One pleasant morning not long ago, MIB happened to come across Quinta Jardins do Imperador in Monte. Once we arrived, we found ourselves standing in front of an overwhelmingly large gate, guarded by the porter's dwelling, where inside stands the offices. Once inside, images of long-ago swerved past our minds. The pebbled trails, unsoiled and well restored, surrounded by century-old trees, high chandeliers, charming garden benches, reminded us of what it used to be like to have lived during that era.

This Quinta was constructed in the beginning of the 14th century, when a Dr, Gordon, born in London, came to live to Madeira and decided to build a home in Monte. In 1871 Gordon sold his Quinta to Leland Cossart. On July 24th, 1899, Luis Rocha Machado bought the Quinta. November 1921 marks the date in which Emperor Charles I of Austria and his family take refuge in the Quinta, an offer by Luis, and suffers the fate of dying one year later on April 1st 1922.
The Emperor's body was then buried at the local Church of Monte and Luis Rocha Machado transformed the Hall of the house into a chapel, in memory of Charles. In 1973 Luis Rocha Machado dies and his daughters Josefina Amador and Helena Couto become heiresses to the Quinta.

In 1982, the Regional Government of Madeira buys the Quinta with the intention of initially creating the University of Madeira but, in 2002, it is conceded to the Camacho group and their partner, the notorious honorary consul of Austria in Madeira - Dr. Duarte Correia.
The Quinta Jardins do Imperador in Monte, approximately 50,000m2, a classified patrimony, began about 15 months ago an intense and dedicated recovery. The principal dwelling of the Quinta will hold a bar and meal room and is well guarded by a 600 year old chestnut tree.

Its 8 rooms, library, museum and spaces, will be recuperated only for visitors, as is the case with the 19th century washroom which is adjoined with the principal dwelling.
In the Malakof garden, MIB was invited to have a coffee in the cafeteria where one can easily view the magnificent sight of Funchal.

It is important to highlight the fact that this entire recuperation process was only possible thanks to the total support of both Dr. Luis Camacho and Dr. Duarte Correia, as it was confirmed by Mr. António Couto, general director of the Quinta.
To feel the whole magic of the Quinta, nothing better than to take one whole morning or afternoon to savour a cup of coffee or tea at Quinta Jardins do Imperador in Monte. The Garden can be visited daily, except on Sundays, between 9:30am and 5:30pm.