THE BEGINNING.

Herdade da Avessada

February / March 2018

The journey started when I was only very young, in fact it wasn’t my journey at all but my beloved father’s. It was his dream to one day, live in Portugal. Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of any body’s control this never came to fruition. Not deterred my partner (Geoff) and I took up the challenge, eagerly assisted by my father. Over the last seventeen years we have explored Portugal from, Faro to Lisbon, which we cleverly disguised as family holidays.

With the passage of time and looming retirement, the first monumental step for Geoff and I was to sell our beloved home, which had consumed our blood, sweat and tears over the last 16 years refurbishing it. Sold to the first viewer! Next step, down size and find somewhere to live for the next year or two.

The act of Selling and Buying, here in ‘Blighty’ just added to our energy of house hunting in Portugal. The search finally ended in February 2018 after we hopelessly fell in love with the serenity and tranquillity of the Alentejo region and in particularly Evora. For those of you who have yet to take the brave step of straying from the Algarve you are in for a life changing experience. The History, Scenery, Culinary delights and not forgetting the World class wine are just a tiny sprinkling of the magic dust which covers Evora.

Old Home > New Home = 1,353miles.

It was just a question of finding the perfect home in the perfect spot. With the grateful assistance of our ‘Marvellous Ladies’ at REMAX (Clare, Ana & Catrina), our holidays became more of house hunting and a lot less sunbathing. Having covered hundreds of kilometres and having viewed too many properties, “sorry Ladies”, we changed our tact and viewed a property unlike we had seen or wished for! Needless to say, it was perfect! Negotiations expertly conducted by the ‘Marvellous Ladies’ at REMAX and hey presto, the deal was done over a fabulous meal in Evora.

Geoff and I know we are lucky in so many ways but our next step was to find an English-speaking Lawyer to guide us through the process. Contrary to professional advice that the best Portuguese Lawyers are all based in Lisbon we wanted our Lawyer to be in Evora, so they could guide us now and in the future. Our wish came true because of a ‘casual’ conversation with the Proprietor of our hotel, where we were staying and after some transatlantic emails between Portugal, USA and UK we were highly recommended to Dr. Fernando PORTA, who is without doubt the best Lawyer in Portugal! Fernando typifies the Portuguese with his extraordinary kindness and desire to help and assist in any matters, legal or not. Fernando is a champion, his advice and guidance worthy of a medal (Ordem do Mérito). If our luck holds out Fernando will become a lifelong friend.

Mr. Porta passed the Portuguese Bar Admission exam in 2006. His mother tongue is Portuguese and he is fluent in English and Spanish.

https://www.fernandoporta.pt

Mr. Porta is an experienced lawyer in the field of legal services provided to foreign investors in Portugal. Since the beginning of his professional career he has specialized in understanding of the needs of visitors and investors, new residents or immigrant entrepreneurs, as well as providing guidance, advice, and navigating the uncertainties that typically accompany acquiring a second residence and general residency issues.

THE JOURNEY NOW BEGINS.