Sao Miguel: Airy, spacious, hillside house with stunning ocean views

Immediately after my return to the US, from my first visit to the Açores, 9/11 happened. That following April 2002, I decided to purchase property on Sao Miguel. I felt the Açores brought me closer to European destinations I love, and by contrast to the US in those years, was a very peaceful place. Also, unlike New England, the islands did not have snow. Except for their deciduous trees, the islands remain green and temperate all year.

Since 9/11 had affected world travel, the man who had begun building my house temporarily abandoned his project. Only cinder block walls and a roof had been erected on land chosen for its beautiful view. Appreciating the peace and the reasonable distance to the airport, I elected to buy the property and to finish the construction with a local German builder. Making just a few trips over and with the internet to facilitate communications, the project was largely completed within a year.

Though many changes have taken place on the island over the last decade, and despite the paving of the road out front gobbling my frontage, my view endures. Even with expanded tourism, highway construction, cruise ships, and the addition of many cars to the island, my location remains sufficiently peaceful to satisfy. Its expanded view of the sunsets is forever awe inspiring. It is just far enough away from it all, and just close enough.

The most unique benefit of my property is its proximity to the Ferraria. Visit www.termasferraria.com for a complete understanding of this area. My house is 5 minutes away.

Also, I am 25 minutes from the airport and major city in a rural village with much open space.