Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Sep 2024
Feedback
6
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Whoever said Permaculture was lazy gardening lied! 😂
Having created a beautiful Permaculture project in England's Lake District, we relocated to Portugal to bring love, sweat and toil to another piece of land.
We are situated in our own valley, with over 3 hectares of beautiful terraced land, dropping down to the river at the bottom. The aim is to create a wonderful home for our family, friends and guests.
There are various zones and ongoing projects, including no-dig veg gardens, the beginnings of a large forest garden, a chicken run, a sports terrace (volleyball, boule and archery), a bbq area, a big firepit for bonfires (in winter months only) and various other terraces with ongoing projects, such as the creation of a volunteer area with its own kitchen, showers, compost loo etc.
As well as the two of us, our family consists of two wonderful young children, two super friendly dogs and a flock of chickens.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We generally try to work alongside our volunteers, doing whatever needs to be done that day. We try to create a balance in our daily work. There may be times when we ask volunteers to do tasks alone and we expect volunteers to be self-motivated and responsible.
It is often hot and sunny, so there may be times that we need to work early and late, with time off in the heat of the day. Tasks are often physical, so if the thought of working up a sweat doesn’t put a smile on your face, you may want to re-consider applying. That said, we strive to find a balance between work and play. You will also find plenty of time to explore this beautiful part of the world on your own or with our two adorable dogs, who love an adventure!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The help can be varied. We often need help in the veg garden (planting, weeding, harvesting). There are lots of young trees in the forest garden that need watering and mulching in the summer months. We are usually building something (compost loo, shelters above caravans, etc). Then there is wood collection and processing, strimming, grass cutting, pruning, de-brambling etc. All the good stuff!
We have two young children, which makes life rich but doesn't always make getting things done easy. Any help entertaining the kids is usually welcomed.
Languages
Languages spoken
Czech: Fluent
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
We would welcome Portuguese speakers to help us learn the language. We would happily teach English (or Czech) as an exchange.
Accommodation
We have two nice, dry caravans that are something available. One has a big decked area in front and is under a big roof (with the same planned for the other at some stage).
But in the summer months we have several big bell tents for a glamping style existence.
There are nice compost loos and a solar shower. We are in the process of creating a volunteer kitchen.
What else ...
Our quinta is situated in a beautiful valley with great walks in most directions and a lovely river for swimming. For those wanting a bigger adventure, the gorgeous Serra da Estrela Natural Park is only 45 minutes drive away.
Ervedal da Beira is our nearby village, a couple of kilometers up the road. It has a range of local shops and a few cafes/bars, serving cold beer and pastries and is walkable (albeit uphill).
Further afield are the towns of Oliveira do Hospital, Tabua and Seia, all about 20-30 minutes drive away. These have most things you might ever need.
The whole area is inundated with river beaches, ranging from huge lakes with a wide range of facilities to quiet hidden gems.
For ocean lovers, there are beautiful deserted sandy beaches on the east coast, about 1h40min away. Great for a weekend trip!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have reasonable wi-fi.
Space for parking camper vans
We have a car park, so no problem parking vans. There is a compost loo nearby.
Can possibly accept pets
We have two dogs and chickens. Well-behaved, nice pets could potentially join us.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (5)
The caravan is cosy and warm. We stayed almost 3 weeks… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
The caravan is cosy and warm. We stayed almost 3 weeks… read more
