Green Peace

One of Europe’s most highly regarded residential golf communities, Quinta do Lago continues to lead the way, combining a luxe residential offering in ecologically-driven surrounds. The award-winning resort’s latest development phase San Lorenzo North, is no exception, Laura Henderson meets QDL CEO, Sean Moriarty and finds out the secret to its staying power success 

How has the community evolved since its inception?

Consistent with its original master plan that was established over 45 years ago, Quinta remains a low-rise, low density, commune-with-nature region. This is preserved through careful building restrictions, which are limited to just 9% amongst 2,000 acres of superb terrain and three renowned golf courses all situated in the protected nature reserve of Ria Formosa. With a property market that’s continuously developing, the resort boasts a variety of luxury homes, largely designed by their owners, and featuring top-of-the-range amenities and beautiful, high specification interiors.

The resort has also enjoyed steady capital growth; 7% per annum over the last three years. Currently, private villas partake in 52% of sales, with apartments close behind at 37% and townhouses at 7%. Furthermore, robust resale markets and plot prices are continuing to perform well with the entry price for a plot and single villa reaching an all-time high of circa €2.5 million. To put this in context, 2018 saw prices in the Algarve region rise to exceed the 2007 pre housing-crisis level by 31%.

Is location still a significant pull for overseas buyers?

Absolutely. Just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport in the Algarve, Quinta is situated in the scenic region of Almancil and comprises one of the three corners of the Golden Triangle of the Algarve's most affluent communities. Residents can live an active outdoor lifestyle all year round, surrounded by deserted dunes, sheltered pines, sandy beaches and three award-winning golf courses. The resort occupies a generous 2,000 acres. As such, it continues to lead the way in combining residential living with nature, beauty and lifestyle.

Can you give us a flavour of the lifestyle on offer?

Quinta is superbly organised, but it’s not regimented, nor by any means, all man-made, as the estate backs onto Ria Formosa. Residents and guests can go walking, hire a bike, pack a picnic, and explore to their heart’s content, or simply sunbathe the day away. Come the evening there are designer boutiques to browse and delicious restaurants to savour, and two of the Algarve’s finest nightclubs can also be found here; dress to impress. Or of course you could just kick back, and relax with family and friends, enjoying a glass of vinho verde beside the villa pool.

What recent additions to the diverse portfolio of leisure amenities can residents enjoy? 

It’s been a very busy time of late, with a number of new wining and dining establishments, the arrival of a stunning new boutique hotel, The Magnolia, and the completion of The Campus, a premier multi-sports hub. Expectations going forward remain equally high with a number of value-added facilities in the pipeline - so watch this space!

What type of property is available?

With a property market that’s continuously developing, the resort boasts a variety of luxury homes including new builds, re-sales and rentals – all featuring top-of-the-range amenities and beautiful, high specification interiors. Consistent with the original master plan, the estate remains a low-rise and low density. This is preserved through careful building restrictions which are limited to just 9% amongst 2,000 acres of superb terrain.

Is there a specific buyer demographic?

Although the core market remains the UK, Ireland and Portugal, 2018/19 has been a significant year in terms of welcoming emerging markets including Brazil, the US and the Netherlands, largely driven by the Golden Visa and Non-Habitual Resident programmes. The average buyers age is decreasing too as we become a more family-focused and lifestyle destination.

How does the property rental side of things work at QDL?

Renting a property here is the perfect opportunity to experience the resort and its many attractions on a stand-alone basis. With twenty years of experience working in property management and rentals, the QDL Guest Services team offers a standard of excellence, professionalism and dedication to meeting guests’ every need. Presenting you with a vast array of townhouses, apartments and luxury villas, from short to long term stays and suitable for all kinds of families and gatherings, you can rest easy in your dream holiday home. Personalised packages are designed to suit your interests and preferences. Stay and Play golf or Stay and Train at The Campus – whatever your game we’ve got you covered. Accommodation can be paired with restaurant experiences and resort activities to create the bespoke holiday package of your dreams. From initial booking and check in at the resort, to any questions or requests during your stay, guests enjoy exceptional attention to detail from our resort rental. www.guestservices@quintadolago.com  

Tell us about the latest residential phase

San Lorenzo North is Quinta’s latest release of virgin plots, situated in a charming and untouched corner of the resort, and offering an outstanding level of buildability, with 25% plot size. As a district, it uniquely faces no architectural restrictions and benefits from stunning lakefront, golf-front and pine grove views. Divided into 26 separate plots, providing buyers with the chance to build their dream luxury home, when purchasing, buyers are given the freedom to choose their preferred style of architecture, design their interiors and select all luxury amenities.

Areas range from a grand 2,000 square metres to a phenomenal 3,000 square metres, with a building area of 500 metres squared to 750 metres square. All plots are designed for the construction of private detached villas that can feature over two levels, as well as a basement.

Is there a show villa for interested parties to view?

Yes. We’ve recently put the finishing touches to the striking five-bedroom The Lorenzo Villa which is on the market for 7.2M EUR. Expertly designed by renowned local architect João Cabrita, this brand-new residence showcases the exceptional location of all 26 plots in the SL district and inspires architectural styles and amenities.

Boasting an impressive plot area of 2,060 metres squared, the villa is specifically designed to exploit its stunning golf-front setting from all angles. This includes the stunning roof terrace elevation, which offers 360-degree views of the golf courses, ocean and nearby nature reserve. Comprised of a variety of materials and textures including stone, wood, render and glass, the property evokes a balanced and relaxed atmosphere which is complemented by the peaceful green landscaping that surrounds it.

Sized at 679 metres squared in total, the property features light and spacious living areas and is spread across three floors, including a double-height atrium, a lift and a basement. With under-floor heating, air conditioning and an intelligent home system, the ultimate tech amenities keep the high-end property ticking over with the click of a button, meaning residents can relax in the master bedroom suite, fully fitted kitchen or open plan living room.

The project was developed from the concept of a large, enclosed atrium, as such, the open-plan design ensures the property feels connected and intertwined, despite its grandeur, with the main living area acting as the heart of the home. With five bedrooms suites in total, the show home also boasts impressive luxury amenities, including a gym, home spa, games room, bar, cinema, office and double garage. Outside, the al living and dining areas are connected by a large heated pool.

The Lorenzo Villa is on the market for 7,200,000 EUR.  Plots available at San Lorenzo North start from 2,800,000 EUR through Quinta do Lago Real Estate: www.quintadolago.com // +351 289 392 754 www.sanlorenzonorth.com/