What is the name of your accommodation? Casa Um, Casa Dois, and Casa Três are part of our curated collection known as The Addresses. Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background? My name is Bert Jeuris, and together with my partner Ludovic Beun, I run The Addresses. Although The Addresses was created in 2017, my brother and I have been building The Portugal collection for more than twenty years — a wine business that highlights the remarkable diversity of Portuguese wines, many of which you’ll also find inside our properties. Ludovic has built his career as an art director, shaping the visual identity of nearly all VRT brands. We first met when he began visiting my wine shops, and those visits soon grew into a friendship. From that connection, we founded The Madeira Collection, our venture devoted to vintage Madeira. Portugal has always been the place that brought our paths together. Within The Addresses, Ludovic and I are the creative driving force behind the brand. I guide the company as its manager, while Ludovic shapes its artistic direction. Together, we bring the vision, the character, and the energy that define our collection, fueled by our shared love for Portugal, real estate, wine, and hospitality. How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on? Our connection to our properties began quite naturally. Over the years, many of our wine customers would ask for recommendations on where to go, what to experience, and especially where to stay in Portugal. Their curiosity, combined with our deep affection for the country, its culture, and its people, planted the seed that eventually grew into The Addresses. In 2020, we took the leap and purchased our first house, Casa Um, which opened its doors that July just outside Tavira. This 19th-century farmhouse, once owned by a shepherd who tended 300 sheep in the surrounding green hills, became the foundation of our vision. As interest grew, we welcomed new investors who believed in the project and helped us expand. That expansion led to Casa Dois, a former fish warehouse in Olhão. It was originally located in a poor neighbourhood, but over the years the area has transformed into one of the city’s most charming and vibrant quarters, making the house an even more meaningful part of the local story. We also developed Casa Três, a former merchant’s residence in the historic town of Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border. Each property carries its own soul and history, and together they form a collection that reflects our love for Portugal and the unique experiences it offers. What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it. The process of creating each property has been a true journey, because every house is completely different. Their locations alone already give them distinct personalities: one sits in the peaceful countryside, another is steps away from the beach, and the third lies in the heart of a historic city center. This diversity is exactly what makes the collection so unique. From the beginning, our goal was to honour traditional Portuguese architecture. That is why we choose to buy old properties full of character and restore them with the help of Portuguese architects we deeply admire. Atelier Rua, who worked on all three projects, and Pedro Domingos have been instrumental in preserving the soul of each building while giving it a contemporary, timeless feel. For the interiors, we collaborate with the Belgian Studio Stories, who elevate the spaces by highlighting local details, textures, and craftsmanship. The result is always a blend of original elements and modern design, creating a balance that feels natural and authentic. We also make a point of using local products wherever possible — ceramics, olive oil, beach towels, and other items that reflect the region’s traditions. Each house is shaped by the place it belongs to, and that sensitivity is what makes the experience feel so rooted and genuine. What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests? What inspired us to open our properties to guests was, above all, our genuine love for Portugal. We were moved by the culture, the food, the landscapes, and especially the people, who have a quiet elegance and a natural modesty that we admire deeply. With The Addresses, we wanted to celebrate all of this and share it with others in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. One sentiment that stayed with us came from someone who said it took two Belgians to remind Portugal of how special its interiors and traditions truly are. That humility is exactly why we felt so compelled to highlight the country’s beauty. Renting our houses became a way to honour this culture and to invite guests into an experience that reflects the Portugal we fell in love with. What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart? It’s difficult to choose just one thing that makes our properties special, because each one carries its own emotions and its own story. As I mentioned, they are located in completely different settings, and that gives every house a unique soul. What makes them truly dear to my heart is the way they were created. From the very beginning, The Addresses was driven more by passion than by a business plan. Every decision, every detail, came from a place of love for Portugal and a desire to share its atmosphere, its warmth, and its beauty. Over the years, many guests have stayed in our houses, and so many of them return or write to share how deeply they connected with the experience. That, for me, is the greatest reward. It shows that The Addresses is not just a place to sleep or a house to rent. It offers something far more personal: a sense of hospitality, of being welcomed into a space created with genuine care. That feeling is what makes each property truly special to me. Do you have any future plans or upcoming projects for The Addresses? Absolutely. We’re enthusiastically working on two new houses that are already under construction. Both properties will be ready to welcome guests in 2027, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue expanding The Addresses with these new additions. What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests. What do you hope guests will take away from their stay? Guests can expect a complete hospitality experience from the moment they arrive. We offer personalised support through our 24/7 receptionist, Mario, who is always available to help with anything they may need — restaurant recommendations, boat tours, local tips, or any special request that can make their stay even more memorable. Nothing is too small or too big; we truly want guests to feel cared for. What I hope guests take away from their stay is a feeling of having been genuinely welcomed, of having lived something authentic, warm, and thoughtfully curated. If they leave with beautiful memories and a desire to return, then we have achieved exactly what we hoped for. Do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable? For an unforgettable holiday, I always recommend taking a taxi boat in Olhão to the neighbouring island of Farol. Once you arrive, a five-minute walk brings you to the restaurant A do João. It is a true local gem, known for its freshly caught anchova, a fish unique to this region and prepared to perfection by the owner, who is also the fisherman. The dish is exceptional, and the homemade French fries are just as memorable. It is one of those places where the authenticity of the region shines through in every bite, making it the perfect complement to a stay at The Addresses.