Portugal
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A couple, based in beautiful Portugal, with six horses, eight dogs, five cats, several chickens, two pigs and two dwarf goats. Accommodation is in a large modern caravan (maximum 2 people sharing) next to the house plus all meals in exchange for 5 hrs a day over 5 days or 4 hrs over 6 days. We're flexible for the right people!
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Farmstay
Help in the house
Animal care
Language practice
This area of Portugal has a traditional culture and lifestyle which is very different from the more developed tourist centres. Volunteers learn how to care for horses and other animals in a natural setting and can explore the historically important city of Tomar.
We have hosted around 140 volunteers since 2011 and many have returned (some several times!) and become firm friends. We have learnt a lot from our experiences which is condensed below:
This is a busy farm and the work is physical - poo picking daily in the rain, sun, mud and dust therefore you must be reasonably fit. You must have some life skills such as being able to paint, chop wood, do basic DIY and be confident around the animals.
We don't micro manage volunteers so you should be a self starter who can work on your own initiative. We are social people and enjoy eating together in the evening, chatting and playing board games. Smoking is permitted in the house - if you're a rabid non smoker this is not the house for you! We value 'down time' for both ourselves and volunteers; expect impromptu visits to the lake in the summer or movie days during the winter.
Household chores are shared - if you enjoy cooking or baking you are very welcome!
Our horses all enjoy hacking out however unless you are a very experienced rider or qualified instructor riding is not part of the work - you have several hours off each day and can ride in that time (subject to weather conditions).
The area is rural and there are no shops within walking distance; there are buses twice a day to/from Tomar. If you can drive we have a car you can use as long as you pay for the fuel so please bring your driving licence.
Please note we can't accommodate families or volunteers travelling with their own pets.
English, very basic Portuguese
Modern 6 berth caravan (only ever 2 people) or private room in farmhouse. Shared bathroom and kitchen.
Beautiful area, close to the historic town of Tomar and the lovely Castelo do Bode reservoir for all water sports.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Two
4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
