Before we get into the details, could you briefly introduce yourselves?

We’re Miguel and Miriam—partners for 18 years and married for almost 10. Together with our two sons, Danilo (6) and Mason (4), we live in the picturesque village of Bunschoten-Spakenburg, right in the heart of the Netherlands. We love to travel and seek out places that offer peace and a sense of home—exactly what we hoped to create with Quinta Cipreste.

We’d love to share something personal with our guests. Could you tell us a bit more about yourselves?

Miguel is half Portuguese and lived in Portugal until the age of six. His love for the country only grew stronger over the years. It was no surprise that when we got married, we chose to do so in Portugal. We exchanged our vows on the beach at Praia Lourenço—a moment that added to our growing list of beautiful memories there.

Beyond our love for Portugal, we’re passionate about exploring the world—city breaks with friends, discovering new cultures. Miguel runs his own construction company, Urban Constructions, in Amsterdam. I, Miriam, am a professional photographer under the name Momentos Photography.

When and how did this property come into your lives, and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

Miguel’s childhood home is just around the corner from Quinta Cipreste. For nine years, we’d regularly find ourselves returning to this spot, dreaming about what it could become—even when the house was little more than a ruin with no windows or doors.

In 2021, our dream became reality. We purchased the property and, together with an incredible team, began the transformation. It’s a privilege to create a home not just for our family, but for future guests seeking peace, beauty, and a sense of connection.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and design process?

We truly believe in surrounding ourselves with the right people—it’s our strength as a team. Miguel oversaw all construction work. While the building crew worked daily on-site, he flew to Portugal every six weeks to monitor the progress personally—something that proved far more challenging to manage remotely than expected. Fortunately, we worked closely with a dear friend and project manager based in Portugal, who was often there in person. His support was invaluable.

As for the interiors, we designed everything together. The kitchen, in particular, was a challenge—slightly too complex to plan alone. So we enlisted the help of an interior designer to bring our vision to life. The final result is a carefully curated mix of textures, colors, and luxury—made even more thrilling by the fact that many decisions were made from afar.

Our creative ideas often came to us while physically at the house—feeling the space, understanding its needs. That feeling of livability, comfort, and atmosphere guided every choice we made.

What makes this property truly special to you? Are there any meaningful moments or memories that add to its significance?

What makes Quinta Cipreste so special is its closeness to Miguel’s roots—his parents’ home is just steps away. That sense of familiarity has always made us feel welcome.

But there’s more. This house was the first in the village to be connected to electricity—an installation carried out by Miguel’s Portuguese grandfather. It’s a piece of family history that’s still very much alive in the atmosphere of this place.

How would you describe the ambiance and interior style of the house?

Someone recently stepped inside for the first time and said, “This house has a soul.” It was one of the most beautiful compliments we’ve received.

The house combines modern design with warmth and attention to detail. The signature arches on the veranda give it that unmistakable Portuguese charm—a beautiful blend of style and soul.

Which part of the property is your personal favorite - and why?

Miguel: “The veranda is the heart of the house for me. Those Portuguese arches, the atmosphere, the view… it gets me every time. It’s where everything comes together.”
Miriam: “For me, it’s the master bedroom. A dreamy space—spacious, yet warm and cozy. The freestanding bathtub adds a touch of luxury, and the windows by the bath and shower offer a view that never gets old.”

What makes the location of your property truly unique?

What sets this place apart is the feeling of freedom, thanks to the private land surrounding the house. There’s also an undeniable sense of luxury: from the freestanding bathtub to the spacious open-plan kitchen and the heated pool, every detail is designed for comfort. We even added a padel court at the back of the garden—and if that’s not enough, the region’s most stunning beaches are just five minutes away.

Are there any sustainable or eco-conscious elements you’re proud of?

Yes! The entire house is insulated from the outside—something still uncommon in Portugal—and we’ve installed double glazing throughout. These features keep the house comfortable year-round, both in summer and winter.

What inspired you to open your home to guests?

To be honest, the place is just too beautiful and too special not to share. The space, the calm, the atmosphere—it naturally feels like something that should be experienced by others. Quinta Cipreste is a place to unwind and reconnect, and that’s something we want to offer to everyone.

Can you describe the kind of experience guests can expect during their stay?

A stay at Quinta Cipreste feels like taking a long, deep breath of serenity. From the moment you arrive, everyday stress begins to melt away. You’re surrounded by stillness, nature, and beauty—the sound of birdsong, the scent of eucalyptus, and the soft breeze flowing through the veranda.

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and stylish, inviting you to relax. Step outside and you’re met with sweeping views of the rolling hills—perfect for unwinding in total privacy. Swim, nap, read, or simply do nothing.

And the best part? Within five minutes, you’re standing barefoot in the sand on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. Every corner of Quinta Cipreste encourages you to slow down, recharge, and feel at home—under the golden Portuguese sun.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What makes it an unforgettable experience for your guests?

Quinta Cipreste is not a standard holiday rental—it’s a home with heart. What sets it apart is the unique combination of tranquility, space, and refinement. Set on a private estate, it offers complete privacy and freedom. The architecture—with its Portuguese arches and natural materials—gives it soul, while the interior design radiates warmth, luxury, and attention to comfort.

Soon, guests can also enjoy our brand-new padel court—a perfect balance of relaxation and activity.

Visitors often say they feel immediately at home, as though the house embraces them. Every detail has been chosen with care—not just for the look, but for the feeling it evokes. With stunning views, a heated pool, and beaches just around the corner, it’s a place that lingers long after your stay. Not just as a holiday, but as a cherished memory.

What has been the most touching compliment you’ve received from a guest?

When guests tell us it feels like home—like a warm embrace—we know we’ve done something right.

What do you hope guests take with them from their stay?

We hope they leave feeling rested, recharged, and full of joy.

More than anything, we hope they take a piece of this place’s soul with them—and feel that quiet pull to one day return.

Any recommendations for guests to get the most out of their holiday?

• Start your day with a cup of coffee in the garden. Watch the sun rise over the hills, listen to the silence, and let the day unfold naturally.
• Follow the rhythm of the day, not the clock.
• Don’t over-plan. The charm of this place lies in slowing down.