The Banana House

Barefoot on the terrace in the warm morning sun, the scent of mangoes, bananas, and figs in the air, and the sound of the Atlantic in the distance—this is how the days begin here, wonderfully far away from the world. Nestled amid a banana grove on the hillside of the village of Arco da Calheta, within sight of the sea, the terracotta-colored façade emerges from the dense foliage of an exotic garden. The minimalist house, designed by the architects of Tabaibo Atelier, features two levels. Upstairs are the kitchen, dining, and living areas, offering a view of the Fajã do Mar coastline. Every corner of the house is lovingly decorated with a mix of modern design and vintage furniture. The two bedrooms are located in the basement and have direct access to the garden, where mango, fig, and avocado trees grow (picking is expressly encouraged!). Madeira is known for its breathtakingly beauty, so life mainly takes place outdoors. A perfect day therefore not only begins under the open sky, but is also best spent ending there. After a stroll through the market, your shopping haul of fresh fish, meat, and vegetables goes on the grill on the terrace. With the sunset bathing everything in warm light, it’s bound to be a feast.

• The combination of understated luxury against a pristine natural backdrop.
• How small splashes of color create vibrant contrasts in the minimalist design: the dark green subway tiles, the grass-green sink, and the USM designer desk in bright yellow.
• How the rooms feel so airy thanks to the open architecture, the white walls, and the light wood furniture, complemented by special vintage finds.
• The private saltwater pool, where you can swim laps amidst lush greenery and birdsong. After a swim or for a quick cool-down, an outdoor shower awaits.
• What could be better than a yoga session in this magical setting? (Yoga mats are provided for guests.)
• The view—no matter the direction—of the banana plantation, the deep blue of the sea, the green mountains, or the exotic garden.
• The nearby town of Calheta with its charming restaurants. 
• With the Atlantic Ocean in sight, the house is a great starting point for water sports such as surfing, sport fishing, and diving.
• The fact that there are such beautiful hiking trails nearby. You can walk to the Laurisilva Forest with its ancient laurel trees or, after a 15-minute drive, go on a hike to the Paúl da Serra plateau. Mountain bikers and paragliders will also get their fill.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The house has two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with two single beds, accommodating up to 4 people.
• The Banana House features a fully equipped kitchen. A Weber grill is also available.
• Comfortable mattresses and pillows, along with high-quality bedding from Portugal, ensure a restful night’s sleep.
• The house offers everything you need for perfect days of relaxation: cozy seating areas, a daybed, and great reading material.
• Heating and air conditioning ensure pleasant temperatures year-round. The outdoor pool is also open year-round.
• If inspiration strikes you in this magical place, you’ll find everything you need for a workation in the house: a desk and high-speed internet.
• Sustainability is close to the hosts’ hearts: the property is powered by solar energy.
• Due to its slightly remote location, a car is recommended. The road to the house is narrow and steep (making it a bit of an adventure).
• The nearest supermarket is a 10-minute drive away, and the island’s airport is just under 50 kilometers away.