The much-anticipated Clubhouse at Espiche Golf, near Lagos in the Western Algarve, officially opens its doors on May 1st and is undoubtedly set to be one of the most talked about clubhouses in the Algarve.
The blend of innovative yet traditional architecture, use of natural and local materials, its outstanding location at the heart of the environmentally sustainable golf property with the ambience and views of the Algarvian countryside, make this a simply stunning building. The mix of internal and external spaces, views and the unmistakable quality and attention to detail of the finish, set the Espiche clubhouse apart.
Occupying the highest point of the Espiche property, surrounded on all sides by the golf course, the clubhouse is built into the hillside on the site of an old Algarvian farm house and is beautifully and sensitively integrated into the existing landscape. Stone from the original building has been used in the lower walls of the outer structure to maintain the sense of history. Use of solar panels, hidden within the roof design ensure a state of the art approach to sustainability as well.
Architect Nadine Berger’s unique and striking design provides 360 degree views from terraces and lounges on two levels, an informal restaurant and bar area, separate lounge, a relaxing inner patio garden, changing rooms, a golf shop and reception area. It is the perfect place to relax after a great round. As well as catering for the golfer and casual diner, it is an ideal and unforgettable location for meetings, weddings, parties, banquets and celebrations of all kinds.
Peter Tacon Thornton, co owner of Espiche Golf, was the inspirational driving force behind the design and also acted as project manager for the build. Peter commented “the owners and, most importantly, the members and clients who have seen the clubhouse are delighted with the end result. It has exceeded everyone’s expectations. We believe this is set to become the centrepiece of the whole Espiche Golf development and a talking point in the entire Western Algarve golf and tourism market.”
The hospitality operation is to be managed by Frederico Fonseca, who has been a member of the Espiche Golf team for a couple of years. Fred, as he is affectionately known, always maintained ambitions of managing the hospitality operation when the clubhouse was built. Fred has worked at the likes of Quaglino’s in London and owned his own restaurants in Brazil and London. He ensures a continuity of the quality and friendliness of service that is one of Espiche Golf’s greatest assets. The clubhouse will be serving authentic and locally produced and sourced ingredients in its menus, which cater for the golfer and dining guests during different periods of the day.
Fred commented “we are starting with a fairly simple menu to ensure we get the quality of food, beverage and service as we want it, but will grow the menu and dining options in the near future. Espiche Golf has improved beyond belief in the last nine months since working with Braemar Golf and Legendary Marketing and the clubhouse adds the final piece of the jigsaw. These are exciting times for me personally and for Espiche Golf as we continue to improve the experience we provide to our guests”.
The Clubhouse at Espiche is open daily from 0700 and welcomes all guests – golfers and non-golfers alike.
Espiche Golf www.espiche-golf.com
Braemar Golf www.braemargolf.co.uk