My Home in Portugal: Ken and Lisa's Story

Have you ever dreamed of leaving the hustle and bustle behind for a more fulfilling life in the sun? For Ken and Lisa, a couple from England, their dream became a reality when they found their dream home on Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast.

Their inspiring journey is the focus of a recent episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast, hosted by Dylan Herholdt. In this episode of the "My Home in Portugal" series, Ken and Lisa share their story of making the leap, navigating challenges and embracing the simple life.

Falling in Love with Portugal

For Ken and Lisa, the decision to buy a home in Portugal was driven by both practical and emotional reasons. Brexit was a major factor, prompting them to reevaluate their life in the UK and explore options abroad. Moving to Portugal quickly became their top choice.

"Portugal just seemed to fit a lot of the things that we needed", says Ken. "It’s only two and a half hours away by plane, the time zone is the same, and connectivity is excellent for our work as mortgage brokers."

Lisa’s family heritage and experience in Portugal also played a role. “Portugal has always seemed a very welcoming country,” she shares.

“Everybody's always so friendly, so polite, so helpful. So there's a very sort of warm sense that you have when you're here. And for us, to be here and be here as a family, you want to feel accepted. You want to feel welcomed. You want to feel comfortable. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, so that's also a factor for us to be here. It just feels easy".

Discovering the Silver Coast and Alfeizerao

Initially, Ken and Lisa thought they might settle in the Algarve. However, a visit to A Place in The Sun property show in London introduced them to the Silver Coast — and everything changed.

"The Silver Coast is the real Portugal," Ken explains. "It’s less touristy and has a stronger sense of community. You have to integrate into the life that’s here."

While exploring the region, they discovered Alfeizerao, a traditional Portuguese village that soon became an ideal choice because of its authentic local culture and proximity to the beautiful bay of Sao Martinho do Porto. “Our location in Alfeizerao is close to the village centre, the life, the shops... ” says Ken.

Sao Martinho do Porto Bay in Silver Coast - Portugal

Building Their Dream Home in Portugal

Ken and Lisa opted for an off-plan property, which came with its own set of challenges. "We had no idea if we’d make it work," admits Ken. "We signed the paperwork and thought, ‘What have we just done?’"

Despite the initial nerves, Dylan and Portugal Realty's team of Simple Life Home Buyer specialists supported them every step of the way. "The contact with Dylan and Denise, our Project Manager, really kept us sane during the two-year build," says Ken.

Regular updates, photos, and later guidance from Allenah from Portugal Interiors helped them stay confident in their decisions.

When the villa was finally complete, the couple was thrilled.

"Walking into the finished house was just relief," Lisa says. "Seeing everything we’d chosen come together—the tiles, the furnishings, the feature walls—It was just nice to see a finished product!"

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

Casas da Aldeia villa in Alfeizerao

A Better Quality of Life

Now settled into their new home in Alfeizerao, Ken and Lisa have embraced Portugal sharing their favourite places in Nazare and Obidos with visiting family. “Actually, we’re showing them with a bit of pride. Look at this and look at this. This is what we have around us. So we’re really enjoying that,” Lisa says.

Reflecting on their journey, Lisa offers advice to others considering a similar move: “If you’ve never been to the area, you definitely have to come and explore. It’s well and good hearing the two of us talk about it and our experience, but you need to experience it for yourself. Need to feel it.”

“Maybe don’t make such a rush decision, but I think the problem with us is that we were led by our hearts. And we fell in love with the place and the property; that was the driving force,” Lisa admits.

While encouraging others to consider their finances carefully, she reflects on their approach: “Everybody’s personality is different. You have to do what works for you, but you

need to look at your finances and understand whether this kind of commitment

you can make work. We tend to wing a lot of stuff and I think God must be watching us because it works out.”

My Home in Portugal with Ken & Lisa

Listen to the full podcast episode here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/923788/episodes/16221361-my-home-in-portugal-ken-lisa

Or see the YouTube video:

---

Thinking of Buying a Property in Portugal?

Ken and Lisa’s story is a testament to the joys of moving to Portugal. If you’re considering purchasing a home in Portugal —whether for a better quality of life, the sunshine, the sea or as an investment — there’s no better time to explore your options.

Visit Portugal Realty and learn about the exclusive Simple Life Home Buyer program and book a free call to discover how to make your dream of owning a home in Portugal a reality.

Start your journey to a simple life today!

BOOK A FREE CALL

---

#PortugalTheSimpleLife #PortugalRealty #SimpleLifeHomeBuyer #propertyinportugal #realestateportugal #movetoportugal #MyHomeinPortugal