DETAILS OF HOUSE LAYOUT & EQUIPMENT:
At the end of the south facing porch the main entrance leads into the kitchen complete with gas hob, electric oven, microwave, kettle and toaster, plenty of crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment and a breakfast table for 4. To the left is the extensive dining area with table & bench-seating for 8 and lounge area with sofas & chairs and an electric fire; large French windows open out on to the porch and terrace. Behind the kitchen and utility room with washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and iron + board, the back door leads to a sunny sheltered courtyard with BBQ/dining area and an outside WC – so plenty of opportunity for indoor/outdoor living. Beyond the lounge/dining room is a guest WC/shower room and the staircase leading up to three roomy double bedrooms with plenty of wardrobe space, one with an extra bed and private terrace, and a shared bathroom. Pine trees cover the hills behind, gardens surround the house and semi-cultivated slopes descend into the distance, with the ocean beyond.
SWIMMING:
At nearby Santa Cruz you have superb options for swimming: in the sea or in pools, or in the island's new WATERPARK which has flumes, chutes, etc. For greater luxury you will find superb hotels with pools in the neighbouring areas along the coast, and of course there is the luxurious yacht club about 10 minutes' drive east near the airport.
WALKING:
Madeira is a walker's paradise and Casa Maria is a good location from which to explore different parts of the island using the old mountain paths or the levadas (irrigation channels) which cover the island, extending to over 2000km in total. Depending your experience, we recommend a guided walk - please ask us for further details. Have a look at Sunflower Landscapes Madeira - the guide book we recommend for walking in Madeira, written by John and Pat Underwood (please ask us for link), or have a look at the excellent range of walks described by Shirley Whitehead - ask for further details. Remember that this island is mountainous and temperatures fall severely with altitude - bring warm and protective clothing and tough shoes or boots.
Golf:
Golfers will find two superb golf courses within easy reach, 15 minutes by car - the 18-hole championship Palheiro golf course and the 27-hole Santa da Serra golf course, both with spectacular views. Or you might want to pop over to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, by ferry or by 'plane, to sample the new course there.
Other Activities:
tropical gardens, ten pin bowling.
marks the location of the property in Santa Cruz
