From Canada to Portugal: How Amy & Jeff found their Simple Life on the Silver Coast
In the latest episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, Dylan welcomes Amy and Jeff, a Canadian couple who took a leap of faith to make Portugal’s Silver Coast their home.
In this heartfelt conversation of the 'My Home in Portugal' series, Amy and Jeff share their experiences, challenges, and moments of pure joy as they settled into their new home on the stunning Silver Coast.
From Canada to Portugal: How it all started
Amy and Jeff first discovered Portugal through an article in a magazine, which consistently listed the country—and specifically the Silver Coast—as one of the best places to retire.
Amy and Jeff’s extensive research led them to choose the Silver Coast over other parts of Portugal, like the Algarve. For them, it was about finding the perfect balance.
"We don’t want to be hot all the time," Jeff said. "We come from Canada with four seasons. We wanted two seasons, and this is perfect up here. Not too hot, not too cold."
Then, while browsing YouTube, Amy came across Dylan’s videos.
"I'm all about vibes," she explained. "When we started watching some of your podcasts, I just said to Jeff—almost instantly—I just love this man's vibe."
Their first interaction with Dylan was equally reassuring. "I reached out, and you got back to me within a day," Amy shared. "From there, the ball started rolling."
Despite never having visited Portugal and the project being off-plan, Jeff and Amy decided to purchase their dream home after just a few Zoom meetings, including one with a lawyer.
They chose a new-build apartment in the seafront village of Salir do Porto, on the southern shore of Sao Martinho do Porto Bay. The perfect home to enjoy retirement in sunny Portugal!
The buying process: "a leap of faith"
When Amy and Jeff shared their decision to buy property in Portugal without ever setting foot in the country, they were met with utter disbelief from friends and family.
"Did anybody say to you guys: Are you crazy? What are you doing?" Dylan asked.
Amy laughed, recalling, "Yeah, so many people. I think almost everybody we told!"
They describe the decision to work with Dylan and his team at Portugal Realty as a "leap of faith". Jeff shared: "We really did take a leap of faith with you… and it worked out tremendously."
When Jeff and Amy finally did fly over from Canada to Portugal, it was "a wow moment" for Amy. "We drove into the town of Sao Martinho and we were like: Oh my God! We live here?! This is crazy!"
On their visit to the construction site, the project was little more than a concrete shell—slabs and framework with no bricks, plaster, or finishing touches. But even then, they could envision the potential of what was to come.
Over time, they witnessed the transformation of their apartment into a beautifully crafted living space, complete with quality finishes and impeccable craftsmanship. "The quality of workmanship is fantastic," Amy shared. "It’s everything we imagined and more."
Now, as they enjoy their completed home, they marvel at how perfectly it suits their needs, calling it "a dream come true."
See more photos of this project:
A warm welcome to Portugal's simple life
Since moving to the seafront village of Salir do Porto, Amy and Jeff have been overwhelmed by the beauty of the region and the warmth of the Portuguese people.
"The Portuguese people have been great," Amy shared. "We love their culture, their food, their wine… it just feels so comforting here."
In addition to the mild climate, safety, healthcare and cost of living are also key factors to why they love their home home. "We can go out for dinner, have a couple of drinks, a bottle of wine, two beers… for 40 euros. At home, that’s $200 Canadian," Jeff explained.
From walking along the countryside to visiting local treasures like Nazaré and Óbidos, the couple has embraced the simple pleasures of life on the Silver Coast.
Advice for aspiring expats
For anyone considering a move to Portugal, Amy and Jeff offer some valuable advice:
Work with professionals. "Get somebody who knows what they’re doing to help you," Amy said, referring to the visa process and property purchase.
Trust your instincts. "Find somebody that you trust," Jeff added. "We feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have met Dylan and his team."
Take the leap. "It’s worth it," they assured listeners. "If this is a thought you’re having, the Silver Coast is a beautiful place, and we highly recommend Dylan."
See the video:
Full podcast episode available here:
Make Portugal Your Home
Amy and Jeff’s story is one of hope, excitement and fulfillment. Their journey serves as inspiration for anyone dreaming of a simpler, more enriching life in Portugal.
If you too would like to chat with Dylan and his team of certified realtors to share Amy and Jeff's experience, click here to book a call.
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