The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Martine Fairbairn to the Mystic community and recognize her in our ‘Community Proud’ series, sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union.

Martine and her husband, Geoff, have long shared a love for Mystic. Geoff discovered the area about 12 years ago when he started docking his boat in Mystic. When he introduced Martine to Mystic, she immediately fell in love with its charm, coastal beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. That connection to the area grew even stronger when the couple established The Wallasey, a sophisticated and historic waterfront property at 1 Noank Road, which they transformed into an upscale Airbnb.

As a talented interior designer, Martine has worked alongside Geoff, a long time high end residential builder, combining their expertise in design and construction to create inviting and livable spaces. Their passion for hospitality naturally extended into the development of The Wallasey, where guests can experience an elegant retreat in the heart of Mystic. The name The Wallasey is a tribute to Geoff’s family roots in Wallasey, a coastal town in Northern England on the banks of the Mersey River, mirroring the picturesque setting of their rental property along the Mystic River.

While Martine is still settling into the community, she firmly believes in the importance of supporting the place you call home. This philosophy led her to join the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, where she looks forward to contributing and volunteering as a way to give back to the vibrant community that has warmly welcomed her and Geoff.

Martine’s dedication to service extends far beyond Mystic. For 15 years, she served as founder and chairman of The Cornerstone Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and sustainability of a school and orphanage in Western Kenya. Though she recently stepped down as chair, she remains actively involved in fundraising efforts and plans to visit the school this June.

When asked what makes Mystic feel like home, Martine reflected on her upbringing along the Gulf Coast of Florida’s Apalachicola Bay and the southwest of France’s Arcachon Basin—both regions renowned for their oysters and seafood. The salty air and shellfish culture evoke a deep nostalgia for her. Meanwhile, Geoff’s family history is steeped in maritime tradition, with generations working for the Cunard Steamship Line. Their shared appreciation for coastal living made Mystic the perfect place to settle.

Beyond The Wallasey, Martine and Geoff continue to collaborate on custom residential design and construction projects. Geoff brings over 50 years of experience in high-end homebuilding, while Martine specializes in interior design with a globally curated aesthetic. Their combined expertise has led to numerous creative ventures that reflect their shared love for beautiful and functional spaces.

For Martine, inspiration comes from travel, nature, and cultural exploration. She finds beauty in different parts of the world, studying how history and geography influence design and daily life. Walking in nature fuels her creativity, and she’s always eager to uncover the small details that make a place unique.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Martine at the Mystic YMCA five days a week, embracing the sense of community and wellness it provides. She also enjoys hiking, cooking, and entertaining—activities that bring joy to both her and Geoff.

Martine would like to extend a special thank you to Judi Caracausa of Market Realty, whose support and insight helped make their Mystic dream a reality. “Judi truly understood us and has played such a meaningful role in our journey here. She has welcomed us with open arms and become a true friend.”

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome Martine Fairbairn to the community. Be sure to check out The Wallasey for a glimpse of the beautiful hospitality that she and Geoff have brought to Mystic!