Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
7 Oct 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
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Feedback
19
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Country info
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Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
We are Lisa and Steve, our two children, Molly and Sebastian, three rescue cats, and numerous chickens!
Four years ago, we left the rat race in the UK to pursue a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. Since then, we’ve spent three and a half years renovating our small house and are very happy to say that we have recently moved in!
While renovating, we lived on our land in a cosy yurt and created an outdoor kitchen and bathroom. We also have a lovely bell tent, which we’ve used during the warmer months for friends, guests and Workawayers.
Workaway has been a great experience for us over the past few years. While we were busy renovating, our volunteers helped us maintain the land, work in the vegetable garden, tackle some demolition and lend a hand with various DIY jobs.
A new chapter for us – and our Workawayers
Now that we’ve finally moved into our house, our focus has shifted to the outside, and we’d love some help bringing our vision for the land and garden to life.
Our Workaway experience is also changing a little. The yurt, outdoor kitchen and bathroom are now available for our Workawayers to have as their own space, so we’re particularly looking for a couple or small family who are happy to be fairly self-sufficient and independent.
You might be a digital nomad couple or family, or perhaps you’re simply looking to take some time out from your normal routine and experience a different way of life in the Algarve.
What a typical day looks like
We’re early risers and generally like to start early and finish early, particularly during the warmer months. This means we can avoid working through the hottest part of the day and everyone still has plenty of time to relax, explore or do their own thing afterwards.
We usually have a quick chat around 8:30 a.m., after breakfast, to go over what we’re doing that day. Sometimes we’ll discuss the plan the evening before instead.
We don’t want things to feel overly structured, but it’s important that you’re comfortable with relatively early starts and are able to work independently once we’ve agreed on what needs doing.
What we offer
You’ll have sole use of our yurt, outdoor kitchen and bathroom area, giving you your own space and plenty of independence.
You’ll be able to cook your own meals, although we’d also love to share some meals together when we can. How often we eat together will depend a little on our work schedules, family life and, particularly during the colder months, the weather.
The exact arrangement regarding food will depend on the agreed hours and type of exchange. We’ll discuss this clearly with you before your stay, so everyone knows what to expect.
We’re a family with children, animals, work and plenty going on, so although we enjoy spending time with our Workawayers, we’re looking for people who are also comfortable being independent and self-sufficient. We think this could particularly suit a couple or small family who enjoy having their own space while still being part of family life here.
Our beautiful surroundings
We live in a peaceful, rural location in the Algarve. It’s a lovely place to slow down, enjoy nature and explore this beautiful part of Portugal.
Silves is around 15 minutes away by car – a historic town famous for its castle, cobbled streets, cafés and restaurants.
São Bartolomeu de Messines is around 5 minutes away by car and has supermarkets, cafés and other everyday conveniences.
Some of the Algarve’s beautiful beaches and coastal trails are around 20 minutes away by car.
There is also a nearby reservoir (barragem) where you can hike, swim or simply find a peaceful spot to relax.
A little note about our location
We are in the countryside rather than a tourist town or town centre. The nearest shops and cafés are approximately a 45-minute walk away, so please bear this in mind when deciding whether our location will suit you.
It is possible to get Uber in our area and there is public transport in Messines
Having your own transport would certainly give you more freedom to explore the area.
Our place is smoking and vape-free so if you are a smoker or vaper then we are not the place for you sorry! -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Pets
Farming
Culture
Sustainability
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Animals
Nature
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Camping -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live in a multicultural area with many different nationalities
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Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
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Help
We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who have landscaping, gardening, maintenance or practical DIY experience. We have plenty of ideas for our outside spaces, but we’d really value people who have the confidence and experience to work independently, use their initiative and help us turn those ideas into reality.
Experience is important for some of the projects we now want to tackle, but just as important to us is having a good work ethic, a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in. We really appreciate people who can see what needs doing, use their initiative and take pride in what they do.
At this stage of our project, we feel our place would be best suited to a couple or small family who are practical, easygoing, hardworking and happy to be fairly independent.
Ideally, you’ll have experience in one or more of the following:
Landscaping
Gardening and land maintenance
DIY and general property maintenance
DIY or wood projects
Irrigation
Fencing
More than anything, we’re looking for people with a good work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude. We love welcoming people who are happy to get stuck in, use their initiative and genuinely want to contribute to our family project.
In return, we hope you’ll enjoy having your own space, experiencing our little corner of the Algarve and having plenty of time to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
Please note: unfortunately, because of our animals and home set-up, we’re unable to accept guests travelling with pets. Sorry! -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Beginner -
Accommodation
You’ll have sole use of our yurt, outdoor kitchen and bathroom area, giving you your own space and plenty of independence.
Bedding and towels are also provided
In the warmer months we also have a bell tent -
What else ...
Our place is smoking and vape-free so if you are a smoker or vaper then we are not the place for you sorry!
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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
We have high speed fibre
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Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Mika, Tigger and Mittens
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (9)
This was our first Workaway … read more
Chiara and Rahel contributed far beyond expectations, helping with cooking, cleaning, caring … read more
Communication was great, the tasks were varied, and we were always offered a ride. Everyone was super open and easy-going, which … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
This was our first Workaway … read more
Chiara and Rahel contributed far beyond expectations, helping with cooking, cleaning, caring … read more
Communication was great, the tasks were varied, and we were always offered a ride. Everyone was super open and easy-going, which … read more
Rebecca helped around the house over and above the agreed working hours always asking if there was anything else she could help with , nothing was too much trouble she always respected our house rules.
We would highly … read more
Your dedication made such a difference to our project, allowing us to focus on other tasks and making real progress with … read more
I am glad I could cook for them as well as help with housework and in the garden. They always were thankful and appreciative of my efforts. The experience of being part of their daily … read more
Additionally, her efforts in the garden were a tremendous help, … read more
I was made to feel very accommodated with my vegan diet, with the food being absolutely delicious. I really appreciated … read more
The bell tent we stayed in was incredibly cozy, especially with the heating, it made for such a comfortable stay.
The setup is flexible, with clear tasks like cooking meals and planting trees. The whole week was super rewarding and enjoyable.
We appreciated the balance between … read more
Not only did they tackle everything with dedication, but … read more
We … read more
