This exclusive development of just 79 villas, each standing on an acre of beautiful lakeside gardens has its own helipad and a country club with spa and pools.

However, for horsey types, the main attraction is a purpose-built, worldclass equestrian centre designed by top Irish showjumper Jessica Kurten where buyers can keep their horses all year round for a much lower fee than in Ireland.

Just 69 plots remain for sale at Quintas de Obidos where 1.3 acres plots start from 520,000. Prices for complete properties which include the land, a luxurious five-bed villa (choice of 16 different house designs available), outdoor pool and landscaping range from 1.4m to 1.8m.

Portugal's Silver Coast region is just 40 minutes north of Lisbon airport. It centres on the historic village of Obidos and its lagoon and stretches down to Torres Vedras and up to Caldas da Rainha.

Property prices in the region are 30% lower than equivalent properties in the Algarve, though prices have been rising steadily over the last five years which is good news for investors.

For further information contact Ganly Walters, 01-662 3255;

www. quintasdeobidos. pt