Page 111 - Luxury Guide Turbilhão 06

111
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point of view

© José Manuel Ferrão

© José Manuel Ferrão

Born and raised in Monaco, Mary Laik grew up “sur-
rounded 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 cre- Beyond design and construction, her team assists cli-
ation. “I’ve always been interested in art and design. ents throughout the relocation process, from legal
I never wanted to be just another person, doing just and administrative matters to customs and logistics.
another project,” she says. “We want people moving to Portugal to feel at home
Her move to Portugal in 2017 followed the birth of from day one.”
her son. Seeking quality of life, safety, and space for The equestrian side, shared with her husband, came
her husband’s horses, she settled in the Alentejo. “We naturally. “We included equestrian structures, com-
wanted a peaceful environment for our son to grow bining our love for the Alentejo lifestyle and our con-
up,” she recalls. “Safety, values and tradition; that’s nection to horses.” The next project, over six hectares
what convinced me Portugal was the right country near Montijo, is already underway.
to live and invest in.” But the strength of Mary Laik’s work lies in her
Between Arraiolos, Azeitão and Comporta, Laik connection to place. “We always work with local
has built a concept that blends architectural preci- craftsmanship and artisans,” she emphasises. From
sion with a sense of home. “We’ve been renovating Estremoz marble to Reguengos textiles and straw
and building village houses in the real Comporta, the lampshades from Grândola, each detail reinforces a
authentic one full of charm.” sense of belonging. “Our goal is always to create a
The concept evolved into a ready-to-live model: fully feeling of home, and that includes the community
furnished, turnkey homes, designed for an interna- where the house stands.”
tional clientele. “People often don’t want to deal with With more projects on the horizon, Mary Laik remains
the stress of a construction project in a new coun- devoted to Portugal’s quiet strength. “After the city,
try. We create bespoke homes where every detail the beach, and the countryside, the only thing left is
matters.” to try life in the mountains,” she concludes.