Rare insight

And at some point, Koller will stay there …

Visiting a true grande dame in Portugal - Dagmar Koller turns 85 this year. The Algarve has been her second home for over 40 years. Here she provides a rare insight into her home.

She doesn't often open the doors to her hallowed halls in Portugal. But this time, the musical and operetta grande dame Dagmar Koller gave us a few special insights into her domicile, which she has been able to call her own for over 40 years.

With painstaking detail work to the fortress of love 
Back then, she and her beloved husband Helmut Zilk († 2008) occupied the vacation home, which stood on a bare rock. Like a fortress of their love, so to speak, which they adapted and redesigned together according to their very own needs and their life in their second home. Of course, there was no sign of the lush garden that grows today. It is the work of the actress and singer, who has been painstakingly tending to it ever since.

The joie de vivre is genuine
It is not yet clear whether the Kollers will be spending their half-century anniversary in the Algarve this year. What is certain, however, is that some friends and fans have underlined August 26 in red in their calendars, as the artist will be - unbelievably, but true - 85 years young this year. Her green paradise on the Atlantic coast would be the perfect place to spend these special hours with her loved ones.

Because the joie de vivre we see in the photos is real and not an act. Just like her garden. It's just as authentic, but in many places it doesn't look tidy - but that's intentional. Just as the owner imagines her retreat to be.

Finca shines in typical country style
This is also reflected throughout the entire design of the house in the style of a finca. There are colorful Portuguese tiles and tiles everywhere, which, together with murals in the same style, create a large, harmonious overall picture. And all in the typical Portuguese style.

After years on the stage, Dagmar Koller is at least done with performing. But not with men, as she once said about possible flirtations. But that will never replace the love of her life, Helmut Zilk. And he is omnipresent in her dream retreat anyway ...