My teens couldn't have been more surprised when we opened the door. The house looks deceptively small from the front but it is by far the largest place we have ever stayed in with room for everyone to spread out and have their space. All the rooms are huge. It is very clean, tastefully decorated, well fitted out with I think, everything you could need and then some. There is a courtyard area and two small balconies at the back of the house leading out from two of the bedrooms.
The location is in a residential area and you can park easily on the road or in the garage. The nearby beach is big with big waves and fun for body boarding or jumping the waves even if you can't surf. Old town and large supermarket are close by. Monte Verde fish restaurant is very good and 10 mins walk. There are a few more places but we didn't get around to eating in them.
As for exploring the rest of Sao Miguel, the central location is perfect. This was our first time to the Azores and I hope not our last. There is so much to see just on this one island. Really peaceful and stunningly beautiful.
Diane and the contact John who lives next door are both very friendly and helpful. If we come again, we'll definitely be staying here.

We were 5 people who stayed in this great place for two weeks.
House is really big and even much better than on photos. There was wine and some food to make breakfast waiting for us.
House is located very good as you are almost in the middle of island and you can get to every of beautiful places in the island very fast.
In few minutes walk is perfect beach, great restaurants and big supermarket.
House is perfectly equipped, we were even surprised about so fast WiFi.
We are perfectly satisfied with choosing this place and hope to stay here during our next visit to this Wonderful island!

P.S. super bonus was that we were met in the airport absolutely for free.

Two couples booked for two weeks - the place was even better than the photos! Very spacious, lots of room for more if necessary. Thanks to John for all the very helpful travel info; we found lots to eat and do. The Azores are a beautiful, magical place and we hope to visit again.

A great house. Well equipped Extremely clean. Two bottles of wine , some beer and some snacks awaited our arrival. The house is an easy walk to beach and town. The next door neighbor answered all questions and supplied us with good recommendations of places to go and eat. Owner was helpful with booking and directions. Book it and enjoy you stay!

...we had in casa santa barbara! spacious, close to the sea, in a friendly neighbourhood, fully furnished and equipped, with the perfect host next door, who welcomed us with some food and drinks, answered our questions and solved our problems, there was nothing we missed. Thanks for the stay on this beautiful island!

We stayed here for a week in December 2015. The owner was really helpful prior to the holiday, returning emails promptly, providing directions from the airport, information on facilities available and recommendations of local places to eat. The house was modern and superbly equipped with a modern kitchen, plenty of cooking utensils, a coffee machine, toasted sandwich maker etc. On arrival there was wine and cupboards stocked with tea, coffee, sugar,salt, pepper, herbs etc. The oven and fridge/freezer were very new and large enough for a group to prepare food. The house was spacious with three bathrooms with modern efficient showers with plenty of hot water. There was ample bedding and towels provided. The enclosed patio had table and chairs for relaxing in, with a bbq. The house was a in good location, five minutes to the beach. Overall the house was excellent and we would definitely return again.