Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, is preparing to leave the UK for a new life in Portugal, according to recent reports. The 66-year-old is expected to take up residence in a £3.6 million oceanfront villa owned by her youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, and Eugenie's husband, Jack Brooksbank.
A Royal Retreat from Scandal
This planned relocation comes during a period of intense difficulty for Ferguson. She has maintained a notably low profile in recent weeks following the revelation that she emailed the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 after his release from prison.
In the correspondence, she reportedly apologised to Epstein, whom she described as a 'supreme friend', for criticising him during a media interview. A spokesperson later clarified the email was sent due to fears of a potential defamation lawsuit from Epstein.
Nonetheless, the controversy has proven deeply damaging. Combined with the ongoing controversies of her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, it resulted in both losing their royal titles and their residence at Royal Lodge. Whilst Prince Andrew is moving to a property on King Charles's private Sandringham estate, Sarah Ferguson is making separate arrangements.
Inside the Luxury Portuguese Hideaway
The luxury villa is located within the exclusive Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club resort in Melides, Portugal, approximately 82 miles south of Lisbon. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, who is employed at the resort, purchased the plush property in May 2022.
The couple have since split their time between their Portuguese retreat and their UK home, Ivy Cottage, within the grounds of Kensington Palace. The resort is marketed as an 'intimate, low density community', making it an ideal sanctuary for someone seeking privacy away from the UK media spotlight.
The amenities at the resort are extensive and likely appeal to Ferguson's interests:
- A beach club and multiple dining options
- Daily yoga, watersports, hiking, and golf
- An equestrian centre, allowing her to continue her well-known love of horses
A New Life Amongst A-Listers
If Ferguson proceeds with the move, she will find herself in prestigious company. The area has become a hotspot for celebrities seeking luxury and seclusion, with pop icon Madonna and Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander rumoured to own properties nearby.
A US source familiar with the Costa Terra resort suggested it is a 'perfect place for Fergie to hide out' while the Epstein affair continues to be discussed. They added she would be 'among family and friends and well away from the hostile atmosphere she's facing in England.'
A resident on the estate indicated that Ferguson is expected to arrive sometime in January, though the duration of her stay remains uncertain. The resident confidently stated that if it becomes a long-term move, she will 'fit well into the social scene' of the exclusive, celebrity-filled neighbourhood.
