“The local Norwegian experience of Portula has convinced us”, says Mark Woollard. This year, he had a property built in Norway, together with his wife. “From January 2023 we will rent out the property via Portula.”
Some years ago, Mark and Mareen got the idea to buy a holiday property in Sweden. But during the quest, they started aiming more and more for Norway. “We experienced more diversity in Norway in terms of nature and outdoor life. So we decided to go for that. Via the website of the Second Home Fair, we started looking for suppliers. Portula was one of them. In March 2021 I contacted them for the first time.”
Norway
“Since we didn’t know Norway very well, we had Portula advise us which area would be most interesting for us. They recommended Telemark to us; a four-season area with beautiful summers and real winters. On top of that it is situated in the south of Norway, so we didn’t have to travel too far to get there. The area is varied and provides plenty of opportunity for hiking, skiing, cross country skiing, golf and water sports.”
Choice of plot
"Together with Portula, we traveled to Norway to look at lots in Telemark. Our choice fell on a plot near a large lake in the town of Vrådal. There is a lot of rugged nature in the area. In addition, the ski area and golf course are also close by. Everything is on a small scale. And even though the village is close by; you still have the idea that you are in the middle of nature."
Customisation
"After the plot was selected, we had several meetings with Portula in Apeldoorn, to put together our dream property. Portula showed a number of basic models as examples. We also found a model online, which we liked very much. Based on the various models, we eventually created a combination. Where will which room be situated, what will the sizes of the rooms be, what type of floor, which kitchen; we could autonomously determine everything ourselves. This way, we were able to put our house together all the way. Subsequently, Portula took care of everything and had everything implemented.”
Lay-out of the property
"The property is fitted with three spacious bedrooms (one of which with a bathroom en suite) and another extra bathroom. The spacious kitchen is connected with the living room. In addition, there is a spacious mezzanine with a view on nature. One can relax to the max after a long walk, in the typical Norwegian outdoor sauna and wood-fired hot tub.”
Rental
"The plan is to go there perhaps twice per year ourselves, with or without the children. In addition, we hope to rent out the property some 30 weeks per year.” Mark and Mareen have been renting out an apartment in Valencia for some years. “We outsource that too. There is a lot to be arranged locally, when a tenant arrives and in the event of maintenance, it is pleasant to be able to hand things over.”
Regular updates
During the construction, Mark visited the site some four times. “I frequently visit Norway for business, so that was convenient. It was very reassuring to have frequent brief discussions with the contractor. In addition to my own visits, I also received regular updates from Erik and Werner. If they were there, they would always send a few photos or a video to keep us informed of the progress. One time, we even received drone footage.”
Positive
"We have a positive view on the entire process. To us it feels great to be able to do business with a Dutch party, because of the excellent communication. Furthermore, Portula has had so much experience in Norway, that their advice suited us well. Without Portula we would never have ended up in Vrådal. So far it has turned out to be a good choice.”
