Restore, create and reconnect with nature on a riverside homestead in Figueiredo das Donas, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hello everyone,
  
  I'm Mick, 43 years old, originally from the Italian Alps. After many years of travelling, I felt a strong desire to slow down and create a place I could truly call home. Seven years ago, I decided to settle in Portugal, where I bought a small farm and now live together with my dog, cat, geese, chickens and ducks.
  
  The project originally started with my ex-girlfriend, but today I continue the journey on my own. The land is about two hectares and offers plenty of space to share with kind-hearted and like-minded people. A beautiful river borders the property, there are natural springs with excellent drinking water, and we are surrounded by native forest. The nearest town with shops and everything you might need is only a 10–15 minute drive away.
  
  My vision is to live in harmony with nature and create a simple, respectful lifestyle based on permaculture principles while gradually becoming more self-sufficient.
  
  At the moment, I'm spending a lot of time bringing the old farm back to life and improving different areas of the land. There are always interesting projects to work on and plenty of ideas for the future. Depending on the season, this might include organizing spaces, caring for the land, improving the surroundings, looking after the animals, harvesting fruit and vegetables, or simply making the place more beautiful and comfortable.
  
  I have recently finished restoring a spacious motorhome, which is now available for my Workaway guests. It's a cosy and comfortable place to stay, offering plenty of privacy while still being part of everyday life on the farm.
  
  More than simply receiving help, I enjoy sharing experiences, learning from each other and creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. I appreciate people who are honest, reliable, respectful and enjoy this simple way of life.
  
  We'll spend time together, share meals, enjoy fresh produce from the land, exchange stories and celebrate the small achievements along the way. I always enjoy meeting people from different countries and learning about their cultures, experiences and perspectives.
  
  There is always something to do around the farm, whether it's helping in the vegetable garden, caring for the animals, collecting seasonal produce, preparing meals, tidying and organizing spaces, or simply taking part in everyday farm life. If you enjoy nature, simple living and don't mind getting your hands dirty from time to time, you'll probably feel right at home here.
  
  I can provide running water, hot showers, hot baths and electricity. If you prefer, you're also welcome to bring your own caravan, camper van or tent, and I can provide a tent if needed.
  
  Every stay is different, and I'm always happy to chat beforehand so we can get to know each other, discuss expectations and make sure we're a good match.
  
  If this resonates with you and you'd like to be part of this journey, don't hesitate to send me a message. I'd be happy to tell you more and answer any questions.
  
  Looking forward to meeting you!
  
  Hugs,
  
  Mick

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Van life

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Events & social

  

  Charity work

  

  Music

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Camping
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience a simple and nature-connected lifestyle while learning practical skills along the way. Depending on the season and the ongoing projects, you can gain hands-on experience in permaculture and gardening, food preservation, animal care, tree pruning, etc.

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  Help

  (Following the recent Workaway policy updates, I would like to clarify that cultural exchange, language exchange, sharing experiences and spending time together have to be the primary focus of the workaway experience.
  
  Any heavier farm, construction or restoration-related activities, including building project, carpentry, woodworking, roofing, construction work, landscaping or similar tasks, will be carried out entirely by myself without any assistance from Workaway guests.
  
  Workawayers will only be invited to participate in light, non-professional activities that are safe, enjoyable and suitable for cultural exchange. These may include sharing daily life, language practice, light gardening, helping with simple household tasks, caring for animals, preparing meals together, exploring the local area and exchanging skills.)
  
  Some of the workaway tasks may include:
  
  Gardening & Permaculture
  
  - Sowing, planting and harvesting
  - Mulching, composting and preparing new beds
  - Watering and general plant care
  
  Animal Care & Daily Life
  
  - Feeding and caring for chickens, ducks, geese ,dog ,cat
  - Cleaning animal shelters
  - Cooking and sharing meals
  - Everyday tasks around the farm and household
  
  Food Preservation
  
  - Drying herbs and vegetables
  - Making jams and preserves
  - Fermenting vegetables and experimenting with different methods
  
  Artists, musicians and creative souls are also very welcome. Feel free to leave your footprints around the land through music, paintings, creativity and inspiration. I love when people bring their own passions and ideas and add their own unique touch to the project.
  
  I enjoy cooking healthy and delicious food, and I also love discovering new dishes from around the world. Meals are mostly vegetarian, although I / we occasionally eat meat.
  
  In general, I ask for around4/5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week, leaving plenty of free time to relax, explore the area or simply enjoy life. During the hotter summer months, we usually work in the cooler mornings and evenings.
  
  Friends and neighbours often visit, or we them, and some of them host Workawayers as well, so there are usually interesting people around and opportunities to connect. In our free time, we sometimes explore beautiful places nearby, visit friends or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life on the land.
  
  I try to adapt the tasks to each person's interests, abilities and energy. There is something for almost everyone, as long as you don't mind getting your hands dirty and embracing the realities of country life. Some tasks can be physically demanding, but they are always more enjoyable when shared.
  
  Above all, what matters most to me is creating a respectful, relaxed and joyful atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, appreciated and at home.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  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.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation
  
  Life here is simple and close to nature.
  
  I have a spacious motorhome that i recently rebuilt where you can live in .
  
  Also you're very welcome to bring your own van, camper / caravan and choose one of the beautiful spots around the land. There is electricity and can be provided if needed.
  
  If you prefer camping, you're welcome to bring your own tent, and I can also provide one if necessary. The large tent on the land serves as a communal space where we can gather, share meals, relax and enjoy each other's company.
  
  You will have access to hot showers, hot baths, running water, electricity, hot- spot, a washing machine and dryer, and facilities for charging your electronic devices. The toilet is a compost toilet, peacefully located in a small forest area.
  
  Pets are welcome too, provided they are friendly with dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese and other animals, 🐶🐱🐔🦆
  
  I usually prefer an initial stay of around one to two weeks, which gives us enough time to get to know each other and see if we are a good match. If everything flows well, longer stays are definitely possible.
  
  I provide three meals a day, seven days a week. I enjoy cooking healthy and delicious food, mostly vegetarian, and I always appreciate sharing meals and discovering recipes from different cultures.
  
  Things that are useful to bring:
  • A head torch
  • Your own sleeping bag if you prefer (otherwise bedding can be provided)
  • Good energy, enthusiasm, a smile and positive vibes 😊

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  What else ...

  In your free time
  
  The farm is located just outside a small village and only about 10 minutes by car from São Pedro do Sul, where you'll find supermarkets, cafés, bars, a weekly market, laundry services, buses and everything else you might need.
  
  This region is a paradise for nature lovers. There are countless hiking trails, mountains, river beaches and beautiful hidden waterfalls with crystal-clear pools waiting to be discovered. In your free time, you can simply relax by our own river, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take a refreshing swim or just listen to the sounds of nature.
  
  We visit friends and neighbours, many of whom also host Workawayers, so there are usually interesting people around and opportunities to connect with the local community. Depending on what's happening, we sometimes go on little adventures, visit places nearby or simply enjoy slow evenings around a fire, good food and good company.
  
  The city of Viseu is only about 30 minutes away and offers plenty of cultural events, restaurants and everything you would expect from a Portuguese city. If needed, I can pick you up there, although São Pedro do Sul is usually easier and more convenient.
  
  Porto is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away, while Aveiro and the nearest Atlantic beaches can be reached within about one hour, making day trips easy and enjoyable.
  
  Whether you are looking for adventure, learning new skills, meeting wonderful people or simply slowing down and reconnecting with nature, I hope you will feel at home here and create beautiful memories to take with you on your journey.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Long caravans / motorhomes with low ground clearance will find difficulties to reach the land!

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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