Country houses for sale

Jessica Kuerten launches centre

World ranked show jumper and Irish TV personality Jessica Kuerten is launching a new equestrian centre in Portugal.

Construction has kicked off on the centre at Quintas de Obidos Country Club on Portugal?s Silver Coast, an hour away from Lisbon.

?The equestrian centre bears my signature and I?m really excited about it,? says Ms Kuerten, world number three who also is reigning British Open champion after her recent victory at the British Open on her horse Galopin de Bioley.

Jessica?s involvement in the scheme started 18 months ago when she met resort owner Miguel Periera de Abreu, who is creating Portugal?s most exclusive and private country club where 79 large lakeside homes will surround the equestrian centre. Also, a private helipad, country club and spa will be built.

Mr De Abreu believes the centre will be of interest to top international show jumpers as several already bring their horses to the Silver Coast for several months a year. ?The weather here is warmer and livery costs are lower than in the rest of Europe.?

The houses will be set in an eco-landscape of olive trees and natural biological lakes, with prices starting at £362,000 for plots. Complete five-bedroom villas with an outdoor pool and landscaping range from £976,000 to £1.254 million. They are being sold in the UK through Knight Frank and in Ireland through Ganly Walters