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Description
Welcome to my peaceful quinta in the rolling hills of central Portugal — surrounded by cork oaks, olive trees, and open skies, with stunning views of both the Serra da Gardunha and Serra da Estrela mountain ranges.
I live on 1.5 hectares of land with over 100 olive trees, wild brambles, birdsong, and a dream: to turn this place into a small, heartful sanctuary. Inspired by my time in a mindfulness community in Thailand (New Life Foundation, now closed), I’m slowly recreating that essence here — a space for presence, creativity, permaculture, and simple, calm living.
The land includes a wooden chalet (my home), a greenhouse, a meditation deck, a water tank, two wells, and an old stone ruin that I’m transforming into an outdoor kitchen. It’s very much a work in progress — peaceful, simple, sometimes wild — and I’m building it with the help of friends, volunteers, and my curious 8-month-old puppy.
Over the past months, I’ve installed a large solar system, improved the chalet, planted trees, and begun shaping the land into a more livable, alive space.
Here I practice meditation, foraging, gardening, plant propagation, cooking, studying permaculture, and working (slowly but steadily) to create a biodiverse ecosystem and welcoming spaces for mindful guests and volunteers.
I don't have paying customers and I am not a business :)
I always aim for a realistic and mindful pace. This is not a fast project or commercial farm — it’s a heartfelt space, and I’m very aware of burnout and overstretching. We can check in together to see how you’re doing and how much you want to contribute.
No experience needed — just care, presence, and willingness 💛
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
House & pet sitting
Interests
Van life
Sustainability
Self development
Pets
Events & social
Farming
Plant care
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Camping
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
It is my wish that staying here will offer you not just nature and quinta fun, but also connection and community. Although I’ve personally taken a break from alcohol, I know how important it can be to have some fun and social time, so I’ll happily point you toward good company and local gatherings and I still go myself occasionally.
Despite being in a rural area, there’s a surprisingly vibrant international community here. It’s well-connected through WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook groups, and there's always something going on — from river hangouts, café meetups, and weekly game nights, to traditional Portuguese festas, cinema nights, conscious clubbing, markets, and workshops. You’ll find lots of opportunities to meet kind people from all walks of life.
The local café is just a 10-minute walk away, and there’s a small shop about 20 minutes walk — I personally love going to both to experience authentic village life.
I’ve also started hosting a small meditation group now and then, which you’re welcome to join.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in quiet nature, creativity, permaculture, or human connection, this place offers a bit of everything — and space to follow your own rhythm.
Help
There’s a wide range of small but important tasks around the land — and depending on the season, your skills, and our exchange agreement, we’ll find something that fits.
Some examples of help I might ask for:
Gardening: watering, weeding, mulching, planting
Light land clearing (no big machines!)
DIY projects
Creative work: signs, plant labels, making things beautiful
Help with olives or herbs (in season)
Cooking lunch (we take turns)
Dog care — especially if you love puppies 🐶
Or simply help keep the space tidy, organized and flowing
I always aim for a realistic and mindful pace. This is not a fast project or commercial farm — it’s a heartfelt space, and I’m very aware of burnout and overstretching. We can check in together to see how you’re doing and how much you want to contribute.
No experience needed — just care, presence, and willingness 💛
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Portuguese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I would love to learn to speak Portugese better. I can offer learning Dutch or English
Accommodation
I currently offer two options for accommodation:
1. Vintage Caravan
A cozy 1970s retro caravan with a double bed (120 cm), electricity, small fridge (with tiny freezer compartment), and a sitting area. There's running water in the kitchen and bathroom sink, plus a small indoor shower that uses a refillable 20-liter water tank (filled from the nearby tap, about 20m away). Cooking can be done with a provided water kettle and sandwich press or small electric grill. I'm working on the outdoor kitchen too.
→ Outside: large awning with a table and chairs, and a beautiful view of the land.
→ Toilet: compost toilet nearby.
→ Parking right next to the caravan.
2. Tent in Nature
A spacious and shaded “hippie-style” tent setup with a mattress, table, and peaceful privacy under the trees.
→ Compost toilet and outdoor tap nearby.
💡 There’s no WiFi, but ok 4G reception. Not yet suitable for remote workers.
What else ...
To have your own car is recommended but if you don't have one, I can always let you know where I'm going and when so you can catch a ride with me. I'm going to Castelo Branco at least 1X per week. I can also pick you up and drop you off at the station there when you arrive/leave
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.
Can possibly accept pets
Only well behaved dogs please! That will get along with my dog (who gets along with all dogs). And I cannot accept uncastrated males because my puppy still needs to be sterilised and I don't want more puppies ;)
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Stevie
Photos
