When winning means waking up in Portugal

Picture this: it’s a rainy Tuesday in Belfast. You’re sipping your morning coffee, aimlessly scrolling through your phone before work. You stumble upon a raffle, why not? It’s a few pounds, a few clicks. You’re not expecting anything. And then, weeks later, your phone rings: you’ve won. But not a T-shirt, not a spa day. You’ve won a villa. In Portugal. With a pool. With lemon trees. With the key to a new life.

That’s exactly what happened to one lucky participant in a recent British Competitions draw. The grand prize? A brand-new designer villa in the Algarve, one of Portugal’s most desirable regions. The kind of place where summer never really ends, and your days revolve more around which beach to visit than which meeting to attend.

The home, in Quinta do Rogel, is perched in the hills above Armação de Pêra, a charming seaside town known for its golden coastline, traditional markets, and relaxed pace of life. This villa isn’t just a house; it’s a vision of modern comfort. Clean architectural lines, whitewashed walls bathed in southern light, and interiors designed to flow seamlessly from kitchen to terrace. It boasts three-bedroom suites, four bathrooms, a private pool, and a garden made for barefoot afternoons. Inside, every detail is thought through: an open-plan kitchen fully equipped for family meals or sunset aperitifs, a pre-installed floor heating system for cooler months, and excellent solar exposure year-round.

This unique house was part of a larger vision: a cluster of beautifully designed homes. It was conceived by BMRI, in exclusive partnership with Unyk-Place, a real estate agency known for its tailored service and knowledge of the expat lifestyle. Together, they’ve created spaces that not only look good in photos but also feel like home. The kind of home you imagine when you're dreaming of “one day,” except it’s available now.

Yes, the Quinta do Rogel Villa offers more than what you typically find on the market, not only in size, but in how that space is used. The layout has been carefully designed to feel fluid and functional, balancing generous living areas with refined finishes. One detail that speaks volumes? A spacious underground garage that fits up to three cars, an uncommon feature in the region, and a reflection of the thoughtful approach behind each home. It’s the kind of space that anticipates the needs of modern living, whether you're relocating, investing, or simply looking for a fresh start under the sun.

The British Competitions chose Quinta do Rogel not just for its look, but for what it represents: a new beginning. Their raffles have featured cars, SUVs, holidays, and even cash prizes, but this house struck a chord. It wasn’t just a place; it was a life-change. A chance to wake up to birdsong and olive groves instead of alarm clocks and traffic. A story that began with a few euros and a dream became an international headline.

While the winning home has already found its new owner, the story doesn’t end there. Unyk-Place has another villa already available for sale in the same location, and just across the road, another sibling is currently under construction, with delivery scheduled for September 2026. For those seeking a more accessible entry into the Algarve lifestyle, eleven semi-detached villas are also in development, priced between €790,000 and €900,000, with delivery from December 2026. These homes, each with a private pool, will offer a peaceful, car-free pedestrian path leading directly to the beach. And for those who dare to dream bigger, Unyk-Place is also proudly supporting the launch of a premium villa of around 500m², set higher up in the development, featuring breathtaking golf views, an infinity pool and a six-cars garage.

For those intrigued by the idea of an oceanside life -whether it’s through winning, purchasing, or simply planning, the opportunity is very much a reality. We’re not saying everyone will win a villa in a raffle. But the magic of that moment, the phone call, the joy, the realisation that life can take an unexpected turn, is something everyone deserves to feel. Sometimes, it starts with a raffle ticket. Other times, it begins with a conversation, a viewing, a moment of boldness.

If you’re reading this from a grey Tuesday somewhere up north, consider it a sign. A change of scenery is within reach. A different pace is possible. And if you’d like a head start, you won’t need a raffle ticket, only a visit.