Simply
FR E
E
May 2018 Issue 25
Loulé, Almancil, Vale do Lobo,
Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, S. Brás
Welcome... ...to your May issue... After two years of producing every month we bring interesting and local content, and couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the future. This month sees the return ofour what’s on, this time…. supersized! The charming Paul Totz gave us a tour of his antique collection with many stunning pieces and of course the stories to go with them and House2House update us on their very latest news. Nadia and Ricardo, owners and creators of the unique restaurant 100% Livre in Loule, share with us the incredible menu that they have created which is 100% free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar! Corte Real treat us with some hand made ceramics featuring paintings from June Szucks…… all of this along with our usual Property, Sport, News, Golf, Photography, Home cooking recipe, regular columns from Sam and Antony Martin, Finance, and more! If you have any stories or ventures to share with our readers, please email us at design@simplyalgarvemag.com or call 966 044 143. Richard Bassett, Publisher
PUBLISHER Richard Bassett
EDITOR Richard Bassett
ART DIRECTOR Jake Bassett
WRITERS
DISTRIBUTION
6,000 copies printed. All advertisers are issued copies for distribution, along with retail outlets.
COVER PHOTO Richard Bassett
Susi Rogal-Goodkind Anthony Martin
ADVERTISING
Call Jake on 966 044 143 or email design@simplyalgarvemag.com
2
All rights reserved. Except for normal review purposes, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the contents are only meant as a guide to readers. The proprietors of this magazine are publishers not agents or sub agents of those who advertise therein. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information gained from this publication.
Unipessoal Lda
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Contents NEWS 4
SAM 2
WHAT’S ON
5
MAP 26
PEOPLE 10
PROPERTY 28
ART 14
PROPERTY 30
Your local news.
A full program of “to-do’s” in May. An interesting Antique collector. A ceramic journey.
EXPATS 16 Tales of an Expat in Portugal.
PHOTOGRAPHY 18 photo of the month.
HOME COOKING
Pasteis de Nata from Lisboeta.
20
FINANCE 38
Sam’s views and reviews.
An update from experts at AFM.
Almancil and surrounding areas.
100% Livre.
Property of the month.
The latest sports news from Chris Wright.
A property update from experts Yellow Homes.
HOMES 34 A moving experience.
FINANCE 36
TASTE 42 SPORT 48 GOLF 49
Pro tips from PGA professionals Eddie and Richard.
CLASSIFIEDS 50
Classified ads!
Currency news from experts Currencies Direct!
Susi RogolGoodkind is a freelance journalist/ editor who works between the UK and the Algarve where she and her husband have had a home for 30 years. She is also a member of the ACCA children’s charity committee. susi@rogol-goodkind.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
3
News
Local news
Keep up to date with this month’s news. 'HERMIONE' HEADING TO PORTIMÃO FOR TWO DAYS OF CELEBRATION
A
replica of the ‘Hermione’ is to moor in Portimão for two days as part of a multi-stop journey that started in La Rochelle and ends up in Bordeaux in June. The original 'Hermione' became famous as the vessel on which Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, known to his chums as ‘the Marquis de Lafayette,’ returned to America in 1780 with the French King’s promise to send an army and a fleet to help give the British a kicking in the American Revolutionary War. The combined forces of the French navy and American armies eventually cornered British general Charles Cornwallis in Virginia and staved off the enemy fleet in New York, sealing America's independence from the British empire. Lafayette was a friend of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson and went on to become a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. A series of events is planned in Portimão on May 8th to 10th to welcome the replica 'Hermione.' This initiative has been organised by the Algarve delegation of the Union des Français de l'Étranger which aims "to reinforce Portugal’s love of France that long has united the two countries." The relationship was not so loving in 1807 when Napoleon’s troops invaded Portugal, marking the start of the Peninsular War.
The presence of the French military in the Algarve region drew to a sudden close on the 18th of June 1808, after highly irritated Olhão locals rose up and expelled the French garrison. On 19 June the stalwart citizens of Faro joined the uprising and captured 170 French soldiers along with General Maurin. By June 23rd, all French forces had been kicked out of the region. To show that there is no lingering resentment, the Union des Français de l'Étranger is preparing a series of concerts, themed dinners on board, exhibitions and conferences at which very important people will be attending, including Portugal’s president. The Portimão stopover is part of a four-and-a-halfmonth voyage that began in La Rochelle in February and includes visits to Tangier, Barcelona, Sète, Toulon, Marseille, Port Vendres, Bastia, Portimão, Pasaia and finishing on June 16 in Bordeaux. The 65 metre three-masted replica of the 'Hermione' was built according to the original plans and using authentic materials. The project started in 1997. It took 17 years to complete and, as sailing ships go, is quite beautiful. The original 'Hermione' was a Concorde-class frigate of the French Navy and was built in eleven months at Rochefort by shipwright, Henri Chevillard. In service against the British, on 20 September 1793, Hermione ran aground off Le Croisic and then was wrecked by heavy seas. The subsequent court-martial found that her pilot, Guillaume Guillemin du Conquet, was responsible for her loss; her commanding officer, Captain Martin, was honourably acquitted.
Sources: www.algarvedailynews.com
CARVOEIRO BEACH CHOSEN AS 'BEST IN EUROPE'
O
4
ver 13,000 travellers using the European Best Destinations portal have chosen Praia de Carvoeiro as the winner in the best European beaches of the year category. According to Lagoa council: "this picture postcard beach appears side by side with famous beaches in countries such as Greece, Croatia, England, Ireland, Spain and France." European Best Destinations refers to Carvoeiro as "a small town full of charm" and describes its beach as "one of the most beautiful" its readers visited on their European travels. The description of this winning beach, reads, “Carvoeiro
is probably one of the most beautiful places we have seen during our travels in Europe. Once on the spot get ready to be stunned by this place, you will soon decide to empty your bank account, get rid of your return flight ticket and stay in this little corner of paradise for the rest of your life. "The sea is beautiful, the water is neither too hot nor too cold, the waves can be strong or on the contrary, gentle enough for paddling and discovering the coves around.” Other of Algarve’s beaches made the final list, including at Armação de Pêra, Armona, Praia da Marinha and Praia da Cova Redonda.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
What's On
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Each month, Simply Algarve will be bringing you a hand-picked selection of the events on the region’s calendar. There are, of course, many more, but we will focus on the lesser-known and possibly more interesting. Got an event coming up? Email us with the details at design@simplyalgarvemag.com.
THE ARTS ART COLLECTIVE
ArtCatto Gallery, Loulé. Till mid-July This marvellous exhibition features works by Chinese painter Shen Ming Cun, Belgium sculptor Renaud Matgen, English painter Pam Hawkes and the Scottish painter Colin Fraser.
TOMMASO OTTIERI AND MICHAEL JAMES TALBOT
The Conrad, Quinta do Lago. Till end May Staged by Loule’s highly-respected Catto Gallery, this fine art showing brings together the work of Italian artist Tommaso Otteri, known for his exquisite representations of buildings of architectural importance, cityscapes and interiors – many of which feature in the world’s great theatres and opera houses, and, British sculptor, Michael James Talbot, whose breath-takingly beautiful bronzes include a series inspired by theatre, myth, dance and illusion. The exhibition will remain at the Conrad after the opening party.
JEAN JACQUES DUSSASSOIS
Corte Real, Paderne. This is a new exhibition of indoor-outdoor sculptures by French artist Jean Jacques Dussassois. Each bird is handmade in terra cotta and every one has its own, individual personality. The other sculptures hold up to 400 tiny birds, built on a frame of industrial steel. These little flights of fantasy guarantee to bring out the smiles.
PEDRO VALDEZ CARDOSO RUI MATOS
Vale do Lobo Art Gallery. Till 7 June A selection of sculptures from the Histórias de Outras Idades collection by Rui Matos form part of an ongoing collaboration between the resort and the famed São Mamede Gallery. Born in Lisbon in 1959, Rui Matos lives and works in Portugal, close to Sintra; his works are characterised by his use of expressive shapes and idealistic forms created to communicate emotions.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Municipal Museum, Faro. Till 10 June Born in Lisbon, Cardosa’s sculptures have featured in public shows and private collections since 2001, in Portugal and abroad. This exhibition, part of the second edition of the cultural programme 365 Algarve, includes works designed for the chapel of the Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption. Cardosa employs various objects that he has recycled to construct pieces that condense the times and cultures – the here and now – to suggest a new beginning.
5
What's On
MUSIC MARIA NEMTSOVA and VITALY VARTULYA
Quintinha da Música Tavira Sunday 6 May , 17:00 €25 Pianist Maria Nemtsova is a founder of the ‘Re:FormersFest’ (reformersfest.com) and the charitable project ‘Music – for Peace’ (music-peace. com) which includes concerts and master-classes for young musicians who live in today`s conflict zones. Within the project Maria performed in more than 20 countries including Kosovo, Israel, Georgia, Armenia, and Tunisia. Though her repertoire includes many classical works, she is also known for her performances of contemporary music. She has recorded with the saxophonist Vitaly Vatulya and the famous opera singer Dmitry Stepanovich.
JAZZ CLUB
Sao Bras Museum. Sunday 20 May, 17:00 This tribute to sax player/composer Dick Oatts features Antonio Olivo Ruiz, sax teacher and leader of the band; Juan Garcia Garces, bass; Antonio Albanes Sáens de Texana, sax tenor; Rafael Manuel Arregui, piano /keyboard; and Thibault Benoit, drums.
ORQUESTRA CLÁSSICA DO SUL
Chamber Music: Schubertíada Auditório Municipal, Albufeira Thursday 10 May, 21:00 Tickets: €8 Octet in F Major, D. 803 I. Adagio – Allegro – Più allegro II. Adagio III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace IV. Andante - Un poco più mosso – Più lento V. Menuetto: Allegretto Andante molto – Allegro – Andante molto – Allegro molto This is one of the 15 concerts in the FIMA 2018 programme – Festival Internacional de Música do Algarve – that started in March and ends in May, each one in a different location in the Algarve.
ORQUESTRA CLÁSSICA DO SUL
A Thousand and One Nights Teatro Municipal, Faro Thursday 24 May 21:00 Tickets: 20€ Sibelius Concert For Violin Rimsky-Korsakov Sheherazade The final performance of FIMA 2018 promises to be a cracker. Directed by renowned conductor Peter Stark, it features the fine Italian violinist Francesca Dego.
GOING TO MARKET • Estói: 2nd Sunday of each month • TrocAqui: Exchange market on 1st Sunday of each month, 10:00 to 13:00, Municipal Market, Faro • Crafts and Collectables: 2nd Sunday of the month, 10:00 to 16:00, next to the Municipal Theatre, Faro • Craft Fair: 2nd Saturday of each month, 10:00 to 17:00, Jardim Manuel Bivar, Faro • Organic Market: last Saturday of the month from 15:00 to 18:00, Jardim da Alameda, Faro
6
• Flea market, Almancil: 2nd, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, next to C+S School • Flea market in Fuzeta: 1st Sunday of the month, next to the Campsite • Flea market in Quelfes: 4th and 5th Sunday of the month, in front of school EB1 • Market in Almancil: 1st and 4th Sunday of the month, next to C+S School • Market in Loulé: every Saturday morning, opposite the Convento de
St. António just follow the crowds. • Market in Quarteira: every Wednesday at Fonte Santa, from 9:00 to 14:30 • Market in Fuzeta: 1st Thursday of the month, next to the campsite. • Market in Moncarapacho: 1st Sunday of the month, next to Rua das Olarias • Market in Quelfes: 4th and 5th Sunday of the month - in front of school EB 1
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
SPORTS WEEKLY BIKE SHED SPINS
ACCA BIKE RIDE
Saturday 5 May Children’s Charity ACCA, in association with the DM Foundation for Young People, stages this annual event with the Conrad – adults need to raise €50 sponsorship, cost for children is €10. There is a choice of routes from 10km to a whopping 75km. For further info and start times and to sign up call 919 617 995 or 913 226 954. After the ride, back at the Conrad, there’ll be some tasty eats.
The Campus Avenida Ayrton Senna da Silva, Quinta do Lago 3 May to 30 June Thursdays at 09:30 and Saturdays at 09:00 Organised group rides from the Bike Shed at The Campus – QdL’s newest activity centre. Call 289 381 220 for details.
LET'S GO RUN VALE DO LOBO 2018
Vale do Lobo Parque do Golfe. 18 May, 19:00 to 23:00 Join many hundreds of others on the 10km walk/ run through Vale do Lobo by moonlight. The trail includes sections on the beach, over the golf courses and through the woodland and there is a special accessible route for those who require assistance. This free initiative is organised by Let’s Go Run in partnership with the not for profit Corridas à 6ª Feira running group, Loulé Council, Infralobo E.M. and Vale do Lobo. Registration for the event is recommended for insurance purposes.
WOLF VALLEY CHARITY DAY 2018
Vale do Lobo Golf Courses. 2 June, 10:30 to 17:30 This year’s event promises to be a great day out for all the family while raising money to help support local worthy causes highlighted by the Wolf Valley Charity Fund. There’s a golf competition, a putting contest, activities and entertainment for children, live music and a wide variety of stalls selling all manner of food stuffs, gift ideas, home products, artisan works and more proceeds from which allow the Fund to continue its work.
Talks Monday 7 May, 18:00
Municipal Library, Tavira. Tuesday 8 May, 18:00, Municipal Library, Lagoa Anthony and Jan Collins on the 2nd part of their journey round the world; Their return voyage took them via Thailand, where they celebrated the new Millennium, on through the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.
Monday 14 May, 18:00
Municipal Library, Tavira. Tuesday 15 May, 18:00, Municipal Library, Lagoa Continuing the travel theme, Caroline Beard will be taking us to the Falkland Islands where her ancestor, the newly-qualified and recentlymarried Dr Tom Hopwood, had to learn to ride and to cope with limited medical equipment.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Friday 25 May, 11:00
Municipal Library, Tavira. Tuesday 29 May, 10:00 Municipal Library, Lagoa Over the centuries, Tavira has occupied many diverse roles; it has been a Phoenician settlement, a Muslim pirate stronghold, the largest town in the Algarve and important in the kingdom of Portugal. It has then slipped into obscurity, being overtaken in importance by other Algarvian towns such as Faro, Loulé and Portimão. Peter Booker examines the factors that caused Tavira’s rise… and the reasons for its relative decline.
7
What's On
FAMILY ACTIVITIES FIESA – International Sand Sculpture Festival
Pêra. Till October The world’s largest sand sculpture festival (FIESA), now in its 15th year, brings together sand-sculptors from all over the world, gives them 45,000 tons of sand to work with and 15,000sqm to fill. There is a dedicated area where children and adults can have go at the art of sculpting sand.
SPRING FAIR
Sao Bras Museum. Sunday 6 May, 11:00-17:00 At this inter-cultural event, you will find Persian sweets, delightful hand-painted English postcards, German bread and Dutch books and paintings, Portuguese art and handicrafts, jewellery, flowers and plants, pottery and ceramics, and exclusive designer fashions, as well as delicious cakes, jams and marmalade, aromatic oils and spices, and speciality teas. There will be a stall set up to raise badly-needed funds to help the abandoned animals of São Brás with spaying, neutering and rehoming.
ALGARVE HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Guided Walks on Wednesdays at 11 :00, meet at the Roman Bridge, Tavira, €2.50. 2 May – Walled Town; 9 May – Medieval Town;, 16 May – Northern Suburbs Peter Booker has devised three areas for Historical Walks in Tavira. The first covers the walled town on the hill, and includes the Roman Bridge, the Câmara building the castle and the walls. He discusses the churches and religious buildings within the walls and finishes the tour at the riverside. In the second walk, he tells of the demolitions which permit the Praça da República to appear as it does today, and then talks of the gardens in the centre of the
town, before looking at the chapels and churches on the southern edge of Tavira, and moving back towards the centre, past the old jail. The third walk is on the other side of the river, and shows the flood markers, the governor´s residence and the churches of the northern suburb, passing the chapel devoted to those suffering from leprosy, of course on the boundary of the old town, and finishing with one of the losers in the Civil War.
Guided road bike & mountain bike tours! Easy , Intermediate & Challenging rides available www.algarvebikeholidays.com e.mail: paul@algarvebikeholidays.com 8
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Florentinta are pleased to announce the opening of our new store at The Home Centre in Almancil! (Next to Martin’s Bikes and Bijou and opposite Mini Preco on the N125)
Full range of Frenchic Chalk Paint Products, Mirrors, Furniture, Kylie Minogue Bedding, Jonny Javlin Greetings Cards and much more. 962 591 016 / 289 356 159 / www.florentinta.com The Home Centre, Rua Duarte Pacheco 44, 8135-104, Almancil
BEAUTY CENTRE | CENTRO DE BELEZA HAIRDRESSER | CABELEIREIRO BARBER SHOP | BARBEIRO BODY AND FACE TREATMENTS TRATAMENTOS CORPORAIS E FACIAIS NUTRITION / IMAGE CONSULTANT NUTRIÇÃO / CONSULTORA DE IMAGEM ANTI-AGING CENTRE ANTI-ENVELHECIMENTO WOMANS FASHION | MODA FEMININA LOUNGE BAR ART GALLERY | GALERIA DE ARTE ESTHETICS | ESTETICA
When Rua 5 de Outubro, n°229 8135-103 Almancil GPS: N 37°5'29' W 8°2'15' +351 911 572 265 | 963 529 144 Fashion: www.dareu.pt Beauty: www.dare-u.pt Email: info@dareu.pt
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
9
People
From Mentor to
Maestro Dentist Dr Paul Torz arrived in the Algarve decades ago, fell in love with the quiet, the calm, the undiscovered, and decided this was the place for him. It also turned out to be the perfect home for his growing collection of oriental art, which moved on to become his second profession. And all because of his piano teacher….
N
ottingham son Paul Torz was first introduced to oriental art when he was studying piano at the Conservatoire of music. His teacher was the eccentric Gaze Cooper, musicologist, composer (92 opus numbers), teacher, conductor of the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra, Orientalist and Egyptologist. “Each of my lessons would commence with music but about half way through my session, my tutor would pick up a beautiful Chinese porcelain vase – there was a different one on the piano every week – and handle it lovingly and show me its distinctive qualities, and explain what gave it its character,” Paul recalls. “When I returned home after university I decided to go back to music lessons with Gaze. However, the conservatoire had closed and he suggested that I continue with my lessons at his home; I did so for many years. At the end of each lesson we would go into his sitting room and have a cup of tea. There, in the middle of one wall, was a heavily-alarmed door and Gaze would go through a dramatic un-locking ritual to expose a ‘secret’ room that was stacked from floor to ceiling with works of
10
art. Every week we would carefully slide out a drawer from a handsome chest and study the remarkable pieces that made up his collection – pieces that normally one would only get to see through glass, at the British Museum. It was an experience one could never replicate; Gaze became my mentor, my educator and my inspiration for collecting antiques, a passion that flourished in the following years. Getting started “As time went on, as a qualified dentist with a wellestablished practice, I was able to start investing in some of these treasures myself. Occasionally, I would put my latest purchases in the car and drive them down to London to get them assessed and valued with a view to putting them into auction in one of the main specialist houses. I often did well with my ‘finds’ and occasionally not… but that’s the world of antiques for you.” In the early days Paul bought an oil painting from Gaze Cooper which carried a label on the back that stated ‘Prince Charles Edward after the Battle of Culloden, William Hogarth’. He was thrilled. But, sadly, the thrill of the find was short-lived, and
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
delivered the lesson that one should never accept anything by its labelling until you get certified evidence. “I still have this painting,” Paul says. “It has been verified by Brian Allen, an expert from the Courtauld, as painted by Phillip Mercier in the 17th century. Not as good as the first attribution, but okay nevertheless.” Yes... or no? Every collector and dealer has to have had one big story, an incredible find, or perhaps a missed opportunity. Paul had both at the same time, many years later when Gaze agreed to sell him a T’ang Pottery Horse and Rider, 618 – 907 BC. They agreed a price which included some other pieces, and one very excited Paul drove straight down to London and the British Museum. The then head of the Chinese department inspected it and announced in what Paul describes as an off-hand tone, that it was “probably a 20th-century copy”. You can imagine Paul’s reaction: “I was shattered. I picked myself up from the floor and decided to get a second opinion. I drove round to a well-respected dealer I knew in Mount Street in the West End. He placed the horse on a
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
central table and walked around it several times, rubbing his hands and then uttered one word – ‘magnificent’. “Not believing my luck, I went straight to Sotheby's and registered the piece in the next important Chinese sale. They thought it was good as well. Come the day of the sale, I achieved close to three times what it had cost me. It was very satisfying experience.” Later that year, Paul went to Eskenazi, a top dealer, who operated from a large, magnificent showroom at the bottom of Bond Street. Despite the space available, only a few select pieces were on display – Eskenazi dealt exclusively with prestigious hand-picked clients in New York and Hong Kong. “I had a piece of Chinese pottery from the T’ang Dynasty which I wanted him to cast his eye over. We talked about art and antiquities and then I mentioned the Horse and Rider. He said: “I remember it well – I bought it in that Sotheby’s auction. Nobody knew what it was! I was searching for pieces of black T’ang for a client of mine in New York. I would have given you £8,000 for it”. Paul learned later that Eskenazi had sold the Horse and Rider for £25,000. “You can´t win ‘em all,” he says ruefully.
11
When Paul came to Portugal many years ago, he decided to set up a website for his oriental and fine art and found that interested parties from all over the world were clicking on tothe site, and returning for repeat visits to keep abreast of the pieces on offer. “One of my contacts flew here from Canton in China to check out my collection; subsequently he became a valued client.” Chinese treasures Paul has seen changes in attitude over the years. During the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong, when Chairman of the Communist party, was responsible for destroying vast amounts of the Chinese heritage. “Now,” says Paul, “the modern-day Chinese are keen to buy up as much Chinese art and antiques as they can find and scour the globe for the pieces that form part of their history. The Chinese market is buoyant today for that reason and collectors appreciate being able to return pedigree pieces to their homeland and their proudly-held private collections.” And what about paintings and works of European masters? Paul smiles: “I am not a fan of Picasso – he lost me when he started to add a nose to an ear – but some years ago I bought a single line drawing of a somewhat large nude lady who was facing away from the viewer. However, I quite liked this drawing and for a perverse moment decided to
12
hang it on the wall in the guest bathroom. A friend, who was on the large side, used to complain that I had a picture of her on display in our toilet! “And many years ago, I bought a small Victorian portrait of a young woman. Nice frame, very cheap. On examination it was found to be a typical Victorian fake; they used to take a photograph, embellish it with paint, varnish and a bit of dirt, and put it in a nice frame so that it looked like the real thing. So easy to fall into this trap.” Paul is often asked to buy and sell on behalf of friends and acquaintances and over the many years has built up a substantial contact list of dealers and collectors who he can summon up on the internet and, with modern ease of transport, can send and receive any items from all over the world. He enjoys the chase,he s fast to confess. His favourite piece? “It must be a small Japanese ivory or Netsuki of a dentist extolling his prowess, whilst a child at his feet indicates a patient, with kalipers. It is signed and is of very fine quality. I bought it many years ago from an antique dealer friend, who knew it would appeal to me. In the end, I am only an amateur playing a game I love, and occasionally win.” Paul’s collection is vast. Visit his website algarveantiques.com for details
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Art
A Ceramic journey
From Corte Real
Wonderful ceramics from Ben and Nadrali with background paintings from June Szucks capturing the peace and serenity of the islands in the Ria Formosa. 14
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
B
en and Nadrali's ceramic journey started when they met outside new Delhi airport. They enjoyed an intense adventure through the inspirational torrents of sounds, smells, colour and culture that flow through India like the monsoon deluge. Full up with creativity, passion for adventure and the beauty of life, they returned to England. They changed their way of life and lived on the road in a converted bus making simple ceramic and immersing themselves in the knowledge of the ceramic artists working in the south west of England, developing a love for clay, colour and experimenting with ideas. Their work was soon recognised by local shops and galleries as they developed their style and produced a range of work. They spent the summer months, living and working in a long boat on the somerset canals and sold ceramics to the stream of walkers passing by on the tow path. The couple fell in love with the idea of a life in Portugal as the English summer passed quickly by and, with a burst of spontaneity, they filled the car with their ceramics and headed south. Portugal, full of sun, blue skies and clear water is where Ben and Nadrali began to evolve their work into
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
larger pieces and the fascination with turquoise and blues emerged. Based in the Algarve now for five years, creating textured and luminous glazes, they focus on variants of blueish turquoise, reflecting the sea and sky of the Algarve. At times, they use textured clay surfaces, working with old Indian fabric printing stamps and dry plant material; they create their own unique glaze recipes adding wood ash from the cut olive and almond trees near their home. Ben and Nadrali now create sculptural dinner ware, vases, wall hangings and jewellry. Distinctive bright colourful glazes with textured clay body and surface. Constantly in love with the seasonal vibrant Algarve they are inspired to create enchanting colours and pieces of art in southern Portugal. Ben and Nadrali Ceramics 912 696 185 / 918 431 446 facebook.com/BenandNadraliceramics A new collection of paintings by June Szucks captures the peace and serenity of the islands in the Ria Formosa
15
Expats
Tales from an expat in Portugal Anthony Martin thinks about the morning after the night before and sincerely apologises to anyone he has inadvertently insulted, horrified, or tried to charm. He is now on the elderflower.
"On occasion, we drop our guard, say what we think before thinking what we say, and every so often, live to later deeply regret it"
S
pent a few days in Rome last month – amazing. You must hand it to the ancient Romans; they were an industrious lot. The Imperial City lasted 1,500 years and, when they weren’t busy fighting off the Huns, the Visigoths, Hannibal or various other bods, the locals were fond of attacking large blocks of marble as well as knocking up a few other minor projects such as underground cisterns, aqueducts road-building and, multi-taskers as they were, just for the hell of it, conquering the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. What’s more, if you believe what the American film industry puts out, they did this whilst wearing pristine white togas and sandals and living a hedonistic life incorporating their own brand of social mores. However, it is known that in the cities, apart from the general frivolity of those early centuries, there also lived some serious thinkers. Pliny the Elder (AD23 – AD79) being one who, we are told, said many erudite things, amongst them being the oft used, trite and regrettably accurate ‘In Vino Veritas’. This Latin phrase can be seen spray-painted over various walls of the city. Which begs the question, is this to convince tourists into thinking that Rome’s wayward youth had a classical education, or a subliminal plug for the ailing Italian wine industry? Here in the Algarve our walls can only muster ‘Wasp’ ‘Kams’ and ‘Crack’ but then perhaps the Italian addicts have a more discerning palate than their Portuguese cousins. Whatever the truth, however, I can attest to the accuracy of Pliny’s aphorism. Many is the time I have woken of a morning and a) tried to remember what I ate for dinner the previous night and b) listened to my wife asking through gritted teeth why I said what I did when in the kitchen with Sylvia and, more importantly, why was I in the kitchen with Sylvia and is she still talking to me? Perhaps it is because as we orderly and level-headed northern-European city dwellers decamp to this land of pasteis, port and Planalto, we tend over time to empathise with our surroundings and change habits of a lifetime.
16
We leave behind our rigid backs and stiff upper lips. Our bodies and our minds relax, we become more trusting of others. We become more garrulous, more sociable, more… well… more southern European. And yes, we drink more. Not necessarily to excess, but enjoying an active social life, watching the sun set below the horizon, sharing an al fresco meal with friends, and of course those long warm days all beg to be accompanied by a tall cool glass or two of… whatever we fancy, as we tell ourselves that somewhere in the world it’s 5:30pm. And, as we do on occasion, we drop our guard, say what we think before thinking what we say and, every so often, later deeply regret it. A good few years ago, I was part of a group of UK companies on a week’s business trip to Denmark. It was a relaxed group; some men brought their wives, others brought sales people or PAs, others their secretaries. Each evening, the group would unwind after a long, busy day; on one occasion, a dozen or so of us decided to sample one of the ‘fleshpots’ of Copenhagen. As the evening progressed, most of us became increasingly uncomfortable with the displays of decadence and started to make our excuses and leave. Except for one couple of our party, who embraced the proceedings with gusto, much to the delight of the all-male Japanese contingent seated nearest the stage. The following morning our newly-subdued group, frantically trying not to catch each other’s eyes, got on with business as usual, and continued to do so until the end of the trip. At a dinner party a few months later were the couple who had chosen to stay on. The seating arrangement was carefully planned so that partners were separated to allow for fresh conversation and new relationships to form. It was a superb meal, with special wines served with each course. I did, must admit, overdo my intake slightly. I chatted to the husband who was sitting opposite me, about food and drink, about music, in fact about anything other than the previous time we were together. A little later, after coffee, I made my way over to his wife. “So, how did you like Copenhagen? “I asked, “Would you go back there again?” She looked at me. “I’ve never been to Copenhagen,” she said, as she turned and walked out of the room. As I tell my wife, a harmless little flirting when slightly under the influence, or a boring dinner guest, are all forgivable. Ruining a marriage is not. Those Romans, and that Pliny in particular, got it right – I’ll have a juice topped up with soda water, please.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
17
Photography
Photo of the
18
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
month: Jo Baker
Courtesy of Algarve photography walks' Dave Sheldrake and Chloé Ophelia.
T
he March Algarve Photography Walk group visited the Pina Garden centre in Lagoa, and the staff there were most welcoming to the group of almost 30 keen beginner, amateur and professional photographers. The theme was Macro Photography and the flowers at the garden centre were in full bloom for the group, which enabled Dave and Chloé to pass on some useful tips and tricks. Next month's walk has been planned for Thursday 10th May from 2-4pm and the venue is perfect for trying out those newly learnt macro and nature photography skills, as the visit will be to the stunning grounds of the newly opened Algarve Art Retreat in Loulé. More details about this creative venue can be found via their website http://algarve-art-retreat.com/ All are welcome to attend and the walks are free, although it is essential to book a place for the May walk in advance – email Dave Sheldrake on dave@davesheldrakephotography.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
19
Home Cooking
SWEET TREATS ...And they don’t get much sweeter than Portugal’s own little custard tart, the pastéis de nata, which you can find in every café, every pastelaria and now, in every supermarket. Nuno Mendes shares the secret. 20
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
PASTEIS DE NATA Makes 6 ◆ 1 x 320g sheet all-butter puff pastry ◆ Melted butter, for greasing ◆ Sugar and ground cinnamon, for dusting; For the custard: ◆ 250ml whole milk ◆ 1 cinnamon stick ◆ A few strips of lemon zest ◆ 20g butter ◆ 2tbs plain white flour ◆ 1tsp cornflour ◆ 2 egg yolks FOR THE SUGAR SYRUP ◆ 225g caster sugar ◆ 1 cinnamon stick ◆ A few strips of lemon zest
1
Brush six individual muffin tins generously with melted butter, then chill them in the fridge. (If you don’t have individual tins, use half of a 12-hole muffin tin.) Make sure the pastry is in a large 2-3mm-thick rectangle, rolling it out a little if necessary. Then roll it up lengthways into a tight sausage shape about 5cm in diameter. Slice this into disc 1-2cm thick (any leftover pastry can be frozen to use another day). Press the discs into the tins with your fingers, stretching or rolling them out to fit, making sure they come to just below the top of the tins. Chill them while you make the custard.
2
To make the custard
1
Heat 150ml of the milk in a pan over a medium heat, with the cinnamon, lemon zest and half the butter, bringing it to just below boiling point. Leave it to infuse for ten minutes.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
2
Remove the cinnamon and lemon zest. In a bowl, mix the flour and cornflour to a thin paste with the remaining milk, adding the milk gradually to prevent lumps. Pour the warm infused milk over the paste, stirring well, then pour the mixture back into the pan. Cook, stirring gently, over a low heat for a few minutes, or until it thickens to a double cream consistency. Whisk in the remaining butter and remove from the heat
3
4 5
To make the sugar syrup
1
Put the ingredients in a pan with 75ml water and cook over a medium heat for five minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Cook over a low heat until you have a light brown, fragrant caramel, swirling the pan occasionally. Carefully add 75ml water and return the pan to a gentle heat to dissolve any solid caramel, then strain it into a heatproof bowl. Pour half the syrup into the custard and whisk well. (The leftover syrup will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for four weeks.) Preheat the oven to its highest setting and put a baking sheet on the top shelf. Just before cooking the tarts, pour the custard into a measuring jug and stir in the egg yolks. Add a splash of milk to bring the quantity up to 300ml. Pour the custard into the pastry-lined muffin tins and bake on the hot baking sheet for 9-13 minutes, or until the tops are quite dark, rotating them if necessary to make sure that they colour evenly.
2
3
4
5
Brush the tarts with a little of the remaining sugar syrup, then leave to cool slightly in the tins before removing and cooling on a wire rack. The custard will continue to set as it cools but should still be creamy and quite soft in the centre. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon just before serving. Lisboeta, Recipes from Portugal’s City of Light, is published by Bloomsbury. Sharing recipes inspired by the dishes he loves, chef Nuno Mendes takes you through a typical day in Lisbon; for lunch you might sample his squid sizzling in a pan, and at night his warming lamb stew, chanfana and marinated pork.
21
Sam
Native German and living in Portugal since 1995, Sam is a partner at Management Works! and of Blue Sky Villas, with over 8 years of experience and knowledge of the local area.
O
Sam's top golf courses, as from his clients most popular choices.
ne of the main reasons people choose to visit the Algarve as their preferred holiday destination is due to the amount of renowned golf resorts in the area. Now, I don’t play golf (other than the rare attempt at the driving range, which is never a success) , however, I do book a lot of games for clients and get constant feedback, so I (with some help) thought I would put a list together of the top golf courses
in the area together with some other interesting facts. Quinta Do Lago North - with it’s recent redevelopment in 2015, it’s the newest golf course in the area and a definite must-try. The course features numerous water features and strategically placed bunkers which, combined with undulating greens, provides a test of golf that demands a strategic mind, and precision ballstriking. The course also benefits from four different sets of tees, designed to allow golfers of all standards to enjoy the challenge it presents. Facts: A 72 par course, measuring 6,776 yards Designed by a brilliant American golf architect, Beau Welling. Vale Do lobo Royal - As it is the most photographed hole, the 16th hole of Vale De Lobo’s Royal Golf Course has become synonymous with golf in the Algarve. I always get asked to book this golf course multiple times during a client’s stay. It is not only one of the most stunning courses in the area but
22
also extremely well priced. Facts: A 72 par course, measuring 6,059 yards Designed by Rocky Roquemore The Old Course Vilamoura - One of the oldest golf courses in the area, established in 1969, the course remains one of the best golf courses the Algarve has to offer. This Par 72 meanders through established pine trees that lay in wait for any golf balls that stray off the undulating fairways, and you’ll need the extra control hitting from the fairway provides if you want to find the medium-sized greens with your approach shots. Maybe it’s a good idea to get there well before your teetime to warm-up on the driving range, whilst a visit to the club’s restaurant comes well-recommended. Facts: A 72 par course, measuring 6,254 yards Designed by Frank Pennink What is your take on the golf courses in the area? Do you have a preferred one? Let me know by emailing me at.... contact@blue-sky-villas.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
AFM-Boat-2017-B5
20-02-2017
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
07:23
Page 1
23
26
3
2
1
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
4
A
Follow the N125 West for Togofor-Homes, Vilamoura Foll Wes ow t Yell t for he N1 ow 25 Hom es
B
Monica's restaurant
C
re
Da U
D
Follow to find House2House Golfers Paradise
7 Quintas
Optica Joia
Management Works!
E
F
4
3
2
1
7
8
9
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
6 6
5
5
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
27
Property of the month
28
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Property
PROPERTY DETAILS • Completely refurbished to highest specifications; • Close to all amenities, beaches and the int. school; • Modern style features throughout; • Large living-/dining room with modern double-sided fire place; • Modern fully fitted and equipped kitchen with Bosch appliances; • 4 double bedrooms on one floor; • 4 bathrooms (3x en-suite); • Very spacious master bedroom with 52 m2; • Bathrooms with quality fittings from Villeroy & Boch; • Double glazed Schueco Windows with electric shutters; • Fan convectors units for heating / cooling; • Total construction area 257 m2; • Landscaped garden with automatic irrigation; • 11 x 5 m swimming pool with heat pump + automatic cover; • Fully walled / fenced plot of 1.000m2, electric entrance gate; • EC class: B
€895.000 Ref: LHV-2545
A really unique modern single storey 4-bedroom villa near the coast between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro
YELLOW HOMES Land & Houses Algarve Real Estate Agent since 1995 Tel: +351 289 301 294 Email: info@yellowhomes.com www.yellowhomes.com EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime (opposite DHL)
AMI: 6232
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
29
Property
Property expert Paul Greenhalgh's advice on essentials when building a property.
W
e recently sold a plot of land with stunning sea views in the Central Algarve to a friend of mine and during our discussions he asked me about the best way to design and finish the property in order to help sell it quicker and for a better price in the future. After contemplating his question for some time, indeed there are certain styles, features and specifications that seem to have a greater appeal to a larger percentage of potential buyers. Quality: It is a common saying and is very true – quality sells. The better the quality of construction, finishes and decoration the more appeal a property will have. Kitchen: To the general annoyance of the cook but the place everybody normally congregates in and arguably the most important room in the property. Properties with a large, bright, practical and welcoming kitchen are normally the most
From the ground up appealing. If possible, make sure that the kitchen has a good dining area or at least bar stools set along a breakfast bar. Embrace the fact that family and guests will always gravitate towards the kitchen so therefore make socializing in them comfortable. Bedrooms: Must be of a decent size with plenty of wardrobe and drawer space. An en suite bathroom with heating is also a bonus. Barbecue: We live in a climate that demands we dine outside and therefore barbecue’s are an essential part of that lifestyle. If space allows, build a barbecue with a large summer kitchen complete with covered dining area and try and make sure that it is as close to the internal kitchen as possible. A sink, a refrigerator, glass and plate storage and an entertainment centre will all add an extra appeal to this vital area. Heating and cooling: 20 years ago Algarve property buyers generally used their villas in summer and, as a result air-conditioning was the favoured
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
WELL-PRESENTED BUNGALOW SET IN QUIET COUNTRYSIDE NEAR LOULE. 2 bedroom bungalow style country villa set in a tranquil area only a few minutes drive of Loule offering lovely country views. The villa is set on a large, partly landscaped plot with good access road. Good quality construction and high AMI: 6232 ceilings throughout! Price: â‚Ź445.000 Ref: KSN EC class C. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
30
method of temperature control. With a huge improvement in insulation within properties, combined with many more foreign buyers utilizing properties through the colder winter months, heating systems have become a crucial luxury to include. Whether one chooses underfloor heating, central heating, electric heating or air-conditioning make sure that the system is as cost effective as possible and practical to operate. Garage: Always useful and also good for storage. When design allows, try and make sure the garage has internal access to the main property. Windows: Bright is best. Make sure the property has plenty of natural sunlight. There are so many different types of windows available from double glazed to triple glazed, from shatterproof to gas filled windows and from low-emissivity coatings to spectrally selective coatings. Quality windows and high quality frames are a necessity in any Algarvean modern home. Shutters: Electric shutters are very easy to use and keeps out unwanted sunlight and heat when required. Solar panels: With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the installation of solar panels makes sense on Algarve properties. This popular form of green energy is a great way to reduce those utility bills. Apart from heating domestic water, solar panels are also used in underfloor heating and swimming pool heating. Swimming pool: As they are predominantly a playground for children, having the swimming pool visible from the villa is high on the request list, particularly from families. However a pool is also a fantastic way to exercise and therefore must appeal to adults too. Therefore make sure that the swimming pool is large enough to
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
be able to offer the opportunity to swim lengths and exercise at leisure. Gardens: A hugely important area. Gardens are unique and individual to each property and, it is an area that we spend a huge amount of time in them or observing them. Gardens go a long way to complimenting properties so make it as attractive as possible. Keep in mind that they can be time consuming and costly, so keeping
the gardens as low maintenance as possible. However you decide to build your property, it is first and foremost your home. Make it perfect for your lifestyle and if you can include any of the tips above then it should help when you come to sell on. If you are considering buying a plot or purchasing a property in this little corner of paradise, then we urge you to browse our website
GOLF PROPERTIES - VILLAS - APARTMENTS - TOWNHOUSES - PLOTS
at www.yellowhomes.com to see our superb selection. We do recognize the importance of being able to offer prospective purchasers a concise yet perfectly matched selection of plots or properties to suit all tastes and budgets. To that end, if you would prefer to make an appointment to visit our office and discuss your property requirements with a member of our team then please call us on 289 301 294. Paul Greenhalgh Yellow Homes Land & Houses Algarve www.algarvepropertysearch.com www.algarve-portugal-immobilien de Vilamoura Office EN 125, Benfarras Boliqueime 8100 - 068 Boliqueime Tel: 289 301294, Fax: 289 301439
SINGLE STOREY 3 BED VILLA WITH FAR REACHING VIEWS NEAR LOULE. Beautifully presented, this single storey property built in 2005 is a small gem. An impressive and elevated villa with views over the surrounding countryside. The villa has full gas central heating from a tank deposit, air-conditioning, an alarm, double glazing, mosquito screens and mains water. AMI: 6232 Ref: R-MCW Price €645.000 EC class D. Contact us! Our email is info@yellowhomes.com or call us on (+351) 289 301 294 Find out more info on our website www.yellowhomes.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
AMI 6232 Tavira Office Rua Dr. José Pires Padinha 178 8800 - 354 Tavira Tel: 281 320 281 Fax: 281 321 901 (AMI – 6232)
31
5 bedroom villa, Estoi “A spacious well maintained 5 bedroom villa in a peaceful and pleasant location, in the outskirts of Estoi with fantastic countryside views and large swimming pool..”
Features: ■ Renovated in 2015 ■ Air conditioning & Double faced wood burner ■ Fitted and equipped kitchen ■ Mains water & Private borehole with cisterna ■ Large swimming pool ■ Completely walled garden ■ Alarm system ■ BBQ
Property ref: PW32 Location: Estoi Price: €495,000.00
W
ith a lifetime of knowledge in the area of the East Algarve we are masters in our field and strive to make your move a pleasant experience all round. We are urgently looking for properties in the areas of Estoi, São Brás de Alportel, Pechão, Olhão, Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, Santo Estevão, Tavira and Loulé. Please contact us for marketing advice.
Make the Move Portugal Real Estate, Imobiliária | AMI License nº 14427 Sitio do Fialho, 181A, Estoi, Faro 8005-485 | Tel: +351 938 722 489 / +351 938 722 569 Email: info@makethemoveportugal.com | Website: www.makethemoveportugal.com
32
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Aljezur
A2
A
Lagos
A 22
N 12 5
Carvoeiro
A 22
VilamouraLoulé Partner Office Albufeira Quinta do Lago
Tavira
A 22
Vila Real
N 12 5
N 12 5
A 22
Sagres
N 12 5
Faro
Faro
THE ALGARVE PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
Simply Algarve Full page MAY2018.indd 1
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
20/04/2018 17:05
33
Homes
A MOVING
EXPERIENCE
We catch up with the team at House2house to find out what’s new!
H
ouse2House, ‘Giving Furniture and Furnishings a New Lease of Life’ near Almancil, has undergone another transformation. For the past four years this very popular and successful business has operated from two separate buildings in Areeiro. Many regular clients will know Luçia who, since joining in March 2015, has become a very important member of the multi-lingual House2House team. At the end of May Luçia will be taking six months maternity leave to have her baby. Managing the business from two separate showrooms has always been a challenge and losing Lucia for six months, during the busiest time of the year, has required Roger and
34
Judith, owners of House2House, to come up with a radical solution. Two of their four showrooms have been closed and their entire stock has moved to the remaining two showrooms, which have now been enlarged. Judith says: “Operating from a single building allows us to provide a much more refined and coordinated service targeted to both our existing and new clients, and, when Luçia returns in November, we will have our full team of three staff all in the one building.’ Roger says: “Our team has changed quite dramatically over the past four months. We were sorry to lose Julie in January but have been really fortunate to have recruited Ludi who is French and speaks a number of other
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
languages. We also recently said goodbye to Rui who was our delivery driver and welcomed back Kevin who worked with us when House2House was being established. Our team is now stronger than it has ever been.� Why not consider a visit to the restyled House2House showroom. You will be sure of receiving a warm welcome and the staff will enjoy helping you to make the most of all the keenly priced, high quality furniture, fittings and objets d’art they have to offer. House2House Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 17:00 289 395 197 info@house2house.pt house2house.pt
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
35
Finanace
GBP/EUR hits 11-month high on BoE rate hike expectations. Keep up to date with our currency expert Chantelle, Client Account Executive at Currencies Direct.
"After some initial setbacks in late March due to some lacklustre domestic data, the pound raced higher in the first half of April, supported by expectations that a rate hike from the BoE was incoming."
36
T
to rising geopolitical tensions as the US administration butted heads with China regarding trade, and with Russia over its role in Syria.
What’s been happening? After some initial setbacks in late March due to some lacklustre domestic data, the pound raced higher in the first half of April, supported by expectations that a rate hike from the BoE was incoming. However, Sterling retreated even faster than it advanced in the second half of April as both the UK’s wage growth and inflation figures printed below expectations. The apparent slowing of growth in the Eurozone during the first quarter of 2018 has been a major concern for EUR investors this month as data continues supporting suggestions that the bloc’s run of extraordinary growth has come to an end. Further impacting EUR has been the reaction to the minutes from the ECB’s latest policy meeting, with the bank’s dovish outlook and warnings over the strength of the euro weakening the appeal of the single currency. The US dollar, meanwhile, has suffered throughout much of April due
For more information, please contact Chantelle at the Almancil office of Currencies Direct on 289 395 739 or alternatively visit their website on www. currenciesdirect.com/portugal and register to get regular updates on the currency markets, (please mention Simply Algarve magazine as a referral point).
he last four weeks have been a mixed bag for the pound, as markets speculated over whether a rate hike from the Bank of England (BoE) was
imminent. This saw GBP trade in a wide range, with the GBP/EUR exchange rate moving between €1.13 and €1.15, while GBP/USD traded in a range of around three cents, with the pairing briefly striking a postBrexit high. Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions have weighed heavily on the US dollar in recent weeks, while the euro has been undermined by a dovish outlook from the European Central Bank (ECB).
What do you need to look out for? The main focus for GBP investors over the coming month will of course be the BoE’s next policy meeting and whether the bank will still be willing to raise interest rates in light of the UK’s latest inflation figures. However, the release of the UK’s latest GDP figures are also likely to prompt some movement in the pound, especially if they reveal growth slowed in the first quarter, as many economists predict. Similarly, the euro could stumble if the ECB continues to urge caution following its April rate decision, or if the latest PMI figures underperform. Finally, the US dollar may look to move higher if the recent upbeat US economic data prompts a more hawkish response from the Federal Reserve in its next policy meeting.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Currency savings are best enjoyed poolside. Sit back and beat the banks from the comfort of your sun lounger.
Paul Currencies Direct customer since 2013, Watch his story at currenciesdirect.com/Paul
• Bank-beating exchange rates* • Fee-free transfers • No hidden charges Contact us today to start making great savings.
Get in touch - Algarve Ave 5 de Outubro, No 246 Almancil, Portugal, 8135-103
+351 289 395 739 algarve@currenciesdirect.com currenciesdirect.com/portugal
*Fees and exchange rate data for banks taken from the International money transfer index™ (imti™). Currencies Direct Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Service Regulations 2009 (FRN 504360) for the provision of payment services.
PO16171EN – Simply Algarve advert – Dec 16 v2.indd 1
om fr s n 5 Mi lé Lou
19/12/2016 17:22
We buy and sell high quality furniture.
An enjoyable shopping experience with amazing choices at affordable prices. Why go anywhere else. Bedroom - Dining room - Lounge - Garden - Office - Kitchenware - Lighting - Soft Furnishings - Pictures - Mirrors - Objets d’art OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY, 10:00AM - 17:00PM TEL: 289 395 197 OR VISIT WWW.HOUSE2HOUSE.PT
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
37
Finance
What you need to know, if you want to rent your property to tourists Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters.
"If you are considering renting, there are several questions that you need to be aware of in order to avoid any problems with the Portuguese licensing and tax departments."
W
hile more and more tourists are visiting Portugal it is worth considering renting your property as a way of reducing the annual costs of owning a holiday home. Currently there are over 70 thousand rental licenses registered in the Portuguese Portal of Tourism, but this number is growing every day, for instance a year ago there were around 42 thousand licenses issued, which means an increase of nearly 2350 new licenses each month. If you are considering renting your property, there are several questions that you need to be aware of in order to avoid any problems with the Portuguese licensing and tax departments. First of all, you need to bear in mind when you rent your property in Portugal, that irrespective of whether you are a tax resident or not, the rental income will always need to be declared in Portugal. Secondly, the Tax Authorities (Finanças) state categorically that Property Owners letting directly to holidaymakers (less than 30 days) are viewed as business activity and must be reported in Category B. Several taxpayers have been declaring rentals on Category F, this should be reserved for “long-term” rentals (more than 30 days). Only the “locação turística”, when the property owner makes a contract ceding the property to an agent for ongoing letting to tourists, may be taxed under category B or F. The main reasons for you to comply with this new law, are: ASAE and the tax authorities are checking the rental portals (air bnb, hollidaylettings, etc), to make sure that the properties advertised are all legal and the owners are fully compliant. Fines are considerably high for those not
1 38
advertising the AL license number; Tax is considerably low if you are on this scheme, as a non-resident you pay as little as 8.75% tax, instead of being taxed at 28% (this is not a typing error you read it correctly, 8.75% opposed to 28%). The tax is even lower, for hostels, guesthouses and other properties where you can rent a single room, instead of the whole property: 3.75%. So why take unnecessary risks and not obey the law? Please find below some questions and answers, to help you understand a bit more about the local lodging: As a business, will there be complicated accounting/ reporting requirements? No, unless your income is over €200,000 per year, we will class you on the “Simplified Regime” and as the name says, everything will be simple. What is the simplified regime and what expenses can I offset against my rentals? Most of the Sole Traders in Portugal elect to operate under the Simplified Regime when opening their business activity. Under the simplified regime taxpayers cannot deduct professional and business expenses against their annual gross income. The taxable income of this category will be computed automatically, based on their income. What is the tax payable on the simplified regime on my rentals? The effective tax rate on Category B, in the simplified regime, for a non-resident Property Owner will be 8.75%, for apartments and villas and 3.75% for hostels, etc. So, for earnings of €10,000 the taxable income, equates to €875 in a villa or apartment. Please note that under Category F, on the same income taxed autonomously at 28%, the tax liability would be €2,800, 3 times more! Do I have to issue invoices to holidaymakers? Yes, you need to issue invoices, however this is a service included on our package, so we will do this for you. We will also simultaneous report the arrivals and departures to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) at no additional cost. This is also mandatory under the new law. Will I need to be VAT registered? You can be VAT registered by choice or when your income exceeds €10,000 per year. However as the VAT charged to holidaymakers is 6% as a tourist activity and as
2 1
2
3
4 5
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
most of your operating expenses has VAT at 23% rate, normally you should be in credit in terms of VAT. Do I have to pay Social Security contributions? Since the 1st of January of 2018, with effect to 2019, the Local Lodging activity is exempt of Social Security contributions. But please note that this only applies to the cases where this is your only activity registered with the tax office. If you have other activities, please contact us as there are various full and partial exemptions that apply in most cases. How long does it take to get this rental license? Depending on your urgency, we can complete the registration at the tax office and the application to the tourism office, in 48hrs allowing us to have your AL number in 2 days! The AL license is valid for 10 years. Do I pay capital gains if I decide to stop renting? In most cases you won’t have a problem with the capital gains. However is advisable to seek personal advice, so you can plan ahead a future sale of the property. What do I need to report to SEF? All property owners need to report to the SEF (Emigration Office) the entry and exit of all guests with non-Portuguese nationality. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us, we aim our expertise and know-how to work in your benefit, keeping you tax compliant while paying only the legal minimum. Contact our office and book an appointment to find out more about the tax strategy that might be more effective on your specific situation.
6 7
8
toldos - awnings sun wind rain protection
9
toldolanda
info@toldolanda.com | www.toldolanda.com | 914 609 517
BRITISH STYLE AUCTION HOUSE
• Direct Sales • Business and House Clearances
Direct sales, Business and house clearance service, online catalogue, & Monthly Auctions! Free valuations and Monthly Auctions!
• Free Valuations • Online Catalogue
General Auctions Plus Antiques and Collectables General auctions are held on the 1st Saturday of the month and Start at 10:00 am.Viewings on the Thursday and Friday before the Auction between 09:00 and 17:00.
WANTED! ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE JEWELLERY AND HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER.
FURTHER DETAILS OF ALL AUCTIONS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE
Do you have antique and vintage jewellery you would like to sell? Have you got some hallmarked sterling silver items you no longer want? These items are creating a lot of interest at Auction at the moment and are achieving realistic prices.
WWW.AHALGARVE.COM
Why not give us a no obligation call to discuss what you may like to sell? We offer honest valuations and free advise to all potential sellers.
Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 14:00pm Sat: Open Auction days Email: valuations@ahalgarve.com Office: 289 832 380 Tel. Mark: 914 774 438 Sitio do Besouro, Conceição, Faro
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
39
Taste
SMALL & PERFECTLY FORMED… Tucked away in an old corner building at the end of a narrow street in central Loulé is a foodies’ delight called 100%Livre. Gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free, this is all about flavour… and 100% goodness.
I
f you think ‘free’ signposts strictly veggie and possibly vegan, you need to think again and get your taste buds into shape to prepare for a rare treat: a carefully-composed and brilliantly executed menu that includes duck, wild fish and prawns dishes, noodles, eggs and more. Cooked to order, served with style, each dish is a little gem with its own personality, be it in the combinations of flavour and texture or the sparkle of colour that can only come from the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is small, seating just 24 at lunch and dinner, and almost hidden from view of the busy thoroughfare at one end, and the quieter-than-quiet side street that runs down from the market. Step inside and there is a sense of intimacy, and the wonderful aroma of cooking. Bread, a speciality of the house, is rising in the kitchen, some scented with herbs and spices, some earthy and rich, all made with 100% natural gluten free. The bread alone is worth a visit. It is a particular passion
40
of 27-year-old Nadia Carrasco and 23-year-old Ricardo Messias who share ownership of the restaurant and are both chefs. Nadia worked as a waitress for six years but, deciding she’d rather be ‘doing’ than serving, she started studying in 2010. Her first experience in a professional kitchen was as a pastry chef in Vila Joya. She added to her skills in England and then became a pastry chef in Bon Bon in Carvoeiro and a trainee in the renowned Librije, in Zwolle, in the Netherlands, and finally at the William Restaurant in Reid´s Palace Madeira – all of them made famous through their Michelin-starred chefs. Ricardo, meanwhile, once qualified, started at the Bela Vista Boutique hotel and then followed a similar path, learning from some of the world’s finest chefs. With fabulous work experience behind them, the duo found themselves in business, although they hadn’t expected to move into the heady world of restaurant ownership quite so early in their careers.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
41
Taste Places
Every dish on the 100%Livre menu is their own invention, planned to make the most of the finest ingredients that they source from within, and outside, Portugal. Fresh vegetables and herbs are delivered daily from a specialist grower in the hills; meat and fish come from known providers who respect the need for purity in their produce. Nadia has a long-held fascination for free-from. She herself can’t eat dairy products and her brother has type 1 diabetes. But it is more than just a personal quest to eat right – she has found that an increasing number of people have developed food intolerances, or have simply chosen to opt for a healthier lifestyle. It is a challenge she and Ricardo have taken on, and enjoy every minute. From the constant search for suppliers able to deliver the quality they demand, to experimenting with new tastes and creating different dishes, once their satisfied diners have headed home, this is a couple to whom every day is a culinary adventure. They chose Loulé, a “growing city”, and what was once a tiny school, to set up their first venture, having worked day in and day out to save enough to feed their passion and get their restaurant up and running. The three-course menu offers some special dishes, tastes that are original is every sense. Most guests will work their way through, from starters such as green beans fried in a lighter-than-air batter and served with saffron
42
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
43
Taste
mayonnaise, to mains that include a tender duck breast with wild roots and cabbage, or a chickpea curry with Thai rice, and a sobremesa of a cocoa and sweet potato brownie, fresh fruit salad or the totally irresistible Beetroot risotto. Soon, Nadia and Ricardo hope to open up the terrace on the top floor of their little bulding on summer nights. And they could well find their services in demand to cater for private parties. But while they are still one of Loule’s best-kept secrets, go ahead and spoil yourself. You will enjoy it. 100%. 100%Livre Rua 1º de Dezembro 38 Open Tuesday to Saturday Lunch: 12:00 to 15:30 Dinner: 19:00 to 22:00 968 739 024 / 966 334 762
44
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
45
JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE CV VILLAS PORTFOLIO Are you a villa owner looking to rent out a property? Features our customers look for include: • • • • • •
Minimum 4* standard of comfort Private pool Pool heating Professional house management A location close to the coast Catering available on request We take care of everything from having dedicated local representatives to marketing and health and safety advice. Contact us for more information. cvvillas.com | Kathr yn.Enoch@cvvillas.com T +44 207 261 5436 | T +35 191 507 031
46
A TRUE LINKS COURSE ON THE SPANISH BORDER AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE
ENJOY
Costa Esuri RESERVATIONS: COSTA ESURI GOLF CLUB Urbanización Costa Esuri Avda Juan Pablo II, S/N, A49 – Salida 131 21400 Ayamonte, Huelva, Spain Tlf:(0034) 959 328 071 www.costaesurih2ogolf.com
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Restaurante
47
Sports
SPORTS NEWS
Brought to you by Chris Wright.
CRISTIANO RONALDO AND A PACK OF WOLVES
A
s the English Premier League’s 25th season draws to a close it is an appropriate time to reflect on the impact that Portuguese managers and players have had on its development. The Premier League is now the most watched sports league in the world, broadcast in 212 territories to 643 million homes and a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion people. On the managerial side the standout person is José Mourinho who led Chelsea to three Premier League titles, the FA Cup in 2007 and three Football League Cup crowns. Mourinho took over at Manchester United last season and won the Football League Cup and the UEFA Europa League in his first season. But it is on the pitch where Portuguese players have made a remarkable impact. Dani became the first when West Ham manager Harry Redknapp signed the midfielder from Sporting in January 1996. Since then fifty-six Portuguese players have played in England’s top flight. Those with connections to the Algarve include Nuno Valente (Portimonense 1993-1994; Everton 2005-2009); Bruno Ribeiro (Leeds United 1997–99; coach SC Farense 2012-13); Jorge Costa (Charlton Athletic 2001–02; coach SC Olhanense 2008-10); Abel Xavier (Everton, Liverpool, Middlesbrough 1999–2007; coach SC Olhanense 2013 & SC Farense 2014–2015); Ricardo Vaz Tê (started youth career at SC Farense; Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United 2003–15) and Maniche (Chelsea 2005–06) whose younger brother Jorge Ribeiro has captained SC Farense to the top of the
Campeonato Portugal Division ‘E’ this season. Of course ‘top-of-the-tree’ is the world’s greatest player Cristiano Ronaldo who came to prominence with Manchester United between 2003 & 2009. Ronaldo won a hat-trick of Premier League titles with Manchester United, was twice voted Player of the Season and is the only player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year while playing in the Premier League. His recent wonder goal against Juventus had the globe’s sports press looking for superlatives to describe it. With his back to goal at the top of the box, Ronaldo launched himself into a spectacular feat of coordination, gymnastics and timing, striking the ball at a height of 2.38 metres (51 cm more than his own height!) and sending it hurtling into the bottom corner of the net past a motionless and stunned Gianluigi Buffon. Adding to the list of Portuguese Premier League players next season will be those at Wolverhampton Wanderers who took the English Championship by storm under former FC Porto manager Nuno Espírito Santo. In total, the Wolves boast six Portuguese players in their ranks: 21 year-old Rúben Neves who is being linked with a move to Liverpool; top-scorer Diogo Jota, Ivan Cavaleiro, Roderick Miranda, Rúben Vinagre and Hélder Costa. Wolves will now be among the thirty richest clubs in the world with the riches from Premier League money and TV income estimated to be around €220m. And the link between José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Wolves? Super-agent Jorge Mendes, but that’s a story for another day.
ABEL XAVIER
X
avier joined English Premier League club Everton in September 1999 on a £1.5 million transfer deal. He was sold to Liverpool in January 2002, only the fourth player to transfer from Everton to Liverpool and the only player to have ever played in both Merseyside derbies in the same season but on opposing sides. He is currently manager of the Mozambique national team.
48
JORGE COSTA
C
aptain of FC Porto, under José Mourinho, when they won the UEFA Champions League in 2004. Four years later he was appointed manager of SC Olhanense and won the Segunda Liga title returning the Algarve team to the first division after an absence of 34 years.
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Golf
How Patrick Reed won the 2018 Masters
E
Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock, Algarve Golf Guru, PGA Golf Professionals walk us through the eessential elements that contriibuted to Patick Reed's victory at the 2018 Masters.
quipment - Reed's gamble paid off For his Masters win Patrick Reed had Ping, Titleist, Nike and Callaway clubs in his bag as well as hand crafted wedges. It was an assembly of golf clubs aimed at maximising his confidence around Augusta. Reed commented "This has freed me up, on the equipment side, I'm just out there doing my thing. I'm using whatever I want to use. I'm able to put 14 golf clubs and a golf ball in the bag that I feel are the perfect fit for me. To do that and come out with my first major, it was a risk. But it was a risk that was the right one." The Numbers on the course that made the difference. Reed dominated the par 5s. The par 5's at Augusta are considered to be birdie holes, and that again proved to be true. For the week, the 2nd, 8th, 13th and 15th holes ranked as the four easiest on the course and
1
www.simplyalgarvemag.com
Patrick Reed scored low! For the week he made six pars, eight birdies and two eagles on these holes, which gave him a strokes gained edge over the rest of the field of 7.95. Reed's putter was hot Coming into the Masters, Patrick Reed was ranked 75th on the PGA Tour for putting. On some of the most difficult greens in the world, Reed’s putting average at Augusta was 1.98, which was third-best in the field. Reed’s 66 was not the lowest but by far the best round of the 2018 Masters. The lowest 18-hole score during the Masters was Jordan Spieth’s Sunday 64. The scoring average on Sunday, after Saturday night’s rain softened the course, was 70.49, which means Spieth was 6.49 shots better than the average. The second round scoring average was 74.56, when Reed shot his 66. He was 8.56 shots better than the average making his round on that
2
3
day statistically the best of the Tournament! Patrick Reeds attitude on the course from his Final Round playing partner, Rickie Fowler "He's not scared on the golf course. He'll play aggressive. He'll play his game. He won't back down". As you can see from 'How Patrick Reed won the Masters' it is important to feel comfortable with your equipment, putt well and have a strong positive attitude when on the golf course to maximize your chances of playing well and being a winner! These are areas that our PGA Professionals Richard Hudson and Eddie Charnock can help you with! If you would like to contact the duo for lessons or any other golf needs, find them on their website: www. algarvegolfguru.com Email sales@ algarvegolfguru.com and make sure to mention Simply Algarve as a point of refferal.
4
49
Classifieds
CLASSIFIED ADS! The Simply Algarve magazine now has a free classifieds section for our readers. Please send your small free ads to Design@simplyalgarvemag.com before the 16th to be included in the next issue! FOR SALE TOYOTA Land Cruiser 2.5 Turbo Diesel, 3 Door, Left Hand Drive 293,000 Km Portuguese Registered Price 8,600 euro Contact: 926 747967 email: greenrivercompany@gmail.com
IRON DOG HOTEL AND SCHOOL Fully equipped dog school with a big grass training area. Swimming classes also available during summer. Services: socialization, basic obedience, behavioral problems resolutions, security dogs training and dog sports competition trainings. The hotel for dogs is located in the countryside, with permanent surveillance 24/7 in a family environment. Outdoor area with 200 square meters with grass and individual spacious boxes of 9 square meters each. www.irondog.pt / 966092964
FOR SALE: Mens Golf Clubs Ping G5 4-LW great condition with matching bag. 966 044 143
Art by Alyson Sheldrake. Original Acrylic Paintings for sale, Pet and House Portraits all at affordable prices. Alyson is an Algarve-based artist available for Commissions. alyson@artbyalysonsheldrake. com PT mobile: 912027256 www.artbyalysonsheldrake.com
ENTERTAINMENT FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS AND HOTELS. We specialize in Sixties Music but we offer Karaoke as an option. Please contact Richy on 966 006 436 or see www.richybassett.com.
LG HR939M 1TB HDD SMART 3D BLU-RAY PLAYER REC TWIN TUNER WIFI WITH REMOTE AND MANUAL. Barely used. Paid new €400.00 – sensible offers please. TM 963 146 398
50
HOUSE FOR LONG TERM RENT (min 2 years) Beautiful 3 bed Villa + Guest Apartment in Benfarras / Vilamoura. Own large pool, nice garden, partly furnished, 1900 Euros plus bills, photos available. Phone 967612665
ART CLASS Every Thursday morning 10 – 12.30pm at ASCA Almancil. Complete beginners welcome. All mediums covered. 12 Euros. Contact Tracy 289489174.
Europe's Best Golf Venue *Membership prices for anual subscriptions.