Discover a Unique Experience
Stay Where History Meets Comfort in Santa Luzia
Stay at Quinta Glycinia, a beautifully restored historic estate in the heart of Funchal’s Santa Luzia district. The Quinta is not available for short term rental of less than one month. The house is our family base when we are in Madeira, but we are happy to offer it to others who would like to come and experience a little of the Madeiran lifestyle for longer than the average holiday maker. Our mission is to provide rental guests with an authentic Madeiran experience, combining the charm of traditional architecture with modern comfort. Through this website, you can explore the history of the quinta, discover its elegant spaces, and book your stay in one of Madeira’s most distinctive heritage properties.
About Quinta Glycinia
Quinta Glycinia is a beautifully restored historic house in the charming Santa Luzia district of Funchal. Dating back to Madeira’s traditional era of grand quintas, it combines timeless architecture with modern comfort. Original features such as the elegant ceilings with all the original plasterwork have been carefully preserved, while contemporary upgrades ensure a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by lush gardens and close to the heart of the city, Quinta Glycinia offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Madeiran heritage in style.
A little on the history of the Quinta
Quinta Glycinia was originally known as 'Quinta Gil' and had two main dwellings on it; the main house you see here and a smaller house 'Casa Gil" which once had an observation tower to look out over the bay of Funchal. The date above the main gate into Quinta Glycinia reads 1870 giving a rough idea of the age of the house, although there are earlier documents suggesting that it is in fact older.
Quinta Gil had been incorporated into the main body of Quinta Santa Luzia by John Burden Blandy, although the corner name plates that can be seen street side reference EOB - Elinor Olds Blandy. 'Glycinia' is the Portuguese word for wisteria, of which a magnificent example forms the archway in the garden of the Quinta. In the 1909 book 'The Flowers and Gardens of Madeira' the Du Cane sisters often return to the wisterias of Santa Luzia, of which this is one. Quinta Glycinia has always been a private family home and has remained largely unchanged throughout the years, The kitchen was only incorporated into the main body of the house in 2018, having always been in a side building until then. In the garden of the house you will find a very old example of a traditional Madeiran water bowl, used both for drinking, cooking and washing needs. The troughs for the animals to drink from can also still be seen. This water came from the Levada de Santa Luzia, which now runs underneath the property. I inherited the property on my father's death in 2002 and have taken great pride in the slow and careful restoration of the houses to respect the Madeira heritage and architecture.
I hope you find it as happy and comfortable as place as I do.
Quinta Glycinia
A Journey Through the Quinta
Step inside Quinta Glycinia and explore its timeless beauty. From restored heritage details to serene gardens and modern comforts, every corner tells a story of elegance and authenticity.
