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Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol

Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol

Photo gallery for Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol

Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior

Overview of Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol

Reviews
9.2 out of 10 Wonderful
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6180 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Ponta do Sol, Madeira Region
  • Popular LocationBeachside Square7 min walk
  • Popular LocationPonta Do Sol Beach7 min walk
  • Popular LocationCabo Girao15 min drive
  • AirportFunchal (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo)39 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol

Quinta Girassol is a beautiful restored old farmhouse, with large gardens, heated swimming pool and direct sea-view, tucked into the hillside above the south coast village of Ponta do Sol, known as one of the sunniest places on the island. It is without doubt the perfect holiday retreat and gives you the beauty and tranquillity of the Madeiran countryside, yet only a 25 minute drive to the hustle and bustle of the capital, Funchal.

A wealthy American-Madeiran family had the Quinta Girassol built around 1920. The manor house was built as a summer house next to the much older stable in the middle of a banana plantation. Decades later the Dutchman van Baaren, who had come to Madeira from the colonies in Sigapur, acquired the property from the Madeiran family. His daughter, the interior designer Jade van Baaren renovated the buildings and the property in the 2000s. The banana grove was transformed into a small park and a nice free-style pool was integrated. The furnishing of the villa, a mixture of antiques, English style furniture and traditional Madeirian wooden furniture, give the house its incomparable charm. The garden, which is crossed by a real levada, is planted with a variety of subtropical and tropical plants. Along the old levada, a rocky path leads up to the stone water tank, on which a newly designed sun deck invites you to enjoy a sundowner. From there you can enjoy an incomparable view of the ocean, the mountains and the old town of Ponta do Sol.
In March 2020 the German actress Angelika Fanai-Nimmesgern and the photographer Stefan Nimmesgern acquired the Quinta Girasssol. The two artists, who live part of the year in their house on Lake Starnberg, have created a second home in Madeira. Both immediately fell in love with the old quinta and went out of their way to acquire it. The Quinta Girassol is managed in the interests of its previous owners and offered to special guests as a holiday home.

Entrance is via a large covered hacienda with dining table and chairs for dining al-fresco, and comfy wicker chairs for relaxing with a glass of wine. On the ground floor you have the traditionally furnished lounge with comfortable sofa, armchairs, plasma TV and DVD player. The well-equipped kitchen with adjoining dining area opens directly onto the front terrace.

Upstairs are the three bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom, two of which have French windows opening out to a large balcony and stunning ocean views. The third bedroom overlooks the large garden and shares the family bathroom.

The heated freeform swimming pool occupies the south facing sun terrace with sea-views.

Surrounding the pool terrace and to the side of Quinta Girassol are large mature gardens with lawns and trees. Through them runs a real working typical Madeira levada (irrigation channel).

Swimming Pool
Type: Freeform
Length: 9m
Width: 4m to 6m
Depth: from 0,8m to 1,5m
Pool heating is optional and costs €120 for a setting of 24ºC, payable in cash on arrival. For higher temperatures, there is an added supplement of 30€ per week per degree C setting above 24ºC, up to a maximum of 26ºC.Please note that pool heating should be requested at least one week prior to arrival to ensure the correct water temperature; if requested at the last minute or after arrival, the minimum amount is the price for one week, due from the time pool heating is turned on.

The Quinta Girassol is located in the beautiful and sunny Ponta do Sol at exactly 100 meters above sea level. Directly opposite the Caminho das Terças, a steep old stairway, leads to the middle of the old town and the beach. It is only 500 meters to drink a fresh poncha in one of the bars or restaurants, enjoy an espada or immerse yourself in the blue Atlantic. By car, the way to the old town is of course more comfortable and can be done in less than 5 minutes. The property and the carport of Quinta Girassol are located directly on Estrada Regional 222 and can therefore be reached without any effort.

Ponta do Sol resort, at sea level, 5 minutes by car (2,9 Km) away, is very popular for Villas in Madeira, and offers restaurants and cafés (and three small hotels), as well as a couple of trendy bars and 2km from the beach. Before reaching the town, you will find, on the roundabout that provides access to the motorway network, a small shopping centre with a row of shops and cafés and the nearest supermarket. Ponta do Sol is known as the sunniest place in Madeira, and the whole town front is a rocky beach with access to the sea.

There are walks around the hills of Ponta do Sol and easy access to the plateau of Paul da Serra, with its many levada walks, makes this villa perfectly located for walking in Madeira and for enjoying a lovely holiday surrounded by the beautiful Madeira countryside.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Bedroom 1, 1st floor, King double bed, en-suite shower room, sea-view, doors opening to balcony.
Bedroom 2, 1st floor, King double bed, sea-view, doors opening to balcony.
Bedroom 3, 1st floor, One Single Bed, view over the garden, 2nd floor One Single Bed, connected by a staircase.
Bathroom 1, 1st floor, Single washbasin, walk-in shower, toilet.
Bathroom 2, floor, Single washbasin, whirlpool bath, walk-in shower, toilet.
Guest toilet, Ground floor, single washbasin, toilet.

Kitchen/Dining
Fully equipped kitchen. 4-ring electric cooker, built-in electric oven and microwave, American style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, coffee machine, kettle, toaster, hand held liquidizer.
Dining table for 6.

Lounge
Sitting area, seating for 6, with flat screen cable TV, DVD, Bluetooth speaker.

Other
Washing machine, iron and ironing board.
There is secure parking facilities for 1 car. Although not essential, as in most villas, a hire car is recommended.

Exterior
There is a 50 sqm sun-deck on top of the old water tank with sun beds and a beautiful view to the sea.
The way up to the deck is "rocky" and a little bit like a levada walk. Walking the path is at your own risk!
Lounge furniture, a parasol and sun-beds are available on the sun deck.
From there the view is breathtaking.

Internet
This property has a broadband internet connection with a Wi-Fi point, free for guest's use.
We are happy to send you an internet speedtest if you are coming for work and require high speed broadband.
Contracted speed (Mbps): 500

Nearby
The town of Ponta do Sol at sea level, 5 minutes by car (2,9 Km) away, offers additional restaurants and cafés (and three small hotels), as well as a couple of trendy bars. Before reaching the town, you will find, on the roundabout that provides access to the motorway network, a small shopping centre with a row of shops and cafés. Ponta do Sol is known as the sunniest place in Madeira, and the whole town front is a rocky beach with access to the sea.
The village of Canhas is 4,700 metres away, where you can find a chemist, bank, medical centre, cafés and a couple of restaurants. The main road up to the plateau of Paul da Serra, which offers some of the best walks in Madeira, starts close by. 10 minutes by car east is Ribeira Brava, the largest town before Funchal, and that offers another rocky beach and sea access facilities in addition to a large supermarket and more shops, cafés, and restaurants. 10 minutes by car west is the resort of Calheta with its man-made golden beaches, a marina and a further choice of supermarket, restaurants and bars.
The capital, Funchal, is an easy 25 minute drive away on the motorway, and it only takes 40 minutes to reach the airport.

Madeira
Some seven hundred kilometres west of the African coast, Madeira is a stunning mountainous emerald island, lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The first island to be discovered by the Portuguese navigators in 1419, Madeira became an important resting place on the long trip to the new world. From these humble beginnings, the holiday trade was formed and this spectacular island, which used to be the favourite place of the rich and famous, is now the preferred choice of all sorts of visitors, from those seeking year-round warm temperatures to nature lovers and sightseers, sports and active enthusiasts of all ages. Culture, history, stunning nature, a myriad of sea and land activities, added to a great foodie scene means Madeira has something for everyone. No matter where you go on the island you are rewarded by fabulous scenery, tiny villages and friendly people. With a population of over 100,000, Funchal is not only the capital, but also the 'heart' of Madeira and home to many of the islanders. This makes it a busy, chic, cosmopolitan and fun city, full of shops, shopping centres, bars, cafés and a great variety of restaurants and entertainment; a vibrant, cosmopolitan town where historic splendour and breath-taking natural beauty combine with a thoroughly modern atmosphere.

Cleaning
Cleaning and linen change is provided every 7 days.
All linen and towels are provided, including towels for the swimming pool.

Booking notes
The rental value varies with the number of people occupying the property, so please ensure you enter the correct dates, number of adults, children and infants. Please note that supplements apply should additional people join you for any length of time.
The Cabana will only be made avialble for the 7th and 8th persons. For saftey reasons, the Cabana is only available to accomodate adults and children are not permitted. A supplement applies for the use of the Cabana.
To secure your reservation we require a 30% deposit, or the full amount if you are arriving within 8 weeks. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to arrival.
A security deposit of 200€ is required, charged in advance to a credit card.
Final details for check-in and driving instructions to the property will be sent 7 days prior to arrival. A contact number will be provided, and to be able to access the property, you need to phone this number as you are leaving the airport. It is your responsibility to contact and advise the numb

Property manager

Our Madeira
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish
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Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 111563/AL

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ponta do Sol

Located in Ponta do Sol, this villa is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Laurisilva of Madeira and Ponta Do Sol Beach, while CR7 Museum and Ethnographic Museum of Madeira are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Ponta Gorda Bathing Complex, or check out an event or a game at Barreiros Stadium. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.

What's nearby

  • Church of Our Lady of Light - 6 min walk
  • Beachside Square - 7 min walk
  • Ponta Do Sol Beach - 7 min walk
  • Cabo Girao - 15 min drive
  • 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco - 20 min drive

Getting around

  • Funchal (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • Levada di Nova - 6 min drive
  • Restaurante Sol Poente - 9 min walk
  • A Taberna da Madalena - 4 min drive
  • The Old Pharmacy - 6 min walk
  • Caprice - 6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lovingly restored character villa | Qta. Girassol located?

This family-friendly Ponta do Sol villa is located near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Church of Our Lady of Light, Ponta Do Sol Beach and Beachside Square. Ethnographic Museum of Madeira is 3 mi (4.8 km) away.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Amazing villa and location could not have asked for more. Smooth process fro start to finish. Thank you
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Exceeded expectations
Property is one of the best we have stayed in. Like every property it has its minor niggles and annoyances however go beyond that and you find a wonderful holiday home. The kitchen is well equipped, albeit a knife sharpener would be a welcome addition. The bedrooms are airy and spacious and the bathrooms are both excellent. The lounge we didn't really use as we liked the kitchen/dining area or either of the two terraces. The property is south facing. In the morning the sun is on your left allowing early sun bathing or, in the afternoon, the sun is to the right to do more. The swimming pool is neither very big nor very deep but it is lovely to simply slip into to cool off. When fitting the pool cover in the evening, ensure the winding wheel is to the house side of the pool and it is placed across from the semi-circular steps. The house is really easy to find.... Once you know where it is! From Funchall airport as you arrive into Ponta do Sol there is a roundabout with a BP garage on the left. Take the 3rd exit up a hill and over three or four speed bumps with chequer board markings to a roundabout where, again, you take the 3rd exit up another hill. A garage with a green door will come to you on the left. Slow down and prepare to pull onto a short concrete driveway around a right hand corner and just before a zebra crossing. If you go over the crossing, you've gone too far. The name Girassola is on a plaque on a wall to the right hand side of a green metal sliding door. There is no doubt we will do this again in the same quinta. Thank you.

10/10 Excellent

Menna H.

Lovely villa, stunning views
A very nice, high standard villa. Beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms with comfortable beds. Cosy traditional living room. Well equipped kitchen. Outside, it was a pleasure to sit on the veranda and admire the view out to sea. It's walking distance, uphill, to the village. We didn't walk down to Punto do Sol, but it's an easy 5min drive. Our only complaint, is that there's a problem with ants in the kitchen and nothing could be left out on the units. We think the problem is that there's a leak under the sink somewhere as it did have a strong damp smell. This wouldn't put us off in staying again, but is something that needs looking at. All in all, a beautiful villa.

6/10 Okay

Gillian H.

Needs some attention to detail to improve to standard as advertised
Excellent views and great space for family Christmas holiday. Beautiful weather made it possible for us to relax outside and enjoy the pool. This was worth extra payment, however pool is not suitable for energetic swims as it is quite shallow. Gardens were beautifully kept and villa is fairly clean but could do with removal of dusty ornaments. Also some dust under beds and mattress stains on one of the beds. This did not detract from our overall impression of the villa nor spoil our enjoyment of it. The ants and the overwhelming musty smell in the kitchen, however would prevent us from returning. We would advise anyone thinking of hiring the villa to carefully consider the location. We hired a car at the airport. Don't do this. Have a taxi if you have not driven beyong Funchal previously. It was a hair raising drive made especially difficult because the villa is on a bend and impossible to drive into the parking space within the villa grounds. Whilst it is possible to walk down into Pont do Sol it is very steep and, as two of our party were not fully fit this was impossible. Local taxis were used to enable us to enjoy meals out and so all members of our party could partake in the wine and beer. The various Christmas displays were lovely as was the music in Ponto do Sol. We would love to return to Maderia for Christmas another year. Woukd probably choose a different villa and utilise taxis rather hiring a car.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nigel H.

Terrific stay, lovely house & gardens
We had a super time here, great house, well equipped with stunning views. We enjoyed our evenings with such views, pool is heated and the gardens are beautiful. Would love to return in a summer soon! Great restaurant at the nearby hotel in Ponta do Sol. Highly recommend this house.

About the host

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