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Welcome to todays diary entry! Portuguese Dreams and Practical Realities. With the next few weeks about to become utterly manic, any free moment outside of work is being completely absorbed by researching land in Portugal. Whether it’s scrolling through property listings, watching YouTube videos of families who’ve taken the plunge, or dreaming up new plans—we’re fully in the mindset of making this happen. It’s become my little escape, my personal reset button when the shop chaos threatens to overwhelm.
Interestingly, what we’re looking for has shifted a lot over the past eight weeks. Originally, we were thinking big—around a hectare of land. But reality has a funny way of humbling you. That much land means a lot of maintenance, especially in regions like Castelo Branco, where wildfires are a serious issue. Portugal’s central inland areas, particularly around Castelo Branco, are subject to strict wildfire prevention laws.
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By the end of May each year, landowners are legally required to clear and maintain a 50-metre buffer zone around any structures. This means cutting back brush, grass, and trees to reduce the fire risk—failure to comply can lead to fines of up to €5,000 for individuals and €60,000 for companies. The reality is, managing a large plot could quickly become more of a burden than a blessing.
Statistically, Portugal is one of the most wildfire-prone countries in Europe, with the central region accounting for a large proportion of the annual damage. In particularly bad years, like 2017, over 500,000 hectares were affected by fires, many of them in the Castelo Branco district. It’s sobering, but important to factor in.
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So now we’re thinking smaller—perhaps 3,000 to 6,500 square metres, just enough to give us space without being overwhelmed. The dream is a little stone ruin that we can renovate slowly over time, turning it into a cosy winter hideaway. Somewhere we can escape to whenever life allows. If we don’t go to Morocco one winter, we go there. No pressure. No grand timescale. Just gradual, hands-on progress.
There’s something deeply tribal and instinctive, especially as a dad, about the idea of having a bit of land—something to call your own, something you can build with your hands, and eventually pass down to your child. The thought of giving Rory that piece of the world, in such a peaceful and beautiful part of Europe, is grounding. It’s a legacy in the making. One built not just from bricks, but from intention, sweat, love—and a hell of a lot of YouTube videos.
📅 Cofton Countdown: 29 Days to Go!
Just 29 days until we roll into Cofton—and right now, it feels like an oasis on the horizon. Between the upcoming shows, long shifts, and the never-ending to-do list, that week away can’t come soon enough.
It’s not just a break—it’s a reward. A big exhale. A bit of balance. The weather’s shaping up, the mood is lifting, and every day we tick off is one closer to our well-earned week of peace.
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