Domestic and international buyers now often want to make their new home their primary residence or a genuine second home.
So amenities and services should be planned to match the lifestyle needs of the residents.
Jamie Robinson is Director of Sales at Quinta do Lago in Portugal, a European Tour Destination and one of Europe’s first planned golf and residential communities.
Amenities
“Around 10 years ago, we sat down and talked about where we wanted to be and how we could grow as a resort,” explains Jamie.
“We identified the younger demographic, particularly young and active families, as a key source of growth. To address the needs of this segment we decided to invest, creating a wide range of lifestyle pursuits and activities for residents.”
Quinta do Lago now offers tennis, cycle trails, boat trips and fishing as well as lake and beach watersports. It is also developing a sports ‘Campus’ with professional level training and coaching from a team of recognised athletes.
“Now we have a thriving, diverse community of residents who benefit from activities and events year-round, not just during the busy summer period,” continues Jamie. “And with 10 restaurants there is now little need, as there was in the past, for residents to venture out in the evening to find somewhere to eat.”
Services are key
While Quinta do Lago is one of Continental Europe’s most established golf and residential communities, Finca Cortesín, set between Marbella and Sotogrande, Spain, is one of the newest.
Opened in 2009 and set around an exquisite 67-suite hotel, the resort features a highly rated 18-hole golf course designed by Cabell Robinson, as well as a Jack Nicklaus Academy.
The three-time host venue of the Volvo World Match Play Championship, which joined the European Tour Properties network earlier this year, is now creating an impressive residential community.
Currently there are 26 villas, with new villas in the €3.5 million to €7 million price range planned as part of a growing residential community.
At the heart of the estate is the hotel and its five-star services, as well as a growing array of lifestyle pursuits for residents, plus a private beach club a short drive away.
Vicente Rubio, Director General at Single Home Finca Cortesín, says: “We want to be recognised as a full service, exclusive resort. So, as the number of residents continues to grow, the lifestyle options here for residents will expand to include a residents-only fitness and spa offering, another top-class restaurant and further enhancements to our current world class services and amenities.”
“Visitors and residents have, and will continue to have everything they need, including high class restaurants, a stunning golf course and access to an extensive range of leisure pursuits,” adds Pepe Lumbreras, Sales Manager.
Importance of golf
However, as with other European Tour Destinations featuring an integrated property offering, golf sits at the heart of the community.
“With 26 villas, the community is still growing, but what we have seen already is a desire between residents, even those completely new to the game of golf, to interact with one another both at events here or on a more informal basis,” says Miguel Girbes, Director of Golf at Finca Cortesín.
“Larger scale events, including the Finca Cortesín Cup, attract international golfers and those within with the European Tour Properties network. And that’s really important as it helps us tap into a wider, global network and inspire word of mouth.”
Back at Quinta do Lago, which has three 18-hole courses, golf remains at the heart of the community.
“Lifestyle is the growing part of the resort, but golf remains the backbone and link to the resort’s real estate,” adds Jamie Robinson. “Golf also acts as a draw for visitors. A round of golf at one of our three world class courses can often spark the initial interest which leads to them renting or even buying a property here.”
