Had Colin Montgomerie dramatically mis-hit the 10th drive of his 1989 Portuguese Open victory, the ball might have landed in the swimming pool of a Dh30 million villa…
Had Colin Montgomerie dramatically mis-hit the 10th drive of his 1989 Portuguese Open victory, the ball might have landed in the swimming pool of a Dh30 million villa…
A stretch of 24 properties borders Quinta do Lago’s three golf courses, separated only by thin clutches of umbrella pines. These are the San Lorenzo North Villas, bordered by the Ria Formosa Nature Park, a mess of temperate woodlands and freshwater lagoons.
Each villa houses five bedroom suites, a home cinema, a games room, a home spa, and a gym.
The roof juts over the house’s exterior, creating covered outside areas. Breakfast by the pool – perhaps including freshly picked oranges from the resort’s groves – is warmly encouraged.
Tall art deco columns pitch into the ground, and are reflected in the pool’s surface, giving the illusion that they are 50 metres long, while Escher-like crosshatching covers the roof’s underside.
Your new home will have an area of 850 square metres, and the plot of land on which it sits is 2,140 sq metres. This ensures a comfortable distance between you and your neighbours, and reduces the likelihood of smashed windows resulting from overzealous golf swings.
Quinta do Lago includes Europe’s 28th best golf course, according to Golf World magazine. Lessons and coaches are available: the resort hosts its own golf academy, to which Paul McGinley lends his name, and a flotilla of golf buggies. A dedicated fitting centre identifies the correct equipment for your golfing needs, by analysing “ball flight data and impact conditions”.
The facility also hosts CGQL and Laranjal, two members’ clubs.
Golf has grown in popularity in the UAE during the past few years, and a number of Emirati companies have invested in foreign courses. Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates hosts the DP World Championship tour, with prize money of Dh30 million – a quick way to earn yourself this villa.
q&a
What’s the history of Quinta do Lago golf course?
In 1970 a Portuguese golf enthusiast looked over a hill in Algarve and thought that he had spied an excellent place for a golf course. It was an epiphany: “To create a low-density golf resort in harmony with its surroundings”, according to the website. And so a dream was born.
What about the 1974 Portuguese revolution?
Lieutenant Colonel Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, who led the junta that overthrew the Portuguese Second Republic, also attended the formal opening of the golf course – accompanied by a small military brigade. He was allowed to hit a few balls on the driving range, and is reported to have enjoyed the free canapés.
Is there a dress code?
Of course. Socks are obligatory. Shirts must have either a collar or a polo neck, and must be tucked in. Trousers must be tailored, and shorts must have belt loops. Mobile phones are not permitted.
Can I do stunts in the golf buggies?
This is forbidden. “All players using golf carts must follow the rules of cart usage and read and obey the signs. All four wheels of the golf carts must remain on the concrete paths unless otherwise permitted on the day. Carts must never be driven beyond the fairway markers.” Swift, substantial punishment awaits rebels: expulsion.