Portugal best Architects are reviving the Bauhaus spirit on the cost. see article from Bricks and Mortar 15th of March 2005 here.
The article, titled “Here Comes the White”, highlights Bom Sucesso Resort as an architectural project reviving Bauhaus-inspired modernist design on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Here are the key points:
1. Architectural Focus:
• Bom Sucesso features contributions from Portugal’s top architects, blending modernist aesthetics with functionality. The designs emphasize simplicity, clean lines, and harmony with the environment.
• Álvaro Siza Vieira and other prominent architects are among the designers, offering unique and diverse house styles.
2. Development Details:
• The resort spans 160 hectares near Óbidos, providing 601,000 square meters of urbanizable space.
• Properties include individual villas, townhouses, and shared community spaces. Prices range from €315,000 for a townhouse to over €1 million for villas.
3. Lifestyle and Amenities:
• Planned amenities include golf courses, pools, tennis courts, and leisure facilities, designed to create a luxury lifestyle experience.
• The development aims to combine modern architecture with high-end living, catering to both full-time residents and vacationers.
4. Bauhaus Influence:
• The project draws inspiration from Bauhaus principles, focusing on functional, timeless designs that prioritize quality and spatial harmony.
• The article emphasizes how this design approach revives and modernizes architectural traditions.
5. Market Position:
• Bom Sucesso is marketed as a high-end development for discerning buyers seeking unique architectural properties in a picturesque coastal setting.
The article celebrates Bom Sucesso as a modern architectural showcase, blending contemporary design with a luxurious coastal lifestyle.
The book 14 Arquitectos: Projectos do Bom Sucesso Resort is a celebration of contemporary Portuguese architecture, showcasing the vision and creativity of 14 renowned architects who contributed to the development of Bom Sucesso Resort in Óbidos. This unique project brings together modern design, functionality, and an intimate connection with nature, offering a new model for residential and leisure living.
See scan of the book here.
A Landmark Public Launch
The Bom Sucesso Resort (BSR) project was first introduced to the public at a special event held at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. Following the launch, a multi-day exhibition was organized, featuring architectural models of the houses planned for Phase One of the resort. A printed catalog titled 14 Arquitectos: Projectos do Bom Sucesso Resort was also released to commemorate the event and present the project in greater detail.
A Collaboration of Architectural Masters
Bom Sucesso Resort brought together some of the most influential names in Portuguese architecture, including Álvaro Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Inês Lobo, Gonçalo Byrne, and João Luís Carrilho da Graça. Each architect was invited to design different housing typologies and public facilities, creating a rich and diverse architectural landscape across the resort.
More Than a Place to Live
Bom Sucesso is not just a housing development—it’s a living experience. Surrounded by nature and enhanced by bold architectural thinking, it offers residents the opportunity to live in homes that are truly works of art. The collaboration of 14 architects has resulted in a visually dynamic and culturally rich environment that redefines modern living in Portugal.
Please read the full article at Publico, published December 1, 2004
Bom Sucesso Resort stands out not just for its architecture but also for its commitment to sustainability and community development. The integration of eco-friendly practices in construction and operations is designed to minimize the environmental footprint while providing a luxurious experience.
Press Release about Bom Sucesso Resort Obidos Summary:
Bom Sucesso Resort in Portugal promises a unique and groundbreaking experience as it transforms 160 hectares of land next to the Óbidos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean into a “Design Resort Leisure, Golf & Spa.” This ambitious project not only showcases the talents of 14 renowned Portuguese architects, including Alcino Soutinho, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto Moura, and Carrilho da Graça, but also serves as a catalyst for promoting Portuguese contemporary architecture on a global scale.
To illustrate the innovative designs, each architect has created unique residential projects that reflect both modern aesthetics and functional living spaces. For instance, some townhouses will feature green roofs and solar panels, exemplifying the resort’s dedication to sustainability.
The variety of amenities is designed to cater to a diverse clientele, from families seeking recreation to individuals looking for relaxation. The equestrian center will host events and training, while the spa will offer wellness retreats and holistic therapies.
In the first phase, the project will feature 199 lots and 165 townhouses, showcasing a diverse array of designs. The architects were given creative freedom, with the only conditions being harmony in implementation and connectivity between projects while preserving the natural landscape. The resort, set to commence construction in the second quarter of 2005, aims to become the main reference in Europe for luxury real estate developments.
The development, occupying the former Quinta do Bom Sucesso, will offer an 18-hole golf course, spa, hotel, equestrian center, shopping area, football field, rowing and sailing club, tennis club, heliport, and facilities for animals. The projects emphasize respect for the landscape, with a unified theme of white as a nod to the region’s history. The resort is seen as a rare and enthusiastic collaboration among architects of various generations.
Concerns about excessive construction are addressed, with only seven percent of the 160 hectares to be occupied. This careful planning ensures that the greenery and natural beauty of the region remain intact. The golf course, designed by architect Donald Steel, will not only serve as a recreational space but also as a venue for international tournaments, promoting tourism. The second phase, dependent on market demands, plans 142 individual lots and 99 townhouses, each meticulously designed to complement the surrounding landscape. The overall investment is estimated at 250 million euros, expecting a population of 1,500 to 2,000 residents and the creation of 300 jobs, contributing positively to the local economy.
When buying and living at Bom Sucesso Resort, it’s important to understand that the property operates under multiple regulatory frameworks. These include national regulations for Tourist Villages (Resorts) set by Turismo de Portugal, as well as detailed Condominium regulations specific to Bom Sucesso. These rules directly impact your property rights, your ability to rent your property (especially for short-term rentals), and your day-to-day use of your villa and the resort facilities.
Under national law for Tourist Villages, short-term rentals are managed exclusively by the Resort’s official tourism operator BS Villa. This means individual owners cannot independently operate short-term holiday rentals without going through the Resort management.
These short-term rental is based on additional agremment with BS Villa.
National level, the Legal Regime for Tourist Developments
At the national level, the Legal Regime for Tourist Developments (RJET) in Portugal was established by Decree-Law No. 39/2008, of March 7, and has undergone several amendments over the years.
The most recent amendment was introduced by Decree-Law No. 9/2021, of January 29, which brought significant changes to the legal framework for tourist developments (source: business.turismodeportugal.pt).
Additionally, Decree-Law No. 10/2024, of January 8, introduced changes to the Legal Regime for Urbanization and Building (RJUE), impacting procedures related to tourist developments, particularly by eliminating the construction permit and replacing it with the receipt of payment for the required fees (source: vidaeconomica.pt).
Furthermore, in 2024, Decree-Law No. 76/2024, of October 23, introduced new measures concerning public policy for the housing and tourism sectors. This law may include relevant provisions for tourist developments, so it is advisable to review it carefully to understand its specific impact (source: pgdlisboa.pt). For detailed and up-to-date information on the legislation applicable to tourist developments, it is recommended to consult the Turismo de Portugal portal, which provides a compilation of relevant laws and additional resources for tourism operators
See here: business.turismodeportugal.pt.
Under these national laws, short-term rentals are managed exclusively by the Resort’s official tourism operator. This means individual owners cannot independently operate short-term holiday rentals without going through the Resort management.
Condominium level
At the Condominium level, three key documents govern ownership and usage:
1. Title Deed (Master Deed) of Bom Sucesso Resort:
The Title Deed defines the full structure of the resort, detailing each residential unit, tourist facility, shared infrastructure, and the legal relationship between individual ownership and shared ownership.
2. Administration Regulation (Management Rules) of Bom Sucesso Condominium
These rules govern how the resort is managed, how owners participate in decisions, voting rights, budget approvals, and maintenance contributions..
- Portuguese version from 2015 here
- (Portuguese version from 2007 here)
- Spanish version here
- English version here
3. Behavioral Regulation (Usage Rules & Conduct)of Bom Sucesso Condominium
Clear conduct rules for owners and guests: noise limits, allowed use of common areas, pet rules, aesthetics, commercial signage, safety, and environmental obligations.
Recommendation We strongly recommend that any prospective buyer or current owner request the latest regulations from the Condominium office and review these documents carefully with their lawyer to fully understand the legal, operational, and financial implications of ownership at Bom Sucesso Resort.