Berkus & brent: five hard-won lessons from a portuguese renovation

Five years, a remote corner of Portugal, and a whole lot of sheep later, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have emerged with a surprisingly practical guide to scaling a major renovation project. It wasn’t the idyllic escape they’d envisioned – logistical nightmares and climate challenges tested their resolve at every turn.

The biggest mistake? communication breakdown

Initially, battling distance and language barriers proved crippling. Berkus admits the constant stress of chasing details from miles away nearly derailed the entire project. The solution? A bilingual project manager fluent in both Portuguese and English – a non-negotiable for anyone venturing into unfamiliar territory.

Local stone, local wisdom

They quickly realized relying solely on overseas shipments was a costly mistake. Instead, they embraced the region’s abundance of marble and stone, sourcing materials directly from quarries like Ruivina and Estremoz. “Portugal has an incredible range and availability of marbles,” Berkus explains, “You can go to a quarry and choose one block or several slabs for your project. They are always flexible.”

From tank to treasure

A forgotten water tank, originally intended for irrigation, became the cornerstone of their stunning swimming pool. The couple wisely preserved the tank’s rustic texture, adding character and a unique aesthetic. “Pay attention to small details you might want to keep, such as the drain outlet,” Berkus advises, “In our case, we kept the original pillars.”

Building a community – not just a house

Beyond the concrete and stone, Berkus and Brent prioritized integrating into the local community. Hiring local villagers and hosting informal gatherings—wine and cheese nights, naturally—fostered understanding and invaluable insights. “We want to understand the right way to do things,” Berkus stated firmly.

The bottom line: patience and persistence

Despite the challenges, the project delivered. It wasn’t a sterile, perfectly executed design; it was a testament to adapting, learning, and embracing the unexpected. And ultimately, Berkus and Brent discovered that even seasoned professionals could benefit from a fresh perspective – and a healthy dose of humility – with every undertaking. The final result? A truly authentic Home, deeply rooted in its surroundings and brimming with character.