Profile information
Host rating
60 %
Last replied
22 Feb 2022
Feedback
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Details
Description
We are an English family who live in an an old Mill house in central Portugal. The house was bought as a renovation project in 2020 and whilst living here we are gradually turning it into an off grid, self sustaining, small farm. Although not completely finished, the house is very comfortable and so we would like to invite others to share the experience of living and working on a homestead with us. In sunny Portugal, being outside and working on the land for most of the day is a pleasure and gives you a sense of well being. Who we are is a couple in our forties with two children who are 8 and 12. We also have a dog and cat that live in the house. They kids are lively and fun loving and as a family we are very welcoming and enjoy meeting new people. Whilst helping us to achieve our goals we will share our food, our home and our company with you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
A workaway can work towards creating and maintaining a property with the end goal of self sufficiency. We have off grid solar power and a well to provide water. We aim to live well, free of the system. We would like to exchange ideas and skills with like minded people.
In the local Village (as an English person I would call it a small town) of Espinhal there are many interesting and beautiful places to explore like waterfalls and river beaches. The former Portugese capital, Coimbra city is reachable on the bus. We are a 40 minute drive to the beach of Figueira da Foz.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We would primarily like help with developing our land. We have many small fruit trees, including olives and grapes. We want to develop the land around the trees with vegetable patches, herbs, flowers, chickens, ponds, irrigation and paths. We are keen on the permaculture method so someone who understands that and likes hard work is an advantage!
We also want people who can help with domestic duties like cooking and cleaning. In the holidays (Christmas, Easter and summer) we would also like help with childcare.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Any help with learning Portuguese is welcomed!
Accommodation
We have two comfortable double bedrooms in a quiet part of our house. They both have double beds, bedside tables and lamps, a mirror and clothes rail for hanging clothes. They are both clean and newly decorated specifically for visitors. There is Wi-Fi in the house but it isn't that reliable in the bedrooms. You would use our family bathroom so negotiation regarding showering is needed. Our hot water is limited so we can't accommodate long baths.
The house is very old and has been newly renovated with a comfortable Kitchen, large TV room and dining room. We would expect workaways to be considerate in our family living space and pull their weight with tasks around the home. For 20 hours work we can provide all meals at set times. We can negotiate this on a person by person basis. We are meat eaters and usually cook a variety of dishes. For special diets and people who prefer not to eat our meals we can provide a campervan kitchen which includes a fridge, small grill oven and 3 ring hob.
What else ...
During their time off workaways can come and go from the house as they would like. We are in a rural area with a small town in of Espinhal 15 mins walk away where there are shops and cafes. On Sunday there is a market there. Penela is a longer walk. It has a castle and many shops, cafes and restaurants, including a lively youth hostel. The market there is on a Thursday. There are 2 nearby bus stops that will take you to larger local towns of Miranda Do Corvo and Coindexia, and also into the city of Coimbra.
We have a car and will regularly make journeys out so lifts can be negotiated. Our children are in school in a village called Rabacal which is a very historical area.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We will have space for a campervan very soon as we are currently building a driveway. You would need to us the toilet and shower in the main house.
Can possibly accept pets
We have a dog and a cat. We are open to pets who will get along with ours.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
20 hours per week is required, the working times are flexible. Independent work will be required.
