Banana Grove

Tucked away in the hillside above Madeira's south coast village of Ponta do Sol – this restored old farmhouse brags staggering ocean views, a glistening swimming pool and endless charm from the inside out. Enjoy blissful alfresco meals before the vistas at every opportunity – the views from the terrace at sunset are enough to take your breath away. The outdoor swimming pool now sits where the villa once homed a banana grove amid the cliffside gardens. Here, various tropical plants line the home and its grassy lawns with fragrant aromas and a serene ambience.

While there are local cafes and restaurants to enjoy only 500 metres away, you may wish to rustle up your own meals in the kitchen and dining areas – and the villa's traditional English countryside interiors will allow you to do so with ease. While most of the bedrooms sit in the main villa at total capacity, two guests will share the separate annexe cabana – accessible via the garden. The annexe features an open dining area and kitchenette on the ground floor that opens out onto the garden, with a living room and bedroom on its upper floor – connected via a spiral staircase.

Discovering the best of Madeira here couldn't be easier, especially if you're renting a car – the beach of Ponta do Sol and the old town can also be reached just a five-minute drive away. And if golf is your cup of tea, you can be on the course within a thirty-minute drive.

Home truths:
*You'll have your own private entrance here
*Your host can provide a cot for free upon request
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Due to the location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay – there’s free parking on the premises
*The annexe at the bottom of the garden is only suitable for adults
*Both bath towels and pool towels are provided here
*The path up to the sunbathing deck is steep, so guests can choose to go up there at their own risk
*Funchal Airport is a forty-minute drive away