Where are the famous people buying houses in Portugal?
Portugal has always been a popular destination for celebrities in the real estate market. Many famous individuals seek refuge in the country due to its tranquility, picturesque landscapes, and paradisiacal beaches. But in which areas are they investing?
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban - Parque das Nações
Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, New Zealand singer Keith Urban, recently bought a property in Lisbon, in the waterfront area of Parque das Nações, Expo.
According to Flash magazine, the couple plans to settle in Portugal with their two daughters, 14-year-old Sunday Rose and 13-year-old Faith Margaret, in order to scout the market and bring a studio with their productions to the country, such as the ones they have in London and Prague (as it is cheaper here).
Madonna - Lisbon Center
Also singer Madonna had a house in Portugal from 2017 to 2020. She bought a property in the center of Lisbon, at the Palácio do Ramalhete, built in the 17th century and used as inspiration for the "Os Maias" by Eça de Queiroz. This palace has 16 rooms, a heated pool and its own gym.
Madonna expressed her liking for living in Portuguese lands, through photos shared on social media, through the streets of Lisbon and also in fado houses.
Scarlett Johansson - Príncipe Real
Scarlett Johansson is another celebrity who fell in love with Lisbon, having bought an apartment in Príncipe Real.
This actress is one of the highest paid in the history of cinema, and chose Portugal to seek refuge through a luxury apartment with 3 bedrooms worth approximately 1.5 million euros.
Bonnie Tyler - Algarve
Another famous personality in Portugal, this time an artist, is the singer Bonnie Tyler who has a mansion in the Algarve.
The singer, with her standout single "Total Eclipse of the Heart", was one of the first celebrities to buy a house in the country, before the pandemic, which then led the family to spend confinement in Portuguese lands.
The large property is located in Albufeira and they also have a yacht, where they usually spend their time, up to Vilamoura.
The artist has been declaring how much she likes being here, for the beaches, people, food, and wine. "Those born in Portugal are blessed," said Bonnie Tyler to Lives.
Eric Cantona - Rato/Príncipe Real
Eric Cantona, former Manchester United player, is another famous person who invested in Portugal to settle. He bought a property in the capital, whose location has remained a secret, but is frequently seen between Rato and Príncipe Real.
Besides living in this area, the former football player had also invested in the Portuguese real estate market in 2017 in a luxurious building on Sant'Ana Hill, currently a hotel.
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander - Alfama
Also the couple of actors Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander made history as celebrities who invested in the Portuguese real estate market in 2017.
The two bought a luxury house in the traditional neighborhood of Alfama, in the center of Lisbon, which has 5 rooms. Located in Palácio de Santa Helena, the property also has a private garden and a pool.
It was redeveloped at Michael's request by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, transforming the apartment with a more modern and sophisticated touch.
Monica Bellucci - Lisbon Center
Italian actress Monica Bellucci, with homes in Rome, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, has also chosen Portugal to invest in a property.
It was in the center of Lisbon, more precisely near São Jorge Castle, in Largo Contador-Mor, that this famous person bought an old three-story mansion, once belonging to the Counts of Vimeiro. The restoration of this property was carried out by Portuguese architects Aires Mateus.
Used as a vacation home, Monica purchased this property as a secondary residence in 2016 and claims to enjoy Portugal, particularly for its gastronomy.
Christian Louboutin - Comporta/Melides/Lisbon.
And it's no secret that the famous designer Christian Louboutin has more than one property in Portugal. Having already lived in Comporta, this celebrity chose to exchange the property for another in Melides, in addition to the house he also has in Lisbon.
The Lisbon residence is located in Largo dos Lóios and refers to a former mansion once owned by the Formosinho Sanches family.
Philippe Starck - Cascais
Still the greatest designer in the world, Philippe Starck, 69 years old also has a residence in Portugal. The property belongs to the Countess of Monte Real, located at Avenida D. Carlos I, in Cascais, and is rented by the French designer.
This celebrity has been living in Portuguese lands since the first moment they came to visit Portugal, challenged by friends. They fell in love with the bay of Cascais about 10 years ago and never left.
The property features a small pool and a bamboo fence that allows a direct view of the bay, where the renowned designer works at his desk by the window. It is from this location that the so creative pieces that Philippe Starck produces emerge.
Why do celebrities invest in Portuguese properties?
It is more than clear that Portugal is a standout place in the real estate market for celebrities. But, after all, why do celebrities like to seek refuge and settle in Portugal?
In addition to being a small country, but with great beauty in terms of nature, Portugal is a country also known for its safety, climate, low cost of living, good reception from the Portuguese, and, essentially, for its gastronomy. In Portuguese lands, there are several restaurants by Portuguese chefs that earn Michelin stars, with typical dishes, often highlighted by seafood and Port wine.
In Portugal, many famous people invest because they feel it is a country where they can get away from the spotlight, in calm places surrounded by fresh air. Highlighting areas like Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and Setúbal, it is in these lands that celebrities feel they can have a good quality of life.
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