Lauded as one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations, close to natural parkland and white sandy beaches, Quinta do Lago is one of the most prestigious spots on the Algarve. And now, an award-winning development of 89 superior serviced residences set within a family friendly community, offers a new and exciting residential investment opportunity. With 300 days of sunshine per annum, curated facilities, access to premium leisure amenities and state-of-the-art design, there are so many reasons to begin a new life at One Green Way. The Luxury Editor was recently invited to discover more about this incredible new developement. Read on to find out more.

An Elevated Outdoors Lifestyle

When complete One Green Way will comprise 27 villas and 62 duplex apartments and is due to complete in 2024 (although you can view the model home now). It’s at the heart of Quinta do Lago, surrounded by the natural beauty of Ria Formosa Natural Park and conveniently, just 15 minutes from Faro Airport. Each of the three property types – Garden Residences, Panorama Residences and Horizon Residences will all be available to purchase.

Every residence offers a range of three to six bedrooms, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living areas. The well-equipped chef’s kitchen, along with a designated home office, wine cellar, and private parking featuring electric car chargers, ensures convenience and luxury. Elevating the experience, a lift allows easy access to all levels.

For entertainment enthusiasts, each residence has a lavish home cinema room, complemented by a fully-equipped gym for keep-fitters. Additionally, residents have the option of up to two swimming pools, either nestled amidst the garden’s tranquil beauty or elevated to a rooftop paradise.

Dining On The Doorstep

With 15 restaurants currently in Quinta do Lago, you can enjoy a range of doorstep dining experiences steps from your One Green Way residence. These include a lakeside seafood restaurant (Casa do Lago); a refined Asian boutique robata grill; a steakhouse (Bovino); Dano’s family-friendly sports bar; PURE for homecooked desserts and healthy lunches beside the golf course; The Shack for waters’ edge tapas; beach bars; a wood-fired pizzeria; and a restaurant set on a sand dune overlooking the tidal lagoon. Ranging from casual haunts to Michelin-recommended fine dining establishments, there’s something nearby to suit your mood and culinary preferences, every day of the week.

On the 12th Hole

One Green Way encompasses eight hectares of mature and landscaped grounds, running alongside the 12th hole of Quinta do Lago’s esteemed North Course. This makes it a real dream for golf enthusiasts, both from a spectating and playing viewpoint. The first hole is just a short stroll away and you can even watch the greenway activity from your own terrace. In addition to the North Course, the South and Laranjal Courses are close by, as are the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only TaylorMade Performance Centre.

Security At the Heart of the Community

Team 6 Vigiquinta is the security provider for the resort, boasting over 30 years of experience. Operating an advanced monitoring centre, they offer a remarkable 3-6 minute rapid response time, available 24/7 year-round. Using cutting-edge technology and data security specialists, they ensure GDPR compliance and protect client data from internal and external threats. Their services include surveillance, first responders, and 24-hour medical assistance for residents and guests. Combining electronic equipment and human vigilance, their comprehensive security approach safeguards the resort, residents, guests, and staff.

Health & Wellbeing

Golf

Quinta do Lago is renowned for golf with three championship courses, making it a key player in international golf. The North Course underwent a complete redesign in 2014 with a €9 million investment, boasting innovative technology and accommodating players of all levels with multiple tee options. The South Course, a favourite among European Tour professionals, offers stunning views of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and has received widespread acclaim for its strategic hazards and challenging layout. The Laranjal Course, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, earned the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2011 and provides a demanding yet picturesque golfing experience.

The Campus

The Campus is a state-of-the-art sports facility located in Quinta do Lago. It offers a diverse range of sports and activities for people of all ages and abilities. This multi-sports hub includes a high-performance gym, tennis and padel courts, a swimming pool, cycling facilities, group classes, and personal training. Additionally, it provides recovery suites and sports rehabilitation services. The facility aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, catering to both residents and guests. The tennis and padel courts are designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, featuring various surfaces and advanced technologies to enhance athlete performance and meet international standards

One Green Way has an arrangement giving access and preferential tee times to all three golf courses at Quina do Lago as well as access to The Campus.

The Clubhouse

Residents of the One Green Way development also benefit from the exclusive use of the 1500sqm Clubhouse, a business centre, a design shop, a rooftop bar and restaurant, a swimming pool, a cutting-edge running track, a spa and salon, a fitness centre and a secure kids’ play area. Work, rest and play, One Green Way has you covered.

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The third site for the capital’s leading fitness destination BXR London, BXR City is located at brand-new development and ‘vertical village’ 22 Bishopsgate and is the highest gym in the City of London. The new site spans 9,000 sq. ft, providing 360-degree views across London and features a members-only gym alongside the pay-to-train Sweat by BXR Bishopsgate studio concept.

With an impressive portfolio of international projects, Bergman Design House has been the trusted design partner of BXR since the fitness brand’s launch in Marylebone in 2017. This includes the pay-to-train concept studio Sweat by BXR in London’s Canary Wharf, Bishops Gate, Marylebone and Doha, Qatar. Therefore, it was only fitting that the duo should bring their magic touch to BXR’s most ambitious project to date.

“At BXR City, we’ve fused the signature aspects of the original Marylebone site with an industrial-chic aesthetic full of unexpected touches,” says Co-Founder Marie Soliman. “We’ve contrasted rough concrete panelling and exposed structures with energising neon lighting and a rich blend of backlit dark-tinted mirrors, bronze and brass trim accents. Meanwhile, the gym floor features suspended architectural light with calculated lux so as not to create any reflection on the high glazed facade of 22 Bishopsgate, to breath-taking effect.”

“Here at Bergman we like to do things differently…”, adds Co-Founder Albin Berglund, “at BXR City, we’ve eschewed the materials usually found at fitness clubs in favour of an altogether more luxurious, sexier look that is elevated in every sense of the word.”

The gym pays homage to BXR’s boxing roots with numerous murals of famous faces like Mohammed Ali and Floyd Mayweather adorning the walls. Backed by two-time heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua, the gym is a must-see for boxing fans.

The boxing training area is next to the gym‘s main attraction, a 6–meter climbing wall. The climbing wall is 125 meters above the ground and has a great view of the city. It is the highest climbing wall in London.

The new gym floor at our members-only facility features top-of-the-line equipment from Technogym, Wattbike, Eleiko, and Hammer Strength. Sweat by BXR Bishopsgate offers studio-based classes led by experienced instructors, including our renowned Versaclimber full-body cardio workouts, Climb to the Beat, and Performance HR. You can also choose from a variety of other class concepts, like our Crossfit-style Strength & Conditioning studio, or our Pilates and Yoga studio—giving you a well-rounded workout experience. And coming soon is a new Strength concept class by Master Trainer Faisal Abdalla.

Also on the horizon for Bergman are a series of new hotel openings including The Other House, a new private residents club launching this month in London’s South Kensington, with a second location in Covent Garden also underway. The Other House will establish a new sector of Residents’ Clubs blurring the lines between hotels, serviced apartments and private rentals.

Bergman Design House is a luxury design studio that specializes in hotel, commercial, residential, and superyacht design. The studio was founded in 2017 by Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, who have over 25 years of combined experience in the design industry.

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The glittering event, entitled ’Festival on the Top Floor’, headlined by the world-renowned violinist, was a celebration of the fantastic festival culture in Scotland’s capital city.

Designed to reinforce the unrivalled positioning of The Crescent, which basks in 18 acres of lush green parkland within the Donaldson Estate, whilst being a short walk into the city centre. The penthouse boasts triple aspect views across the city and across to the Pentland Hills – lending itself well to modern living with as much outdoor space as indoor space.

It exemplifies the exceptional specification you can enjoy with every apartment at The Crescent – including underfloor heating, showcase enhanced height living areas with jaw-dropping views, secure underground parking and EV charging provision.

Read our guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh

Designed by acclaimed architect, Richard Murphy OBE, the apartments have been incredibly popular, and this latest release comes as the development is now almost fully sold, with just 11 apartments remaining and styles now becoming limited.

Image credits Colin Hattersley

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All Image Credits Daniele Patenoster & Marco Favali

The four-star superior hotel, taking its name from the bay in which it is located, comprises 36 rooms and suites which present guests with lake views and an intimate ambience with a sophisticated style of the furnishings.

In the common areas, ovre.design wanted to create the reception area by redesigning the layout. The goal was to develop an entrance hall where guests could immediately enjoy the beautiful lake view. The hall was studied in detail with a welcome table, elegant poufs, and velvet armchairs, where design and quality create a comfortable and elegant space. The office area has been transformed into a design space that includes a selection of decorative objects and clothing designed by ovre.design, in a coordinated project developed with leading companies and with the collaboration of specialized artisans.

Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Lake Garda

Each room and suite is characterised by its own distinct identity, which is the result of ovre.design’s creativity in creating authentic atmospheres that are enriched by details. Among these, the fascinating Splendid Junior Suite, in which we find a large space and a simple elegance. The uniqueness of this suite lies in the colour that blends with the design and welcomes guests in shades of sky and lake. A very strong personality is expressed by The Blue Pearl room with its typical retro-chic flavour, a tribute to the iconic Italian design and the forms of European modernism.

The choice of colours has privileged shades that capture the light and recall the natural colours of the area. The rooms were designed with the purpose of creating a space in which the guest would be in close connection with the surrounding nature and its elements, from the water of the lake to the sky.

The spaces have been valorised by a careful design with custom-designed furnishing solutions, such as the bedside tables and headboard, the desk, or the luggage rack. The elegant Smeg refrigerator is iconic with rounded shapes, inserted in a wide console with circular mirror, called NANA. It is original the choice of making the furniture functional and versatile, such as the coffee tables that can be used as poufs.

The bar area was carefully redesigned on a pre-existing structure, starting with the furniture and the choice of upholstery and textiles, focusing on customization and comfort. Over time, ovre.design has also dealt with the outdoor area, designing a Corten gate to reproduce the windows that suggestively anticipate the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere.

At the heart of each project, which will include the design of three more suites in 2022, is the client’s desire to valorize the structure to offer an authentic experience of well-being.

The pleasure of quality with a high level of customization characterises ovre.design’s style in terms of the choice of unique, made-to-measure furnishings, which combine the search for functionality and comfort with careful design aesthetics, giving importance to beauty as a complement to the livability of the furniture.

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Mouben Welcome House. This will be the new resort hub from which guests kickstart their Secret Bay experience. It will be home to a fleet of electric vehicles which will  transport guests to their villas and present easy access to Secret Bay’s beachfront. The Welcome House will also feature the new Adventure Concierge Desk, where guests can arrange an array of life-altering island experiences—a service that is also available in-villa. Secret Bay will continue to have a “no front desk” concept, allowing guests to check in and out directly from their villa.

Gwiyavye’ Lap Pool & Bar. Serves as an elevated oasis for all guests to enjoy. The relaxing oceanfront destination features an in-nature lap pool for guests to use at their own leisure, a cantilevered deck with lounge chairs to soak up the warm Dominican sunshine and a spacious, full-service bar handcrafted with Guyanese Greenheart wood. Enveloped in lush rainforest landscape, the space offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea amid an orchard of guava trees.

Zing Zing Lounge. An extension of Secret Bay’s existing gourmet Zing Zing restaurant, the Zing Zing Lounge is a more casual offering that serves up specialty curated cocktails by expert mixologists paired with authentic Dominican bites. The Bar & Lounge is open daily from 5pm to 10pm.

The architecturally stunning amenities are the first undertakings being introduced as part of the 10-year-old, award-winning resorts’ multi-year, master plan. This evolution – spread over 40-plus acres of coastal land – allows for an array of new amenities, more private villas and the introduction of a for-sale residence programme — all while lowering the resort’s overall density and granting guests the utmost in the luxury of time and space.

“Secret Bay is continually evolving to meet the needs of our guests and stand out as a superior resort experience,” said Dinesh Kissoon, General Manager of Secret Bay. 

In addition to these three new amenities, the masterplan of intimate amenities also includes a funicular, an art barn and a microbrewery, all slated for completion in early 2023.

For more information, visit: secretbay.dm/residences

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Transforming the riverside neighbourhood, located in the northeast of the city, The Park of Nations represents the city’s transition from old to new. Originally developed to host the 1998 World Expo, it showcases exemplary modern architecture and design. It is also home to vast public spaces; a marina; a casino; museums; concert halls; a state of the art private hospital; a diverse restaurant scene; sports facilities; and United Lisbon, a brand new international school is very close by and is just five minutes from the airport with excellent transport links the location is ideal for international travel.

Read our guide to the best hotels in Lisbon

Designed, with multi-generational living in mind, by Portuguese architect Eduardo Capinha Lopes the high-specification residences feature spacious living areas with tree-adorned balconies and boast unmatched views with open out across the expanse of the Tagus River.

Residents will also benefit from hotel-style services such as concierge and reception, housekeeping and laundry, maintenance, and technical support and a range of premium electric cars located within the building’s secure parking facilities will be available for hire through an App.

Lisbon’s first family club, The Martinhal Circle, with indoor and outdoor heated pools, a gym, an outdoor playground, and Martinhal’s kids’ club. The concept of the Martinhal Circle envisages a place where families, both residents and their non-resident guests, can socialise while taking advantage of fitness classes, an events space, and a restaurant. Dedicated office space and full concierge services will support the new generation of those Working from Anywhere.

Residential owners will also achieve VIP status at Martinhal Hotels & Resorts and receive preferential pricing to stay at any location within the group’s portfolio.

Read our guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon

Chitra Stern, co-founder of Elegant Group, developer & operator of Martinhal comments: “The Park of Nations goes beyond that the 15-minute city idea, it is a dynamic family-friendly district that is planned and laid out with great consideration to open space, a sense of place combined with world-class amenities, culture, and its own culinary scene. We’ve been delighted with the response to Martinhal Residences, a real embodiment of our successful formula which builds on our experience the hotel space and translates that into an unrivalled residential offering.”

International buyers have long since been attracted to the city of Lisbon which is renowned for its unique culture, quality of life, and some of the world’s most successful residency-by-citizenship programmes. With the well-earned comparison as the San Francisco of Europe, Lisbon now takes centre stage as one of Europe’s most attractive and truly vibrant places to live and work.

www.martinhalresidences.com

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A shared passion

Emma Pucci is a French-Swiss architect, who worked for many years as a Production Designer in the film industry. She met Valentina Pilia, an Italian-born interior designer, in Paris, but lived in India for many years while Valentina spent time in Morocco following the completion of her studies in France.

The two women shared a dream: to work with handmade textiles using a made-to-measure approach and superior craftsmanship. Having both lived abroad in countries where traditional woven fabrics are an intricate part of identity and heritage, the concept for their textile studio was born out of a shared historical experience.

Valentina settled in Portugal, working with Pierre Yovanovitch’s studio remotely, sourcing materials and high-end pieces between Paris and Lisbon. Meanwhile, Emma continued her work as a production designer and art director on feature films.

Seeking out artisans and unique materials, the region that most resonated with their vision was Alentejo. Working closely with a local artisan, a collection emerged within months and in 2019 Flores Textile Studio took its first step.

A space for the studio

The duo found the perfect airy space in the historic centre of Lisbon, on Praça das Flores which gave them a place to host their interior design studio and textile showroom under one roof.

The showroom is a celebration of Portuguese craftsmanship, from tapestries made in Braga and reed baskets made in Toino Abel each piece helps keep these dying skills alive as well as creating durable long-lasting products for clients’ houses.

In addition to Portuguese products they also have a selection of handmade textile brands from different parts of the world, including Perrine Studio, Mille Et Claire and Aissa Dione. These follow the same philosophy of slow design and blend in seamlessly with Flores Textile Studio’s own collections.

Handwoven rugs and fabrics are now part of the Flores family, along with a range of made-to-order furniture pieces that are personalised according to the client’s colour, shape, or finish preferences. This collection is called ‘Essentials’ and includes a set of multifunctional ceramic pouffes and low side tables.

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Here Mr Orsini shares with us his story and gives us an insider view on the resort and the luxury travel sector. 

Please share with us the story of the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa? 

A love for the area of Maremma in Tuscany off the beaten path, the local lifestyle, nature and sports, led me to conceive the project that culminated with the golf course and design resort. One of the main ideas behind the project was to show the region’s progressive side. In Tuscany, you are used to seeing rustic villas – which are beautiful – but I wanted to do something new, something fresh. To fulfill this dream, with the help of Architect Stefania Tognoloni and interior designer Andrea Fogli, I looked for original materials that would give the resort a unique and eco-conscious spirit in rustic Tuscany.

And how has your role evolved since you started out on this successful project?  

Thanks to recognitions from Condé Nast Traveller, Spa Traveller and more recently The Professional Golfers’ Association, which has added us to its prestigious portfolio as the only PGA licensed golf facility in Italy, we have become an established name in the Italian and international luxury golf sector.

You’re located in Tuscany, one of many amazing destinations in Italy. How can you describe the region? 

The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is in one of the most surprising corners of Tuscany. The area is called Maremma, and it is not very well known abroad. Tourists are always very surprised and glad to discover this hidden gem, which is conveniently located near famous art cities like Rome, Florence and Siena.

What is your top tip for a first-time visitor to this part of Italy? 

To take their time to enjoy Slow Travel, to visit the small medieval hilltop hamlets and fishing villages, the beautiful and pristine nature parks, and to enjoy their favorite activities or discover new ones here in Maremma. In fact, thanks to its mild climate, the area offers a wide choice of things that can be enjoyed throughout the year, such as golf, horse riding, birdwatching, biking and hiking. This is also the perfect place to go visit traditional or modern wineries for wine tastings, or join a local chef for creative cooking lessons.

Yours is an environmentally-friendly resort, what does it mean?

One of the main ideas behind the project was its eco-conscious philosophy, starting from the restaurants that use local organic products, to the architecture that maximises natural light, all the way to the golf course, which was built with as little environmental impact as possible. The golf course is maintained with natural products and has received the BioAgricert environmental certification for sustainability and water management. 300.000 new plants were introduced in the area as a result of the creation of the Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, and the new habitat has favoured the return of animal species such as fallow deers, hares and a variety of birds in the area.

Please tell us more about the luxury villas located on the golf course and what guests can expect from their stay here. 

We have just launched a collection of independent luxury villas. Five of them are available for holiday rentals all year-round. With three to five bedrooms each, they are ideal for families or group of friends who love wellness and spa, Tuscan food and wines, sports, art and nature. Whilst the new properties offer guests privacy and independence, all villa guests have open access to the nearby facilities and activities in the Resort, such as the restaurants, sports grounds and the wellness centre.

The Argentario Golf Villas are also available for sale, with a choice between existing properties and the opportunity to build a customised villa, from layout to internal furnishings, at the planning stage. For anyone wishing to invest in a property in Tuscany, this real estate project can also offer expertise and personalised management, creating the conditions for maximum return on investment. 

The resort is ideally set up for sport lovers. What kind of activities can they find in the Resort?

Yes indeed, our resort and the surrounding nature are great for sports lovers. In addition to our 18-hole golf course and related practice facilities, they will find 2 tennis courts, 2 padel courts, a small soccer field and 2 jogging trails. Our almost 3000sqm Spa includes a modern Technogym gym, fitness room and courses. Personal trainers and nutritionists are available for customized health programs. And after a long day of sport activities, guests can relax with a deep-tissue massage or a swim in our pools.

What does luxury mean to you? 

To me, luxury is a mix of memorable experiences, quality services and a touch of class – all of which must respect and value nature. For example, luxury is a round of golf with my friends in a course that is maintained sustainably and where the staff greets and supports you while also respecting your privacy; a cooking lesson with a local chef who uses seasonal products from small farms… 

The travel sector constantly evolves to satisfy and, in many cases, exceed the expectations of global travellers, what are the key trends that you predict for the next three to five years?

I believe that the luxury sector will need to create a more meaningful engagement with modern travellers, for example by delivering new personalised experiences to empower individual identities. Sustainability is another great and positive trend: it’s not only about using materials in a more conscious way, it’s also about empowering travellers to understand, track and control their own impact for more responsible consumption of luxury. 

You can read our spotlight on guide to the Agentario Golf Resort as well as visit their website to book. www.argentariogolfresortspa.it/

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Last week I was invited back to Finca Cortesin as part of the promotion for Las Albercas, a new apartment development in this glorious corner of Andalucia, sheltered by mountains and with views out across to the Mediterranean.

The picturesque white village of Caseres is just minutes away, whilst the resort towns of Marbella and Estepona and the business hub of Gibraltar are all easily reached by car in about half an hour – a compelling location.

It was such a pleasure to be back at Finca Cortesin hotel (now celebrating its 10^th anniversary) and stroll through the landscaped grounds. Lunch was at the hotel’s chic Beach Club, a few minutes’ drive away, on a small bay over looking the sparkling Mediterranean.

Finca Cortesin – Spain’s elite Lifestyle resort

Now celebrating its 10^th anniversary, Finca Cortesin has consolidated its position as one of the most exclusive properties in Europe.

The hotel, built in the style of an elegant Spanish hacienda, set amongst landscaped grounds of mature olive trees and oaks, has won awards for its flawless interpretation of the Andalusian dream. The championship golf course has hosted major international Opens; dining includes the Michelin star Kabuki Raw (by chef Luis Olarra); and the spa is world-class.

Created by the real estate group SingleHome, the property, in my opinion offers a truly exclusive experience. Over the years, this exceptional resort has become renowned for refined hospitality, wellness, sport, and gastronomy.

The 5-star hotel & spa resort, and the championship golf course at the heart of the estate make up two of Finca Cortesin’s main business activities. The other is Finca Cortesin Real Estate, developer of exclusive homes discreetly located at key positions across the estate.

Southern Spain Real Estate

Finca Cortesin has developed a diverse portfolio of elite homes on the huge site; from romantic Andalusian cortijos; contemporary villas; to bespoke, architect-designed signature homes. Finca Cortesin has emerged as an international reference for elite real estate.

Las Albercas Apartments

The reason for me heading back to Finca Cortesin was because the real estate division was presenting Las Albercas to the media. This is the latest innovative development to be unveiled at Finca Cortesin.

Las Albercas is a collection of apartments that promise to offer all the exclusive benefits of the Finca Cortesin lifestyle yet also with all the conveniences of a lock-up-and-leave holiday residence.

Finca Cortesin has created an exceptional and exclusive community, served by world-class facilities.

Designs have just been unveiled, showing homes distributed across a series of architectural blocks designed to maximise their privileged position on the verdant hillside overlooking the estate.

I headed up to the plot to take in the panoramic views, that encompass the majestic Sierra Bermeja & Sierra Blanca mountains, the Mediterranean, and the golf course on the foreground.

Each home takes a full floor – penthouses at the top, some with infinite pools; first floor residences with generous terraces; and ground floor apartments with private gardens.

There are two, three- and four-bedroom homes available. Internal sizes range from 200m2 to 385m2.

The development is slated to start construction in the autumn with scheduled completion in Autumn 2021.

In addition to the world-class facilities of Finca Cortesin, owners are promised access to the Las Albercas Clubhouse (offering a luxe spa, outdoor and indoor poola and gym) exclusively for residents, set amongst sub-tropical gardens.

Summer Beach Club

If you want to get a flavour of the Finca Cortesin lifestyle, I recommend visiting the Finca Cortesin Beach Club on the Caseres bay.

Fresh dishes of paella or salt-baked seabass are signature dishes that capture the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle waiting for you.

Information

Prices start from €1 million for a 2-bedroom residence.

Tel: +34 952 93 77 77
Email: realestate@fincacortesin.es

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