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Property Turtle Bay, central Santa MariaBuilt by Fonseca and sold to the Irish- Santa Maria, Sal Originally known as MariaA horseshoe development by Zinho Fonseca who runs Murdeira. They look onto a courtyard about 200m from the seafront in Santa Maria. The two and three bed apartments are much larger than most of the Italian developments and hence cost £60,000 to £120,000. Two bed flats are 60sqm. Views depend on the precise position within the horseshoe, which opens to the west, giving many evening sunshine. Unlike most developments in Santa Maria, there is a small pool. It is almost ready to occupy but has had problems over electricity supply. This was Fonseca's first venture outside Murdeira. It features reasonably sized flats built around a central pool area. It is located not far from the May O`Leary drink shop. Before completion, a group of Irish investors took over the property and it has mostly been sold in Ireland. Prices are moderate. There were initial problems of power supply and some remained unoccupied, even though efforts were made to provide portable generators. Reselling has marked some prices up. They are surrounded by empty plots, which have not yet been built upon. Geoff Goundrill has a contract to supply plants and shrubs to make the sitre more beautiful. Most of the building is sold now and some owners have moved in. T from Belfast bought into Turtle Bay on a resale. "That's great news about another apartment. I wish Id bought 2 or 3 apartments 5 years ago ! My apartment is nearing completion. I got a couple of photographs from the developer a couple of weeks ago, and I am very pleased. I have been in no hurry for completion, so I have been patient. I still work here, so I hope to get (say) 2 weeks every 3 months there for the foreseeable future. I have had no trouble with the developer or their staff who have been excellent to work with. I have paid the money, and just owe for an extra now, at the patio. Next visit I will be given the keys, then I have to go to the notary, to sign for the apartment. I think I have to sign up for electricity and water too. As time has passed there are fewer things that can go wrong, and this is a relief. I will be glad when I can settle down with the keys. Please feel free to visit my apartment. There is a lady from Sheffield there full time now, in one of the apartments in my block called Tracy Hall and she looks after the clients for the developer. I have also got to know Trevor, the furniture shop man, who is based next door to my apartment.". L from Ireland paid a deposit with two friends. "They have nearly all been bought by Irish. The promoter is offering mortgages and says that he will step in if he cannot arrange it in Portugal and there is a promise of guaranteed rental. But I became doubtful about the financing and pulled." |