Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Jan 2025
Reply rate
97.3 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
12
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Description
Hi my name is James, I'm originally from Ireland and currently reside in the beautiful magic mountains (montanhas mágicas) region in central Portugal with my two cats (Bear and Mocha). The area is rich in fertile soil, clean water, and many beautiful swimming rivers. The farm is only a short distance from the pristine Teixeira river known for its great swimming spots.
I have recently bought a 3 hectare quinta and am in the process of restoring it to a thriving farm using principals of permaculture. I am learning everyday and would love some help with the project as there is lots to do:
- Developing the land
- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Expanding the irrigation system
- Land clearing and introduction of more beneficial species
- Eco construction and renovation of existing stone structures, using materials on the land eg. eucalyptus.
- Traditional building techniques including clay
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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.
Help
I am looking for keen volunteers who can help in a wide range of tasks on the quinta, including:
- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Expanding the irrigation system
- Cooking
- General maintenance on the land
- Land clearing and reintroduction of more beneficial species
- Reforesting the land for native species
- Eco construction and renovation of existing stone structures
- Traditional building techniques including clay
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: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I am a native English speaker who would like to learn European Portugese.
Accommodation
Accomodation will be inside a dry and recently re-roofed building and on the land in tents, or bring your campervan and park up.
Please note conditions are basic, there is an outdoor (covered) compost toilet 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, jambé and cajón for jamming sessions.
In exchange for your help you will be provided with 3 meals daily (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 20 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 many hiking trails in the region, river swimming spots, and a village close by which has 2 cafes and a pretty town square.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (8)
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
Photos
Feedback
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
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
