Why celebrities buy holiday homes in Europe?

Madonna

Today the Queen of Pop turns 60 and where in the world is she living now? In 2017, Madonna announced she was trading life in New York for a new adventure with her family in Portugal. Her motivation being her twelve-year-old son David’s football career - ensuring he was training in one of the world's best football schools. Over the past year Madonna and family seem to have settled well into Portuguese life in an eighteenth century palace near the country's capital Lisbon. Thier new life in Portugal and abroad are regularly updated on Instagram. 

Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender

Danish born Alicia Vikander, popularly known as the new Laura Croft in Tomb Raider, and her Irish born husband actor Michael Fassbender, who played Magneto in the X-Men movies, have both recently decided to call Lisbon their new home. Michael seems to have fallen in love with Lisbon during a visit, and Alicia felt moving to Portugal seemed like the best option to stay in Europe with on coming Brexit.

Philippe Starck

The French designer, famous for interior and industrial designs from furniture and watches to luxury yachts, decided to move to Portugal five years ago with his family. In interviews Phillipe speaks of his fondness for Portugal and the Portuguese people, commenting how loving and hardworking they are. With homes in Comporta and Cascais, Portugal, he's also a strong proponent of the quality of life, nature, cuisine and he considers Portugal to have the best seafood in the world. Yes, better seafood than even that found in France...

Duncan Bannatyne

Former Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne famously purchased a mansion in Vale de Lobo, (Southern Portugal) and even came out of retirement to invest in real estate projects wihtin the Algarve region. Duncan became a client when he purchased his home through Ideal Homes, he has since become a friend and business partner. The serial entrepreneur shares the sunny southern coast with Sir Cliff Richard, who owns a vineyard in Vilanova, Phillip Schofield and a slew of famous footballers, including Steven Gerrard, José Mourinho and Teddy Sheringham.

Portugal’s popularity continues to rise with italian actress Monica Bellucci, French designers Christian Louboutin, ex footballer Eric Cantona, actor John Malkovich, Wayne Rooney and Cliff Richard all opting for homes in the country. A trend and level of attention that the quiet and unassuming Portugal isn't quite accustomed to. Madonna's Instagram followers for example number more than Portugal's entire population, prompting nervous questions of what celebrity presence may be doing to the country. Large entourages may very likely block Lisbon's notoriously tight streets, in the Algarve however this is common and goes unnoticed. One certain advantage is global visibility as one of the world's best counties to live in can't be a bad thing for anyone. 

Rod Stewart

Sliding east across to Spain now, where best-selling rock artist Rod Stewart owns property in La Zagaleta. Hidden in the hills around a 35 minute drive west of glitzy Marbella, La Zagaleta is reportedly the most expensive housing estate in the world.  

Other high profile names with homes in Spain include rom-com king Hugh Grant, music mogul Simon Cowell and business magnate Lord Alan Sugar.

George Michael

Late pop star George Michael left behind an impressive property portfolio. With homes on the Thames in the UK, Sydney Australia, California USA and island paradise Cyprus - he certainly knew how to invest his money. The setting for his Cyprus home was a banana plantation in Sea Caves, near the island’s capital Paphos, and is a truly remarkable feat of architecture. With an elongated pool, an open plan living area and a glass corridor connecting the living space to the library, it sounds like he made the most of island living! Latina pop star Shakira also reportedly owns property near Paphos.

Want to understand the advantages of living abroad like a celebrity? Browse our portfolio covering Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Cape Verde, Bulgaria and others, and get in touch. We’ll guide you on locations best for your needs and hand hold you through the entire process from start to finish!