Surrounded by a large botanical garden, Quinta da Casa Branca feels far away from the bustle of Funchal, although a 20-minute stroll will bring you to the city centre.
Surrounded by large botanical gardens of trees, Quinta da Casa Branca feels far away from the bustle of Funchal, although a 20-minute stroll will bring you to the city centre. The airport is a 25-minute drive away.
In the modern wing, interiors mix light and dark woods against white walls, resulting in a warm feel flooded by light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the manor house, the suites echo the public areas, which are filled with Portuguese antiques, Venetian chandeliers, polished wooden floors and memorabilia from the Leacock family, initiators of the Madeira wine trade with England in the mid-18th century.
For pure luxury, the five suites in the manor house suites tick all the boxes. All have separate sitting rooms (with Nespresso machines) as well as sitting areas in the bedrooms and a choice of marble bathrooms with bathtub and separate walk in showers. Furniture is antique, floors are wooden and views give onto the garden.
All premium rooms have recently been refurbished. Rooms in this wing come with terraces or balconies and marble bathrooms, which in the deluxe suites include a whirlpool tub. Amenities come courtesy of eco-friendly Prija. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
In the manor house there is a well-stocked library and amidst exotic banana trees and cascading bougainvillea lies an inviting swimming pool. Other facilities include a health club and small spa. Equipment includes rowing, weights and treadmill machines. The adventurous can sign up to irrigating the property’s banana plantation – spades and boots provided.
The elegant dining room restaurant, with a dress code to match, is open for dinner only and housed in the manor house. Expect dishes such as venison carpaccio with truffle ice-cream and walnuts or turbot with dry tomato and lemon risotto and a fennel and basil sauce. The Garden Pavilion, constructed from glass, wood and green marble serves a buffet breakfast of regional pastries, local hams and cheeses and fresh fruits as well as lighter dishes for lunch.
In the afternoon, it serves a proper afternoon tea with homemade scones, sandwiches and hot drinks. The Casa da Quinta bar opens out onto a lovely terrace with view across the hills to Funchal and serves a bistro menu at dinner time as well as a wide range of cocktails.
