Relaxing

Our extended family of 5 (3 generations) enjoyed our stay in the Casa Lisetta. It is strategically located in Lagoa, with easy access to the older roadways that run through the various seaside parishes of Lagoa and on to Ponta Delgada as well as the new highways that connect you to the rest of the Island. There is major supermarket, which includes a drug store, very close by, and there are several of good restaurants that are a short walk away, including a pizzeria. Also, it is close to a nice paved walking path that runs along the ocean for a few km. The host and team supporting the house were great. Rita accommodated our early arrival on Easter and when we had a problem with a hot water heater, Rui got a technician in to take care of it right away. The kitchen is modern with everything that you will need. While we gave this property five stars across the board, I wanted to mention a few things that we found challenging but that are no fault of the host. First, parking near the house is "competitive" to get. Second, the garden door to the ocean was damaged by a storm and unable to open, so we had to walk up to the corner and down a street to get to the ocean. Next, there is a new luxury home currently being constructed next door (Apr 2023), and the workers start construction at 0800 and the crews can block the street from time to time. Next, the description mentions a stray white cat who you asked to feed inside (food/milk/litter provided). We like all animals, so this was not a problem, and I am sure that the cat keeps any mice away. But note that the cat likes to be in the house when you are there, has a bed inside, and cries to come in, so if you don't like cats, this may not be the place for you. With that said, she is sweet (but independent and sometimes sassy) and you are likely to make a new friend. Finally, my only suggestion to the host is that the living room and upstairs bedrooms could probably use an update to the furniture and mattresses, with perhaps an additional chair or two in the living room. In summary, we highly recommend this house to people who enjoy dining and spending time outdoors in the garden, and for those who are looking for the experience of living in a traditional village. It is an excellent value for its location, esp. for those with families or group of couples. It is a good base from which to journey to all the major sites on the island, and you will it very spacious and comfortable.

This beautiful home was wonderful for the two of us on a return visit celebrating our first trip to Sao Miguel on our honeymoon 10 years ago. It was great to have it all to ourselves but could easily have accomodated 8. It had absolutely everything we needed and was so comfortable and spacious. It even had an extremely well behaved little white cat who enjoys human company but does not intrude. The garden complete with dragon tree is really fantastic. It has obviously been established and developed over many years and is set out in 7 levels joined by winding pathways. The range of plants is extensive and I imagine there are flowers for every month.There is always somewhere sunny to sit and I expect the same goes for shady spots in the summer. A gate at the end of the garden opens onto a pathway leading to the sea and some bathing pools. It is all so clean and well kept there is even a sand box for fishermen to stub out their cigarettes! Ruis who looks after the house was so very welcoming and patient with us when we arrived late. We cannot recommend this house enough it is really special and a beautiful home.

We had a very pleasant week staying at Casa Lisetta. The house is clean and comfortable, the gardens are incredible and the location right on the water was fantastic! Only downside was lots of dogs barking at night.

The house itself and the garden were so full of character this was one of the outstanding attractions of our whole vacation. The path from the walled garden to the sea through volcanic rocks and the pools for swimming were unlike anything we've seen before. The location of the house in Lagoa about in the middle of the island made trips to the major attractions an hour or less.

This property is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. The house is rustic, but modern where it needs to be. The gardens are paradise. The swimming hole in the ocean behind the house is magical. One issue that caused a lot of stress with us was the very strict rules of people visiting. We decided to rent a house so we had flexibility with a number of friends on the island wanting to come and go, but that was not possible. If our friend wanted to stay for 1 night it would cost 5 nights minimum of the "additional person" cost even though numerous beds were empty. We were happy to pay per extra per person, per night, but the restrictions had a negative impact on our vacation. The active motion detectors that would blink every time you moved in each room were also worrisome and a nuisance in the middle of the night. As an American, neither of these issues were acceptable, but perhaps it is a cultural difference. It was still a phenomenal property, the cat is a sweetheart, and the restaurant just out the back gate will take great care of you.

This is house is amazing! It is very spacious inside and was equipped with everything we needed. The downstairs bedrooms open up into the lush garden and the upstairs rooms have beautiful views of the garden and ocean. The garden is spectacular, the pictures don't do it justice. We spent alot of time just relaxing outside and hanging out with the very affectionate resident cat. When you walk to the end of the garden you are just steps from tidal pools that are perfect for cooling off in. The general location of Lagoa is perfect for easily getting anywhere on the island. The hosts were so lovely and accommodating. I would highly recommend this house to anyone. If I return to São Miguel I would want to stay in this same house!

Wonderful visit

This was an excellent experience. The home was very unique! Also very inviting! The gardens were beautiful and tranquil with the sound of the ocean in the background. Easy walk to good restaurants and a quick drive to the Contiente market. The highway is very close and made it very easy to get to the other side of the island to explore. I would definitely recommend this as a place to stay in Sao Miguel.

This was an excellent experience. The home was very unique! Also very inviting! The gardens were beautiful and tranquil with the sound of the ocean in the background. Easy walk to good restaurants and a quick drive to the Contiente market. The highway is very close and made it very easy to get to the other side of the island to explore. I would definitely recommend this as a place to stay in Sao Miguel.

We loved staying at Rita’s beautiful home. Inside and out, it was an amazing place. The gardens were so beautiful and the house was very comfortable and clean with everything you need. Location for perfect for exploring the island, but you could also just go to the swimming area right outside the back gate and walk to restaurants without getting in the car. We would definitely stay here again. Thanks Rita (and Tania, too)

We enjoyed our stay in this lovely residence. There were a few issues however that presented themselves during our stay. Nothing major- The landscapers arrived a couple of days after we arrived and spent several hours grooming the property. The difference between what the gardens looked like before they arrived and once they were done was dramatic. One of the parties in our group was not particularly thrilled to have a weed whacker outside their door so early in the morning. I do think, at the price point charged, that the place would benefit with new towels and linens as they were showing their age. The need for a fan on the 2nd floor is really a necessity as the temps in July during our stay required it. The ocean pool outside the back entrance appeared to be a very popular spot during our stay as there were many people there every day. If you didn’t go early you were out of luck getting a spot. None of the issues would prevent us from renting the property again.. Rita, you have a lovely home and we already miss the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep ever night. The visiting cats every day was a bonus for animal lovers like us. Thank you

Our family found the location of this home to be ideal for sightseeing around Sao Miguel. The island itself is spectacularly beautiful. The home's neighborhood itself is fairly quiet and a short walk or drive from various amenities including a large grocery store. The kitchen is well stocked with cookware and dishware and the appliances worked well. Our children enjoyed the lovely garden and were entertained by the cats who visited the property. Downstairs sleeping arrangements (for four individuals) were more comfortable than those upstairs due to mattress comfort, bedding, and room temperature/air circulation and quality. Communication with the owners was easy and prompt.

The home was spacious and unique. There are beautiful stone walls in the dining room and downstairs bedrooms and the patio off the upstairs bedrooms has lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean. There's a well-equipped kitchen: stove, refrigerator, dishwasher (no microwave). The house is not air conditioned; during our stay the weather was such that fans were sufficient. The most fantastic part of the property was the expansive back garden. Terraced with lush plantings and views to the ocean, we spent a lot of time outside. Out the back gate it was a short walk to a rocky area that had tide pools large enough to cool off in. The location was very convenient if you rent a car. It's less than a 20 minutes drive to Ponta Delgada and the house is close to roads that provide easy access to the north side of the island. We had no trouble finding a space to park on the road near the house. The road is narrow so you need to be comfortable with parallel parking. We had a wonderful stay in San Miguel.

The view and the garden are great. Likewise, the interiors are very pleasant.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Sao Miguel at Rita's cottage in Lagoa! The house was extremely spacious, located close to the airport, and 5 minutes from a large supermarket. The kitchen was well stocked with appliances and we enjoyed relaxing in the evenings at home over home-cooked meals. However, the main attraction of this property is the garden and the sea. We could not believe how many species of blooming flowers there were! Also, the house is right on the ocean with breathtaking views. We took many walks and enjoyed the roar of the waves smashing against the rocky coastline. We did many day trips from the house - it is not far from the highway exit which made it very convenient. A note: all the beds are singles, even if they look like doubles! Also, there is a washer, but no dryer. Be prepared to hang your clothes up all around the second floor. They will take one day to dry. We also enjoyed the black and white cats who napped in the garden and were happy to be fed with the provided food!

This home was beautiful inside and out! Rui met us at the home and while he didn’t speak English, I understood enough of his Portuguese to figure out what we needed. The location was perfect for getting everywhere on the island and we were able to walk to local restaurants and the supermarket. Definitely would consider this property again on a return to the Azores!

The house is even lovelier than the photos. Our family of 4 adults appreciated the spaciousness, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms (each with a beautiful view of the ocean) and the most spectacular garden. The central location was perfect for getting to all parts of the island for hiking and dining. Highly recommend.

My second time here in this beautiful home. I’ll be back again. Love the location, central to many places on the island.

3 couples thoroughly enjoyed the house. Location on the island is great, supermarket is 3 min drive away. Friendly neighbors. We loved the backyard...just amazing! The only thing we would recommend is adding a third floor fan so each bedroom has one. There is little cross breeze making it quite stuffy in the rooms. The 2 that had fans were fine, but the third bedroom was uncomfortable. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home.

Das Haus liegt an einer ruhigen Strasse, die wenigen Autos hört man nicht, da alle Zimmer auf Garten und Meer ausgerichtet sind. Das Haus kombiniert alte Substanz mit liebevoll restauriertem Innenraum. Das Wohn-/Esszimmer ist mit deiner hohen Decke ein Hingucker. Mit vier Schlafzimmern und drei Bädern bietet das Haus jede Menge Platz. Frühstück, Mittag- und Abendessen gab es immer auf der Terasse im Garten mit Blick aufs Meer. Der Garten ist wunderbar gestaltet, so dass er noch grösser wirkt, als er ist. Der direkte Zugang aus dem Garten zum Badeplatz am Meer war perfekt für eine Runde Schwimmen nach einer Bergtour. Und am späten Abend bot sich die Dachterasse zum Sterne beobachten an. Die Vermieter waren bei Fragen oder Wünschen immer erreichbar, freundlich und extrem hilfsbereit. Für jeden, der die Azoren erleben will, ist das Haus die perfekte Basis.

Rita and Rolf's spacious house is perfect for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful part of San Miguel Island. The kitchen is well stocked for making fish you buy from the truck that comes down the street each morning. You can eat indoors or out in the amazing garden. Each room looks onto the sea, and out the lower garden gate you walk 20 meters to a beautiful natural swimming pool, with space to lay in the sun. Take your snorkel and fins and watch schools of colorful fish right at your feet, or go for a long swim into the ocean. It was hot while we were there in July, and the bedrooms were a bit stuffy but Rita sent over room fans and we slept comfortably. We'd go back in a lucky heartbeat.

Das Haus Lisetta überzeugte unsere Sechsergruppe vollkommen. Die Sauberkeit war top, man konnte den Blick aufs Meer durch den wunderschön gepflegten Garten schweifen lassen und nach ausgedehnten Wanderungen ins angrenzende Badebecken hüpfen.

Der Garten ist sehr schön und individuell angelegt. Mehrere Ecken bieten Schatten und laden zum Sitzen ein. Dann zur Abkühlung schnell aus der kleinen Pforte in wenigen Schritten zu dem Naturbecken an den Atlantik! Nach ausgiebigen Wanderungen auf der Insel taucht man aus der unaufgeregten Quirligkeit des Verkehrs in die Ruheinsel Garten ein. In dem Wohnhaus bildet das sehr geräumige Wohnzimmer den Mittelpunkt. Das Haus ist zweckmäig eingerichtet und sehr geräumig. Und abends dann in die nächste Querstraße ins Restaurant und frischen Fisch bei Atlantikblick..... Mehr braucht´s nicht für einen perfekten Urlaub. B + B aus Berlin

tolles geräumiges altes Haus, schön renoviert, mit traumhaftem Garten und direktem Zugang zum Meer mit Bademöglichkeit

Ein schönes Haus. Es ist genug Platz! Ein schöner Garten! Sao Miguel ist ein bemerkenswerter Ort!

We had a superb week here. The house is large, very comfortable, well equipped and has a stunning garden. The photos do not do justice to it. You can enjoy the local village atmosphere and the ocean waves at the bottom of the garden but the house is also very convenient if you wish to drive into Punta Delgada. It's also centrally located for exploring the island. In the village we ate well at both the local restaurants and enjoyed a very lively evening watching a pop band performing as part of a local festival. There is a good supermarket close by selling local fish and seafood for the barbecue, and we were delighted to find travelling bakers delivering bead every morning.

We had been in the Azores for a couple of days before getting to Lagoa and this house. We already knew how beautiful the island was, but I don't think we were quite prepared for how beautiful this house would be. The garden is spectacular, it's obvious much love has gone into the landscaping here. The views from the upstairs terrace were magnificent- looking out over the garden to the sea...One evening we saw a man taking his goats for a stroll out on the rocks by the ocean. We slept great in the downstairs bedrooms as there were only three of us. Beds were comfortable and it was so dark with all the doors and windows closed. I usually wake up too early on vacation in a strange place, so this was a major bonus! Communication with the owners was easy and everything you could need was provided. If you are thinking of renting this place- just do it! you won't be sorry, but I might be when I try to go again and it's all booked!

The house is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures & the garden is even more impressive. The back gate takes you out either out to a local restaurant with great traditional Portuguese food or to the beautiful tidal pool at the ocean, both just a minute away. Bring wet shoes/crocs for swimming as it is quite rocky, but still amazing. The owners, Rita and Rolf are very friendly, via email, and it was pretty easy to arrange the rental. They aren’t on the island, so the cleaning lady, Tanya lets you in. She was very friendly, only a minute away when we called upon our arrival, and showed us around the house, the garden and the tidal pool. There’s lots of room in the house and the three bathrooms made getting ready for your day very easy. Be sure you book a car ahead though, as you’ll definitely need one here. But with a car you’re perfectly situated to see the entire island. Among highlights of things to do, you have to mention Sete Cidades, Furnas, Ponta Delgado (don’t miss the 2 gardens), Ribeira dos caldeirões, and Ribeira Grande. But be sure to check out the beautiful coast of Mosteiros & the distillery in Ribeira Grande for the best local liqueurs, including 'maracuja', passionfruit. Also be sure to check out every 'miradouro', lookout, you come across, they’re all pretty spectacular, especially Ponta Da Madrugada on the east coast. The house has a full kitchen so you can eat in when you want. A large grocery store is a few minutes away by car, plus there are a couple of smaller mercados close by as well as one within walking distance. Be sure to try the Pasteis de Nata, the traditional Portuguese tart available pretty much everywhere. There isn’t a phone in the house but there is wifi, so bring along a phone or tablet, to make plans. But if you want to eat out there are two restaurants within easy walking distance. And there are plenty of choices to eat in Ponta Delgada which is only 10 minutes away by car. We would recommend this house, especially to those who want to experience Sao Miguel like a local, not a tourist.