Country: Portugal
21 July 2009
Thanks to the appealing climate and increasing range of year-round outdoor activities, property in Madeira and the island itself has been expanding its appeal to families in recent years.
Roger Still, who lives on Madeira with his wife Lizzie and daughter Lara, says: “When we moved here 18 months ago, we weren’t sure how Lara would settle – but we’ve all acclimated very quickly thanks to the huge range of activities available year round. Opportunities here for families are terrific.
“Lara particularly enjoys the Saturday morning girl’s golf lessons held at the Palheiro Golf Course. They are very popular, with around 20 girls attending each week.”
The long coastline provides a range of water sports including surfing, fishing, sailing and snorkelling. Dolphin spotting boat trips are another great day out.
The lush interior has a winding network of levadas for walking explorations of the islands flora and fauna. Mountain biking is another popular activity.The annual festivals are a highlight for families, particularly the fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve and during the Atlantic Festival in June.
During the Festival of the Flower in April, thousands of children gather to place a flower at the Municipal Square to make up the floral "Wall of Hope" (Muro da Esperança). This festival also offers classical concerts and live folk music.
A deer park, an ecological park, a farmyard zoo (Prazeres), the Story Centre and the Santana theme park with a mix of Madeiran history, tradition and culture, are sure to keep children of all ages entertained for hours.
Palheiro Village, overlooking the capital city of Funchal, provides the popular place to explore the delights of Madeira. Or, to take in the sweeping views of the ocean and relax at the pool bar while the children enjoy swimming in the Village Forum pool.
Both long and short stays are possible – with villas and apartments available to rent or buy.
A family sized three-bedroom villa, with well designed indoor/outdoor flow to terraces overlooking the ocean, is available from €690,000 (£595,000).
Fully furnished villas are available to rent from €1,450 per week (£1,250), providing the perfect family holiday for all ages.
See Also: Madeira, Palheiro Estate, Portugal
Price: €20,000
Type: House
Bedrooms: 4
This Property has been restored to the highest standard and retains many of its original rustic features; its located in a very clean and up-market area of Central Portugal.
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Price: £17,914
Type: Apartment
Bedrooms: 1
This Avant-garde hotel occupies a priveleged position at the top of panoramic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the 18th hole of the Sir Nick Faldo designed gold course as well as the clubhouse.
Type: Apartments
The avant-garde hotel occupies a privileged position at the top of panoramic cliffs overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and the 18th hole of the Sir Nick Faldo designed golf course as well as the clubhouse.
Price: €35,000
Type: Detached House
Bedrooms: 2
A detached house in need of modernizing set in a village location in Central Portugal.It’s within a 10 minute drive to the town of Mortagua with all facilities including a railway link to Coimbra, Lisbon and Porto.220
Type: Land
A very nice area of land south facing with wide open views across the open countryside. It’s set in a very quiet position on the edge of a popular village and area.
Price: €39,000
The main attraction with this property is its location, the views are outstanding.The majority of the building will need to be reconstructed but with the potential of its position it would make a lovely home in Central Portugal.220
Bedrooms: 3
Nice quiet position for this detached house.It’s in need of restoration – all structurally sound but in need of internal divisions to be replaced.<
Price: €43,500
Set in the heart of the forest this property has an outstanding position.At the head of a valley it has unspoiled views which can only be appreciated when you see them.
Price: €45,000
Rustic house to restore in a village setting with views of the river and barrage.It has recently had a new roof and is structurally sound but does require internal restoration.
This restoration project is just on the edge of a small village, in a peaceful setting, not far from a thriving working town.
Price: £195,200
Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 3 - 2 ensuite
200sqm open plan living. Polished stone floors. Private balcony, terrace & garage. Sea & garden views. Communal pool.
Price: Fractional Freehold from €40,000
Price: Outright ownership from €250,000
Each Vigia luxury property development boasts an exceptional location: stunning western Algarve. Various purchasing methods available.
Price: £125,600
Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 - 1 ensuite
Kitchens with cupboards, hob/oven, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher. Pool, gardens, tennis courts.
Prices from: £147,200
Bedrooms: 2 & 3
Off-plan in Fuseta, Olhao. 30 two-bed, two-bath apartments & 20 three-bed, three-bath semi-detached villas.
Bedrooms: 2/3
Arganil: edge of village, open views. All main walls in good condition. Most of wooden interior still sound.
Price: €90,000
Completely renovated. Re-wired, replumbed & tiled throughout. New ceilings, floors, doors and windows.
