Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
29 Jun 2026
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Reply rate
78.3 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Feedback
18
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (4)
Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
Hi, I’m Sebastian.
I recently took over this beautiful 3-hectare quinta in the Magic Mountains of central Portugal, continuing its story while gradually shaping it into a place of regeneration, simplicity, and connection.
The land rests in a powerful landscape with clean mountain water, the crystal-clear Teixeira River just a short walk away, and a landscape full of potential. While the soil is currently in a phase of recovery after years of neglect, it is slowly coming back to life through regenerative practices and patient stewardship. Every season brings new signs of resilience and renewal.
My vision is to create a small, heart-centered sanctuary rooted in permaculture and regenerative practices. I’m exploring approaches such as syntropic agroforestry, learning how ecosystems thrive through cooperation rather than control. The goal isn’t just to cultivate food, but to restore healthy soil, increase biodiversity, and create an abundant landscape that supports both people and wildlife.
This is intentionally a small-scale project. I’m looking for just a few self-aware, responsible people at a time—individuals who enjoy taking initiative, caring for shared spaces, and contributing with respect and presence. It’s less about numbers and more about creating the right atmosphere.
Over time, I hope to develop spaces for gathering, meditation, creativity, and quiet reflection—places where stone, soil, and intention come together naturally.
Life here is simple: slow mornings, shared meals, hands in the earth, swims in the river, and evenings under the stars. Along our private stretch of river, social nudity is accepted for those who are comfortable with it, while everyone’s personal boundaries and preferences are always respected.
For those interested in staying longer, there is also the possibility of a long-term stay in a caravan on the property, depending on availability and whether it feels like a good mutual fit.
I’m still learning every day, and the land continues to teach me patience, humility, and devotion. This project is as much about restoring the ecosystem as it is about rediscovering a slower, more intentional way of living.
If you feel inspired by regenerative living and would like to help co-create something grounded, beautiful, and meaningful, perhaps our paths are meant to cross. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
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
Astronomy
Events & social
Pets
Van life
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Animals
Team sports
Hiking
Camping
Cycling
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Farming
Music
Photography
Gardening
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will learn skills around growing food & foraging edible plants on the land, simple traditional irrigation systems, simple forest management with focus on reintroduction of native species. My aim will be to show you around this beautiful area, to stunning river swimming spots and view points. The area is rich in a diverse expat community who are regularly hosting meet ups, festivals and gatherings. You will have opportunities to connect with like minded individuals.
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Help
We are learning every day and would love some help with the project as there is lots to do:
- Caring for the land
- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Expanding the irrigation system
- Land clearing for fire protection and introduction of more beneficial species
- Eco construction and diy tasks of existing stone structures, using materials on the land eg. eucalyptus.
- Traditional building techniques including clay
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- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Cooking
- General diy on the land
- Reforesting the land for native species
Specific skills such as carpentry, building etc would be great but not needed. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and share your ideas will be so welcome. -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I am a native dutch speaker who would like to learn European Portugese. -
Accommodation
Accomodation will be either inside a dry and recently re-roofed building or on the land in tents (depending on bed availability), or bring your campervan and park up.
Please note conditions are basic, there are two outdoor (covered) compost toilets and volunteers must channel their inner Wim Hoff as currently the shower is outside and cold but pure from spring water. However there is a wood fired outdoor bath, should a nice relaxing bath be needed.
There is a shared communal kitchen and lounge area where you can make food, make a hot drink and chill out. The space has some instruments such as guitar.
In exchange for your help you will be provided with 3 meals daily, 7 days a week (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and everyone will share cooking duties. If you cook this will be taken off your daily help hours.
Meals are simple, healthy and nutritious veggie dishes, using as many fresh produce from the farm as seasonally possible. -
What else ...
The farm is around 25 minutres from Oliveira de frades, 30 minutes from São pedro du sul (easy bus connections from Porto) and 1h20 from Porto.
On your time off there are hiking trails, river swimming spots, and a village close by which has a café and a pretty town square. -
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
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Steffie
Charly
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (13)
>She was respectful, … read more
Special mention for the amazing food we got … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
>She was respectful, … read more
Special mention for the amazing food we got … read more
In a short time, we created a large family, with … read more
I have spent 4 weeks here. This was my first workaway-experience, and I coulnd't have chosen any better place.
I now know that there are more workaway-experiences for me to come, and even more certain that I will visit you lovely guys from September on … read more
this farm has so much to offer. james is the nicest guy in the world with a great sense of humour and a clear love for people and his … read more
the work hardly feels like work when you know you're helping a wonderful project grow and you can really see the progress with every day that passes.
Thank you James for all the … read more
His genuine and easygoing personality, smile mode on 24/7, good manners, the care he shows for helpers and generally for human beings, the time he finds to cheer up someone or make the day of the crew leaving things behind, to run instead for a … read more
The work and the non-work times felt the same as the atmosphere was amazing and you have new things to learn (or teach) everyday ;)
James is always here to make sure everyone is feeling … read more
I felt warmly welcomed when I arrived on the farm. Simple and comfortable:)
This piece of land has its own kind of peaceful and fertile energy, making you feel like everything is possible!
James is the sweetest, always making sure everyone is well hydrated nourished and working safe (lots of … read more
The vibe is very calming and laid back, I couldn't have wished for a more kind and welcoming host!
During my stay I had the opportunity to do a lot of different … read more
