Our Story

As a veteran in the hotel and travel industry - I am former head of design of W Hotels and a hospitality professor - combined with my husband who is a pioneer in the tech industry - we are well versed in the art of creating exceptional experiences for people across the world.

 

In the spring of 2021, fatigued by the toils of the pandemic, and facing a mid-life crisis itching us to redesign our lives, my husband and I decided to pursue a dream that we have both secretly been coveting: living on the cobblestoned-streets of a European village. Even though we've travelled around the world (collectively to over 80 countries and all 50 American states), there was something about Portugal that beckoned us. Beyond the reasonable cost of living, warm climate, and alluring government incentives, it is also home to some of the world's friendliest (and earliest) LGBTQ initiatives, and a hosts a culture that is driven by community well-being.

​

The Costa Verde

​

The northernmost region of Portugal (north of Porto and Braga, bordering Galicia, Spain) was curiously omitted in the tourist guidebooks I had bought to guide us in finding the best spot to live (and visit). So, we were skeptical when I found an impressive real estate listing in the region. Our realtor described the area as the "Hamptons" of Porto--a weekend and summertime escape for the noble families in the city one hour to the North. And, after visiting the area, we can see why: tourists are largely forgotten on Portugal's "Green Coast." There are wide, sandy beaches with no one on them; rolling blue mountains perfect for a languid drive; vineyards, famous for the Albarino wines they produce; and hilltops sprinkled with those quaint, cobblestoned-villages for which we had yearned. We had found our home in Portugal.