The image depicts a serene scene of two individuals and a dog sitting on rocks, with the dog standing on a rock to the right, set against a cloudy blue sky.
The image depicts an old, weathered house with a tiled roof, surrounded by overgrown vegetation, set against a cloudy sky.
The image depicts an old, weathered building with a chimney and a greenhouse, situated in a picturesque rural landscape with rolling hills and trees.
Three women are painting an arched stone wall in a room with white walls and a wooden table, surrounded by paint supplies and tools.
The image depicts a weathered, abandoned building with a blue-framed window, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and set against a backdrop of rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a weathered, abandoned building with a blue-painted frame, featuring an arched doorway and a red-tiled floor, set against a cloudy sky backdrop.
The image depicts a weathered, concrete structure with a doorway, featuring a pile of firewood to the right and a small window on the back wall.
The image depicts a weathered stone window frame with a view of a lush green landscape, featuring trees and a cloudy sky, through the opening.
The image depicts an abandoned house with a chimney, featuring two blue-framed windows and a door, surrounded by overgrown vegetation in a cloudy sky setting.
A black and white Dalmatian dog stands on a stone wall overlooking a picturesque coastal town, with a vast ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
The image depicts a small white house with blue trim, situated behind a stone staircase and wooden railing, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
The image depicts a serene grassy field with a group of brown cows and calves, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant purple flowers on a sunny day.
The image depicts a serene scene featuring a light blue pergola overlooking a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills of a lush green landscape under a bright blue sky.
The image depicts a serene coastal scene with a grassy hill, a wooden swing, and a rocky shoreline, set against a misty and overcast sky.

Discover the Azores and yourself, while helping to transform a ruin into a traditional house in Santa Bárbara, Portugal

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    80 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    13 Feb 2025

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    13

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Badges (3)

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are Olga and Alvaro. Together with our dalmatian Nina we live in the small, calm island of Santa Maria. We grew up in the Netherlands and Uruguay, respectively, after living in the prairies of South Dakota and Minnesota for 16+ years we have now made our home in the Azores. Currently we both work part time, remotely. Good food, hosting friends and family, and exploring the Azores and its outdoors activities are some of our favorite things. We are proud and grateful for having almost completed our first WorkAway project. We have been super impressed by the work of the volunteers, and enjoy their positive, creative energy every day. With that, we are getting ready for an even bigger and bolder project to work on!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Travellers would benefit greatly from this exchange by being immersed in the island's community, consisting mostly of locals and a few immigrants like ourselves. You can learn Portuguese, English, and experience activities such as Portuguese tile painting or basket weaving.
    If interested, Olga offers weekly 1-hour life coaching or neurographica sessions, leveraging her certification with the International Coaching Federation.

    Interested?
    If you want to contribute to our project, enjoy the Azores' natural beauty, and engage in personal growth, reach out to us. We're eager to welcome you and share this experience.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Are you an enthusiastic, independent individual (or 2) with a positive outlook, a passion for cultural exchange, and a strong willingness to contribute to a traditional building project? We invite you to witness and assist with the transformation of a ruin into a typical Azorean house. The ruin, currently consisting of its original stone walls and typical "Santa Maria Chimney", is located on a hill overlooking two valleys as well as the ocean, in the village of Santa Bárbara on Santa Maria Island. A local construction company is contracted to rebuild the walls and roof. This makes it a unique opportunity to engage in cultural preservation while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Azores.

    Tasks for the project include:

    Gardening
    Painting: Working on both the interior and exterior.
    General tasks, including maintaining the garden and cleaning up.
    Occasionally: dog sitting (we would discuss this with you in advance).
    We welcome anyone with a willingness to learn , contribute, work and live independently .

    Cultural Immersion: Experience the cultural heritage of Santa Maria Island, from local traditions to historical landmarks.
    Leisure Opportunities: In your free time, enjoy the island’s top diving/snorkeling spots (depending on weather/seasonal conditions), beaches, and scenic hiking trails.

    Work Hours: 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, typically at a time you desire.
    Duration: 1 month preferably
    Language: Basic English or Portuguese is helpful.
    Meals are not included.

    Interested?
    If you want to contribute to our project, enjoy the Azores' natural beauty, and engage in personal growth, reach out to us. We're eager to welcome you and share this experience.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent
    German: Intermediate
    Portuguese: Intermediate
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    One bedroom apartment, including kitchen and bathroom, 10-min bicycle ride away from the project site.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Santa Maria Island holds a unique geographical position where the tectonic plates of Europe, North America, and Africa converge, making it a place of significant geological and cultural interest. This convergence point not only shapes the island's landscape but also offers visitors a fascinating insight into the interconnectedness of these diverse regions. Whether you're drawn to the geological wonders or the cultural richness that spans across continents, Santa Maria promises a truly immersive and enlightening experience.

    Known for its stunning landscapes and mild Mediterranean climate, its rolling hills and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Santa Maria offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sun. Hike along scenic trails that wind through lush forests and volcanic terrain, revealing breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Or try diving, or even swimming with the manta rays!
    The island’s bus line, TSM has stops in the village.
    Santa Maria island (SMA) is reachable by airplane with SATA Açores (Azores Airlines) via PDL and Lisbon.

    Diogo de Silves, a Portuguese navigator and explorer in the late 14th century, was instrumental in the early exploration of the Atlantic Ocean during the Age of Discovery. Sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, Silves embarked on voyages along the western coast of Africa, culminating in his discovery of Santa Maria island in 1432. This marked a crucial milestone in Portugal's maritime expansion, with Santa Maria becoming a key waypoint between mainland Portugal and the "New World." Christopher Columbus visited the island in 1493, utilizing it to replenish water and food supplies after his historic voyage of discovering America, further solidifying Santa Maria's strategic importance in transatlantic navigation.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    Wifi is available. Both Alvaro and Olga work remotely and understand this concept.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 169995413188

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Photos

The image depicts an old, weathered house with a tiled roof, surrounded by overgrown vegetation, set against a cloudy sky.
The image depicts an old, weathered building with a chimney and a greenhouse, situated in a picturesque rural landscape with rolling hills and trees.
Three women are painting an arched stone wall in a room with white walls and a wooden table, surrounded by paint supplies and tools.
The image depicts a weathered, abandoned building with a blue-framed window, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and set against a backdrop of rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a weathered, abandoned building with a blue-painted frame, featuring an arched doorway and a red-tiled floor, set against a cloudy sky backdrop.
The image depicts a weathered, concrete structure with a doorway, featuring a pile of firewood to the right and a small window on the back wall.
The image depicts a weathered stone window frame with a view of a lush green landscape, featuring trees and a cloudy sky, through the opening.
A black and white Dalmatian dog stands on a stone wall overlooking a picturesque coastal town, with a vast ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
The image depicts a small white house with blue trim, situated behind a stone staircase and wooden railing, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
The image depicts a serene grassy field with a group of brown cows and calves, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant purple flowers on a sunny day.
The image depicts a serene scene featuring a light blue pergola overlooking a picturesque village nestled in the rolling hills of a lush green landscape under a bright blue sky.
The image depicts a serene coastal scene with a grassy hill, a wooden swing, and a rocky shoreline, set against a misty and overcast sky.
The image depicts a serene scene of two individuals and a dog sitting on rocks, with the dog standing on a rock to the right, set against a cloudy blue sky.

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