Nice to meet you
It has been quite a journey since our first trip to Portugal in November 2021. We both realized that the Netherlands wasn’t where we wanted to settle, and we were curious if Portugal might be the answer. Our original plan was rather typical: find a charming old farmhouse in the countryside, and gradually renovate it until we could move in. We hoped to eventually gather friends and family around to form a small community and so it all would take shape. But life sure had other plans.
We connected with a fantastic community in the area of Sintra, and after a year of traveling back and forth to Portugal, we finally acquired our first piece of land. From there on, the project gradually evolved into what it is today. Now, four years later, the realization of Sat Village is within arm’s reach and we both feel enriched by the wonderful people and the many ups and downs that we encountered along the way.
To us, Sat Village is more than just a place; it’s the beginning of a new chapter, and we hope to share this journey with those who are ready to take that leap.
Pooja – FOUNDER
From the moment I started yoga 10 years ago, I was instantly hooked, and I remain incredibly grateful for the profound changes a steady practice has brought to my life. It was actually a yoga summer school program that first introduced me to Portugal and connected me with dear friends who have been invaluable in supporting us and this project.
In addition to travel, one of my great passions is writing. I maintain a blog called Shanti Grooves, where I explore yoga, meditation, and the lifestyle changes that have helped me—and us—reach this point. This next phase of our lives will open up new possibilities, and I look forward to having more time to spend with close friends and family, pursue my kundalini yoga and exercise routines, and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Tristan – FOUNDER
Pooja reminded me that when we first met (ten years ago), I was already talking about creating spaces for people. This was just after my internship at an architectural firm in Johannesburg and the same year that I first came into contact with yoga. At that time, it was not a clear idea yet but more of a feeling that would significantly influence my future choices. It was then that the first seeds were planted for creating a purposeful life, close to nature and surrounded by community.
After completing my degree in Building Engineering, that same feeling lead me to work with some of the larger construction firms in the Netherlands, where I focused on construction management. Looking back, it’s clear that the past decade has prepared me for what we’re doing now. It brings me immense joy to create a beautiful space and finally bring this dream to life. I can’t wait to meet our new neighbors and move to this exciting next phase of life.
Let’s Connect: Schedule a Video Call
We value the opportunity to connect with our (potential) new neighbors, so if you feel the same way or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to schedule a video meeting for a friendly chat.
Choose a date below
CHRISTAN & MILA
Hi! We’re Christian (originally from Germany) and Camila (from Brazil), we’ve been living in Portugal for almost 2 years now. We both love being in nature and having friends around to enjoy good moments and build real connections.
We decided to join Sat Village to become part of a community while being able to call a small house our own. We like gardening, building things, hosting food events, having pets around and playing with kids. Doing all of these activities within a community of friends (ideally) is an amazing thought that seems to be coming true soon.
We hope to be able to share our skills with the Sat Village Community and learn more about gardening to grow our own food more effectively in the future. Christian has designed and built his own Tiny House and has experience in having a sustainable lifestyle.
TIM & ROSE
We are actively involved in exploring the development of a small-scale and personal learning community within Sat Village. Drawing from our experience and vision, we’re exploring how a place can be created where children can grow in freedom, with trust, and in connection.
With over ten years of experience in experiential and personalized education, combined with founding and leading our own school, we bring valuable knowledge and practical expertise to this process. Currently, we provide homeschooling in the Netherlands, and we’re investigating how this can harmoniously blend with the unique community of Sat Village in the future.
Our approach is centered around free development combined with clear structure. Children thrive when there is predictability, clear boundaries, and rhythm, a safe foundation from which they can confidently explore and face challenges. Learning can be playful and curious, but also firm and courageous when something requires effort.
We gladly contribute to a vision where children can: Learn through curiosity and experience; Grow within a safe structure; Live and learn in connection with nature and community; Practice, try, and develop with both support and space
OTK – ARCHITECTS
Founded in 2002, OTK has since developed numerous projects throughout the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, including Mafra, where Sat Village is planned.
Our primary focus is achieving a balanced relationship between cost efficiency and the quality of the built work. Regardless of a project’s scale, our methodology is grounded in close collaboration between the client and the project team. This approach consistently responds to two guiding principles: respect for defined objectives and excellence in the final result—the built space.
We strive for each project to reflect a thoughtful interaction between the client’s identity, the specific conditions of the site, and the expertise of our team. The outcome is a coherent, well-designed space that clearly enhances the quality of life of those who inhabit it.
GAPLR – ENGINEERING
GAPLR is a family owned Portuguese engineering consultancy founded in 2008, providing studies, design, coordination and construction supervision. With a multidisciplinary team, GAPLR delivers integrated, compliant and technically robust solutions across all project stages.
We are responsible for the design and coordination of the engineering projects for Sat Village, ensuring full regulatory compliance, technical integration and constructability across all systems.
While our role is primarily technical, we value projects that promote well-designed, responsible and long-lasting communities. Sat Village aligns with this approach by combining quality design with thoughtful planning.
INSIDE OUT – LANDSCAPE DESIGN
We design lifestyles defined by harmony and balance, shaping spaces where functionality meets refined aesthetic perception. Through thoughtful design, we create environments that fulfill both essential needs and aesthetic aspirations. Based in Lisbon, we specialize in real estate in Portugal and work with clients worldwide.
At InsideOut, we feel a deep personal connection to eco-conscious design and community-driven living. We believe spaces should respect nature, support well-being, and foster meaningful connections. Sustainability, balance, and mindful choices are central to how we design and build.
CMS – LAWYERS
CMS is a Future Facing organisation of independent law firms.
With 85+ offices in over 45+ countries and 6,300+ lawyers worldwide, we combine deep local market understanding with a global overview, giving us the ability not only to see what’s coming but to shape it.
In a world of ever-accelerating change where technology is increasingly important in the deployment of global strategies, our clear, business-focused advice helps clients of every size to face the future with confidence.
We’re immersed in your world. Your interests and priorities are at the heart of what we do. Our lawyers are genuine experts in their fields, with a grasp of detail that’s second to none. Our next-generation mindset is woven into all we do. It means we can anticipate the likely challenges, accelerate our pace and create the space to develop innovative solutions.
Upcoming Pre-Sale: Reserve your spot as a Homeowner or Tennant in Sat Village
The pre-sale of the units is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025. To receive the complete info-package including information about the expected monthly costs and housing prices please register below.
Live in Portugal: Choose to buy or rent your house
At Sat Village, the choice is yours—you can either purchase or rent a property. We encourage ownership among community members looking to stay with us semi-permanently, as well as investors who provide rental opportunities for those who prefer tenancy.
