More than a home, more than a holiday retreat, more than a location for a photoshoot, more than a venue for an event or an exhibition, Ampersand is anything you want it to be. Its current custodian, its curator-sur-place, its artist-in-residence, its mentor, its originator, its guardian, indeed its designer, is the unassuming and soft-spoken Eric de Bruijn. Looking to return to the buzz of urban living after quieter times in the hills outside Lagos, to reconnect with people and places, while at the same time eager to create the ideal setting in which to live and accommodate his work as an artist-designer, the Dutchman saw great potential in a place in Portimão that others would have just walked by without a thought. Previous incarnations of this industrial building include a boat garage and a warehouse. Indeed, the hooks from which the boats used to hang are still doggedly clinging to the ceiling. But there is little else now, apart perhaps from the clearly industrial metal-framed, single-paned windows lining the walls, to suggest the building’s past. Entering from the city centre street, not far from the riverfront, the building opens up to greet you, its high ceilings and former garage dimensions lending themselves to their new role, showcasing Eric’s artwork and collection, while at same time retaining an uncanny cosiness. Head through this large room into another, a kitchen of huge proportions, or is it? You’d easily mistake it for a dining room in an urban-chic restaurant. Eric’s background in restaurant design is clear to see, as is the versatility of this building, which has become a photoshoot location favourite. Eric’s art studio develops to the rear of the ground floor, while upstairs the entire floor has been given over to lovingly renovated, deliciously decorated guest accommodation, with five concept bedrooms and a studio with mezzanine room with two double beds and ensuite bathroom and spacious and elegant living room with big lounge sofa. You can also find a riad-style rooftop terrace and pool worthy of Marrakech. The honed result, following an intentional, yet natural process, is a venue that sees Eric’s home life and work life joyously connecting, producing a multifunctional home-atelier open to welcome the world.