Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
16 Sep 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
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Feedback
15
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
We live in the mountains of Monchique (Algarve) with my now thirteen-year-old son, two ponies and a dog. My partner, Paul, lives next door and is here mainly at weekends. I stay a few nights with my son in Monchique (not here) during the week when he is at school, although I come back here every day. I’m a writer, and I teach creative writing online for universities in the UK. I have just published some children's fiction about a Magic Campervan, which is very exciting.
We live in a very small international hamlet with only a dozen people (all lovely). It is remote. Perfect for those who love nature, hiking, horses, reading, writing... but as you would spend quite a lot of time on your own, you need to be okay with that. I am happy for you to ride if you are quite small and an experienced rider, and I can lend you an electric bike so that you can get to Marmelete easily (25 mins), and Monchique (40 mins). -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Animal Care
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
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Interests
Movies & TV
Culture
Self development
Vegetarian or vegan
Technology
Pets
Performing arts
Drawing & painting
Music
Writing
Cooking & food
Languages
Books
Animals
Cycling
Winter sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Mountain -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a bilingual family - English and Portuguese. Paul, my partner, is German. We can maybe help with either English or Portuguese. I also studied Russian at university and lived in Japan for many years. Unfortunately, both those languages are very rusty. We live in a beautiful part of the world - way off the beaten track and it would be an opportunity to see a hidden side of Portugal. The area is great for hiking and biking - and all aspects of nature. I am a writer and may be able to help out. You would be welcome to attend my workshops. As I mentioned if you are a good rider, then you can ride Winnie.
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Help
The space and work would suit an independent woman/possibly couple (but would prefer just one person) to spend some time with us. I would love to have some help with the garden, ponies and maybe cooking/cleaning. We have an opinionated Shetland and a beautiful but headstrong garrana. If you are an experienced rider and not more than 60 kilos, you may ride her. I'm very open to various proposals/arrangements re. work/food balance. Everyone is different.
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Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Japanese: Beginner
Russian: BeginnerThis 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
I can offer a self-contained studio (with heating - heat exchange/air-con). The studio would accommodate one adult or possibly two adults for a short time. There is a double bed, a sofa, a small bathroom and kitchenette. There is another fully-equipped kitchen I would be happy for you to use occasionally. It is remote, there are no other children - apart from mine and he is now into gaming! It is not for someone looking for nightlife.
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What else ...
Our house is remote. There are no bars/cafes within walking distance (except up to Foia - 2 hours) and the nearest village (Marmelete) is 10km. There is no public transport but I can give you lifts occasionally/lend an electric bike which could get you to Marmelete where there is The Bank - an international bar/cafe/music and other events venue. It is possible to walk up to Foia - the highest point in the Algarve where there is a cafe. Monchique is also about 15km. Monchique has a swimming pool, library, yoga, many restaurants.
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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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Can host digital nomads
I teach online for universities in the UK. The internet is okay in the main house but I haven't got internet access in the studio anymore. Most people have internet on their phones so I didn't feel we need it now. However, we can easily get a SIM card and there is a 4G router.
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Space for parking camper vans
I have a La Strada camper (an old one!). The roads are windy but good. A light car can go down the drive to the studio, but not a camper (unless it's 4x4) so it would be okay to park a camper near the road but not to live in as well.
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Can possibly accept pets
Small friendly pets. We have a small dog, Hayley, who is not always friendly with other females.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
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My animals / pets
Winnie
Bianca
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (7)
Lisa also took so much time for me, and I really enjoyed spending time with her. … read more
She came to trust us quite quickly; I loved spending time at her place – her garden is beautiful and her animals are so endearing (the ponies and her dog).
At the first sight it seemed that I won't have too much to do as the garden was beautiful already, but I quickly realized there are loads of work if you look for it so in the end I really had fun with building paths, taking out weeds, cutting plants and taking care of … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Lisa also took so much time for me, and I really enjoyed spending time with her. … read more
She came to trust us quite quickly; I loved spending time at her place – her garden is beautiful and her animals are so endearing (the ponies and her dog).
At the first sight it seemed that I won't have too much to do as the garden was beautiful already, but I quickly realized there are loads of work if you look for it so in the end I really had fun with building paths, taking out weeds, cutting plants and taking care of … read more
I felt so at home and well looked after, my little studio was an incredible surprise too!
It was a blessing every morning to have such wonderful views and a warm welcome from her cheeky dog Hayley. I especially enjoyed the day where Lisa and Paul took me out in the truck … read more
Her little son is a wonderful cheerful boy who loves gardening and cooking. He has his own little garden with his own planted veggies and even though he is a kid he is an extraordinary chef 😉 I even received a birthday cake for my birthday! That day was one of the most … read more
