I can't say enough positive things both about the lodging, and the TradiCampo people who ran it. I will say little about the lodging, as most reviews echo what I would write. So more on the people who ran it:
First, Ricardo was ALWAYS quick and timely in responding both prior to our visit, and during our visit. He communicated clearly and easily, and always provided information to me that went beyond what was needed (sending me directions, visual pictures and maps of the grocery stores, arrival issues, hand - off keys). Further, we arrived 6:00 am at the airport; and although the check in time was 3:00 (or 4?), he let us come much earlier (and if the house wasn't ready yet, he said it was ok to store our luggage inside).
Upon arrival there were enough things in the fridge and pantry to help me not feel pressed to find a grocery store right away (milk, eggs, butter; BIG loaf of fresh bread; fruits, yogurt, and different types of drinks for evening and morning time; there was even rice, potatoes, fruits, and pasta -- helpful if you travel with young kids and need to feed them in a linch-pinch).
These are the things that ease the mind when communicating across country, and when arriving tired and sleep-deprived.
Ricardo also lend me a mobile phone. EXTREMELY HELPFUL, so I can call restaurants and to book excursions, or call him when a question arose.
The woman who kept the house clean was also very personable and wonderful. I am sorry I didn't catch her name, but she was helpful when I couldn't figure out how to turn the stove on.
Joao Sousa was the young man who met us at the house to tell us about the island and all the things to do, and provide info about the amenities of the house. he communicated through WhatsAPP throughout our stay, sending us tips of places to go based on the particular interests of our family, sending us GPS locations; and tips for the best etc, etc. Even helping make restaurant reservations .
Basically these 3 folks helped me not ever feel like I am out on a limb in a very pastural island dotted by many small hubs of villages. I felt very taken care of by them, above and beyond what they needed to do for clients.
The house was AMAZING. very well equiped; very well maintained; tastely furnished. The beds were amazingly comfortable; and since we were in a very small village with minimal traffic, it was peaceful and quiet.
The outside grounds were wonderfully maintained. I was preparing myself for the smell of cow manure; but no uncomfortable odors.
When you are outside of the house, your eyes will land on the beautiful eternity pool, then beyond are the verdant and lush surroundings of the NE hillside of the island; then your eyes finally land on the Atlantic Ocean. I could not be happier with the stunning views.
Here are tips though --> no drying machine; make sure you hang your swim gear as soon as you get home. We brought 2 sets for each person to make sure we had dry ones with us all the time.
Ask them to walk you through making a fire in wood-burning stove; that was a challenge for e city person like me.
There are no grocery stores to speak of close by (more than 20 min drive for a well-equip grocery store). But there is a very small family run store just 3 min walk (a few standard picks of produce, snacks, breads, cheese, and deli meat).