Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
49
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hey Workawayers! Welcome to my profile. 😊
Help me finish renovating a traditional farm house with a big garden and forest (two wells) and upcoming vegetable garden in Central Portugal!
My name is Laura, I am 57 years (young) and from Germany. I have bought a beautiful old farmland of 12,000 m² (own forest) with two wells, a large stone house plus annex and two little ruins in the center of Portugal (between Tomar and Ferreira do Zêzere) that is almost completely renovated to a modern standard. Even though I have (had) professional building companies there still some DIY things left to make it a cosy home. 💚
Having been a Workawayer for one year of travel around the world a few years ago myself I now would appreciate some help with my own project (for details see below). 🙏
Enjoy the quiet and the nature! Enjoy a good flow of energy in the house, garden and own forest. 🌟 You might get your hands (and clothes) dirty though...
Please be aware that there might only an dry outdoor toilet (for the solid stuff only) available at times.
Dedicated and independent volunteers with various skills around the house and gardening, willing to take over little projects or volunteers with positive feedback are preferred...
>> Please refer to the help offered when contacting! <<
For longer stays there will be a one-week-trial-period to see if it matches for both sides.
♡=> You don't have to be vaccinated! <=♡
Hoping to hear from you soon! 🙏
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
House sitting
Interests
Charity work
Van life
Events & social
Culture
Self development
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Dancing
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Adventure sports
Writing
Music
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Gardening
Architecture
Languages
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will get to know this nice and quite area and landscape with healthy maritime climate and the smell of eucalyptus, singing birds, much space...
Also I have a lot of friends living in the area, and there is a growing community of foreigners and locals that are connecting quickly (we have swap markets, circles, workshops, movie nights and parties). So no need to stay all by yourselves...
=> Please note that my place is in a rural area with farms and agriculture! The next bus stop is a 15-minute-walk away, the bus to Ferreira do Zêzere runs once a day... Two bikes are available.
You should bring enough to read (I have a German and English library though - prose, self-development and garden helpers) or whatever you need to feel comfortable away from the institutions and consumption of modern society.
I have a guitar that waits to be played as well. A roll piano, too!
Also I like to sing - sing along with me!
If you are into rhythm: My percussion department has grown (bongos, cajon, djembe, shakers, cabasa, tambourines, castanets) - let's jam together!
Help
I have bought an old farm in Central Portugal - the interior needs some finishing now that the main tasks by the local construction company have been done. The beautiful but large garden needs weeding and get the vegetable area started...
◇◇◇ UPDATE ◇◇◇
in general:
* house sitting (1-2 weeks)
* some this and thats in DIY
* repair 2 wheelbarrow tyres
* fix the steps into the forest
* weeding and cutting off brambles (always needed)
* paint interior walls, door frames and blinds (no heights involved)
* help to set up the new kitchen (IKEA style)
* build new steps into the garden
* get a vegetable garden started (from the very beginning)
* help to build a pergola for the entrance
* build a chicken coop
* build bird houses
* create a herb snail
* enforce the fire pitch
* dig a drainage in the garden
* help me mark the limits of the land
* build a platform and put up the bell tent
* build a sweat lodge
* plant trees, flowers and plants (Fall/Autumn)
* olive harvest (October)
* ...
---
=> Good boots or even rubber boots are highly recommended (I can provide size 38, 42 and 43). Also house shoes are very useful unless you want to walk barefoot...
I kindly ask for help of 5 hours per day, 5 days a week (or equivalent as the tasks might vary due to necessity and available helpers). 🙏
Cooking, doing the dishes and keeping our living and sleeping areas clean are shared.
Please note that at times I have to work remotely to keep the project going and am also quite busy with all the sideworks of the project. Be prepared to spend some time alone or with the other helpers. :-)
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I definitely want to learn Portugese some day... and an introduction into Sanskrit would be wonderful. I can share my German (mother tongue) and good English language skills with you!
Accommodation
I have a nice and protected shady, non-windy dining area in the 'gemuetlich' yard that I use during the warmer seasons, it has a kitchen stove and a BBQ and also a huge movie screen.
There are four bedrooms (single and double) for us to use in the main house.
OWN EQUIPMENT
Of course you can bring your own tent (there are two platforms in the garden to use) or your own camper.
CARAVAN
Sometimes I offer my private caravan (bunk beds plus convertible dining area) that is in the garden at a very beautiful and "gemuetlich" spot.
* Yoga and meditation *
There are two yoga platforms with a great and calming view waiting to be used. (Let's do this together.)
I can offer massages there as well.
* Bikes *
Two bikes are waiting to be taken for a ride, including helmets and bike bags if wanted.
>> Sorry, no pets accepted! Dogs must stay outside.
What else ...
My property is nearby FERREIRA DO ZÊZERE (Santarém) in the center of Portugal.
The next bus stop (to Ferreira do Zêzere on request) is within walking distance (service once a day only though).
Ferreira do Zêzere (nice little town with a lot of cafés and a weekly markets, public bus to Lisbon, public and free indoor pool) is a 10-minute-drive away, around 5 km to walk or bike, I can usually take you and pick you up to/from there.
The beautiful LAKE CASTELO DE BODE/ZÊZERE (where you can do all kinds of watersports) is about 20 minutes away, also quite a few reservoirs and beautiful river beaches.
TOMAR (old Knights Templar city) is a 20-minutes-drive (I go there once a week or so).
LISBON (vivid city with a lot of historic buildungs and culture, next airport) 1.5 hours by car, very good access via train and bus.
PORTO (also airport) can be reached within 2.5 hours by car.
Famous cities in the area are also COIMBRA (students) and FÁTIMA (history and religion).
The Portuguese ROAD TO SANTIAGO (hiking) is about 15 minutes from my farm.
Also there are quite a few ROCK CLIMBING spots within a 1-hour-drive (let me join you if there is a time gap on my side).
And of course the ATLANTIC OCEAN for the BEACH and SURFING (at about 1+ hour by car ) and SWIMMING for the harder ones!
My big garden invites you also to just be, breathe, dream a day dream, read a book, listen to the birds and cicadas, have a yoga session... :-)
> Most of the times I should be able to pick you up at the train/bus station in Tomar or at the bus station in Ferreira do Zêzere - let us communicate about that.
> There is enough space for parking a car / camper.
MEALS: As I prefer local vegetables I usually don't eat meat - but could cook it for you every once in a while. I can offer strict vegetarian food (vegan and Keto diets are usually not offered).
WIFI.
SUMMER OPEN AIR MOVIE series in the yard with a nice community, also DANCING PARTIES and MOON RITUALS.
Sorry, no WhatsApp...
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have fibre WiFi in the house. WiFi-free zone at night!
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (21)
The house is big and lovely, and there are all kinds of projects… read more
I am happy that I am a 'pioneer' and did take the chance to have been her first Workaway host. :-)
We had a nice and respectful communication from the beginning, and she trusted me and booked her flights after agreeing on her stay and help. She even reactivated Telegram for me to take the shortcut in communication.
She arrived… read more
He was so valuable to have! Nice vibes from the beginning, reliable and easy communication,… read more
I am happy to be a 'pioneer' to give their first feedback. :-)
Great helpers, eager to help with ANYTHING that was needed at that period, good and dear friends in the end. They saw what was needed to be done, took over responsibility, were skilled and fast, had good… read more
Thanks so much Laura for inviting us to join your life and work at Casa, Wendy and I have had a great time and, who knows, may even have a change in our life coming as a result.
I enjoyed talking and singing and playing with you in your kitchen, the dunnie has a good view too!
It was a wild stormy couple of nights to start and there… 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:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
The house is big and lovely, and there are all kinds of projects… read more
I am happy that I am a 'pioneer' and did take the chance to have been her first Workaway host. :-)
We had a nice and respectful communication from the beginning, and she trusted me and booked her flights after agreeing on her stay and help. She even reactivated Telegram for me to take the shortcut in communication.
She arrived… read more
He was so valuable to have! Nice vibes from the beginning, reliable and easy communication,… read more
I am happy to be a 'pioneer' to give their first feedback. :-)
Great helpers, eager to help with ANYTHING that was needed at that period, good and dear friends in the end. They saw what was needed to be done, took over responsibility, were skilled and fast, had good… read more
Thanks so much Laura for inviting us to join your life and work at Casa, Wendy and I have had a great time and, who knows, may even have a change in our life coming as a result.
I enjoyed talking and singing and playing with you in your kitchen, the dunnie has a good view too!
It was a wild stormy couple of nights to start and there… read more
Jiri arrived as a last-minute-workawayer in October 2024 and stayed just for a few days to help with the olive harvest / trees. He was really eager to help, really knew what he was doing and worked very hard. For the first time in more than three years of my project somebody took care of… read more
At first David inquired for himself very early and wanted to stay for three months - after a first chat on the phone I decided to give a long-term help a try.:-) Everything worked out fine good communication, he showed up as agreed upon. He really is an all-rounder, always willing and eager to… read more
Franzi came as a last minute workawayer for her very first workaway and got engaged right away. Very convenient to chat with her on a messenger beforehand and that she arrived by her own car. She definitely fit very well into our little community at that time, was quiet but aware, saw the things (not on the list) that… read more
A really unusnual couple - very helpful and always willing to help, really having been part of my project. Nice conversations, nice vibes, great work... :-) The communication was great right from the beginning. They were traveling with their own car, which made things easy for me, but we still made it to two short trips to the lake and… read more
That's really no exaggeration. :-)
We made contact by phone in advance and it was a good fit right from the start.
Danaé was uncomplicated and was a great fit for the project. She helped me with the work around the house (clearing out the caravan, sorting out the emergency pharmacy), looked… read more
The communication with Sam was great from the beginning, very easy, very reliable, and he trusted me to get in touch via Telegram - which made the planning much easier.
Sam helped me around the house (such as put up a new stove, get the ridge waterproof), the yard (build a shed for the firewood)… read more
She's great and kind and truly an interesting person to speak with and hear her life stories:)
our stay was short but wonderful! would be interesting to see what this project will turn to in time
From the beginning the communication was friendly, appreciative and binding. I experienced her as a very polite, understanding, easy to have here, feed and cope with, worldwide experienced person who was not picky with the work and to… read more
I stayed with her for three weeks, helped in the garden and inside the house, cooked meals and had the freedom to manage my time.
Her project made me decide to sign up with Workaway and once at the place I felt really involved with Laura's dream also thanks to her sharing her thoughts and little… read more
Even the first contact was extraordinary and promising ("Your project made me sign up Workaway"). She signed up two months in advance and - unlike some others this year - showed up reliably and on time.
Noemi was very diligent and eager to help, and… read more
I was lucky enough to live and help Laura for three weeks. I was able to become a part of her project and even picked out the names for the three fruit trees we planted. Personally, I felt very comfortable with Laura. We had great… read more
Even before he showed up it appeared to me that he could extend his stay on my side longer than the usual two weeks, the first contact was already very nice.
He is - in my opinion, although I do not like to judge - very easy… read more
Fabian kam recht plötzlich und irgendwie aus dem Nichts. Er kam, sah, und schaffte! Er hatte sehr viele gute Ideen für mein Projekt, insbesondere für den Garten und den Wald, die er sehr eifrig und professionell umsetzte. Bis zur letzten Minute.
Wie… read more
They came kind of last minute but helped a lot. Marcus had good skills around the house and garden and was extremely quick, experienced and pragmatic in adapting and solving the little problems. Also, he was a great cook and has conjured up magical dishes on the side.
Rawan was very… read more
The communication was very easy from the beginning, not too much writing, but a very reliable show up with some confirmation beforehand. They took over… read more
I got to know Thomas as a really nice and kind guy. He wrote to me twice as I was indecisive about the dates. Good job! He came, communication as how to get here was easy. He joined us to a local swap market the… read more
During this time I was able to help Laura in the garden and rebuild the brick grill in mortar.
I really liked staying with Laura, especially because Laura is an extremely warm woman and the property and the surrounding area offer… read more
Klaas contacted me almost 2 month ahead of his stay (he stayed for 10 days - if it was for me he could have stayed much longer!), and the communication and reliability worked great right from the beginning.
He helped about everywhere around my place: cut and water trees, support the carpenter, wash dishes, grocery, tool and wood shopping,… read more
Endlich habe ich es wieder geschafft mein Profil zu Aktivieren!
Darum erst jetzt ein Feedback! Sorry!!
Es war eine kurze und schöne Zeit bei dir.
Und ich hoffe das die Pflanzen alle wachsen!
Ich kann Laura nur wärmstens Empfehlen.
Schönes Grundstück gesunde Ernährung und und und.
Wenn ich wieder durch Portugal streife werd ich bei… read more
He was a big help inside the caravan and in the garden, had a lot of knowledge and skills and did everything that was needed at that time.
We had a good time together and nice evenings. I wish he could come back to stay again... Thank you!
He worked hard I in my garden - I still enjoy using the pathway he created and relying on the… read more
She made the way to my property all by herself as she was traveling by bike.
The communication was nice and easy from the beginning and together with another Workawayer we had very nice evenings and chats in the… read more
Working in the nature is a cure for the body and the mind, then the meals she cooked was always really tasty.
Living in the caravan is nice and I never felt like something miss.
I appreciate a lot the conviviality, the chats, and the way of life, natural and human.
It's been like an disintossication from… read more
He was a great help - he was happy to take on the work needed and was not too shy to do the heavy (and prickly) work. Very quickly he adapted to the realities of life around the caravan and also saw the small steps needed to work in the caravan and helped… read more
The communication was easy from the beginning and everything else turned out to be very comfortable as well (of course for me it was a lot more convenient that they stayed in their own camper instead of sharing my caravan).
This was a… read more
We helped to get rid of blackberries from the olive trees, making a fence around 2 wells, impregnate a big storage box and the compost toilet and making a nice path by reusing old roof tiles.
Laura cooked for us nice vegetarian meals. She speaks very… read more
