Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
19 Jan 2024
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Details
Description
We are a British/American family of 5 who have been adventuring in Central Portugal for 3 years. We love this region and found our family home last year along the Rio Alva.
We are now working towards living as self sufficiently as possible and are looking for people who love nature and the outdoors to help us on our journey.
Who we are:
Jennifer - born in near Seattle, USA, moved to Brighton, UK at 21 where she met Tom. Enjoys being out in nature, crafting/baking, yoga and a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Tom - Grew up on a farm in Surrey, UK, moved to the nearby Brighton seaside for uni. He has worked in Energy for 10+ years. Enjoys sports, spending time with friends and exploring new places.
The kids - Evie (7yrs), Abe (5yrs) and Cora (1.5yrs)
The animals - 2 dogs (Spy & Viçosa), 4 cats (Mambo, Bingo, Fearless & Cookie), 2 goats (Stomp & Bramble), 1 sheep (Baba), 5 chickens (still to be named), 1 Turkey (Gobble) and a pond of goldfish.
Our old mill house sits right along the river on a quiet Praia Fluvial (public river beach). You can get straight onto the river with a paddle board or canoe from our small dock, or enjoy a swim near the weir. We also have a pool for keeping cool and badminton net for outdoor fun. There are many walking trails in the surrounding forest - an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Our village is small, but within 10min you can be to the nearest towns, and the cities of Arganil and Coimbra are 30mins away.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our rural region is rich in natural history with many beautiful river beaches, old Xist villages and walking routes. You will experience rural Portuguese life, whilst also experiencing the ways of our British family.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The projects we are looking for help with include:
LAND
1. Start and maintain vegetable garden. Ideally based on permaculture principles which Jennifer is researching and would like to learn more about
3. Help establish areas for cut flowers, a tea garden and medicinal herbs
2. Clearing and improving garden area along river near guest accommodation
2. Tree pruning
3. General land maintenance.
ANIMALS
Jennifer enjoys her daily rounds caring for the animals, but is learning as she goes. Any experience/livestock knowledge/help would be appreciated.
BUILDING
1. Complete half finished annex. The roof has been done recently and we now need skills and expertise to help us finish the interior
2. Compost toilets and solar shower for camping field
3. Outdoor kitchen/washing up station for camping field.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
Cabin - this peaceful studio space sits right along the river. It has a king bed, bathroom with solar shower and an outdoor kitchen.
Camping field - space for up to 2 campervans.
Food is also provided.
What else ...
We are looking for help 4hrs a day. Ideally in the morning/early afternoon.
Your days can then be spent remote working (our wifi is fast and reliable), exploring the river, relaxing by the pool, playing badminton, walking in the forest, exploring nearby towns/cities and visiting local markets.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There are numerous quiet places around the property to work, and fast, reliable wifi.
Space for parking camper vans
The field can comfortably fit a couple of campervans/motorhomes. It does not have electrical or water hook up.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4 hours a day, Monday to Friday
