Come visit our house and 1/4 acre permaculture project in the center of Porto, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hello, adventurers and innovators!
  I recently bought a house in Porto with a big garden were I plan to experiment different ways to grow Wasabi and maybe later when the method is perfected we could start a business selling those plants.
  
  What’s the vision?
  We’re transforming our 1/4 acre central city house, located near Heroísmo and Campanhã metro stations, into a hub for experimental and sustainable agriculture.
  
  - Short-term goal: Build a prototype greenhouse to grow wasabi and refine its design for urban farming. Built a sauna so we can enjoy our water tank year round. Clear our more than 100 meter deep water spring that feeds our tank and duck pound.
  - Long-term goal: Rebuild from scratch the huge main house, start a company and scale up to a larger greenhouse and establish a functioning, small-scale wasabi production system—one of the first of its kind in the West. (just to make it very clear that no help with setting up our future business will be needed)
  
  
  What are we working on right now?
  This year, our primary focus is:
  - Designing and building the prototype greenhouse, preparing the land and structure for growing wasabi. And other crops for self sufficiency
  - Constructing a tiny house/sauna next to the water tank as a unique addition to the property.
  - Creating a shelter for our ducks, complete with a small pond fed by our year-round natural spring.
  - Setting up raised garden beds and exploring soil enrichment and cleaning techniques like vermicomposting and mycoremediation.
  - Cleaning and organizing the garden, clearing away plastic and debris left from previous use. (unfortunately the previous owner left a lot of trash in the property.)
  
  Who are we?
  Currently, we are a small, friendly group:
  - A Brazilian couple that only speak Portuguese but are the sweetest. One is a construction worker and the other a nurse.
  - Me (the project owner), fluent in English, French, and Portuguese. I love our ducks and cats, am passionate about sustainability and I dream and work for a more equitable society.
  We may also have new tenants moving in periodically, as we rent out one or two rooms in the main house.
  
  This is a welcoming environment where collaboration and cultural exchange are highly valued!
  
  What’s life like here?
  While the garden offers a green and creative workspace, the property is located in the center of Porto, giving you easy access to the city’s historic charm, vibrant culture, and metro stations just steps away. We also love cooking for each others, specially for dinner.
  
  The main house, though not in perfect condition, is very livable. We’ve installed electric heaters to provide hot water and improve comfort and we are always working on minor improvements before the main renovation next year. Also beware! As being next to the train tracks means some noise is inevitable, but it’s all part of the city-center experience!
  
  What do we need from you?
  We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with:
  - Building and assembling the prototype greenhouse and sauna.
  - Gardening, planting, and preparing for wasabi cultivation and other crops.
  - Basic construction tasks (duck shelter, raised beds, etc.).
  - Clearing and tidying the property.
  -Cooking and helping us take care of the house.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You’ll have the chance to learn about urban permaculture, sustainable farming techniques, and experimental agricultural methods as well as basic handwork. From designing a greenhouse prototype to small-scale wasabi farming and mycoremediation, we’re building everything from scratch, and you’ll be part of every step.
  
  Being in the heart of Porto, we encourage Workawayers to enjoy the city’s cultural treasures, historic landmarks, and local events during their downtime.
  
  Hosting people from around the world allows us to learn about your customs, ideas, and skills. We’re excited to create a space where cultural exchange thrives in both directions.

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  Help

  What do we need from you?
  
  We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with:
  
  Designing and building the prototype greenhouse and sauna.
  Gardening, planting, and preparing for wasabi cultivation and other crops.
  Basic construction tasks (duck shelter, raised beds, etc.).
  Clearing and tidying the property.
  Cooking and taking care of the house.
  Our present us with your own ideas!
  
  
  No experience is required. -just a positive attitude, creativity, and a willingness to learn and contribute!
  We are not a business and we do not sell our products. Meaning we can not provide a salary to our volunteers.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  German: Beginner
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I'm currently interested in learning greek or improving my german.
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  Accommodation

  We offer simple but comfortable accommodation in our main house, which is centrally located in Porto. While the house is a work in progress and not in perfect condition, it’s fully livable and equipped to meet your basic needs.
  
  Rooms: We have two rooms available for Workawayers:
  A spacious room near the train tracks (bright and airy, though noise from the trains can be heard).
  A smaller, quieter room, though occasional train sounds are still noticeable.
  
  Facilities: The house has two shared bathroom with hot water (thanks to electric heaters we’ve installed), and two kitchen for preparing meals, and a cozy communal area where we can relax and connect.
  
  Location: The house is very central, with Heroísmo and Campanhã metro stations nearby, giving you easy access to all of Porto’s attractions. It’s an exciting mix of city convenience and the quiet creativity of our garden project.
  
  Food:
  If you pick the 3h/5d a week work schedule we will with not guarantee that we will provide you food with food for every meal.
  In the 5h/5d a weed schedule we will provide you with what to cook 3 meals a day.

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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 got two different Wifi from two different internet providers to have the best chance of minimum downtime.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  The streets leading here are narrow. 2.7 meters at its shortest width

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have cats inside the house and ducks and chickens free ranging outside. Any pets you bring must be friendly and not harm or scare our animals.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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