Cluny of Sussex. Portugal, a popular destination for celebrities

It is half an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Known for its tranquility, its fine sandy beaches and its traditional restaurants, the village of Melides is about to welcome new residents. And not least because it will be Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. THE: Daily Mail: On Wednesday October 16, it was in fact revealed that the Sussexes will acquire property in this municipality on the Alentejo coast. A very fashionable region with its architect-designed luxury homes and financial advantages.

“Golden Visa”

The pair could thus make a grand return to Europe. Now citizens of Montecito, California, Lilibeth and Archie’s parents had to say goodbye to Frogmore Cottage, their English residence, in June 2023. The youngest of Charles III and the former actress would pack things at the sovereign’s request, mildly burned by the content of his son’s memoirs. Since then, the king has reportedly offered Prince Andrew a residency at the British residence. And the Sussexes found themselves without a second home on the Old Continent.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not said their last word. Agreed Daily Mail:Acquiring a second home in Portugal will enable an American to obtain a Golden Visa. The BBC notes that a program that offers “wealthy foreigners the right to live and work in another country in exchange for a substantial investment”. This “golden passport” will allow him to enjoy certain rights of European Union citizens, for example, free movement in the Schengen zone. A godsend for the ex-actress who failed to complete the British citizenship process.

“Hamptons of Portugal”.

This return to European soil will also benefit the Duke of Sussex. In recent times, Prince Harry has really been looking to return to being a member of the royal family. Buying a ped-à-terre in Portugal will allow him to get closer to his cousin, Princess Eugenie, his last real connection to the Windsors; thirty-one also have a home in Melides. In 2022, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank invested in a home at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club.

And the two couples would not be the only ones to fall under the spell of this luxurious resort. George and Amal Clooney are also considering taking up residence at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, nicknamed the Hamptons of Portugal. It combines 300 luxury residences, the prices of which will be more than 4 million euros. In particular, there is a resort area, an equestrian center and even a golf course that mentions. Daily Mail: .

A place that attracts many personalities

A place popular with personalities of all stripes, George Clooney would visit along with real estate developer Mike Feldman, with whom he launched his Casamigos tequila brand. The Sussexes and the Clooneys, of course, have not confirmed the rumors surrounding these alleged second homes. However, it is proven that other people settled in Melides.

Before their divorce, which was announced in 2022, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady owned property in the complex. Agreed London Standard Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, Madonna, Sharon Stone, Philippe Starck and Monica Bellucci all own or own property in Portugal, most of them in Lisbon. Christian Louboutin owns several homes in the country, including a store in Melides.

“A unique lifestyle”

But why does Portugal appeal so much? rich and famous ? THE: London Standard first mentions the country’s mild weather, with an average of 300 sunny days per year, and the ease with which its residents can travel across Europe through its many airports. The daily also praises the area’s “privacy, security and unique lifestyle”. “Security is an important factor. “Portugal remains one of the safest countries in Europe, with virtually no break-ins or burglaries, making it very attractive to celebrities,” said Alex Koch of Gooreynd, who works at international property consultancy Knight Frank.

Portugal’s small population also allows personalities to keep a low profile. Not to mention the nation’s attractive tax regime. The latter offers 10 years of benefits and preferential rates to foreign residents and investors. Finally, Portugal has everything to tempt gastronomy lovers, assures him London Standard. The nation has no fewer than 39 Michelin stars. It’s enough to tempt Meghan Markle, who once shared her recipes on her blog The Tigand is reportedly set to launch her own cooking show.