What is(are) your name(s)?
Jonathan and Debra Parsons
For how long have you been running a B&B?
3 years
Please share something about the history of your present bed and breakfast.
We're Jonathan and Debra (Jon and Deb) and we own and run Casa Parsons together. This is our permanent home here and we offer you a relaxed and informal holiday with us, complete with Lucy our very friendly 3 year old "rescue" dog and her playmate, Gizmo the cat. After a dozen visits to Madeira on holiday (over some ten years) we finally had the opportunity to move here permanently in July 2004. We moved from the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, U.K. Exchanging one beautiful island for another, we brought with us our love of the country, walks and coastal areas even more enjoyable here with the warmer temperatures and exotic flora and fauna. Jon is a retired Royal Air Force Search & Rescue Helicopter Aircrew member. Deb was a P.A. in the U.K. Health Service and they both enjoy walking the Levadas together. Casa Parsons is situated in Sítio do Salão, within the lower parish of Gaula. The house was designed by a local architect for a resident professional gentleman, in a rustic and "open plan" style and was constructed some 22 years ago. On two levels, the guest accommodation and public areas occupy the ground floor and the owners’ accommodation is privately contained on the upper floor. The Casa enjoys stunning panoramic sea views and is set in a rural location, close to the village amenities of Gaula.
What are the unique characteristics of your B&B?
Casa Parsons is set in a spectacular hillside location with stunning panoramic sea views and is close to levada walks, coastal trails and hill villages. Also convenient for the Airport and Funchal, Casa Parsons is the ideal base from which to explore Madeira. We are a private family owned and run Bed & Breakfast and have just two spacious and comfortable guest rooms available for you to really feel at home ... In addition, we can cater for your special dietary needs, details on request. And with our wealth of local knowledge we can certainly point you in the right direction for the best walks, tours, eats and drinks available on the Island. With a warm and friendly welcome we invite you to enjoy your holiday in the relaxed and informal atmosphere of Casa Parsons, Located in the village of Gaula, approx 4 kms WNW of Santa Cruz, some 200 metres above sea level and 1 Km from the coast line with magnificent panoramic sea views. The spacious and sunny terraced areas surrounding our Casa offer you the perfect viewpoint to take advantage of the spectacular sea views, year round sunrise and incredible full moonrise. Together with the perfect opportunity for relaxing, bird watching, painting and photography, we are also ideally situated for golfers and marine enthusiasts. Our local village church, square and nearest cafes and bars, together with a decent country and forest walk, are all less than a 10 minute uphill walk away. Our two nearest restaurants, mini mercado, pastelaria and more cafes and bars, are all also within a 10 to 15 minute walk away, via a fairly steep "Vereda" [public foot path] with a mere 207 steps! The local bus service is both excellent and extensive with the nearest main bus stop a 10 minute walk away via the vereda. Whilst a hire car is recommended (road location map and directions to Casa Parsons provided), we do offer a free airport collection service if you choose not to drive.
Based on your guests' opinions, what feature of your B&B has made their stay special?
Just a few opinions from our guest book: "Warm welcome, kind and helpful, fabulous breakfast. Good luck!:, "Wonderful hospitality, information, kindness and good humour. Thank you and best wishes for your future projects!!", "The best B + B we have ever stayed in (and we have been in a fair few). Your hospitality was overwhelming and very appreciated. We wouldn't consider ever coming again and not stopping here. Just remember the phrase of the holiday "at least it's not cold". You are always welcome at our home."
Please describe in short your bed and breakfast and its general services and amenities.
Official "Alojamento Local" status from the local council, fully approved.
How many rooms are offered at your B&B and what is its maximum capacity?
Our two spacious guest rooms have en suite shower rooms, double beds and Sea and Garden views. Both the rooms are situated on the ground floor and have direct level access to the breakfast dining area and the communal lounge.
Please describe the in-room facilities for each type of room in your B&B.
Kettle with tea and coffee making provisions; Radio/CD/Tape player; Guide Books; Hairdryer; Refrigerator; Bath; Towels; Beach Towels; Reading Bookcase; Walking & Tour Maps to borrow; Packed lunches available on request; Remote Internet Access for Laptops and iPods.
What do the room rates include?
Bed, Debs rather fine fresh and "full" continental breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi internet access and free Airport Collection. Plus Maps, Books and advice.
What may guests expect from a typical breakfast at your property?
Choice of teas, coffee, Fresh juices, fruit, cheeses and cold meats with cereals and yogurts etc....varied daily - either home grown or local, with homemade preserves made by Deb.
When and where is breakfast served?
Communal dinning area - from 08:00 to 10:00 hrs but flexible to guest requirements. Early breakfast no problem.
Available to take outside if not too sunny!
Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes, special dietary requests are catered for.
Do you serve other meals?
Other meals available on request, including packed lunches.
Are there cooking facilities, which guests may use?
No cooking facilities available. BUT Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in each room together with a fridge.
Is your bed and breakfast suitable for children?
Not for young children, the roads are quite steep and our terraces quite high up.
Do you accept pets?
Sadly no but .... we do have a lovely dog and cat so maybe could be persuaded.....
What is your smoking policy?
Smoking outside only.
Is there a parking facility on premises or nearby?
Private parking in the street next to our Casa.
Is your B&B suitable for disabled guests?
Whilst the guest rooms are all on the ground floor with level access we are not really equipped for disabled access, sorry.
What safety precautions are provided at your B&B?
Fully certified. Fire, gas and electric.
What is your check-in/check-out policy?
Flexible to suit YOU - we are NOT a Hotel.
Are there a minimum number of nights for staying at your B&B?
Yes, two nights minimum. But we do have flexible arrival and departure times to suit your flight arrival.
How can guests check availability and make a reservation?
Please, via our enquiry form on our web site, thank you: www.casaparsons.com. Or happy to talk on the telephone.
What is you cancellation policy?
No cancellation fee - it probably isn't your fault.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash if possible, after arrival, before departure. Paypal also accepted or Euro bank transfer.
Is there a special etiquette that guests should know about and comply with?
Nope! Be yourself and enjoy.
Please tell us what things guests might enjoy visiting, seeing, doing, etc. in your area.
Levada walks, Coastal walks, Historic City of Funchal, Hill village. The Parish of Gaula, situated on the south coast of Madeira above Santa Cruz, presents a marvelous panorama, mainly maritime, over the coastal fringes, the Deserta Islands and Porto Santo. Dating back to 1509, the Parish is divided between two Patron Saints. Nossa Senhora da Graça of the upper, northern parish and Nossa Senhora da Luz of the lower, southern parish. Casa Parsons is located close to the Gaulish mother church of Nossa Senhora da Luz and as such we are able to fully enjoy the numerous religious festivals that take place throughout the year. Starting at Easter time and throughout the summer, the streets around the church square are often covered in carpets of flowers (donated by local home owners) and filled with decorations, coloured lights and flags - laurel and eucalyptus branches add to the atmosphere. The traditional music and local folklore group of Gaula (created in 1978) together with local food and drink, bring even more excitement to the colourful streets and also act to preserve the villages history thereby sealing the continued good faith and devotion of the people. Our Madeira neighbours exhibit the genuine warmth and friendliness that the Island is renowned for, particularly so in Gaula, and virtually unseen anywhere else in the world. Whale and dolphin watching together with bird watching and relaxing.
Where is your B&B located and how it may be reached?
Road map and directions supplied if arriving by car or if you choose not to drive, then we do offer a free Airport collection service.
What would you say to people who have never stayed in a bed and breakfast?
Private bedroom with own en suite shower room. Communal use of breakfast/dinning area and lounge. Come and go as you please - a part of the family!
Is there something more that you want to share about your property?
It's your holiday, we care. Bespoke Bed and Breakfast. Welcome to Madeira.