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Situated in the agricultural village of Castel Branco, just 10 kilometres along
the coast from the port of Horta, the Quinta da Meia Eira offers its guests a
chance to sample the true flavour of Azorean hospitality.
The two small 19th century houses have been restored by the current owners
in the traditional 'whaling' architectural style and now provide five comfortable
guest bedrooms, each with a sea view, air-conditioning, cable television and of
course en-suite facilities. In addition there are two family suites complete with
kitchenettes equipped for basic self-catering.
Francisco and Susana live on the premises with their two small sons and are
always keen to talk to their guests about Azorean life as between them they
have a vast knowledge of a variety of subjects ranging from agriculture. The
property has extensive fields running all the way down to the sea used
nowadays for cattle breeding and dairy farming although in former days arable
farming was more prominent and indeed the quinta derives its name from the
semi-circular threshing floor preserved in the garden.
A particular feature of the Quinta is the extremely light and airy reading room
with a nautical theme and also incorporating a piano, guitar and music
system. The south facing glass wall leads to a terrace with panoramic views
over the fields to the ocean beyond, even taking in part of the runway of the
small local airfield where the few arrivals and departures each day are an
interesting distraction rather than the nuisance created by a large airport
The other public rooms include a games room, decorated with an agricultural
theme and containing more than enough reference material to plan you days
excursions, and the all important dining room where delicious breakfasts,
complete with homemade preserves, can be enjoyed whilst surveying the
panoramic views.
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