Vila Maria Quinta is an old family house. In 2012 we decided that we wanted to share this wonderful place with the world. So we renovated the vila and transformed the it into the 5 modern appartments they are today. The 5 apartments all cary their own name and each room is a little bit diferent but they all have their own bathrooms and kitchens. The Vila is a very tranquil place, especially the outdoor areas.
Os Borracheiros means the room of the wine carriers.
Most of the vineyards of Madeira are found on platues that reach up the steep slopes of the mountains. Here the grapes got handpicked, and locally pressed in a wine press called “lagar”. The local pressing of the grapes made the transport to the wine maker just a little bit lighter.
For centuries the wine got transported in a “Borracho”, a traditional goatskin bag.This heavy task was carried out by long qeues of strong men who sometimes walked more than 20 km per day carrying these bags that weighed up to 50 kg.
By using the " BORRACHO " these men were known as "BORRACHEIROS".It is said that the borracheiros somtimes drank little bits of the wine to lighten their load,therefor the word “borracho” is still used as a synonym for being a bit typsy, the spanish even addopted this word.
"Os Borracheiros is a spacious studio apartment that sleeps two people. The apartment includes a tv, a fully equiped kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom.
The shared outside area's include a large terrace, outdoor cooking area.
We also have a heather saltwater pool and a large forest garden that lies behind the house. While you walk through the garden the rest of the world simply seems to disappear, all you hear are the birds and the sound of the streaming water.
Along the garden path there are many sitting area's where you can enjoy nature or read a book.
With all the nature surrounding you, it will feel like you are miles away from civalization, where as in fact Calheta village is just around the corner, and it's beautiful beach is only 2 km away!
Whe are also just 5 km away from Rabacal Valley, this is where some of Madeira's most famous walks start.