Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
18 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
33
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
My name is Steve, english and 59 yrs old. I have bought a quinta/farm in the mountains of Central Portugal in a protected nature reserve close to the river Zezere. My father had a peach farm in Cyprus when I was younger so I have been waiting to do this project for a long time. I searched over France and Greece for the right land and Portugal really is nice. Every month the environment changes and it's quite exciting. I started in Jan 2007. I have no family of my own.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will benefit through meeting my neighbours and friends.
Help
The land has olive trees (three groves) Breeze blocks to be cemented in along field fencing. Medronho tree pruning. Painting/protecting wood. Brushcutting. Forest cleaning and brambles to be digged out.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
Accommodation
A double bed with log burner.
What else ...
I eat everything and would like to learn and eat vegetarian if you are vegetarian. The coach arrives in Oleiros which is about 17 kms away from my farm and I'm happy to pick you up in my truck. There is a washroom with toilet, sink and shower. Running water; hot and cold.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5HRS A DAY, Weekends off.
Host ref number: 6249722744b8
Feedback (16)
29 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emil) for host
I'm writing this message 2 weeks after leaving Steve's Quinta, and what can I say... I already miss it, and i thank you so much for having me!!!!
I stayed with Steve for 15 days, but I ended up immediately falling in love with that magical land and that magical view.
We worked together, as a team, with plenty of different work, and I must say that… read more
I stayed with Steve for 15 days, but I ended up immediately falling in love with that magical land and that magical view.
We worked together, as a team, with plenty of different work, and I must say that… read more
16 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emil)
Emil you are pretty amazing. You worked hard with me digging up brambles, fitting up a breeze block fencing to keep the wild pigs from entering the growing area, planted potatoes with me, help with the burning of the overgrown areas, planting spring seeds and planting trees. Made some nice evening meals and was always polite. Emil really loves… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
I came to this Quinta to have my first workaway and I left with a friend for life, Steve you are a wonderful person thank you for everything you taught me and for all the moments we shared I really hope I can go visit you soon and see all the beautiful projects you are planning to create, felt so good to disconnect from everything and just work… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Today Stephanie left. It is very sad to see her go after spending three weeks here. She did all the tasks and worked very hard helping me clear the land, both bramble work and burning. I will miss her tomato soup, evening chats and at meal times. A wonderful Ambassador to her Country Honduras. I wish her well on her adventures and every happiness.… read more
(Excellent
)
18 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Callum) for host
I absolutely loved my time at Steve’s. He was kind and generous and made me feel right at home. I stayed here for two weeks and did a number of different activities. It was great getting to meet the neighbors and experiencing the markets. Where you have great food and better company. It was a great cultural experience and something I would… read more
9 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Callum)
Callum did very well. He was always keen and did his best. We managed to remove a large area of rubble taking around 6 truck loads. Doors and staircase wood was painted. Ridge tiles replaced and leak delt with. Medronho branches pruned. Deceased pine tree branches burnt and logs stacked. Finally part of a veg terrace wall was built to keep wild… read more
(Excellent
)
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)
29 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emil) for host
I'm writing this message 2 weeks after leaving Steve's Quinta, and what can I say... I already miss it, and i thank you so much for having me!!!!
I stayed with Steve for 15 days, but I ended up immediately falling in love with that magical land and that magical view.
We worked together, as a team, with plenty of different work, and I must say that… read more
I stayed with Steve for 15 days, but I ended up immediately falling in love with that magical land and that magical view.
We worked together, as a team, with plenty of different work, and I must say that… read more
16 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emil)
Emil you are pretty amazing. You worked hard with me digging up brambles, fitting up a breeze block fencing to keep the wild pigs from entering the growing area, planted potatoes with me, help with the burning of the overgrown areas, planting spring seeds and planting trees. Made some nice evening meals and was always polite. Emil really loves… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
I came to this Quinta to have my first workaway and I left with a friend for life, Steve you are a wonderful person thank you for everything you taught me and for all the moments we shared I really hope I can go visit you soon and see all the beautiful projects you are planning to create, felt so good to disconnect from everything and just work… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Today Stephanie left. It is very sad to see her go after spending three weeks here. She did all the tasks and worked very hard helping me clear the land, both bramble work and burning. I will miss her tomato soup, evening chats and at meal times. A wonderful Ambassador to her Country Honduras. I wish her well on her adventures and every happiness.… read more
(Excellent
)
18 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Callum) for host
I absolutely loved my time at Steve’s. He was kind and generous and made me feel right at home. I stayed here for two weeks and did a number of different activities. It was great getting to meet the neighbors and experiencing the markets. Where you have great food and better company. It was a great cultural experience and something I would… read more
9 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Callum)
Callum did very well. He was always keen and did his best. We managed to remove a large area of rubble taking around 6 truck loads. Doors and staircase wood was painted. Ridge tiles replaced and leak delt with. Medronho branches pruned. Deceased pine tree branches burnt and logs stacked. Finally part of a veg terrace wall was built to keep wild… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jack & Jacqueline) for host
Thank you Steve for kindly having us at your piece of Portuguese paradise.
We felt trusted to do the jobs we were allocated and were never pushed into doing anything. We met many nice people and enjoyed the peace of a beautiful place. Steve is a very gentle person and we very much enjoyed our time with him, also he was always very thankful to us… read more
We felt trusted to do the jobs we were allocated and were never pushed into doing anything. We met many nice people and enjoyed the peace of a beautiful place. Steve is a very gentle person and we very much enjoyed our time with him, also he was always very thankful to us… read more
3 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jack & Jacqueline)
I was very fortunate to have two wonderful Workawayers. Jack and Jacqueline did everything I had asked and we all managed to make good progress here over the 10 days or so. Jack rendered an old house wall with render and made some wooden window shelves for me. Many logs were chopped up and Jack did most of the Vegan food meals as he enjoys… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marek & Monika)
Marek and Monica are very nice people. They were good Ambassadores for their country Poland. They did the hours and worked hard. They made some evening meals and always cleaned up afterwards. They left the house they stayed in clean and tidy too. I wish them all the best and wish them good luck hitch hiking!
(Excellent
)
25 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Marek & Monika) for host
We enjoyed every day of our 3-week-long stay at Steve's place. His well-maintained quinta is located among the forest and in the mountains, far from the city. We liked our accommodation in a roustic small house made of wood and stone. Enough space for us and fun with making fire every evening in traditional log burner. We shared meals together,… read more
6 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Devaki) for host
I stayed at Steve's Quinta for 3 weeks and I really enjoyed it. I herewith also would like to thank Steve veey much for his hospitality and the good times (relaxing, swimming, visiting nearby villages and working of course).
4 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Devaki)
Davaki stayed with me for three weeks. I am very grateful to her as she did all the jobs I needed doing. She is a very conscientious person, very polite and thoughtful. I am a little sad that she has left today onto her next host adventure and I wish her well with her new Portuguese life. Good Luck Davaki!
(Excellent
)
9 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Alain) for host
merci Steve
je suis resté une vingtaine de jours chez toi et j'ai beaucoup apprécié ton accueil et ta disponibilité, le contrat tacite signé entre nous a été pleinement respecté
à bientôt
je suis resté une vingtaine de jours chez toi et j'ai beaucoup apprécié ton accueil et ta disponibilité, le contrat tacite signé entre nous a été pleinement respecté
à bientôt
22 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host
This was our first workaway and experience and we learned a lot from working on Steve's farm. We are grateful for Steve's hospitality and it was great meeting his friends and neighbors. Working on the farm was a fascinating way to see Portugal. Thanks Steve!
12 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda)
Amanda, Hilary and Lainey stayed at my farm for 12 nights. It was sad to say goodbye for me. They worked as a team doing everything that I asked. They worked hard helping me clean he forest of brush which was challenging. The rain did not help sometimes too. They painted, cooked and washed up. They were always polite and grateful for everything. I… read more
(Very good
)
28 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
My first workaway experience on Steve's farm has been a good one! I stayed with him for about 5 weeks and learned some skills and things about how to do certain things on a Quinta like his. The work could be challenging at times, but there were also less hard jobs such as pruning the vines and picking medronhio with his portuguese friends. Steve… read more
22 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)
Robert has done very well here. It was his first workaway experience and he did his very best. He rotorvated a field which was pretty hard work. It was not easy and he did not give up. He helped me clear forest of brush and the cut logs which also was hard work. He stayed over a month and did other jobs like pruning vines, helping me make the… read more
(Very good
)
8 Dec 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (rhogan)
Ruiri spent 17 nights at my farm. He told me that he spent many years in the construction business in the USA and is looking to buy a property in Portugal to retire in.
He did good work fixing my pine doors that had expanded from the damp winter conditions and putting door handles on for me. He also helped with the olive picking and pruning… read more
He did good work fixing my pine doors that had expanded from the damp winter conditions and putting door handles on for me. He also helped with the olive picking and pruning… read more
(Good
)
6 Dec 2012
Left by Workawayer (rhogan) for host
this was my first workaday experience and i learnt a lot,picking olives in the sun was my favourite part.steve did his best to introduce me to life in central portugal,i met his friends and neighbours,he helped me get online with my laptop and get gas for my camping ring.his quinta is in fantastic part of portugal and he showed me around the… read more
28 Jul 2012
Left by Workawayer (Luke9587) for host
I regret not planning to stay in portugal longer! Steve and his friends are amazing people. If you want to really be indulged in beautiful nature, feel a different sense of acheivment, have good food, drink and conversation then this is the place. Thanks so much steve for making my first time in portugal a positive one.
26 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Luke9587)
Luke stayed for just under one week here and worked hard at the jobs. This involved digging in a water pipe, helping dig out my neighbours potatoes, strimming in the olive groves and helping construct an animal stone shelter. A good worker and I hope Luke enjoys the rest of the World!
(Excellent
)
19 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (not1less)
Peter and his brother Chris came from New York to stay but left after a couple of nights. Peter did not feel too good and decided to return home. They tried their best here and I wish them well for the future.
(Good
)
18 Jul 2012
Left by Workawayer (not1less) for host
Although we only stayed for a few days, my brother and I really enjoyed the visit. It's inspiring to see how much work has gone into building his farm from scratch, and there are a lot of different activities to be done. We also visited the local town and got to meet a local farmer and his wife who treated us to homemade wine and cheese, who are… read more
2 Mar 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Poppie & Jordi )
Very good helpers and good ambassadors to their country! Jordi worked planting vines and erecting fencing which was pretty hard work. Poppie helped clear a forest moving out brush and piling up logs. Again hard work. I would recommend them to any host.
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Angelika)
Excellent worker! Angelika worked hard and well within the team. The work was not easy and she never gave up. A very calm, thoughtful and interesting person and I hope she has finished her knitting. Not sure what she was making but it was long!
(Excellent
)
15 Jun 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (gab07006)
Geoff is a pleasant chap to have around. He was well mannered and did the daily work exactly as asked. I wish him well with his Portuguese trip.
(Excellent
)
13 Jun 2011
Left by Workawayer (gab07006) for host
Steve goes out of his way to make you feel at home. I saw a lot of the surrounding countryside and mingled with the locals. The work is not difficult, and I even learned a couple gardening and construction skills. I recommend it to every workawayer passing through Portugal, especially since it is off the tourist track and offers a genuine… read more
14 Mar 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Linda_and_Thomas)
I was very lucky to meet Thomas and Linda. They are both young and very positive people. They were my first German helpers, stayed for 4 weeks and I was very pleased with the help they gave me. They adapted well, did the hours and I am pleased they came away happy with the experience they had here. Any host will be lucky to have them. All the best… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Mar 2011
Left by Workawayer (Linda_and_Thomas) for host
Helping Steve make small steps to his dreams is one of the most inspiring things you can do. Firstly, the work we have done was between challenging and annoying, because we had to handle big piles of rotten wood and stingy bushes during a land clearing and further things. For example the "pointing" of some walls or repairing a stone wall. We had… read more
15 Feb 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Rhys)
Rhys and his girlfriend Lucy were very good workers. Rhys worked on building a stone wall which he put alot of effort into while Lucy helped me on the land doing various jobs like shifting soil, clearing brambles. Lucy is pretty strong and I was pretty surprised. Rhys wanted to return and finish the wall and I'm looking forward to seeing the final… read more
(Very good
)
31 Dec 2010
Left by Workawayer (Rhys) for host
Steve's Quinta is in beautiful place in the mountains with stunning views. I really liked the ideas he has for the place. Steve is a good host and has integrated himself into the culture, picking olives with a Portuguese family and having lunch and dinner with them is an experience i will not forget. I felt i experienced more of Portugal in the… read more
12 Jan 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Lee)
Lee was fun to have around. She also bonded well with other helpers I had at the same time. She would do what was asked and has a positive outlook on life. Good luck on your travels Lee and with future hosts.
(Excellent
)
20 Dec 2010
Left by Workawayer (Lee) for host
I almost can't believe that the time to say goodbye is here. It really snuck up on me and I am ill-prepared!! It has been an AMAZING time here - thank you Steve. I leave with the fondest of memories and the hope that I will visit again soon. You have been an incredible host, even on those days that you weren't your usual, jolly self (but we know… read more
