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Description
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Dates: 23 February - 27 February (with the option to extend a few days if the Workawayer desires).
PLEASE NOTE: We are only looking for someone to fill these date. Please do not message if you're looking for other dates.
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Our rural house in beautiful northern Portugal and our super friendly cat, Kali, need someone to look after them for four and a half months this winter from the start of November until mid-late March. The place would suit digital nomads, hikers, climbers, gardeners, writers, artists or simply someone needing some peace and quiet! It could suit you if you need a base while looking for property or land in the area, or van dwellers wanting somewhere a bit warmer to park-up over the winter. Whether you're a couple, a family or a group of friends, we'd like to hear from you.
We’re 3 British-German siblings who are renovating the house which we hope will one day become a hostel and environmental education project on the Camino de Santiago.Types of help and learning opportunities
Art ProjectsHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have a lovely network of friends and neighbours and would add you to a couple of groups so you can attend social meetups and events in the area. It’s a very diverse and international group, and there are some other Workaway projects nearby who also host volunteers who you can connect with.
This house is on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. It won’t be high-season but you may see the odd pilgrim passing by.Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
House-and-cat-sitters needed :-)
Between 30 minutes to one hour per day. All you'll need to do is feed the cat. On other days, the work is caring for the cat and heating and ventilating the house.
Being a cat-lover is essential as Kali loves company. She’s quite young and very easy to take care of, but needs daily warmth and strokes.
You would need to keep the house in good condition, use the wood burner(s) to keep the rooms warm and dry and ventilate the house.Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: IntermediateThis 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.Accommodation
House
It’s easily big enough for 2 people. If you’re more than 2 people please message to discuss whether there’s space for you depending on your needs. There is also space for vans and vehicles.
The wood burner is in one of the lower rooms and keeps most of the upper floor at a comfortable temperature, and we also have some electric oil-filled radiators to supplement this. The renovation is not fully complete, so some rooms are a bit rough around the edges (see photos). We will have the whole top floor comfortably livable by the time we leave at the end of October. It’s equipped with everyday utilities, installations and appliances (mains electricity, gas, mains water, strong Wi-Fi, shower, washing machine, oven, cooker, kettle etc.) but it is not luxurious, so this opportunity would suit someone who is used to slightly rustic living conditions.
There’s a kitchen, 2-3 living rooms, bathroom and a double bedroom. There are also a couple of small wooden cabins in the garden that have internet access if you need an office or studio space.
Garden
The garden is big and secluded. There’s a cold plunge pool filled with drinkable spring water. As mentioned above, you’d be free to grow whatever winter vegetables you like. If you’re keen to develop or practice any skills like permaculture, carpentry or something else that would benefit the house or land, we’d be very interested in hearing your suggestions and would consider providing the materials for your projects.
Food
As the hours are so low, you would need to cover your own food costs. There are supermarkets available in the nearest towns (see below for a list), as well as a couple of organic fruit and vegetable suppliers who you can collect from (10 minute drive). There’s also a very small shop attached to the bar-café that’s a 2 minute walk from the house. The owner is very friendly and English-speaking and will happily answer any questions about the area!What else ...
Weather
The winters are often wet in northern Portugal. You will need to come with warm, waterproof clothes, be rain-tolerant, and unless you prefer the isolation, we suggest you come with company. The plus side is that it’s fantastically green, and when the sun is out it can feel truly warm, even in December.
Transport
Ideally you would have your own vehicle as there is no public transport. If you’re interested, have a license, but do not have your own vehicle, please still get in touch as we may be able to arrange for you to use our car during your stay.
Sight-seeing
The place is conveniently situated between:
- Paredes de Coura: 15 minutes drive, a smaller pretty town with a fantastic river beach
- Serra d’Arga: 20 minutes drive, a stunning natural park with hikes, rock climbing and natural pools
- Ponte de Lima: 25 minutes drive, the oldest town in Portugal with a scenic Roman bridge.
- Valenca do Minho: 25 minutes drive, a beautiful town in a fort
- Spain: 25 minutes drive to Tui
- Beautiful beaches: 35 minutes drive to Caminha, a huge, beautiful sandy beach on the border with Spain, at the estuary of the River Minho and with lush green views; 40 minutes drive to Afife or Praia de Ancora
- Hot springs: 45 minutes drive to the municipal springs in Salvaterra de Miño or 1h 20 minutes to the magical natural thermal pools near Geres National Park
- Geres National Park: 40 minutes drive to the closest edge of this vast natural region you want to visit
- Porto: 1h 15 minutes drive to the centre and only 1h 5 minutes drive to the airport
Interested?
Send us a message starting with the words “I’ve read it all :-)” so that we know you’ve seen the whole description. If it sounds like you’re a good fit we can arrange a quick video call and work out the exact dates for your stay.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have fiber-optic internet with a reliable connection. Most spots in the garden are now also connected to the internet via a series of boosters.
Space for parking camper vans
There's plenty of space and easy access for van and campers.
Can possibly accept pets
We have a cat, so it needs to be an animal that is cat-friendly!
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Between 30 minutes to one hour per day. On your 2 days off per week all you'll need to do is feed the cat.
Feedback
She noticed our cat was sick and was keen to help and take her to the vet. Plus she used her building experience to give me advice on how to better winterproof some cabins that… read more