Join our family’s creative & soulful home in Porto, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Description:
  My name is Francisco. I’m an architect originally from Porto, currently working on the rehabilitation of a historical building from 1830, located in the heart of the city, just 5 minutes walking from the central area, in one of the most authentic neighborhoods: the Guindais Stairs (Escadas dos Guindais).
  
  In parallel, I’m slowly bringing new life to a countryside house about 20 km north of Porto, in a village called Vilar do Pinheiro. While my work is rooted in architecture, I’m very much a hands-on person who enjoys being directly involved in the transformation of the spaces we live in and not your typical behind-the-desk architect.
  
  We’re a family of four: myself, Ana, our son Tomé (5 years old), and Hydra, our gentle Bernese mountain dog.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Performing arts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Camping

  

  Van life

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Carpentry

  

  Books

  

  Architecture

  

  Art & design

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is a great opportunity for travelers interested in traditional architecture, Portuguese culture, and sustainable living. You’ll get a real sense of local life, whether in the historic center of Porto or the peaceful countryside of Vilar do Pinheiro.
  
  We value cultural exchange and sharing experiences, from meals and music to learning about how spaces are built and lived in here in Portugal. There may be occasional opportunities to observe or assist with light, non-technical tasks alongside local professionals, but the primary focus is on exchanging ideas, lifestyles, and ways of living creatively and consciously.
  
  You’ll also have time to explore the city or the countryside, and we’re happy to share tips and insights on the region’s culture, architecture, and daily life.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  I’m currently looking for people who are open-minded, creative, and willing to contribute to daily life in and around the house — both in Porto and in the countryside.
  
  Depending on the project and your interests, your help might include:
  
  • Taking Hydra, our friendly dog, on her daily walks
  • Keeping the shared areas of the house clean and tidy
  • Supporting communication for the project (especially on our personal Instagram)
  • Helping to organise family dinners in the garden to encourage good moments and connection among everyone
  • Sharing and cooking typical dishes from your country, and also joining in Portuguese-style meals with us and other guests
  • Gardening or helping to care for fruit trees and plants
  • Light help with creative or practical tasks around the house
  
  We value people who enjoy being part of a small, respectful and open-minded community, and who see this experience as a genuine exchange.
  
  In Porto, you’ll be immersed in the rhythm of the city, while in Vilar do Pinheiro, the pace is slower and more rural.
  It’s a good opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Spanish: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  French: Intermediate
  Italian: Beginner

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation depends on the project you’re applying for: it can be a private or shared room, with either a regular or dry toilet.
  Groceries for two meals a day are included, either provided directly or as a weekly budget so volunteers can buy their own ingredients and choose what to cook.
  
  We ask that travelers are independent and comfortable with preparing their own meals. You’re welcome to use the kitchen, enjoy the garden, plant a few vegetables or simply relax during your free time.

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  What else ...

  PROJECT 1
  CENTRAL PORTO:
  The building is located in a historic area of the city, with a rich and lively local atmosphere. During your free time, you’ll be able to explore the city easily: the house is well-connected by public transport, and you can use a bike to get around. You’ll have plenty of chances to meet neighbors and experience the real Porto.
  
  PROJECT 2
  VILAR DO PINHEIRO:
  This house is located in a small village 20/25 minutes from Porto by car or 30 minutes by metro. It’s a quiet, authentic place, perfect for someone looking for a peaceful and immersive experience. The house is in an early stage of improvement, and the idea is to slowly make it more livable.
  
  At the moment, there is a basic indoor room for sleeping, a living room, a dry toilet, and an improvised but functional kitchen with the essential conditions. There’s a stove, oven and fridge and the essentials utensils for cooking .
  There is no Wi-Fi or internet access at the house and that’s part of the experience: to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, simplicity, and a slower rhythm of life.
  
  The property includes a 1,200 m² garden with many fruit trees (oranges, mandarins, figs, caqui, prunes, apples, lemons and ornamental trees (fagus, cypresses, likidambar, Jingko Biloba, etc….that need regular care, offering a truly grounding and rewarding daily activity.
  
  I prefer to host two people — a couple or friends. I also accept dogs on this project. Since the house is in a relatively isolated area, and sharing the experience tends to make it more comfortable and enjoyable. However, if someone is genuinely interested in a more individual and introspective stay, I’m open to considering it depending on the person’s profile and motivation.
  (Available for a couple, two friends, or a solo traveler with the right mindset)

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Our Internet is wi-fi and have 150Mbps for download and 100Mbps Upload. We have garden where the connection works and a mesh network allowing to have internet in the whole building

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Yes in the countryside project (Project II)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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