Nature, local heritage and contemporary design combine to create an idyllic hideaway

As our concern for the environment increases, the importance of respecting nature and local heritage has become an intrinsic part of new development, something which influenced the design and landscaping at Quintas de Óbidos, an exclusive new development on the Silver Coast of Portugal.

From its inception, Quintas de Óbidos has been created to respect the environment; eucalyptus trees that had to be cleared* in order to allow for construction were turned into biomass and the entire site, which covers an area of just over 57 hectares (142 acres), is interspersed with natural landscaping as well as a series of fresh water lakes to provide natural wildlife habitats.

Each of the 79 villas at Quintas de Óbidos has been designed to respectthe topographical landscape which includes fresh water lakes and irrigated meadows specifically planted for their minimal water consumption which is five times less than normal grass and provides a natural wildlife habitat. The lakes are also carefully designed and managed so that water is never stagnant. Extensive walkways snake around the borders of the lakes so the habitat can be enjoyed.

The luxurious villas at Quintas de Óbidos are architecturally designed to reflect their Portuguese heritage and each is set within its own private landscaped grounds of 1.3 acres (5,200 m2) with an average of 8,500 sq ft (800 m2) of living space.

Whilst the villas are unique, designed by four different and renowned architects - Castello Branco, Guedes Amorim, Ginestal Machado and Miguel Saraiva - the designs complement each other both aesthetically and functionally, providing an integrated scheme that truly replicates its heritage. Portuguese influences can be seen throughout the design, with traditional colours, clay roofs, separate porches and ‘resting areas', creating charming looking villas.

Interior materials such as ceramic or brick tiles, stones, azulejos,wood and some small details such as skirtings, special ceilings or floor design, also reflect the Portuguesetradition.

The integration between traditional and contemporary design, with high quality modern specification, make the villas enormously appealing to today's purchaser. Energy efficiency is extremely important so villas are fitted with solar panels as a natural resource. In addition, water usage for irrigation has been carefully calculated so that each villa is restricted to 12 cubic metres of water a day to avoid over usage.

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Miguel Abreu, Managing Director of Quintas de Óbidos, says: "From the outset, it was extremely important for Quintas de Óbidos to respect the landscape and environment, reflect Portugal's architecture, and offer purchasers top quality private villas in an idyllic setting. Through careful and intricate planning, I believe this has been achieved and what we have is a truly desirable holiday complex with outstanding accommodation and facilities."

The exceptional onsite facilities include an Equestrian Centre designed by the world's number one lady show jumper, Jessica Kürten, as well as an exclusive Country Club which boasts a wide range of amenities, including a restaurant and spa, two swimming pools, two tennis courts, a sports pitch and a children's play area.

A championship golf course designed by Donald Steel is situated just 300 metres from the entrance of the resort where residents will receive special conditions for membership, green fees and buggy rental.

Prices range from €1.6 to €1.9 million, including villa, swimming pool, landscaped gardens and grounds. For further information, please visit www.qdo.pt or telephone: +351 22 606 15 40.

ENDS

Editors notes

* Eucalyptus trees can be bad for the environment when planted intensively as they absorb all of the water available in the soil and as a result, the soil impoverishes. In addition, the leaves contain an acid that once in contact with the ground, makes it difficult for other species to grow, so the fauna tends to abandon the area.

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