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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Jun 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 140 days
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Description
Hi there, I am River an Englishman of mature years living on a terraced hillside of olive trees, bottoming down to a mixed woodland of Chestnut and Walnut and a swirling meandering stream as the border.
Its over two years since my partner Emma died of Cancer and I am slowly coming to terms with my loss and the new situation I now find myself in. I am continuing in the short term with my Off-grid lifestyle here on the quinta in central Portugal, but now I am here alone so I really need help with managing everything.
I'm currently updating my profile as its many months since I was active with Workaway.
In August of 2025, our area suffered badly with a fire and I sustained some damage to my property, and not only this all the young trees I was growing and nurturing were burnt and even some more mature trees and plants were destroyed. My tool shed was completely burnt down and so I lost of my tools and work bench and all the contents, some of which were storage items.
I am in a long drawn out process with the local Camara (Council) to be recompensed for the fire damage. I have succeeded in getting compensation for my Agricultural losses and now am waiting hopefully to gain some finances to repair my veranda, two cracked windows a burnt out roof support and a decking area which was so wonderful to eat out there and do bodywork/meditation, sadly all gone up in smoke.
After the fire we were devastated with floods which because there was little cover of trees due to the fire, cut through the land and has left piles of stones and big clefts in the land as the mass of rainwater took its own way through changing the landscape quite drastically. Throughout the Winter there was so much rain, even the locals had never seen anything like the amount of rain falling on our area of Central Portugal,
So now I am seriously considering selling up and finding a new downsized dwelling. I really value the community around here, so I don't plan to move too far away.
So now I am looking for some help in clearing and decluttering the house, and bringing some of the land back into some kind of order.
I am trying to generally follow ecological principles and be as sustainable as I can. I value the peaceful tranquillity of the land most of all, and its an ideal place for people, to relax and chill-out away from their busy lives.
I enjoy being completely off-grid with a mixture of solar and hydro power, which keeps me powered throughout the year. Its a great feeling knowing that I am self sufficient while the power goes down in the local neighbourhood villages after a storm of thunder and Lightening.
I live with my dog called Grelo who is eight and a half years old . We have become quite inseparable, particularly since losing Emma.
There is accommodation in a simple little rustic stone barn with now only half a balcony since the fire, it has water and cooking facilities ( a single burner) and a simple compost loo, but for showers and bidet you can use the bathroom in the main house.
I ts a very simple and quiet place for people drawn to a meditative rustic life,
I have a passion for awakening in this life, so apart from meditation I practice breath work somatic and other embodied exercises as well as singing and playing my guitar. I walk my dog Grelo each morning and take him to some of my outside activities .
Although I am remotely situated, there is a thriving alternative community in the surrounding hills and valleys providing opportunities to participate in various activities, such as yoga singing, markets and various group activities etc.
I live between two villages, both about a 20 minute walk away, one of which has a cafe and shop.
So now I am looking forward to some response as I gather my energy to let go of the lifestyle I have lived for 17 years and start a new chapter in my life
River and Grelol.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There is always the mystery of meeting someone new. I travelled a lot in my younger days which enriched my life. I have always had a thirst for knowledge, and hopefully now I am older I may have acquired some wisdom.I can share my insights about meditation breathwork and exploring new horizons in response to a radically changing World. I occasionally like to play music and sing together.
Help
, Mainly help with getting my place ready to sell, so clearing and getting rid of unwanted accumulated clutter . Dog walking would be a great help some mornings or evenings and help with cooking for those with culinary experience. Love to have somebody to help get the land back into some basic shape , for instance the vegetable garden and cutting up the burnt and blackened trees. It would be ideal if you have some building skills but not absolutely necessary,.The land is fairly steep,and overgrown in places so sturdy people required.
need fit volunteers.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
I have a small one room schist stone house with half a small balcony, wood stove and one ring calor gas for tea/coffee making. You have your own compost loo on the veranda, with basic washing facilities. But the bathroom in the main house can be used for showers. The sound of running water is everywhere.
What else ...
Plenty to do on time off.. Swimming, meditation, yoga, choir, walking on the shisto trails, healing opportunities, open mike and local musicians playing.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
There is space for a small sizes camper van . I myself drive a VW California Camper van.
Can possibly accept pets
I have my own dog male, medium size of 8 years. Not territorial usually, and gets on people and with other dogs .
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
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But with… read more
Almost all have been said already. You will be very confortable in the cosy… read more
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But with… read more
Almost all have been said already. You will be very confortable in the cosy… read more
I helped to walk Gracie along with their new puppy Greillo, and did a range of gardening tasks such as… read more
We feel we really got to know them a bit, and they to us too. We hope that they will return to us in the… read more
Their quinta is lovely, very quiet and secluded, in the midst of a protected forest area so lots of green in all shades and forms. In the one and half year I have been volunteering this was my first truely off grid… read more
