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Portugal is known for its beautiful unspoilt landscapes, made up of wild beaches, preserved nature reserves, and rolling fields. Though many are fans of the wild paradise in Portugal that is Comporta, the coast also conceals hidden gems off the beaten path.
For Sónia Lage Santiago, the wonders of Algarve are no secret. These stunning landscapes and tranquil environments proved to be the perfect setting for Villa Luz, a home reflective of her values. Join us as we follow her through this magnificent home and her comforting philosophy of simple yet qualitative living in the unspoilt Portuguese wilderness.
AN UPBRINGING OF QUALITY
Sónia grew up in a family that emphasised quality, showing how rich simple experiences could be. Portuguese on her father’s side and Spanish on her mother’s, Sónia’s family imparted the simple joys of eating well, living in moderation, and respecting your environment throughout her upbringing.
From her mother’s family, Sónia learned the value of calibre and moderation. Her grandfather had been passionate about food, and he inspired his daughter and grandchildren to value quality over quantity.
The family on her father’s side had been landowners, so nature was a big part of her childhood in Portugal. The family would often go on hikes through the unparalleled landscapes, bringing along freshly baked bread and homemade butter for a picnic in fresh air. These combined experiences imparted a strong connection to nature, but also a love for simple moments done well.
These driving principles guided Sónia on her professional path, helping her flutter from career to career. While she changed orientations several times, jumping from outdoor equipment sales to fashion boutiques to advertising and marketing and finally real estate, one thing remained constant: Sónia used her rich well of experiences to create intimate settings that promote “superior living,” informed by her values of respect, quality, and moderation.
It was only a matter of time before Sónia would craft a home reflective of these beliefs, embodied by Villa Luz. This property is an ode to her family’s philosophies and the upbringing that so impacted her vision of the world.
AN AUTHENTIC HOME IN AN UNSPOILT LOCATION
Sónia found her new home in the natural parks among the best beaches in Algarve. Although she had always loved the sea, her life in the city had prevented her from truly appreciating nature for some time, driving her to leave the urban on the quest for what would become Villa Luz. When she crossed into Algarve and found sweeping views of white sand beaches and pristine waters, she knew she had found the perfect retreat.
After a week in the beautiful and unspoilt nature, she found her perfect home: Villa Luz. She resolved to live there for a time before starting work on the house so she could understand what the most respectful way to renovate the home would be, focusing on sustainability and moderation above aesthetics. As fate would have it, Sónia’s purchase of Villa Luz coincided with the start of the pandemic, offering her a splendid and secluded refuge while life as we knew it ground to a halt.
Confined in the Algarve, Sónia had ample time to get to know her new home. In the months she spent there, her vision of Villa Luz crystallised: nature, light, darkness, fauna, and fragrances made up a unique experience. She took the time to capture her home’s beauty, both real and potential, before setting out to work.
For the first time since starting her career in real estate, she made the plans for her home without any architect, drawing sketches to show her local contractor and working step by step to create a home that truly embodies her values.
The first of these steps was the garden, which Sónia designed with the help of a French landscaper, her friend Maurice. Villa Luz is interspersed with quiet nooks and crannies, so it's impossible to take in the garden as a whole. Instead, Sónia created different areas for different purposes: quiet contemplation, soaking in the view, basking in the sun… A feeling of timelessness pervades the garden, and even the bushes that were planted by Sónia feel as though they’ve belonged to the garden since the dawn of time.
However, these plants were chosen specifically to maintain Sónia’s vision of sustainability by favouring endemic flora like lavender, rosemary, roses, and other Mediterranean plants. Not only are they fragrant and beautiful, they’re also sensitive to Algarve’s scarce water supply and local conditions. Sónia also implemented a water cleaning station to reuse the villa’s discarded water to irrigate the garden. In this way, the home is organised around functionality, respect for the environment, and simple pleasures like the sights and smells of a lush garden.
A REFUGE FROM FAST LIFE
Sónia entered the workforce in her early twenties, and it wasn’t until the pandemic and Villa Luz that she truly stopped to take a break and slow her pace of life. With this property, she consequently wanted to impart feelings of peace and serenity, making her home a refuge from bustling city life. The natural environment, with the sea and sand at your doorstep, only slows time further: after years of visiting the sea, this was the first time Sónia could actually sit and watch the tide roll in and out.
The home was designed as a quiet break from everyday life, and as such, Sónia wanted it to be comfortable and accessible year round. Inspired by the Danish art of hygge, she found ways to provide a cosy environment no matter the season.
On colder days, put on your wool coat and stroll along the beach, then come home to snuggle up on the couch and watch a classic old Hollywood film on DVD. Let the staff see to your every need, stocking your fridge with family favourites before your arrival. Above all, live life at your own pace, and take a moment to bask in the precious environment — both the one Sónia created and the one Algarve supplies.
To truly escape from the mundane, wander through narrow cobbled streets of neighbouring villages like Olhao, Santa Luzia, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António. Still unknown to tourists, you’ll be able to meet local fishermen and experience the authentic Algarve region. Marvel at the colourful boats dotting the river, still as a mirror.
Once you’ve had your fill of preserved rural architecture and churches, follow along the river on a boat to see the beautiful nature reserve and come face to face with flamingos. And at the end of it all, return home to Villa Luz, where you can spend a tranquil evening enjoying this luxury getaway in Portugal, artfully sublimated by Sónia’s design.
