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Description
After sailing for years, Paul and Kate dropped anchor in the place that truly felt like home, the wild and beautiful Serra de Monchique in southern Portugal. Ten years ago, they made a life-changing decision: they sold their boat and bought a 10-hectare farm nestled in the mountains. What began as a dream of a simpler life has since grown into a deep commitment to regenerative living, self-sufficiency, and reconnecting with the land. They are both retired and living the dream, producing food for themselves without the pressure of operating a commercial enterprise. This is not a business and everything produced is for our own use.
Today, alongside their original farm, they are developing a second 7.5-hectare holding, a blank canvas they intend to restore and cultivate entirely through regenerative practices, without artificial inputs or chemical dependency. Surrounded by ancient cork trees, stone terraces, and stands of eucalyptus forest, the land is being carefully shaped into a thriving ecosystem designed to nourish both soil and community.
Their farms are home to pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, quail, ducks, a beloved donkey, and four loyal dogs — all part of a growing homestead built around resilience, biodiversity, and respect for nature. Driven by a passion for healthy, nutrient-dense food, Paul and Kate are working towards a life of genuine sustainability: growing what they eat, improving soil health, conserving water, and learning from the rhythms of the mountain landscape itself.
More than just farming, their journey is about creating a meaningful way of life — rooted in regeneration, independence, and a belief that healthier land creates healthier people.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
Farming
Carpentry
Animals
Sailing / Boating
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We share our knowledge of regenerative farming practices and demonstrate how we work alongside animals to naturally manage vegetation and help reduce wildfire risk in the Monchique hills.
Just a 15-minute walk from the heart of Monchique, guests can fully immerse themselves in the local culture, community, and slower rhythm of mountain life.
Our farm is not only a place to learn, but also a space for exchanging ideas, skills, and experiences. We look forward to welcoming guests who are curious, passionate, and eager to share their own knowledge and inspiration along the journey.
Help
We are looking for help with general farm tasks, including animal care, land clearing, and ongoing farm maintenance. Help with making paddocks and building fences are necessary as we intend to increase our pug production. Our approach is rooted in regenerative agriculture, using minimal tillage methods alongside biochar production, mulching, and composting to improve soil health and biodiversity. Guests will gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices while becoming part of the daily rhythm of life on the farm.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Self contained apartment. Double en-suite and a twin single bedroom with separate toilet and shower.
Lounge dinner with fully equipped kitchen. WiFi and TV.
Meat, eggs and some vegetables are produced here in the farm which will be provided together with essential supplies from the local shops. We look forward to sharing meals, however, a self contained kitchen is incorporated within the apartment and is available to guests should they wish to eat alone.
What else ...
We are well connected to local bus routes, offering easy access to the beautiful Algarve south coast. The wild and rugged west coast is also within reach, although public transport options are more limited.
The centre of Monchique is just a short and pleasant walk away, allowing guests to enjoy the town’s atmosphere, markets, cafés, and local culture at their own pace.
There are also many nearby restaurants where guests can experience traditional regional cuisine and local delicacies of the Algarve.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The farm has fibre connectivity with unlimited bandwidth.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Hartcliffe (5 years)
A large rescue dog with the best personality. Very friendly and enjoys visitors
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