Cherries & Bananas

Cherries & Bananas: Madeira

It's amazing what a bit of architectural TLC can do. This building in the Calheta hills was once a farmer's cottage, but it has since been extended and renovated to make for a strikingly contemporary Madeiran getaway.

One thing that hasn't changed over the home's lifetime is just how mesmerising the view is from this elevated position. Here, you can gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean and the island's countryside, only today you can do this from the comfort of the swimming pool or while cooking dinner on the barbecue.

You can also admire this scenery through the home's floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, again, while making the most of some stellar amenities. Up on the top floor, for example, there's a large gym in which to work up a sweat, while you'll also find a billiards room a couple of levels below. All the basics are nailed here as well, including the super-sleek kitchen and black-and-white lounge.

When you want to see a little more of the locale, you can join some of the island's famous Levada walking routes quite easily from the home, while the golden sands of Calheta Beach are only 3 kilometres away, too.

Home truths:
*Four of the bedrooms are in the main villa, but there's also one in a separate annexe above the billiards room along with a bathroom
*The home is spread over three floors with no elevator or bedrooms on the ground level
*One of the shower rooms is accessed via the outdoors
*There's secure parking available on-site for up to four cars
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request
*The villa is fenced
*The nearest restaurant and supermarket are 120 metres away
*Cleaning and a change of linens are provided weekly for stays over seven days
*Pool towels are provided