Develop your natural building skills in a stunning mountain location of São Romão, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Come and help us develop our ecological infrastructure and add to your skills in a serene natural setting.
  
  Quinta is a granite house on 8 hectares of terraced deciduous woodland and garden in the Serra da Estrela National Park.
  
  We have a large organic vegetable garden maintained using permaculture and no-dig principles, a natural swimming pool fed by a natural spring, and spaces for camping, workshop and crafts.
  
  We are growing a permaculture project, forest garden, natural building and skillsharing space - and we are looking for skilled people to help us evolve and grow.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Between us we have many decades of experience in natural building, organic vegetable growing and forest management.
  
  We would love this experience to be a skillshare where we learn from you and you learn new skills from us.
  
  Skills you will learn on this project include:
  
  - Timber frame building (often using chestnut harvested from our own forest)
  - Natural renders and paints
  - Permaculture
  - Forest management and forest gardening
  - Natural pool management
  - Preserving, pickling, fermenting & dehydration
  
  We have a large library of books and resources which we would love you to explore as well.

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  Help

  Our project is guided by our passion for ecological approaches to building and growing; respect for nature and a connection to the land.
  
  We are keen to preserve ancient skills and ways of knowing; and encourage biodiversity and life to thrive.
  
  You would be perfect for this project if you:
  
  - Already have some practical skills in building, gardening or forestry. Doesn't have to be all 3 but you need to know how to use simple hand tools and have some experience in wood work and growing vegetables.
  
  - Have an interest (and ideally some experience) in natural building eg. cob, timber frame, green wood working, lime paint and renders.
  
  - Would like to learn more about different natural building techniques.
  
  - Understand basic permaculture principles (you don't need to have done a course) and enjoy growing food.
  
  - Love being outside and close to nature.
  
  - Are keen to work hard and learn new skills as well as enjoying time off for hiking, exploring the mountains and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We would love to practice our portuguese!
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  Accommodation

  We have a spacious area suitable for campervans, where we can hook you up to mains electricity.
  
  Alternatively, you can sleep in our lovely bell tent. You will have your own compost toilet and access to a hot indoor shower. The terrace where you will stay has lovely views of the valley, and the mountain behind.
  
  We love to cook especially using our own homegrown or local produce. We eat a wholefoods seasonal diet. We're happy to share meals a few times a week and there will also be the opportunity for you to use your own separate kitchen space.

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  What else ...

  We are situated in the Serra de Estrela National Park, with many walks and trails into the mountains starting from the house. If you love walking, climbing, cold water swimming and being in nature, this is the perfect spot for you. We are close to the towns of Loriga and Seia, both gateways to the Serra.
  
  Without your own transport your movement will be more limited. We can arrange transport from the Rede Expressos bus stop in Seia and share trips to town as needed.
  
  Our local community is a diverse mix of locals and immigrants and there are often events like markets, concerts and gatherings. There are many opportunities for activities like yoga, massage, healing and music. We are happy to share details and connect you to our awesome tribe!

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a big flat terrace with good access - let us know if you have any questions!

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have lots of cats and our own dog. A well behaved dog would be welcome if it is able to co-exist with our resident pets!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week