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: £17,914
Type: Apartments
Bedrooms: 1
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.
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Price: €29,500
Type: House
Bedrooms: 3
This is an ideal restoration project in a perfect area just on the edge of a small village.
Price: €30,000
Type: Land
Wonderful plot to construct a new house in this popular area of Penacova – not far from the rio Mondego.The position is stunning, there are 2 large terraced areas supported by stone walls.
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
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: €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
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.
Price: €46,500
Agricultural land located next to the Vila Sol and 5 minutes from Vilamoura. Is fenced and has pre-connection of water and electricity. Tank with a capacity of 4000 litters of water.Possibility to farming, warehouse or wooden house.
Price: €47,000
An ideal restoration project, it’s a sound building with all main walls and timbers in very good condition – making this property very easy to restore.All interior divisions need to be re-designed to allow the space to be used more efficiently.
Price: €49,000
A Wonderful Property situated in a peaceful village not too far away from the town of Mortagua. Water, electric and telephone are all connected to the property.The house could be lived in, all it really requires in a good tidy!220
Price: €785,000
Funchal: Luxury, comfort and practicality. extensive external terraces. Access to 18-hole Palheiro Golf course.
Bedrooms: 2/3
Arganil: edge of village, open views. All main walls in good condition. Most of wooden interior still sound.
Price: €29,000
Penacova: disused corn mill in idyllic location on fertile flat land. 10 minute drive to Buccaco Forest. Potential for anyone who wishes to restore and sell.
Price: €125,000
20 yrs old, peaceful location, Caramulo Mountains views. Large, flat garden with pine forest, orange trees, vines.
Prices from: €124,800
Bedrooms: 1, 2
Tavira: fully managed. Each with balcony or terrace. 80% LTV mortgages available. Deposit paid by developer!
Price: €148,000
Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 2
Tabua: two divisions, one rustic, the other new. Needs a little more work and perhaps some updating.
