Alain & Christof

Alain and Christof, a couple from Belgium, are one of the many international homebuyers who have fallen in love with Silver Coast, Portugal. Recently, they shared their journey of buying a property in Portugal in a special episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, hosted by Dylan Herholdt.

 

 

 

“When we first visited Portugal, we fell in love with the country and its atmosphere. There is something here, I don't know how to explain it. Whether it's something in the air…” - Christof

Why build a house in Portugal?

A click made easier thanks to a friend who had already bought a property with Immo Portugal and introduced them to the Silver Coast region of Portugal, located just an hour north of Lisbon.

“That was the 'click' at the beginning, but there wasn't exactly a plan for being here. It just happened!”, explains Christof.

“We both have stressful jobs, literally we work all day till night. And when we come here, it's… I don't know what it is, but we do nothing! We really unstress. It's quiet and people are easier”, adds Alain.

 

 

Portugal versus Belgium… and their decision to buy with Immo Portugal

For Alain and Christof, life in Portugal is very different from Belgium. “In Belgium, we feel like we are constantly in a competition”, explains Alain, who believes their holiday home in Portugal is a haven.

“In the village where we live, there is literally nothing but peace and quiet. But 10 minutes away, in the city of Caldas da Rainha, we have everything…” - Alain

The Silver Coast region was one topic Tim Demeyer, Sales Director at Immo Portugal, talked about during his first meeting with Alain and Christof. Tim visited the couple in their home in Belgium and showed them a property with a design that appealed to their taste.

“Tim, from Immo Portugal, explained everything that would happen and said the first thing we should do is visit the place where the house would be built. He said: ‘you have to love it!’”, recalls Alain.

As soon as they could travel, they visited the plot with Rita, from Immo Portugal’s office in Portugal. Two weeks later, they purchased the property and made their dream home come true.

With the help of Immo Portugal, who oversaw all the construction work directly with the builder, the final result really lived up to their expectations: from the design to the high ceilings, big windows and the home’s stunning setting.

“We always say we have a painting in front of us. Every day, when we look outside, we see something different. It's really nice, even when it's raining!” - Christof

Enjoying the simple life on Portugal’s Silver Coast

And why choose the Silver Coast? “I think it's the easy life… it's not fancy. (...) When you go out, you can go as you want. I can wear shorts and a t-shirt and go with my flip-flops, it's not a problem. In Belgium, I can’t do that”, says Christof.

“When we come here, it’s always the same. We forget what we do in Belgium and we have another life here. A real other life, where no one is looking at you… (...) That's the difference between Belgium and Portugal, the people are different. Here, they have a nice balance.” - Alain

Having no plans for the day and not having to rush for anything are two other things the couple enjoy when they spend time in their holiday home in Portugal. Not to mention the food!

“Follow your hearts, visit, look around and feel Portugal. I can't explain it, you have to feel it, and when you have that good connection, just jump!”- Christof

Watch Alain and Christof’s full interview on Portugal The Simple Life Podcast: