Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
4 Apr 2025
Feedback
8
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hello! I'm Derek and I live on a 1-hectare former farm in the magnificent mountain area of Monchique with my partner Marcelino. I moved from Wales to Portugal in 2018 and it has been the most incredible experience of my life. The farmhouse has now been fully modernised and the next project is landscaping using eco materials and, working with the land, to create a natural paradise. I look forward to welcoming you, and seeking your ideas and your support in realising my life project. To experience living in both a National Park and a protected ecological zone is something to enjoy and truly appreciate.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will see the wonderful scenery of Monchique and expereience the unique mountain culture of the local people. You will stay in an area of outstanding natural beauty located in the Serra de Monchique. You will experience the historic town centre with Roman history, views from the two mountain peaks of Foia and Picota as well as hiking, bird watching and biking. There are also hot sulfur springs, with baths and health spas in 'Caldas de Monchique' (Spring of Monchique).
Help
Garden design, landscaping using natural materials including stones / boulders from the land and garden manitenance including strimming, safe fires and natural water stream clearance.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I am fluent in English and am currently learning Portuguese.
Accommodation
Fully modernised villa with kitchen, bathroom, dining room, TV and music lounge, your own private bedroom with air conditioning and unlimited Wifi. Food will be provided and no need to do the dishes as dishwasher can do that job :)
What else ...
Bus links to Monchique, Marmelete, and Portimao and bike available for local travel. Other destinations are Lagos and Aljezur with fantastic beaches and nightlife.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I am also a teacher and work at an international school in the Algrave The villa has access to reliable and unlimited Wifi.
Space for parking camper vans
1 hectare of land with space for parking campervan.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (5)
One big topic for the garden work is fire prevention (strimming, cutting trees and bushes,...), another is… read more
Derek gave us a very special and wonderful workaway experience! He treated us like family members and showed so much appreciation💙 from day one we felt like at home (especially with that electric heating blanket on the comfy bed)🥰.
We loved to work independently with a wide variation of tasks. Those outstanding views and fresh oranges… read more
Their main task was to complete the construction of the road to the house and the planning and quality of the work… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
One big topic for the garden work is fire prevention (strimming, cutting trees and bushes,...), another is… read more
Derek gave us a very special and wonderful workaway experience! He treated us like family members and showed so much appreciation💙 from day one we felt like at home (especially with that electric heating blanket on the comfy bed)🥰.
We loved to work independently with a wide variation of tasks. Those outstanding views and fresh oranges… read more
Their main task was to complete the construction of the road to the house and the planning and quality of the work… read more
We stayed at Derek's house for a week, during which he showed us around Aljezur, Monchique, and surrounding areas, and he even recommended us some good beaches and places to visit. We were also introduced to his… read more
His house is located in a wonderful part of Monchique. It has everything you need for a nice stay - kitchen, bathroom, dining room, TV and wifi.
I worked several hours outside and when I wasnt working I did some walks in the area and visited the near by Monchique.
Derek was a great host and I can recommend a… read more
