Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
8 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
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Details
Description
Kristin and Richard moved here from Dartmoor in the south west of England in 2010 and have been blessed with the opportunity to restore their farm and create a magical life here. We have loved every minute of it.
We have created a paradise, planted hundreds of trees, an extensive organic vegetable garden , fruit and flower garden, and recently a greenhouse bursting with vegetation and large chicken house, We have water from our own spring and both solar and hydro electricity. Our chickens supply us with a constant source of protein and we have fruit in abundance from olives to peaches and apples, lemons, apricots, quince, kiwi and many more. All our produce is for our own consumption. We are not a business.
We are both artists and musicians and like to combine work on the farm with our art and music and share our passions with others. We have art studios and an off grid recording studio.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Interests
Van life
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Architecture
Cooking & food
Languages
Photography
Writing
Plant care
Performing arts
Music
History
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Art & design
Animals
Outdoor activities
Cycling
Hiking
Fitness
Nature
Mountain
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We offer the opportunity to learn about organic growing, self sustainability and all the many aspects of off grid life in the mountains of Portugal. The local community is thriving with people from many different nations all striving to live an alternative lifestyle and there are usually plenty of events, markets, concerts, parties etc where volunteers can meet up with the larger community.
Help
Our beautiful farmhouse is set in 3 hectares of woodland, olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards with magical gardens, waterfalls and streams. We have now managed to restore our farm (the farm having been abandoned for fifty years) and building to be as self sufficient as possible by growing as much as we can using organic methods and permaculture.
We need help with a variety of tasks, from maintaining our vegetable and flower garden, weeding, mulching, pruning trees, clearing, cutting and burning to more experienced projects that may come up from time to time. For example, extending the chicken area, help maintain our pathways (the farm is built on the side of a mountain and need levelling every so often), collecting wood from our woodland and preparing wood for the winter.
We have been blessed to have the fortune to be able to restore this stunning farm and now welcome volunteers to come and enjoy the life and beauty that surrounds us. We work together for five days for five hours a day with two days off at the weekends. The times of the tasks will vary depending on the weather. For instance, in the summer when it can be very hot we like to start early and avoid the middle of the day.
We always like to welcome our volunteers like family and invite them in our free time to join in with us the many community events, lovely local markets and fabulous secret swimming places to swim when the weather gets hot! We are both very active in our music and art life and love to share with those that also have a passion for art and music.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Intermediate
Swedish: Intermediate
Accommodation
A beautiful, two bedroom cottage was finished last year for the use of our guests and volunteers. It has breathtaking views of the mountains and is fully equipped with kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining area. There is also a washing machine. The cottage runs on solar power. Bedding and towels are provided, but bring your own towel for swimming.
There are eggs from our chickens and veggies and fruits from the garden. We like to provide a meal on your first night and provide all the provisions you need for your stay although we sometimes have shared meals in the main house all together. We work all together for five hours a day for five days a week and weekends free.
What else ...
There is a great pool and river beach only a short walk through the woods where you can chill out after helping on the farm! In the village of Benfeita there is also bar and cafe, a tennis court, shop and a post office. Just a short walk away are the stunning waterfalls of Fraga da Pena as well as lots of beautiful walks up in the mountains and river valleys. You may also choose to relax in one of our hammocks , our Moroccan terrace and other beautiful chill out areas and take in the breath taking views. Our four very friendly cats will be available to provide lessons in relaxation. We are both, artists and musicians so we welcome anyone to bring along their guitars or other instruments .
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?
More than two
