I-Departure: Aranka and Jord from Casa Quintas in Portugal
Guess who's back? I-Depart is back. That section of guys who packed their suitcases, kids and/or keffers and left abroad to start a hotel, campsite or B&B. They all have one thing in common: they are not afraid of taking a leap of faith. Who fit perfectly into that picture are Aranka and Jord, who left for Portugal together. That's where it started Casa Quintas and that's real picture-perfect.
A combination of factors made Aranka want to go abroad. The only thing left to do was to persuade her partner Jord. Apple pie, because on holiday to the beloved holiday country of the past, Jord himself came up with the idea of building their life here. So Portugal it is en let's go looking for.. Yes, ] for what exactly?
Both had experience in the hospitality/tourism sector, so that was a requirement numerous 1. That resulted in driving around, searching online and actually Casa Quintas was the house they saw first. Love at first sight, it exists. Or was the house so fantastic because they were in the summer mood? After all, it was a holiday... The image remained at home and after many other houses, they returned to Casa Quintas. The dream was always there, but where they first thought 'this is not feasible', the feeling arose that it would work.
“We could no longer find our way in the Netherlands and secretly we may have always dreamed of leaving. Yet we always thought 'this is not feasible'.”
Love at first sight so, but for what? Firstly, a large house where many rooms could be created. Convenient for all guests. Plenty of space for animals (e.g. chickens) and the vegetable garden (to be continued). And sitting freely, that was also a requirement, and with a view. Check, check, check; the list has been checked off.
The plans were made almost three years ago and they have now been open since the summer of 2021.
Casa Quintas is now breathtakingly beautiful. To laze around (in the large garden), exercise (swimming or yoga) and enjoy the surroundings. Because we completely understand what Jord and Aranka have fallen for. Walking along the cliffs, surfing, mountain biking (also in combination with a wine tasting) and you will find your zen at Casa Quintas itself.
“It's waiting, waiting and waiting again. That is a cultural difference with the Netherlands and you need patience for that.”
It certainly took some getting used to and getting used to, but the people around it made it easy. It's a big family and everyone drops everything to help each other. That was quite difficult in the beginning when everyone had to keep their distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they are friends with the neighbors (which is of course still quite exciting, because how will the neighborhood react to a guesthouse in the Portuguese farming side?). They are now allowed to pick apples from the neighbor's apple orchard, so you know things are going well. Compliments from the neighborhood are flying around.
It's not just the neighbors who are enthusiastic, the guests are too. It's hard work (don't underestimate that if you set something up (abroad), but the reactions make up for everything. And that is what the proud owners do it for. If they are busy late at night, in the morning they will know what they are doing when they hear from satisfied guests. They are not going back for the time being and the only thing they miss from home are friends and family...
OOM Insurances
Emigrate or get away for a while? We understand, but we can't say it often enough: one health (travel) insurance is one must During every long journey or when you leave (just like these people with courage). Knock OOM Insurances to: a small Dutch insurance company that insures where other insurers stop. You can also call or look around the website.
