Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
22 Mar 2024
Feedback
44
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We came to central Portugal in summer of 2014, having fallen in love with this beautiful place. We - Leon (South African) and Claudia (English) - left our old lives in Turkey and London respectively, to renovate the quinta. In the nine years we've been here, we have rebuilt the house, built up a successful guest enterprise, started our kitchen garden, and are now busy developing our plans for the 4+ hectares of riverside terraces and woodland that we call our home. It is a wonderfully tranquil spot, overlooking a tributary of the Mondego river. We spend our full days* looking after the kitchen garden, the dogs, cats, ever-increasing ducks and chickens, and our five alpacas but are conscious that we need help to build on our work to date.
We look for volunteers who express an interest or have some experience with self-sufficiency, growing food, gardening, etc.
* we have recently opened a bistro so we are less present on the quinta, which is another reason we are looking for responsible self sufficient people to help monitor and take care of the land and animals when we are not here. You will be on your own much of the day, which is why we recommend applications from couples or 2 friends happy to share a double.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are working towards an element of self-sufficiency, growing our own food. We are interested in many principles of permaculture and are looking to implement more. We do not use pesticides on any part of the quinta. Anyone with a passion for and/or knowledge of this type of living would be a bonus, as we are keen to exchange ideas on composting, bio-char making, etc etc
Help
We do a lot of composting, including hot composting, which involves a fair bit of physical labour as it needs turning on a daily basis. On the other hand, we are a No Dig farm, so this at least is not required!!
Day to day volunteer help may also include work in the duck and chicken area, alpaca stables, as well as focussing on a large plot which was badly burnt in the 2017 and which we are working to reforest and plant.
Farming is hard work, so volunteers should be prepared to work as hard as we do.
((( IF you have any reservations at all about hard work, please do not apply!! IF you have any interest in growing things, and are keen and enthusiastic, we look forward to hearing from you !! )))
However, we will never expect anyone to do any tasks we are not prepared to do ourselves.
(Please note: You would need to have your own travel and health insurance as we do not provide this.)
We cannot accept volunteers with ANIMALS or CHILDREN
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
Turkish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Accommodation (for max 2 people) is a converted shed, with double bed, linens provided, access to power & internet, with private showerroom
Food: we cannot accommodate a vegan diet requirement; we use dairy in our food, and eat a lot of our own eggs. Gluten- and lactose-free food is also something we cannot cater for. Due to our change of routine, you will now be responsible for your own cooking and cleaning, but we will of course provide all food.
What else ...
The quinta feels very isolated but is only 12 minutes drive from the local town. The volunteer is welcome to make use of the mountain bikes (good cycling and walking around the quinta), kayak, and fishing rods, when these are not being used by guests.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 845778912837
Feedback (23)
16 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ilona & Jacob)
Ilona and Jacob were attentive, hard working, and positive company to have working with us on the quinta. They worked above and beyond the time required!, which is always appreciated, and worked diligently on all the tasks asked of them. We wish them the best of luck with their onward journey!
(Excellent
)
16 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ilona & Jacob) for host
Jacob and I stayed on this beautiful farm with Leon and Claudia for 10 days in early March. We spent the days weeding, pruning, and prepping all the fruit trees and gardens all the while enjoying the view and occasionally petting alpacas! Leon is an excellent cook and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening chats at dinner. Claudia and Leon were great… read more
31 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Matheus & Débora)
Debora and Matheus worked their hours conscientiously, and were meticulous in their jobs. We wish them success with their onward travels.
(Excellent
)
30 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matheus & Débora) for host
We stayed with Leon and Claudia for two weeks and they were amazing to welcome us! We worked cleaning the land, planting, some burning and carrying firewood, the tasks were very well interspersed and the work fair. The farm has beautiful views, the room is magnificent, very private and the food was great.
Thank you Claudia, Leon and your lovely… read more
Thank you Claudia, Leon and your lovely… read more
28 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anita) for host
So, my friend and I looked for a lastminute workaway experience to get out of Lisbon and were lucky to stay at Leon&Claudia's quinta for 9 days. And what can we say - We had a wonderful and magical time on this beautiful farm in the middle of the nature in central portugal!
Leon and Claudia are so kind and giving people who like to share their… read more
Leon and Claudia are so kind and giving people who like to share their… read more
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)
16 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ilona & Jacob)
Ilona and Jacob were attentive, hard working, and positive company to have working with us on the quinta. They worked above and beyond the time required!, which is always appreciated, and worked diligently on all the tasks asked of them. We wish them the best of luck with their onward journey!
(Excellent
)
16 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ilona & Jacob) for host
Jacob and I stayed on this beautiful farm with Leon and Claudia for 10 days in early March. We spent the days weeding, pruning, and prepping all the fruit trees and gardens all the while enjoying the view and occasionally petting alpacas! Leon is an excellent cook and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening chats at dinner. Claudia and Leon were great… read more
31 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Matheus & Débora)
Debora and Matheus worked their hours conscientiously, and were meticulous in their jobs. We wish them success with their onward travels.
(Excellent
)
30 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matheus & Débora) for host
We stayed with Leon and Claudia for two weeks and they were amazing to welcome us! We worked cleaning the land, planting, some burning and carrying firewood, the tasks were very well interspersed and the work fair. The farm has beautiful views, the room is magnificent, very private and the food was great.
Thank you Claudia, Leon and your lovely… read more
Thank you Claudia, Leon and your lovely… read more
28 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anita) for host
So, my friend and I looked for a lastminute workaway experience to get out of Lisbon and were lucky to stay at Leon&Claudia's quinta for 9 days. And what can we say - We had a wonderful and magical time on this beautiful farm in the middle of the nature in central portugal!
Leon and Claudia are so kind and giving people who like to share their… read more
Leon and Claudia are so kind and giving people who like to share their… read more
23 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Paloma & Thomas)
We were fortunate enough to have Paloma and Thomas as our first volunteers this year - and their stay is evident in the transformation they made in our vegetable garden. They are enthusiastic, responsible and energetic workers, fulfilled all tasks handed to them, as well as being fun and nice people to have around. Their next hosts will be lucky… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Paloma & Thomas) for host
Our 2 week stay with Claudia and Leon was amazing! We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Their land is so beautiful and they were super kind and communicative. The work hours were straight forward and the tasks were enjoyable. We spent most of our time gardening, flipping compost, and doing general farm maintenance. The food was so good… read more
20 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (César & Tatiane)
We loved having Cesar and Tati working with us on the quinta - not only are they lovely people to have around, but they worked hard with good humour and grace. They did a lot of the pruning and clearing, evidence of which we can still enjoy today! In fact, we felt so confident of their attitude and responsibility that we left them in charge of the… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (César & Tatiane) for host
We are writing a little bit late, but we couldn't miss the opportunity to share this incredible experience.
Our plan was to stay for two weeks, but in the end we had two wonderful months at Claudia and Leon's place. We helped with many different tasks, which made us learn about the routine of an organic farm and how to work on it thinking and… read more
Our plan was to stay for two weeks, but in the end we had two wonderful months at Claudia and Leon's place. We helped with many different tasks, which made us learn about the routine of an organic farm and how to work on it thinking and… read more
3 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Hauke)
We loved having Hauke and Silke come and help us on our quinta. They are extremely hard working, diligent in all their tasks, they would see something that needed doing and did it!, they went over and above what we asked of them. They are also great people to have around the house, helping with cooking the meals, and generally good company. They… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Hauke) for host
The three and a half weeks I spent with my girlfriend at Claudia&Léon's beautiful Quinta in Nov/Dec were a great and inspiring experience and will encourage us to follow a path towards more self-sufficiency and independence. We felt very welcome, liked the diverse work with freedom to choose what to do and how to do it, the food was so delicious… read more
3 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen & Warren)
Karen, Warren and the children came to Casa do Pisao for a short, but intense!, period of workaway. During their time with us, it was terrible weather but they undertook all the tasks with good humour and plenty of energy. It really does pay to have five pairs of hands when you are planting trees, or moving compost materials! We should add that… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Karen & Warren) for host
What a place to start our year long Workaway tour of Europe! We loved every minute spent at Leon and Claudia's beautiful home and learnt all about organic farming, hot composting, raised beds and what it takes to be able to manage such a large property. We are so grateful for their hospitality, their company, the incredible meals we shared and all… read more
18 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Susanne)
We loved having Susanne as a volunteer. She is hardworking and diligent, intelligently applying herself to her tasks (many of which she had to achieve alone, which she did, happily). She is great company, and a thoughtful and helpful person to have around in the house. Any host would be lucky to have her come and work with them!
(Excellent
)
17 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Susanne) for host
My stay at Leon and Claudias place was great! I mostly helped with gardening, the ducks and the chickens, turning the compost and day to day stuff. I learnt how to skin and pluck a duck which was a great experience (even though I'm a vegetarian). Their place is beautiful, the views are stunning and the food's amazing! I had the chance to use the… read more
7 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alan) for host
I stayed 3 weeks with Leon and Claudia, and had very good time, they live in a very beautiful and quiet area. I really enjoyed working in the garden, taking care of ducks and chickens, I learnt more about no-dig gardening and composting, and Leon's food is delicious.
I wish you both a lot of success and joy.
I wish you both a lot of success and joy.
28 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alan)
We were very fortunate to have Alan work with us for over 3 weeks in January. He is a very hard worker, able to get on with jobs competently and conscientiously, and during his time with us we achieved a great deal of new vegetable bed-making, as well as collecting materials for/and turning compost. Any future host would be lucky to have him, and… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rachael) for host
I had a great time at Leon and Claudias place, we were very well looked after and of course Leons food is great. the work and hours were clear which is helpful, and trust was given to complete tasks, which were also varied. Leon took us along to the monthly market
And I also enjoyed the chance to swim in the pool and use the kyak. Thanks for the… read more
And I also enjoyed the chance to swim in the pool and use the kyak. Thanks for the… read more
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew & Sarah)
Matt stayed and helped to us for a couple of weeks this summer. He clearly has a lot of experience with gardening, and is confident building raised beds, and making fences which was a great help to us. He was diligent, and more than capable. We wish him the best with his onward travels.
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Sarah) for host
I had a really good time with leon and claudia, the work was varied including tasks such as building raised beds and fences, general gardening work and turning compost. The food leon cooks really is great and the little house i stayed in was perfect. Thanks for a good experience.
23 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin & Katharine)
Kat and Martin came to our quinta and worked for two weeks. During their time here, they did the daily cleaning of the animal areas, turned the hot composting, cleaned out the duck terraces, helped with the building of raised beds, and general weeding, and more. They worked diligently and competently, and their tasks were completed to a good… read more
(Very good
)
1 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Martin & Katharine) for host
Our time here was mind blowing and inspirational. The land is really beautiful with the amazing views over the river. Perfect get away for a quieter simple life, being able to pick salad and strawberries out of the garden. Work was enjoyable but hard at times, we built good muscles here. The duck area is a lovely quiet spot to watch all the babies… read more
18 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (teilzeittourist) for host
I had 3 wonderful weeks with Leon and Claudia. There land is breathtaking and i fell in love instantly. They are a very generous and kind couple. It was a bliss for me as a chef to eat Leons amazing food and he also teached me some things in the kitchen. Leon also showed me how to make hot compost and he gave me the opportunity to work with the… read more
23 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (teilzeittourist)
We were very fortunate to have Klaus come and work on the quinta with us for three weeks. He is a hard worker, competent and diligent in all the tasks that we asked of him. As a host it is great when a volunteer shows great interest in our work and systems, and he threw himself with great energy into our duck and chicken operation, as well as the… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Niklas)
Niklas worked on the quinta with us for two weeks, and despite some truly terrible weather (!), he worked diligently and carefully. He competently completed all tasks that were given to him while on the quinta alone, and then when another volunteer joined us he worked well with her, building beds and planting seeds, as well as maintaining the… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Niklas) for host
The two weeks that I stayed with Claudia and Leon were an awesome time. There's lots of different things to do in their little piece of paradise, and there's always some animal around you (either the lovely dogs, the alpacas or the ducks and chickens), so you're in good company. I certainly learned a lot about gardening and Leon's way of making… read more
31 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Annamaria)
We greatly enjoyed having Anna come and work with us last month. She was here for only a short two weeks, but she accomplished a huge amount during her time, with great enthusiasm, energy, warmth and wit. She was supremely interested in learning about everything we do here, and her enquiring mind is a true asset.
Anna worked hard; we had some… read more
Anna worked hard; we had some… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Annamaria) for host
Staying at this project has been a really great experience, as it is situated in an incredibly scenic landscape with the alpacas and the duck "adventure park" creating all together an impressive atmosphere. The work has been very rewarding because I got to see the broccoli seeds sprout within 7 or 10 days, I planted many seeds, and 2 trees,… read more
8 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Christina)
Richard worked on our quinta for two weeks, during which time he accomplished a great deal. Due to the October forest fires we had/have a huge amount of dead trees to cut and manage; Richard is a truly competent worker with chainsaw and chipper, and we felt very confident about his ability to apply good safety measures, and work with dangerous… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Christina) for host
I had the honour to help Claudia and Leon for two weeks in february and I´m really thankful for that ! Had the best 2 weeks of my trip up to now! I had the Chance to combine my hobby with the work there in order to help them: chopping trees :) I had so much fun and thanks to Leon and Claudis Company and Charakter I felt more like having Holiday… read more
25 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (limaver165) for host
We felt right at home on this amazing property with these beautiful people, Claudia and Leon. Our stay was much too short but we accomplished quite a bit. We explored things that were new to us like building a bio char burner and preparing birds for dinners to come. Their enthusiasm for their property, animals and their vision has inspired us for… read more
14 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (limaver165)
We hit the jackpot with Bryan and Mariel, who thankfully came to inject their amazing energy and positivity into our quinta lives, albeit for far too brief a time! They are a great couple to have around, happy to do all the jobs we asked of them, and more, with diligence and care. During their six days working here, they managed to finish and… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Irene & Esteban)
We greatly enjoyed having Irene and Esteban come to work with us. They have a very positive and sunny attitude, and happily undertook all the work we gave them. They are also very good company around the dinnertable, which always helps! A really lovely couple.
(Excellent
)
17 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Irene & Esteban) for host
Better late than never! Our stay with Claudia and Leon in August was great! We were lucky to enjoy 15 days with them, in a exceptional environment. We learnt a lot about gardening (we were really proud of the cultivation bed we get to build), about composting and of course about ducks! If you love animals this is your place, they have a lot of… read more
21 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Tom) for host
I had a truly memorable 3 weeks at this beautiful Quinta with the lovely Claudia and Leon.
The farm is in an idyllic location, the work was interesting and diverse and it was a great opportunity to learn more about organic farming and animal care. I can't thank you guys enough for the amazing experience, the delicious food and the great chats. I… read more
The farm is in an idyllic location, the work was interesting and diverse and it was a great opportunity to learn more about organic farming and animal care. I can't thank you guys enough for the amazing experience, the delicious food and the great chats. I… read more
3 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Tom)
We count ourselves exceptionally fortunate that Maria chose to come and work with us in October this year. She is interested in the work on the quinta, and a hard worker, as well as being excellent company. After the fires that affected our quinta, she was a great practical and morale support, offering to stay a little longer and to help with the… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Amund) for host
My stay at Léon and Claudias beautiful quinta was my first experiance with workaway, and I can not imagine a better place to start. From feeding and cleaning around the great gang of ducks and chickens, to building garden beds and harvesting vegetables, the work was always interesting and of great variation, which made the days go fast and never… read more
3 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Amund)
We were exceptionally fortunate to have Amund come and work with us for a couple of weeks in October. He is hardworking, diligent and responsible, as well as being very good company! He was with us when we were caught by the forest fires, and his support after this terrible event was greatly appreciated. We also have a wonderful painting by him,… read more
(Excellent
)
29 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Anthony)
Anna and AJ came to work earlier this year, and well and truly made their mark on all the work that needed to be done at the quinta. They are lovely people, with sunny and positive attitudes towards all the jobs that we asked of them, and they achieved a great deal during their time here. Their love of animals is evident, and welcome.
They were… read more
They were… read more
(Excellent
)
28 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Anthony) for host
Better late than never! We had the most beautiful month with Claudia and Leon, and were very sad to leave. The work was varied and interesting - from digging vegetable beds to building scarecrows; feeding peas to the ducks to building fires. We felt supported and encouraged in the work, and were really happy that Claudia and Leon were so keen to… read more
26 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Tom) for host
We had a lovely stay with Leon and Claudia their Quinta is situated above the banks of a river and is truly picturesque.
Leon and Claudia are great hosts. They are really hard working, kind, interesting, and willing to teach you what they know. We have taken a lot away from our visit and hope to return to see them again.
The work was varied and… read more
Leon and Claudia are great hosts. They are really hard working, kind, interesting, and willing to teach you what they know. We have taken a lot away from our visit and hope to return to see them again.
The work was varied and… read more
15 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah & Tom)
What can we say about Tom and Sarah that hasn't already been said??!! We count ourselves extremely fortunate that they came to work with us for two weeks, and we are sad to see them go. They have a wonderful attitude to the job in hand; they are enthusiastic, enquiring, hard working, diligent, methodical, and more often than not, having seen that… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Masha & Nicholas)
Masha and Nicholas stayed with us for 7 weeks over September and October last year. During this time, we achieved a great deal in terms of setting up the kitchen garden for this year, preparing the groundwork for our next hugel project, and many other jobs (some of which were very tedious!, but which they did with a positive outlook). Their… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Masha & Nicholas) for host
We have stayed at Leon&Claudia's quinta for over a month and had a lovely time :) Leon and Claudia are kind and down to earth people who really know how to get things done, love their animals and are great cooks who like to use fresh ingredients from their garden in almost every meal (Leon's lasgna is the best! ;))
The place itself is just… read more
The place itself is just… read more
