Bewitching Season

Bewitching Season: Madeira

This villa may be in Funchal's Old Town area, but the boxy home with a wealth of amenities is as contemporary as they come.

During a stay here, you'll find it a breeze to enjoy the island's generous climate. There are plenty of spots to do nothing more than lie back and relax, with our favourite being up on the terrace complete with a stunning view of the sparkling Med. If the heat ever gets too much, you can retire to the swimming pool for a while, and you've also got a barbecue and alfresco table ready and waiting for summer evening feasts.

The living quarters are bright and inviting, thanks in large part to the glass doors that flood the interior with Madeiran sunshine and the abundance of sleek finishes that catch this natural asset rather well. Those that are happiest with something delicious bubbling away on the stove will be more than content with the vast kitchen, while the games room with a pool table and fitness equipment will keep the excitable occupied for a while.

That being said, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area, too. There's a stretch of beach less than 300 metres from the home, as well as a good choice of bars and restaurants lying within walking distance.

Home truths:
*The home has a private garage that can hold up to two small cars or one larger vehicle *Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request, although guests need to bring their own cot linen *The home is spread over three floors with no elevator or bedrooms on the ground level *There's a Playstation 4 in the home, but guests need to bring their own games *Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace *This home is in a central sport, so noise is to be expected *Cleaning and linen changes are provided weekly for stays over seven days