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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
27 Apr 2024
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Details
Description
Are you on a journey of discovery? Do you yearn for meaningful experiences with like-minded, sovereign individuals? Perhaps our little chunk of paradise will put a smile on your face.
Hi... we're James and Nadine. We are a couple of Canadian transplants living and thriving on a lovely 12.5 hectare plot of land in the heart of the famed Algarve region of Portugal. Our farm is remotely located approximately 1 hour to the north of the South coast and the town of Portimão, and about 1/2 hour to the West coast. There are numerous beaches within a short drive, quaint little villages to explore, and a vibrant surfing community, all within less than an hour's travel.
In the over three years since our arrival, using the principles of permaculture and regenerative farming, we have endeavoured to develop the land in ways that respect and honour the miracles of nature. We are learning to be grateful for what is... even the pests. Ancestral and indigenous wisdoms inform our daily activities. The gardens provide us with all of our fruit and veg needs all year round (apart from bananas and avocados). The fruit trees in the orchard are just recently planted but many began to bare fruit starting this year. Not to mention an unceasing amount of berries from March to December! Moreover, we have countless numbers of medicinal plants that we use to make teas, tinctures, salves, soaps, poultices, and more!
There is always some sort of building project going on, for which we often need a hand. As well a lot of the work will allow you to develop skills in the areas of; seed-saving, Bio-intensive planting, companion planting, low water use irrigation techniques, composting, mulching, trellis construction, and much more.
We are fortunate to have sufficient infrastructure for all our needs on the farm... a large solar array provides our energy, filtered water is always available. We have good internet speed though we're told not fast enough for gaming or online trading.
Travelers will enjoy the diversity of cultures that come and go on the farm due to our extensive connections with our outlying like minded community of neighbours. At any one time, we may have people from the UK, Germany, Israel, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and many other places. We come together not just to work, but also to socialize, share, heal, and generally celebrate life! We invite you to come experience life with us!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will meet people who share many stories and experiences. We have a lot of contact with local people, markets, providers, etc.
The land is set deep in the mountains of Monchique where there are great short or longer hikes to enjoy. Close proximity to wild and beautiful beaches along the west and south coasts.
You will have lots of opportunities to learn how to live off grid and how to grow your own food and live in food sovereignty!
We have lots of wildlife, including frogs, toads, turtles, birds, wild boar, snakes, spiders, and hedgehogs, that you will benefit from living in harmony with.
You will marvel at the stars that can be observed at night; even including the Milky Way!
We welcome your creativity, unique ideas and spirit to co-create with us on this magical rural landscape.
Help
We would love some support with the following:
🌱 permaculture gardening
🌱 preparing hot compost
🌱 seeding, planting, weeding
🌱preserving food
🛠 general maintenance
🛠 woodwork, construction, plumbing
🛠 projects like building a greenhouse, cane gazebo, root cellar, etc.
Lots of hands on tutorials about seeding, growing, harvesting, processing, and more...
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
The accommodation consists of a 4x4m insulated wooden cabin equipped with an outdoor kitchen.
WiFi connection, and hot showers are available in facilities nearby on another part of the property.
Or, if you have have your own van, there is potential electrical and water hook up.
Fresh Organic vegetables will be provided directly from the Garden as well as other staples such as rice, lentils, beans, chickpeas, and eggs. Workawayers will be responsible to make their own breakfast and supper. There is a two burner gas stove, a toaster oven, and a fridge/freezer available for use.
A Washer and Dryer are available for use for a small fee (with the detergent included).
We have just erected a 6.1 meter Yurt where we practice yoga most mornings of the week and hold ceremonies.
What else ...
There is a free bus that stops on the road about 400 meters from the property that goes into Monchique four times a week, leaving around 09;00 and returning around 13;30. On Wednesday it returns in the evening at 19:00 (I think 🤔).
You can explore countless wild. pristine and secluded beaches thirty minute drive to the west coast. perfect for surfing.
An hour south there are more populated, tamer beaches great for paddling, swimming and snorkeling.
Trail heads for the Caminho Histórico da Rota Vicentina (Historical Vincentina Route Way) are as close as 30 minutes away!
Saturday evenings are often an opportunity for a get away to Cabeço, our local café, where home made food is served, drinks flow, accompanied by an open jam session with the many instruments, talents and voices of the local folk.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There is a large common area with a sofa and two tables from which to work with a high speed internet connection (not good enough for gaming or trading). The WIFI is available from 08;00h until 21:00h, more or less, when it gets turned off for the night. Please note that here is very poor and spotty cellular service on the property.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a magical space by the up the mountain, with singing birds and an amazing view, for 1 campervan, up to 7m, with the option of electrical and water hook up. The bathroom with a dry toilet and shower is close by.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hours a week. Flexible schedule agreed upon mutually.
Feedback (8)
They were extremely punctual, dedicated, and gave their all every day, no matter how hard the task!
In virtue of not having their own mode of transportation they had many opportunities to explore the trails and the mountains… read more
The work consisted of a wide variety of tasks, including planting trees, weeding the garden, sowing seeds, turning the compost, making paper,… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
They were extremely punctual, dedicated, and gave their all every day, no matter how hard the task!
In virtue of not having their own mode of transportation they had many opportunities to explore the trails and the mountains… read more
The work consisted of a wide variety of tasks, including planting trees, weeding the garden, sowing seeds, turning the compost, making paper,… read more
James and Nadine and the other community members are very nice, open-minded and… read more
This is the perfect place if you want to learn about both sides of the coin but from many different perspectives. With James, you will work with the more mechanical nuts and bolt of the land - building, crafting, maintenance, insightful planing and anticipating the unforeseen. With Nadine,… read more
