The entrepreneur Mary Laik found in Alentejo and Comporta the perfect balance between authenticity and vision. Her investment combines aesthetics, functionality, and respect for local heritage.
Born and raised in Monaco, Mary Laik grew up “surrounded by beauty and attention to detail”. Her father ran a jewellery and watch business, while her mother’s family worked in interior decoration. She studied business but soon realised her path was creation. “I’ve always been interested in art and design. I never wanted to be just another person, doing just another project,” she says.
Her move to Portugal in 2017 followed the birth of her son. Seeking quality of life, safety, and space for her husband’s horses, she settled in the Alentejo. “We wanted a peaceful environment for our son to grow up,” she recalls. “Safety, values and tradition; that’s what convinced me Portugal was the right country to live and invest in.”
Between Arraiolos, Azeitão and Comporta, Laik has built a concept that blends architectural precision with a sense of home. “We’ve been renovating and building village houses in the real Comporta, the authentic one full of charm.”
The concept evolved into a ready-to-live model: fully furnished, turnkey homes, designed for an international clientele. “People often don’t want to deal with the stress of a construction project in a new country. We create bespoke homes where every detail matters.”
Beyond design and construction, her team assists clients throughout the relocation process, from legal and administrative matters to customs and logistics. “We want people moving to Portugal to feel at home from day one.”
The equestrian side, shared with her husband, came naturally. “We included equestrian structures, combining our love for the Alentejo lifestyle and our connection to horses.” The next project, over six hectares near Montijo, is already underway.
But the strength of Mary Laik’s work lies in her connection to place. “We always work with local craftsmanship and artisans,” she emphasises. From Estremoz marble to Reguengos textiles and straw lampshades from Grândola, each detail reinforces a sense of belonging. “Our goal is always to create a feeling of home, and that includes the community where the house stands.”
With more projects on the horizon, Mary Laik remains devoted to Portugal’s quiet strength. “After the city, the beach, and the countryside, the only thing left is to try life in the mountains,” she concludes.
