Create Your Perfect Place In The Sun

If the UK media is to be believed then it impossible to buy, build or renovate a property overseas without incurring problems on a grand scale.

Foreign cowboy builders running off with your hard-earned cash; tradesmen promising the earth and then leaving you disillusioned and out of pocket, and local planning departments denying simple improvements are all stories we are familiar with when we imagine the prospect of living abroad.

But one British businessman has a very different tale to tell about finding and developing his dream home, and it was so successful that he is now looking for his fourth to mould into his own Paradise on Earth.

It was in 1991 that Michael Lake and his wife were looking for a holiday home to escape to and enjoy some peace and quiet. Despite the ‘Costas’ being a hot spot among British holiday makers at the time it did not quite offer the kind of tranquillity that the Lakes were looking for, Portugal, however, was a different story entirely.

“With its ideal climate, its very friendly people and a cost of living that allows a far better lifestyle, Portugal presented the perfect getaway,” explains Michael. “And the pace of life there is just so much more relaxed.”

Michael found the purchase of his first foreign property and its subsequent building works relatively stress-free, despite the horror stories which are constantly portrayed by the media in Britain.

“You just have to take the trouble to find the right man,” he says. “Then check out his credentials and agree a written contract.

“A good English-speaking solicitor can be invaluable, as can an English-speaking architect too, failing this a good interpreter, as the language barrier is one of the most common problems encountered as communication simply breaks down between the two parties.

“Get several quotes from several different builders, and don’t be afraid to haggle. A Portuguese friend once advised me to reject the first quote, haggle with the second, and accept the third, and this was very sounds advice.”

Michael’s final word of warning ensures that there can be no cross-wires between yourself and the builder. “Always get whatever you agree to written up, translated  and signed – including any tiles or interior fittings you want. This way, you always have proof of what you wanted.”

After renovating and revamping two properties, the Lakes finally found themselves at their current dream property which is situated in the north of Portugal between the ancient towns of Ponte da Barca and Ponte da Lima. The property, a six bedroom villa built by Michael and his wife, is on the side of a mountain, overlooking the valley of the river Lima.

“It has magnificent views both during the day and at night,” says Michael. “But unfortunately we are now both past retirement age and the property is simply too much for us.”

The property, completed in 2008 is of sound construction and still under a five year warranty. With features such as a spiral staircase, en-suite bedrooms a sunken lounge and an inglenook fireplace, it is a truly luxurious home. The added bonus of natural spring water availability means there are no water bills to pay; electric gates ensure security, and annual council tax being only 50 euros means that money can be spent on living well instead of maintainence.

The property presents the ideal opportunity for someone to take it on as a successful bed and breakfast business, or as a luxury holiday home and really live the dream lifestyle in Portugal.

For details of the villa or for more information about Portuguese property development go to www.portugaldreamhome.com, contact Michael Lake on 00351 258488252 or email michaellake40@msn.com.