture — or just try a glass or two of the finished product — the host can arrange for this. When you want to see more of the locale, there are trails and Levada routes that start close to the home. The village of Sao Vicente takes ten minutes to reach in the car, while Praia do Porto do Seixal takes fifteen minutes in case you want a day at the seaside.

Home truths:
*There's free parking available on the premises
*The sofa-bed in the living room can sleep an additional guest if needed
*A cot, high chair and baby bath can be provided if required
*The home is spread across a single storey