Help around our off grid land where we plan to rejuvenate it to its former glory in Tondela, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hello!
  
  Our little family is embarking on a life project. We ventured on a three month trip in Autumn 2020 and fell in love with Portugal and the Viseu region. We made our escape from the UK in April 2021 having found "the one"... A piece of land and granite stone ruin that we couldn't stop thinking about.
  
  We now live off grid in our renovated ruin and hope to rejuvenate the land to its former glory (it burnt in the 2017 fires in Portugal). We have numerous projects ranging from land clearance, building, planting and everyday activities living off grid. We have a small son who loves the outdoors and we tag team between land work and keeping him entertained.
  
  We're enjoying living close to nature, observing the change in season and how this now impacts everyday life. The experience so far has been humbling and rewarding in equal measure.
  
  Our two cats (Murray and Mostar) have joined us from the UK on this journey and have settled into farm life - one very lazy and one a huntress! In the future we plan to have more animals and one project is creating a safe place for some chickens.
  
  When not working on the land, we enjoy relaxing around the land, on the terrace or in a hammock. We enjoy cooking (and eating), music, games and discovering new local attractions and festivals.
  
  We look forward to welcoming people to our beautiful land and the local area.
  
  Helen and Ant

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We're learning a new way of living, off grid, conscious and embracing Portuguese life. People are welcome to join us for the ride to share ideas, be creative and make a difference on a small piece of this earth.
  We do have computer, business and finance skills we are willing to share in addition to our nature projects.

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  Help

  We'd like volunteers to work with us on whatever project we're doing when they visit and we welcome any input into our plans.
  
  The work varies depending on the season but below is an example:
  Spring:
  Creating vegetable garden - digging beds, planting, developing irrigation, planning next phases of planting.
  Building chicken coop
  Land clearance - strimming, raking, moving.
  Moving wood
  Summer:
  Watering
  Clearing land (where possible with legal rules on times)
  Building furniture
  Building structures
  Building fencing
  Autumn
  Wood collection, cutting, stacking
  Land clearance
  Prepare veg garden for winter months
  
  Build plans for 2023/2024:
  Fencing for our vines
  Chicken coop
  Shady spot creation: pagodas
  Deck area for yoga, events, relaxing
  Shepherd's hut (build/renovation)
  Outdoor kitchen (for future cabin)
  Outdoor bathroom (for future cabin)

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Interested in progressing with Portuguese language.
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  Accommodation

  Camper vans welcome.
  We can provide a four person tent along with good quality blow up airbed, all bedding (duvet, sheets, pillows etc.) Indoor and outdoor toilet facilities and outdoor shower (hot water from our central heating system).
  
  We also have a washing machine that volunteers are welcome to use throughout their stay.
  
  We will provide three nutritious and balanced meals five days per week (on work days). We are able to cater for vegan and vegetarian volunteers.
  Antony is an excellent cook!

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  What else ...

  We live in a beautiful area of Portugal, there are many walks, river beaches and lakes in the area. A car or transport would be required to make the most of the area as public transport is limited. We can collect from bus station and of course volunteers are welcome to jump in with us on trips etc.
  We are near a lovely town with restaurants, cafes, a theatre and many local festivals are hosted here through spring and summer.
  We're close to the city of Viseu with churches, parks, bars and restaurants, it is a beautiful city.
  We're about an hour drive from Serra de Estrella and 40 mins from Caramulo - mountains for stunning views and hikes.
  Caramulo also has a great car museum and experience, the hosts of a motor car festival in Sept.
  If nature is what you're after then you won't be short of options.

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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

  Office space inside renovated ruin overlooking beautiful terraced land.

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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?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Flexible