Think of the Algarve and images of glorious beaches bathed in hour upon hour of sunshine will probably come racing to mind. While this is perfectly true and the area is ideal for all manner of watersports including sailing, surfing and windsurfing, it also has many other attractions. There are picturesque villages to explore, golf courses to suit all levels of player and rural countryside for walking, hiking and biking.
Mario Condeco, sales director at Monte Rei, one of the region’s most prestigious golf resorts located in the Eastern Algarve, says,
“The top end of the market is the best it has been in three or four years. Confidence is coming back as buyers realise the Algarve is a safe place to buy in both senses: it offers a very good return on investment and is politically safe. Although high end property buyers are normally cash buyers, it is reassuring to know that banks operating in Portugal are eager to lend on property with very attractive terms and conditions.”
Moving towards the heart of the Algarve, Vilamoura combines both heritage and new opportunities, including l’Orangerie, an impressive residential development currently undergoing phase two of construction. Mark Collins, chairman of CBRE Residential, comments,
“Situated in one of the most prestigious areas in the Algarve, l’Orangerie is an impressive residential development of elegance and luxury.
“Vilamoura is an attractive holiday destination, and these stylish private homes offer a desirable investment opportunity, with non-resident buyers able to benefit from attractive tax breaks if they purchase property in Portugal. Enjoying scenic views, a wide array of high-quality amenities and an extraordinary specification throughout, l’Orangerie phase one was a huge success and the second phase will be equally attractive to discerning buyers of second homes in the Algarve.”
As for the area known as the Golden Triangle, Erich Gibson, license partner Engel & Voelkers, says,
“The top real estate market in the Algarve is principally focused on the Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo area. Here you will find several unique, top of the range villas between €10 to €15 million – with some properties exceeding that figure. However, there is a wide variety of properties in the €5 and €10 million segment. Last year was good for real estate in the Algarve and everyone is expecting an even better year in 2016.”
Golfe 37, Quinta do Lago
A stunning contemporary property which takes full advantage of its 300 days of sunshine a year with terraces encircling each level. An additional sun deck complete with infinity pool overlooks the premier golf course and is perfect for outdoor entertaining. Each terrace level is spacious enough to accommodate al fresco dining while the main terrace leads out to an ‘open air gazebo’ ideal for sunbathing. Built in 2013, the six-bedroom home features the highest standard of luxury fittings including a home cinema and wine cellar.
£4.66m / €6m / $6.79m Quinta do Lago Real Estate
www.quintadolago.com
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
This is one of the most prestigious golf resorts in the Algarve with a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course that is regularly voted best golf course in Portugal. Construction of a second Jack Nicklaus golf course is also due to begin at the end of 2017.
Buyers have a choice of linked villas, individual villas and plots where owners can build their own home within certain architectural guidelines. Facilities include a spa, several restaurants, including ‘Vistas’ which is overseen by a Michelin starred chef, and a kids’ club. The villa seen here has five bedrooms and a huge open plan reception, dining and kitchen area plus a massive outdoor kitchen. It abuts directly on to the golf course but is also very private.
Linked villas from £970,500 / €1.25m / $1.41m Plots from £830,650
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
www.monte-rei.com
Quinta do Miradouro & Adega do Cantor
(Winery of the Singer), Albufeira
This extensive winery comes complete with a pair of properties. The larger of the two has four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large lounge/dining room, full central heating with log burning fire and a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast area. Externally, there is a landscaped garden, private pool, barbecue and entertaining area.
The second property has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen/lounge and dining area, all opening on to the terrace, garden and private pool area. It has full central heating as well as a log burning fire. Outside there is a tennis court offering spectacular views over the vineyards and down to the coast.
£7.37m / €9.5m / $10.76m Fine & Country
www.fineandcountry.com/pt
l’Orangerie, Vilamoura
Within seven hectares of mature parkland, l’Orangerie is an impressive €10 million development offering a mix of high-specification apartments, townhouses, and villas. The second phase of l’Orangerie offers 32 new homes, including six three-bedroom villas with private pools, 18 two-bedroom detached houses with private gardens plus enclosed patios, and eight one, two and three-bedroom apartments overlooking the sea.
Between two of the Algarve’s most famous golf courses – Victoria and Millennium – l’Orangerie offers a wide range of lifestyle choices and leisure opportunities. Buyers will also benefit from membership in the V-Club (concierge service), 24-hour private security and, upon request, an exclusive interior design service.
From
£718,000 / €908,550 / $1.04m
for a three-bedroom villa CBRE
www.cbre.pt
RELAX
The former private home of a 17th century noble family, boutique hotel Vivenda Miranda focuses on its guests’ holistic health and wellbeing
Perfectly located amid the Western Algarve’s natural beauty, Vivenda Miranda is a secluded, intimate paradise with stunning views along the coastline. Close to the coastal town of Lagos, the hotel has just 25 rooms and suites, styled in either traditional Portuguese or contemporary bohemian chic design. The Spa at Vivenda Miranda is Neal’s Yard Remedies’ first overseas beauty spa providing the famous brand’s organic, ethical and sustainable skin care products and signature treatments. In addition to an extensive choice of treatments, a sauna, steam room, foot spa, heated outdoor pool and a Rasul set the mood for a relaxing, wellness experience. The fine dining restaurant Mirandus serves a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan and healthy balanced dishes to accommodate a range of dietary needs. All key ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced where possible, which helps to support and promote organic and biodynamic farming in the Algarve. The hotel also hosts a series of health, fitness and wellness breaks and courses year round, run by leading coaches/instructors in their individual fields. The ultimate aim is for guests to experience a healthier and more holistic lifestyle, returning home feeling relaxed, refreshed and renewed.
www.vivendamiranda.com
