Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
31 Mar 2020
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5
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Details
Description
Hi,
We are Lucy and Francisco and we've been living here for almost two years.
Previously I was working in my cousins project (which is also our neighbor) but now I've been focusing more on our little piece of land.
Lucy is pregnant, very pregnant, and I'm on a race against time to finish our small strawbale house in time for the baby's birth.
We live in a beautiful part of Monchique and although you can still see the "scars" from last year's fire it is amazing to see how everything is recovering so well.
I'm (Francisco) portuguese but I lived in the UK for seven years working on environmental conservation. Whilst living there I met Lucy which is a shoe maker and leather worker and then we decided to follow our dream of living in the countryside, breathing the good air and drinking fresh living water.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You'll be able to learn about natural building and hear from us and our neighbours what it is like to start a project like ours. We are one of 6 families living in neighbouring farms and sharing a common goal which is to recover the native forest of Monchique.
You'll also benefit from drinking fresh, pure water and to have the best swimming pond at your disposal! That is on my cousins land but people are welcome to use it.
Monchique is quite a magical place and has beautiful places to visit. Because of its hills, industrial agriculture never reached here and you'll still be able to see how people used to farm in the old days.
The people from Monchique are incredibly friendly and the food is just amazing!
45 Min drive away there are the most beautiful beaches in Portugal that we go to regularly so you'll be able to join us.
Help
At the moment it's all about building. You will have to have an interest in natural building I guess.
We are almost finishing the roof and then we will have to make interior walls using straw and clay and render the whole house with clay render on the interior and lime on the exterior.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
There's a tent you can stay in and we have air mattresses too. We've been living in a tent for the last few months too. We have an semi outdoor kitchen and hot shower.
What else ...
Monchique is full trails that you can explore walking. The most beautiful beaches in Portugal are about 45 min away and in Spring/Summer we plan to go at least once a week. You will be welcome to join us.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
