Portugal
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We are looking for a couple to come stay longer-term, over the winter months, to help with building work, farming and animal care.
The ideal couple will be open-minded, easy going and interested to learn about off-grid and remote living and have their own transport.
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A rural creative space in the green heart of northern Portugal - connected to the old world and distant from the rush of modern life.
We are usually doing creative jobs in the old stone houses, gardens, kitchens and gardening and renovation on the farm land.
Opportunity for volunteers to see and learn from working examples of off-grid energy systems ( both solar and micro-hydro electricity ), grey water systems, compost toilets, small-scale agriculture and also online remote working.
There is a large yoga space + co-working space and dip pool which volunteers are always welcome to use.
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Portuguese language skills, traditional crafts, off-grid and remote working - to name but a few :)
Daily tasks are gardening, cooking, maintenance of the land and buildings and creative jobs all around :)
We offer simple local, seasonal, vegetarian food - lunch and dinner is prepared and eaten together.
If volunteers have specific food requirements, we ask that these are discussed and agreed upon before visiting - thanks!
Requests for long-term placements, please get in contact to discuss.
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The short history...
In October 2018 a large area of Central Portugal was burnt in a large wild fire - including the area around this farm, and the land itself. Over the last years, we have worked to restore and reforest this land and to clear and prepare many areas surrounding it with some great success, but other parts around the farm remain to be cleared still.
This is the modern reality of Portugal and many other parts of the world, as the planet adjusts to human domination and changes to the climate.
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A longer history...
Based in a remote and peaceful old farm, located in the Serra do Caramulo mountain range - 50km from the Atlantic coast.
The farm is totally off-grid, energy is provided by solar and micro-hydro generation ( from a small stream that borders the land ), we are gradually working towards being more self-sustainable and producing more of our food and others resources as locally as possible.
All volunteers have the opportunity to learn a few things about off-grid living, sustainability, traditional farming and land management or helping with locally sourced building materials, such as stone or wood.
The land is open and spacious, with areas given over to living, farming, grazing, herbs, flowers and woodland - the valley below gives open views to the peaks of Portugal's highest mountains - The Serra da Estrela.
Spring is an amazing display of colour and life - starting with the mimosas in February all the way into summer - flowers, birds and life in general celebrate the return of the heat from the suns rays.
The aim is always to create durable, attractive, useful additions to this amazing space - built were possible with local and natural materials - simply moving them from other locations on the land to use.
The neighbours are frequent visitors, bringing on their goats to graze - they are always on hand to offer advice and to place objects or concepts into context - they are connected to this land in a deep, yet simple way - they embody all that is good and positive about Portugal.
The area has very few foreigners, and the locals generally only speak Portuguese - lack of language skills in no ways blocks communication - but a basic spoken level can be of help in certain situations.
Portugal is a safe, tolerant, relaxed and naturally beautiful land.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Polish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
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.
Bed in 6 bed dorm - clean and comfortable.
Small studio with double bed, sink and wood burning fire.
Please note:
We would ask that all volunteers have their own travel or health insurance cover - we, of course take great care to avoid any dangers and aim to provide a safe and healthy environment - but we do not have or offer insurance to the volunteers that come.
~~~ Due to fire risk we do not allow any form of open fire or smoking anywhere on the farm ~~~
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We have a co-working space and slow, but steady wifi
Steep dirt road down, but passable by all but the largest of vehicles.
We have chickens, sheep, a cat and a large dog, so while we might accept others, this would need to be very clearly agreed in advance.
Two
4 hours / day - 5 days a week.
