Portofino: Investing in the New South

There is a seaport town by the Riviera in southern Italy where the houses are colorful and sit on lush hills, where yachts are anchored on the blue bay, where the living is easy because it started as a fishing village and eventually turned into one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. Where it seems as if everybody is on perpetual vacation.

This is the inspiration and lifestyle that Brittany Corporation had in mind when it built its prime development Portofino, a 300-hectare community south of Metro Manila, located just five to seven minutes from Alabang Town Center and Filinvest Corporate City, and within the 600-hectare Evia City.

What used to be idle land has now turned into a dynamic township. Land prices at Portofino have increased significantly in just nine short years since the development broke ground in 2002.

Today, the land prices are climbing further even as the development continues to expand and welcomes new families who want to live the good life.

Portofino And Amore

Wake up to beautiful views of Italian architecture in Portofino.

On a visit to Portofino and Amore not too long ago, I was impressed by several things: One is the look of the entire development, which seems to transport you to another place and, yes, another country.

Brittany pulled out all the stops when it comes to the architecture of Portofino, remaining true to its inspiration down to the rounded walls, the softness of design, the colors of the homes — deep ochres, golds, yellows — all conveying a richness of palette inside and out.

Amore, the 33.5-hectare Tuscan-inspired enclave of Portofino, is made up of lovely rustic Italian homes. It is home to the cluster concept wherein four homes share a common landscaped area with a charming fountain, the perfect place where kids can play or the venue for your weekend al fresco family dinner. Amore offers cozier home and lot and custom home sites with lot areas ranging from 250sqm to 642sqm. This rustic community’s amenity area boasts a beautiful sprawling pool, the perfect patch of turquoise amid the terracotta homes.

Second is the diversity and at the same time the consistent elegant feel of the larger enclaves that make up the development — Portofino Heights and Portofino South. Both expansive enclaves are home to the Courtyards and Masters’ Collection, Brittany’s assortment of spectacular homes ranging from the charming Cezzane with a floor area of 209 sqm to the aptly named Michelangelo with a floor area of 625sqm.

Entertaining guests will be a pleasure in this well-appointed dining area.

Several other things that make Portofino a viable investment is the master plan created by David Jensen, and its impressive amenities and facilities for the exclusive use of residents.

The New South

This forward stance by Vista Land, the county’s largest homebuilder that has built its reputation on exemplary projects, is in fact so forward-looking they’re building the new south.

Evia is the 600-hectare, master-planned DiverseCity that links the four cities of Las Piñas, Laguna, Cavite and Muntinlupa, and the soon to open Evia exit from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) — will make it very accessible whether you’re coming from north of Metro Manila or farther south.

Evia

Evia features several areas, each with a distinct theme and use. Construction of the Pontevia Lifestyle Center is currently on going. It will feature an open-air retail promenade, shops, unique restaurants, and great venues for fashion shows, product launches and other events. It is expected to be the go-to destination of the South for those seeking a unique shopping and dining experience. With the first addition of the new McDonald’s already serving the Evia community, we can only expect more from Pontevia soon.

Vista Land conceptualizes a charming dining destination within Pontevia called The Riverwalk, reminiscent of the waterways of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and San Antonio in Texas. Specialty restaurants and cafes will dot the river on both sides so diners can enjoy the lovely view of the Italian gondolas.

Evia will also be home to Santuario Madonna del Divino Amore, a beautiful church inspired by its namesake in Italy, Our Lady of Divine Love. It will house a museum, picnic grounds, and a school. Future plans include a connection to Fernbrook Gardens, the grand wedding venue of choice in the south, which blends Victorian and Russian influences and world-class amenities.

The homes of Amore at Portofino are made for starting families to have room to grow.

The upcoming University Town at Evia, inspired by California’s Palo Alto, will have colonial-style buildings inspired by Stanford University campus. And like the campus, roads will be flanked by trees and will provide an atmosphere conducive to creativity, learning, and leadership.

A Stunning Investment

Evia has the luxury of building distinctive master-planned communities in 600 hectares, the biggest of which and most luxurious is Portofino by Brittany. Not only is Portofino a stunning community but also currently the most attractive investment one can make in the new south.

For more information on Portofino and Brittany Corporation, call 794-9999 or visit www.brittany.com.ph.

Portofino’s grandest home, aptly named Michelangelo, boasts of a spacious living area.