Description
We are located in the Beira Alta region of Portugal, in a tranquil valley in an ecological reserve. We are growing to become an eco quinta on the banks of the river Dão. We are surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, a place to not only experience rural Portugal, but enjoy the comfort of our small community of guests and volunteers. The focus on sustainable living plays a key role in the way we live —an aim to live in harmony with the natural surroundings of our unique environment. We want to make that experience tangible for people that visit. We are currently improving our guest house and facilities and offering a small residency program. We have built a library of hiking trails in the immediate vicinity for self-guided hikes using ourown maps, as well as a collection of well-known hikes in the greater Beira Alta region of Portugal.

The eco quinta is run by Freya and Steven, along with both long-time (‘regulars’) and temporary volunteers. The family bought this piece of land—an old mill complex—in 1989 and over time turned it into a unique spot for experiencing the natural environment.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Help
Yearly, projects change as the quinta grows.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
Full-time volunteers are given room and board.
What else ...
We are a living + working community in which everyone participates in the cooking, daily chores and care of the community of volunteers and guests. Being here is about learning skills and ways of living simply, on the land, and in a responsible relationship with nature. We have made efforts to include permaculture into our life here, and to be good stewards of the land, and that which surrounds us in this valley.

What we ask and offer for Volunteers: 5 days per week working on the quinta (no more than 5 hours per day); private living quarters in a cabin on our terrain during the stay; communal breakfast, hot lunch and small dinner for 5 days a week (working days); 2 days of the week are considered Leisure Days for the volunteers (and us as well). We prefer volunteers coming for 4 weeks, with a minimum of 3 weeks.

Please send us a small biography of your background (including age, education and country of citizenship/origin) and interests.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week