This old stone house is solid, simple and beautiful. Surrounded by lush green fields of grass, with cows grazing in some of them. Views to the sea and mountains. A 360 degree sense of being in Eden.
Terraces on two sides of the house give you sunrises and sunsets. It was a great location for island explorations in any direction. Central to all. And we did many things during our 10 day stay. We went to all ends of the island and explored towns and lakes and Furnas and Sete Cidades calderas, seaside swim spots, restaurants, Ponta Delgada. Many miradouras (overlooks). Many natural piscinas (sea pools). Kayaked in the lakes. So much beauty!
The house itself is not fancy. Simply furnished, basics. But that gave it the allure we loved. Just enough, not too much. When we arrived cows were grazing directly in front of the house in one of the stone walled pastures. We were in awe. They are beautiful! This does mean you may smell cows, and have a few flies. Being a farm girl from Washington State, this did not bother me. I was sad when the cows were moved to new grazing elsewhere. The house also requires you to turn on the water heater to get hot water each time needed. And the bathroom is a bit sour. But after a day there those details disappear because you are eager to awake and see the view and bask in how marvelous it is! There were times we stayed home, just to be there, taking it all in. Living there, as if Azorean, instead of heading out. We walked the small gravel roads, and through the grassy fields. We were glad we had our 10 days, and would have liked a few more.
The beds are very firm, as others have noted. No spices or cooking basics, if you plan to cook. The umbrella stand was broken, but we improvised with rocks and had the shade we desired.
Marco's parents live nearby and are wonderful. You will feel lucky if you get to meet them.
We plan to return. We truly loved it there and were very sorry to leave!