Why We Decided To Build in Portugal

We’ve been living here for almost 3 years now. Throughout these past years, we have seen the waterfalls and untamed beauty of Geres, we’ve slept under the brilliant stars, we’ve felt the merciless heat of central Portugal, and plunged into the icy depths of the mountain lakes. We’ve seen the hard-working women of the Estrela Mountains, we’ve seen the rare collections and never-ending rows of cognac barrels of Berardo, we’ve walked the paths of Pessoa, we’ve traced the warmth of Tomar’s ancient stones with our fingertips, we’ve witnessed devotees inch their way, knees pressed to the ground, over 182 meters from the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity to the Chapel of Apparitions in Fatima, each step a profound act of penance. We’ve felt and tasted the salty winds on our skin, and we’ve witnessed the sunsets casting golden hues upon the whitewashed houses. We have heard the roars of the ocean when the waves have gone beyond 20 meters in height during the winter months; we’ve felt the ocean’s powerful tug, drawing us closer to its depths. We know how it feels when the rain is pouring down as if the sky opened above you, with no end in sight. We’ve watched as the damp mists of Lisbon cloak the city, where one man disappears in front of you, and you’re not sure what or who is about to come next.

Portugal does not have the Rivieras of Italy, the crystal azure waters of Greece, nor the cuisine of France, but it has something different. Portugal offers you a glimpse of a wild soul. An old spirit that shows you the beginning and the end of the world. Somehow, it carries so much as a country. The shadows of colonialism, combined with the opulence that it brought, the dust of an empire that has crumbled, combined with the knowledge of people that have conquered and soared. Portugal has a lot. It offers a lot.

For many today, it offers a refuge. You’ll find many coming here searching for better opportunities — either moving in search of better educational systems or better living conditions or for a higher quality of life, searching for an answer to some sort of forgotten question. Some find it again, some don’t.

We also came here with a question — we wanted to somehow ground our family, find ourselves, and, one way or another. Portugal did just this. And in the process of doing this we slowly, but deeply, became smitten by Portugal. We had no intention of becoming this; we really thought that this would be a short chapter in our lives — but here we are, building homes.

Why build a home in Portugal? The reasons are as varied as there are humans around us. For some, it is a refuge. A getaway. For others, a permanent home. It all depends on who you are and what your needs are. Our needs were that we wanted to be in a place that allowed us to exhale, to relax, and to reconnect with the nature around us. A place that was safe, and beautiful.

But here’s the thing.

We have not been able to find that place. We’ve seen broken houses, with old ghosts, asking for someone to fix them, rebuild them, or not touch them at all, and we’ve seen new houses, erected as concrete façades of emptiness and hollow grandeur, stripped of joy, connectivity, and beauty. Many constructed with cheap, crude materials not meant to last, nor taking into account the raw, damp climate around us. We didn’t want to live in any of those.

So, we decided to build our own homes — homes that align with our values and our way of viewing life.

The Team

We are ultimately a varied team, hailing from different corners of the world: Portugal, Denmark, Germany, France, and Brazil. Some of us have families with small children, while others come from families where the children have already moved away. Some of us live here permanently, others are in between places. All of us are entrepreneurs, passionate about building and creating new things. We all love life, being outdoors, surfing, climbing, and using our bodies. Ultimately, we strive to live a life that is well-lived.

Therefore, our focus has been on finding land that resonates with this vision. All plots have been carefully chosen, and are located close to the ocean, surrounded by nature and protected land. We also want to connect with the local community and easily tap into a vibrant community when necessary. Thus, the land is close to gathering spots and active, vibrant places where one can meet, greet, and integrate with the surrounding area.

Wooden Homes

We chose to build our homes using high-quality wood. For some of us, especially those coming from countries where this isn’t common practice, it might seem surprising. But to us, it felt like the natural choice for creating healthy, nurturing spaces. Wood, with its natural insulating properties, ensures excellent air circulation, making our homes feel fresher and healthier. Paired with double insulated windows, our homes maintain optimal temperatures year-round, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort. This combination helps control humidity, preventing mold and allergens. Plus, high-quality wooden houses are durable and long-lasting, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What we love most is that wooden houses are eco-friendly. Wood is a renewable resource and it stores carbon, helping us do our bit for the planet. There’s also something timeless about the beauty of wood — it blends seamlessly with nature and offers us a variety of design options, from rustic to modern.

Our wooden homes are energy-efficient, which means lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. They’re also quieter because wood naturally absorbs sound, making our living spaces more peaceful. The strength and flexibility of wood allow us to get creative with our architectural designs, and it’s reassuring to know that our homes can withstand significant stress, even in earthquake-prone areas.

Living in these wooden houses has psychological benefits too. The natural warmth and calming aesthetics of wood help reduce stress and promote relaxation. And because wooden houses can be built more quickly than traditional brick-and-mortar ones, we save time and costs. At the end of their life cycle, our homes will decompose naturally, reducing waste and environmental impact.

For us, choosing high-quality wooden houses wasn’t just about building a place to live — it was about creating sustainable, healthy, and beautiful spaces where we and our families can thrive.

Design

We offer various designs, but the essence of them all lies in their harmony with the natural environment, optimizing for wind and sun exposure. Our houses are built with minimalism in mind, consciously crafted to promote community and togetherness. Each house features a bright and spacious common area with a kitchen, complemented by smaller rooms tailored to the needs of each family. Smart design elements are integrated to make life simpler and more efficient, such as energy-saving technologies, intuitive layouts, and multifunctional spaces. Integrated closets and cabinets ensure that there is ample storage, maintaining a clean and open atmosphere. Our aim is to create inviting, uncluttered spaces that encourage connection.

Do you align with any of the words written above? Are you also looking for a new home?

Would you like to be part of this journey and join a community that values harmony, simplicity, and connection? If so, we invite you to explore our homes and envision a life where nature, comfort, and community blend seamlessly together.

You can read more about the projects here 🙌.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out in case you want to know more!

The picture is actually from one of the plots!