Building A Dream

Buying second homes off-plan has been popular with Brits for decades. However, British buyers are now becoming increasingly interested in more than simply purchasing off-plan – they want to get involved in the design and creation process as well.

This is something that Kronos Homes has seen in action at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, one of two stunning resorts that the company owns and operates in the Algarve.

Alda Filipe, Sales and Marketing Director of Kronos Homes explains: “We’re seeing growing interest in personalised luxury when it comes to villas in the Algarve. Buyers want properties that meet their needs, that give them space and privacy and a true sense of having their dream holiday home. Being part of the design and build process is a really exciting way to achieve that. By getting involved at an early stage, they can also enjoy seeing their capital appreciate, as well as experiencing the magic of the resort.”

The ‘buy and build’ concept is one that leading British wagyu beef farmers Jim and Rachel Bloom have certainly embraced. After two decades of visiting Portugal, and already the proud owners of a four-bedroom villa with its own private pool at Kronos Homes’ Amendoeira Golf Resort, the couple decided to buy a plot at Palmares Ocean Living.

Rachel says: “We wanted to build our own dream villa. The location at Palmares is phenomenal and a great investment opportunity. Between the golf course and its proximity to the beach, the views are magnificent. And the location next to the beautiful town of Lagos is perfect. Everything about Palmares told us that this was the perfect place to build our dream home.”

The couple have purchased a plot that allows them to create their own luxury home at Palmares. They are designing the home in partnership with Pritzker Prize-winning RCR Arquitectes, who also designed the resort’s clubhouse. That clubhouse recently won the Tourism category in Portugal’s National Real Estate Awards.

Thanks to the low-density construction at Palmares, the Bloom’s new villa is guaranteed to enjoy exceptional ocean views. The generous 3,040 square metre plot enables Jim and Rachel to explore a myriad of exterior and interior designs, all in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Jim added: “We chose to work with RCR because we saw their plans for Palmares – for villas and the concept design for the clubhouse – and we loved their ambition. The design process has been very easy.”

The average indicative cost for building your own home at Palmares Ocean Living is €1.3 million. Plots with a preliminary architectural study are available from €1.400.000.

The resort boasts plenty to attract individuals, couples and families alike looking for a touch of sun-drenched luxury. The clubhouse is home to fine dining restaurant Al Sud, run by Michelin-starred chef Louis Anjos. The 27-hole golf course, meanwhile, was designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.

The Algarve also boasts easy accessibility from the UK. For Jim and Rachel, who enjoy three month-long stays in Portugal each year, the fact that it’s in the same time zone as the UK and just a three-hour flight away, was part of the appeal of buying in the Algarve, as was the fact that it’s driveable from the UK.

Alda  concludes: “The Algarve already has so much to offer families looking for the ideal second home destination. Being able to design their dream holiday home in such a fabulous location can feel very special indeed. It brings a sense of freedom and flexibility that buying key-ready homes just can’t match. The buy and build model is for those looking to enjoy the Algarve on their own terms.”

https://palmaresliving.com/