Living on the island of Jersey with its diminutive population of just 90,000, you can imagine that Paul (52) and Gail (43) Hesten don’t feel at home amongst skyscrapers and streets filled with neon. For this reason the dainty coastal resort of Pipa in northeast Brazil ignited their interest as a location for a holiday home. They just hope that the masses don’t follow…
Paul, a Social Worker, offers his thoughts, “Brazil appealed to us as it was something different, boasted an idyllic climate and beaches and also seemed to be well-placed to survive the global recession. The gateway city of Natal however was just too big for our taste and very much geared up to package tourism with its high rise hotels so, on the advice of agents www.uv10.com, we headed 80km south to Pipa Beach and found the perfect setting. We’re banking on the fact that most Brits arriving in Natal won’t be bothered with a taxi ride through ramshackle villages to discover Pipa. This Brazilian paradise is worth preserving.”
Fortunately for the Hestens, Pipa is a strict conservation area and an incredibly popular one at that. Building controls permit a maximum of 25% density and two storeys and huge tracts of Atlantic forest and native dolphin and marine turtle populations fall under full environmental protection. Against this backdrop demand for property will always outstrip supply which is why they’ve made a wise move buying into the condominium pousada of Morada dos Ventos, paying almost 54,000 GBP for an off-plan two bedroom apartment back in 2007.
Paul continues, “Morada dos Ventos fitted our profile of a perfect holiday home. A small community of only 16 units set in a quiet residential spot in town with the potential to deliver some quite generous rental income. The Scottish proprietor, Archie Galbraith, alongside his Brazilian wife Tania, has created something quite unique with attractive hexagonal façades and an extreme attention to detail with quality finishing. I have the utmost admiration for the pair of them. Our two bedroom apartment is positively palatial for a holiday home, 102m², and we’re thrilled to have just spent our first summer break there – Brazilian summertime of course.”
Northeast Brazil, within touching distance of the Equator, doesn’t really have the right to delineate between seasons as it’s wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures hovering around 28ºC all year. Pipa town itself can get quite warm but a welcome Atlantic breeze flows around Morada dos Ventos and for a change from the huge pool there’s a choice of world-class beaches within a short stroll. Praia do Amor – Love Beach – is a favourite with the surfers whilst Baia dos Golfinhos – Dolphin Bay – has child-friendly waters and allows for swimming with its playful namesakes in their natural habitat. Just make sure you save some energy for the evening to gorge on affordable surf and turf and revel in the sophisticated atmosphere of Pipa’s bars and clubs til the wee small ones.
Paul concludes, “As for the future we aim to get out to Morada dos Ventos at least once a year and will allow our nearest and dearest to utilise the rest of the three months personal usage. Then we’ll let Archie and his team welcome paying guests hopefully giving us a return of eight to nine percent per annum. With the FIFA World Cup coming in 2014, and both Natal and nearby Recife on the shortlist as host venues, we’ll certainly hang on to our investment for a good few years and I’m sure it’ll pay us back with attractive dividends.”
Set in Pipa, Natal’s ‘global village’, Morada dos Ventos comprises 16 elegant and spacious apartments surrounded by lush tropical gardens with freeform swimming pools. Selected ground floor units are wheelchair friendly whilst all access paths are ramped and there is a welcome absence of steps in public or social areas. Although there is 24-hour security for peace of mind, the pousada occupies a quiet and safe residential zone within ten minutes’ walk of Pipa’s legendary beaches, restaurants and nightlife. The pousada’s owners will happily arrange all activities from horse riding to kayaking, hang gliding to beach buggy trips and also facilitate the hire of cars or motorbikes. Natal’
Morada dos Ventos operates as a pousada condominium and in return for 50% of the rental income absolutely everything is taken care of on behalf of the owner from maintenance and furnishing to payment of all utility bills and community fees, 24-hour reception and a daily maid service and change of towels and bed linen.
Prices at Morada dos Ventos start from 199,800 BRL (approx 59,907 GBP) for a one bedroom penthouse of 93m² constructed area and from 255,960 BRL (approx 76,788 GBP) for a two bedroom garden apartment of 102m². All properties are delivered fitted and furnished together with the option of an interest-free 12 month payment plan. Prices are due to increase in March this year to the tune of 5%.
Contact uv10 on info@uv10.com, visit www.uv10.com or telephone UK local rate +44 (0)845 643 1036 or the Spanish office +34 952 764 560. Skype uv10-brazil.
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