Lavender Cottage was our first experience of Madeira and, of course, you always worry if it will be as good as it sounds. This was far better. A beautiful cottage in a quiet, peaceful location which is ideal for "getting away from it all"
The cottage provided everything we needed for our ten day stay, it was spotless and extremely well equipped. It has two very good sized bedrooms, one "en suite", and a large lounge/kitchen diner. There is also a good sized patio area for "al fresco" dining, a pretty garden and a small pool. Excellent laundry facilities are also provided.
The owners, Heather and her mother and father could not have been more helpful, even taking our wives shopping on our day of arrival, whilst my brother-in-law and I found the nearby bar. Candles were also provided promptly during a lengthy power cut !!
The property is within easy reach, by car, of Calheta, which has a good selection of restaurants, and within a ten minute (max) easy stroll is a mini market and bar. The mini market provides most items required, although major shopping for food etc is best done in Calheta. The bar is extremely friendly and serves a daily lunch which, although basic, is very good. It also serves a wide variety of drinks, and the owner speaks exceptionally good English.
We visited in January when the weather is a bit unpredictable, but the island is undoubtedly beautiful and everyone is very very friendly.
Car hire is probably a good idea, but we used a local taxi (details provided by Heather), and he was punctual, great at finding places to visit and reasonably priced.
I would thoroughly recommend Madeira and especially Lavender Cottage, for anyone looking for a relaxing break.