Quinta da Casa Branca

Old meets new at Quinta da Casa Branca.

In this match made in heaven, the old is the elegant and luxurious 19^th century Casa Branca Manor House. Originally the residence of English wine merchant John Leacock, the Manor House has been sympathetically converted into hotel accommodation. There are five luxury suites, and the décor is classic-Madeiran: grand columns and archways, imposing stone fireplaces, venetian-style chandeliers and dark cedar floors with antique Portuguese furniture to match.

It’s quite a contrast to the new: the modern quinta wing is more akin to a boutique hotel. Hidden amongst the olive trees and camphor of the botanical gardens, the contemporary design in dark basalt stone sits very well next to it’s 19^th century neighbour. The quinta’s rooms are all south facing, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening directly over the garden. The bygone grandeur of the Manor House is impressive, but there’s something quite special in how the quinta blurs the line between indoors and out.