Portugal
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A couple, based in beautiful Portugal, with five horses, six dogs, three cats, several chickens, 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!
Please note that volunteers MUST be vaccinated against Covid. No exceptions.
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
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 150 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 help 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. 90% of the help is outdoors; gardening, painting and general maintenance.
We don't micro manage volunteers so you should be a self starter who can do tasks on your own initiative. We are social people and enjoy eating together in the evening, chatting and playing board games. 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 are all retired - apart from the occasional short hack - but you are welcome to groom and chat with them whenever you like.
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.
Being old in body (but not in spirit!) we prefer volunteers over the age of 25 but it's not a hard rule.
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Beginner
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
Can host families
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
This host can provide space for campervans.
Two
4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.8)
