GBN talks to José Cardoso Botelho, chief executive of Vanguard Properties, owner of Terras da Comporta, a brand new golf & lifestyle residential development located an hour’s drive south of Lisbon in Portugal, whose David McLay Kidd designed Dunas Course is due to open this summer, with a second course designed by José Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia in the pipeline.
Terras da Comporta is your first project in golf. Why did you wait until now in your business career to get involved?
That’s true, this is our first real estate project with golf, and we also have a second course underway (Torre), which is scheduled to open in late 2024, also in Comporta. The reasons that we wanted to develop the Dunas Course were threefold – to be one of Europe’s finest courses, to have a course in such an amazing location and the work that David McLay-Kidd had already done on the project. These factors made us realise the potential for an investment with Vanguard Properties’ positioning, strategy and values.
We’re a brand dedicated to creating unique and unforgettable experiences, which involves devising and developing exceptional, sustainable and differentiated projects in unique locations, such as Comporta. And, obviously, golf had to be part of this model.
So, when the opportunity arose to develop something with great personality and attention to detail, which also included an emphasis on sport and services, we decided to advance. The chance to create a truly extraordinary project about an hour from a vibrant capital like Lisbon is unique and unrepeatable. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved so far, and we’re also very excited about what the future holds.
What was it in particular about The Dunas Course and the Terras da Comporta project that persuaded you to buy the site?
Today, the Comporta brand symbolises exclusivity. We’re talking about a region that has been gaining considerable recognition, but also one that is protected and offers peerless beauty. At the same time, when we saw the design and shape of the course, which totally respects local nature, we knew we were dealing with something totally unique. Lastly, the fact that the property covers 1,010 hectares, is remarkably peaceful and immersed in nature, meant that the decision was made relatively quickly, and with very few doubts.
Where did the concept for Terras da Comporta come from and what is the overall aim?
Doing the simple things is always hardest. The first thing we did was define a set of essential principles. These included respect for nature and local traditions, as well as the desire to develop a project that was both innovative and unique when it came to excellence and issues of environmental and social sustainability. In terms of the course itself, the environmental principle was the same, which meant moving land as little as possible and creating a unique course designed in perfect harmony with nature.
The Dunas Course is the first that David McLay Kidd has designed in mainland Europe. How important was it to have a golf architect of his reputation involved in the project and how closely has he been involved in preparing the layout for its worldwide launch?
David is an important figure in the golf world, and very much acclaimed in his area of expertise. As he was the architect responsible for the initial course project that started in 2007 but was never completed, as soon as we invested in Dunas in 2019, we invited David to return and finish the job.
We couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out. David and our team forged an excellent working relationship and were totally focused on making this course a must for any golfer. Playing these 18 holes will be an unforgettable experience for any golfer, helping the region to become an outstanding golf destination, boasting at least four courses.
How will the Terras da Comporta project benefit the local region and what will it do to raise the profile of Portuguese golf from a global perspective?
Despite its natural beauty, activity in the region is very seasonal and occurs mostly during two months in summer. In addition to ongoing environmental and social concerns, our goal is to reverse this cycle and attract more people throughout the year.
Golf and other sports will be a key factor in this strategy, not to mention four international luxury brands, hotels, brand residences and exclusive residential areas. Portugal already has some great courses, but we’re working so that this one puts the country on the global golf map. The aim is to become the benchmark in our country with a second course currently under construction, the Torre Golf Course, which was designed by José Maria Olazábal and Sergio García.
Apart from golf, what are the other things that are being planned at Terras da Comporta?
Starting with the most important, and something I’ve already mentioned, sustainability is non-negotiable for us. Everything has been done with environmental and social issues in mind. There will be luxury apartments, two golf courses, countless activities (28 sports), as well as hotels and exclusive residential projects. Everything has been carefully designed, offering exceptional quality and an attention to detail that creates a sophisticated and comfortable environment that is welcoming and engaging for guests and residents alike.
The vast majority of the properties and villas will be built using engineered wood, be highly efficient (net zero energy buildings) and CO2 neutral, as well as being aesthetically attractive and perfectly fit the landscape.
We are committed to excellence in all our projects, and Terras da Comporta is an integral part of that. Nothing will compromise that principle.
How excited are you about the work that’s taking place at Terras da Comporta?
We’re immensely proud and really excited about the near future, now that the Dunas Course is practically complete, which is also true for the infrastructure of this development and Torre course. We will soon have the soft opening of the Dunas Course and will start developing the houses for both projects. We’ll also be announcing partnerships with some of the world’s best hotel brands. Everything adheres to the previously defined planning and strategy.
How does it compare to some of the other projects that you have been involved in?
You’ll have to ask our clients! Anyhow, Terras da Comporta will be the focus of our passion and ambition for excellence. All modesty aside, in Portugal, we’re the leading real estate developers in the luxury and premium segment because we know what we’re doing. Nothing has been or will be left to chance with this project. We believe we’ve got something unique and are keen to show our clients and friends, as well as the local people, that they will benefit from these investments.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important subject in golf. How important is the environment in anything that you build?
As I said before, sustainability and excellence will most likely be the most important cornerstones of Terras da Comporta. Among the many measures we have announced is our development of wooden houses, marking a trend that will soon influence the real estate market. On top of this, there are the processes of water management and recovery, energy efficiency and sufficiency, the creation of Europe’s largest energy communities, and investment in the social sphere. The latter involves support for schools for young people and vocational-technical courses for older students. Even in this area of sustainability, we aim to be a global example.
For more details, visit www.comporta.com.
