A Casa Estrelícia-Dourada Garcês

What a unique property and wonderful host in the picturesque village of São Vicente! The beautiful property is high atop the village, offering stunning views of the massive volcanic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You feel like you’re in a truly special place, and you are! There’s a large terraced grape vineyard, a lovely pool, chickens roaming free, two black cats, fruit trees, outdoor seating areas, and Leo, the owner. What a special host Leo is. Full of life and ideas for you to do, he’s so connected to the area. He’s a true Renaissance man! He tends to his property joyfully and always does his best to make it better for everyone who comes. He makes Madeira wine (delicious! Buy a bottle from him), red wine, and rum. He even makes rum from grapes! Google it—they say it’s impossible, but it tastes exactly like rum! He has a real secret to that rum from grapes. I know the secret, and if you get to taste it with him, maybe, just maybe, he’ll let you know as well… On our arrival, he greeted us, gave us a little tour of the grounds, and then led us on a long and lovely, grapevine-covered walk to our beautiful old stone cottage. Inside, there were a few fresh-laid eggs, a European coffee/espresso set up, milk for the coffee, and a small carafe and glasses for tasting his magical Madeira elixir! We shared a glass and a toast with Leo and felt so grateful we landed here! Don’t miss the levada trail walk up to the chapel high on the hill you can see from the property, it’s a special hike. We also took in the local vineyard tour, tasting and lunch package they offer from their perch high upon a ridge overlooking São Vicente. Lovely experience. I’m sure Leo will give you all that details plus much more. Leaving after 3 days, I was a little sad we had not booked more days there. Maybe we will be back….

We loved the seclusion of the stone cottage, but be sure you can handle steep stairs to the bedroom and bathroom.

Perched on a cliff with a beautiful view of this cute little town. Fresh eggs from the on-property chickens.

The winery was a bit cluttered and could use a clean up.

The best property we stayed in Madeira ! The host Leonel is so kind ! He will give you tons of information about what to do in Madeira and he can also arrange some outings for you. The villa is spacious and tastefully decorated. It has all the facilities you need including a nice pool. We had a large terrace with an amazing view on Sao Vicente mountains I was in awe with every morning. Hens live in your kitchen window so you can buy fresh eggs from Leonel who is also a winemaker . Although I only drink white wine, I was delighted with his generous wine sample that came with the lodging. The property is conveniently located so you can easily explore all of Madeira. We had a wonderful time and would definitely come back to the Casa Estrelicia Dourada Garcês !

Nothing, everything was great !

The property is in an excellent location with amazing views, access to good amenities, and its own winery. The host Leonel was superb providing lots of great advice for things to see and do across Madeira. I couldn’t recommend this place enough.