Casa Cossart | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Prazeres

Southwestern Madeira rewards those who venture beyond the resorts and into the quiet farming villages where pine forests meet Atlantic cliffs. Casa Cossart sits in this landscape—above Prazeres, one of the island’s most serene settlements—offering the kind of retreat where your biggest decision each morning is whether to swim before or after coffee. This luxury villa rental in Calheta Portugal captures 180-degree views that sweep from hilly countryside down to the ocean, a perspective that shifts dramatically with each passing hour and season.

Inside Casa Cossart

Casa Cossart sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, all arranged on a single ground floor that eliminates stairs and creates an open, flowing layout ideal for families or small groups who want both togetherness and privacy.

The heart of the villa is a combined living and dining zone flooded with southern light through floor-to-ceiling glass. Cream and soft grey tones dominate the interior—a deliberate palette that amplifies natural daylight and creates visual calm. A working fireplace anchors the living area, essential during Madeira’s cooler winter months (November through February), while comfortable seating clusters invite you to settle in with a book or simply watch the light change across the landscape. The dining table accommodates 10 people, making shared meals the natural center of daily life. This is the kind of kitchen that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty: fully equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, coffee machine, toaster and kettle, plus a breakfast bar overlooking both the garden and living space. You remain part of conversation while preparing food, never isolated from the household rhythm.

Bedroom one features a double bed with direct en-suite shower room access—the master suite of the villa, with glass doors that open to garden views and the sound of forest canopy rustling in the Atlantic breeze. Bedroom two offers two single beds pushed together (convertible to twins), with garden access and morning light that arrives early. Bedroom three provides another double bed, equally positioned to capture the southern exposure and distant ocean shimmer. Two additional shower rooms serve guests in bedrooms two and three, each functional and bright.

Practical amenities include Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning for summer heat management, flat-screen television, and availability of a cot and high chair—essentials for families with infants or toddlers. A tumble dryer and washing machine handle laundry needs for week-long stays.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The garden unfolds across multiple terraced levels, each with distinct purpose. A large covered terrace shelters you from sudden rain showers, while a second open terrace faces due south and disappears under morning sun. Parasols and sun loungers dot both spaces, angled to capture maximum light without glare. The heated private swimming pool dominates the upper garden—a crystalline rectangle where morning swims precede breakfast and evening dips follow sunset watching. A barbecue station invites al fresco dining, the kind of setup where you grill fish at dusk while the ocean darkens from blue to indigo.

The vegetation surrounding Casa Cossart is purposefully kept: pine and acacia trees provide natural screening and afternoon shade, while the cleared areas maintain those commanding views toward the coast. A decked terrace system creates natural pathways through the space, preventing the garden from feeling either wild or manicured. Private parking accommodates visiting cars without visual intrusion.

Location: Prazeres and the Surrounding Area

Casa Cossart occupies the foothills of the Prazeres forest, 6 kilometers from Prazeres village itself and 12 kilometers from Calheta town. This positioning offers genuine seclusion—neighbors are few, ambient noise absent—while keeping essential services within reasonable distance.

Prazeres village (meaning “pleasures” in Portuguese) is the immediate cultural reference point. The village hosts a lively Sunday market where vendors sell local produce, cheeses and cider. Family-run restaurants and cafés cluster around the central square, and a small animal farm introduces children to goats and pigs. The local cider mill offers tastings, a sensible activity on warm afternoons. More surprisingly, a tearoom serves local cider in a setting that feels genuinely un-touristy.

Paul do Mar, accessible by a steep path with panoramic views, sits 3 kilometers southwest and represents Madeira’s authentic fishing heritage. Once reachable only by boat, this ancient village now welcomes visitors to waterfront restaurants where you eat fish caught that same morning. The catch changes daily based on what the boats deliver—a guarantee of freshness that mainland restaurants cannot match.

Calheta, the closest beach town, lies 12 kilometers south and functions as the region’s hub. Its sandy beach (rare on rocky Madeira) is protected by sea walls that create safe swimming for children. Water sports operators offer parasailing, scuba diving and windsurfing from this location. The marina provides boat trips for dolphin and whale watching—sightings are common during April through June migration periods.

The Prazeres region is famous among hikers for its levadas walks—ancient irrigation channels that now function as trekking routes through lush mountain terrain. The Prazeres-to-Raposeira levada trail extends 6.7 kilometers through streams and past a notable waterfall. Experienced surfers access some of Madeira’s best waves at nearby breaks, while Praia do Jardim offers a pebbly beach alternative 4 kilometers away.

For broader exploration, Madeira’s north coast is 20 kilometers away via mountain pass (dramatic scenery, hairpin turns). The island’s capital, Funchal, is 45 kilometers east and contains the airport, museums, botanical gardens and harbor markets that showcase Madeira’s agricultural abundance. We recommend exploring our luxury villas in Europe and our full collection in Portugal. For destination inspiration, read our Calheta travel guide.

Seasonal considerations matter here. November through February brings cooler, rainier weather—but also fewer tourists and often-dramatic cloud formations. March through May is ideal: temperatures 18-22°C, reliable sunshine, almond blossoms in surrounding villages. June through September grows warm (25-28°C) with occasional Atlantic rain. October sees prices drop as summer crowds depart but weather remains pleasant.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Casa Cossart appeals to families with young children. The single-level layout eliminates stair navigation with toddlers. The heated pool provides safe water play. Nearby Calheta beach has lifeguards. The quiet location means children can run between terrace and garden without disturbing neighbors. Prazeres village activities (animal farm, market exploration) occupy a half-day.

Multi-generational groups benefit from the layout and capacity: grandparents occupy one en-suite bedroom, parents another, children the third. Shared mealtimes in the 10-person dining area reinforce family bonding. The garden accommodates different energy levels—loungers for rest, pool for activity.

Couples seeking extended retreats (two weeks or more) appreciate the space to maintain privacy while avoiding the isolation of true rural locations. The fireplace suits romantic evenings. The view is the real entertainment—television and Wi-Fi provide backup options.

Hiking groups and adventure travelers value the location’s proximity to levada trails and the fitness required to reach Paul do Mar. The outdoor terrace becomes a social hub for evening meal planning and next-day route discussion. Surfers access nearby breaks within 30 minutes.

Practical Information

Casa Cossart accommodates 6 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (the island’s main airport) lies 45 kilometers away in Funchal, approximately 50 minutes by car via the western coast road. A rental car is essential—public transport in rural Prazeres is minimal.

The nearest supermarket is in Calheta, 12 kilometers away (approximately 15 minutes driving). For immediate needs, Prazeres village has a small mini-market within walking distance. A traditional restaurant and café are also walkable from the villa.

The rental price includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning, utilities, linen and towels. Pool heating is available (consult terms and conditions for any additional costs). Cleaning before arrival and after departure is standard; mid-stay cleaning can be arranged. Check-in flexibility depends on seasonal occupancy—contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly for your specific dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Cossart

How many guests does Casa Cossart sleep?

Casa Cossart accommodates 6 guests maximum. The property comprises 3 bedrooms (one double with en-suite, one double, one with two singles), all on a single ground floor. There are no sofa beds or annexes. Groups larger than 6 would need to book an adjacent property.

What is the nearest airport to Casa Cossart in Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal is the nearest major airport, located 45 kilometers southeast. Travel time from the airport to Casa Cossart is approximately 50-55 minutes by car, heading west along the coastal road through Calheta. Car rental at the airport is recommended for independent exploration of the region.

What is the best time of year to rent Casa Cossart?

March through May offers ideal conditions: temperatures between 18-22°C, consistent sunshine, almond blossom season in surrounding villages, and fewer tourists than summer months. September and October provide warm weather (24-27°C) with lower prices as peak season ends. November through February is coolest and wettest but brings dramatic cloud formations and minimal crowds. Avoid July-August for extreme heat and peak pricing.

Is Casa Cossart suitable for families with children?

Yes. The single ground-floor layout eliminates stair hazards. A heated swimming pool provides safe water activity under parental supervision. A cot and high chair are available for infants and toddlers. Calheta beach (12 kilometers away) has lifeguards and shallow protected waters ideal for young swimmers. Prazeres village features a small animal farm and Sunday market that engage children. The quiet location and secure fenced grounds allow children to play safely between the terrace and garden.

What is included in the rental price at Casa Cossart?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi throughout the property, air conditioning, all utilities (electricity, water, gas), bed linens and towels, and use of all furnishings and kitchen equipment. Pool heating is available (verify any associated costs with your booking). Pre-arrival cleaning and post-departure cleaning are standard. Mid-stay cleaning services can be arranged for additional fees.

What restaurants and shops are near Casa Cossart?

Prazeres village offers three dining options within walking distance (approximately 20-30 minutes on foot): a traditional Portuguese restaurant, a casual café, and a cider tearoom. A small mini-market in the village stocks basic groceries. For comprehensive shopping, Calheta town (12 kilometers away, 15-minute drive) has multiple supermarkets, restaurants, and the marina market. Funchal, 45 kilometers away, contains a daily farmers’ market famous for tropical fruits and local cheeses.