Help with housesitting and care for my pets in Porto, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  Hi! I'm Chandni
  
  I'm 32 years old, Indian-Portuguese, and I traded city life for a slower life in the Portuguese countryside.
  
  A few years ago I sold my apartment in Porto, packed my life into boxes, and moved into a large countryside house surrounded by mountains, trees and animals.
  
  I currently share my home with Shiva (my 2-year-old dog) and three cats: Niko, Gipsy and Goa.
  
  I've travelled quite a bit around the world (and inside myself), and after years of being a Workawayer, I am now opening my home to someone who might enjoy a different kind of experience.
  
  This is not a busy hostel, a social hub, or a party house.
  
  It is a peaceful home that values simplicity, nature, animals and independence.
  
  Who would be a great fit?
  
  This opportunity is ideal for someone who:
  
  * Genuinely loves animals (non-negotiable)
  * Is comfortable spending time alone
  * Enjoys quiet environments
  * Is independent and self-sufficient
  * Doesn't need constant entertainment or social interaction
  * Has a driving licence and is comfortable driving - very important, do not apply if you are not comfortable driving a manual car
  * Appreciates slow living and nature
  
  More than a "helper", I am looking for someone who enjoys caring for a home and being a reliable presence when I am away.
  
  The House
  
  The house has 6 bedrooms and sits in the middle of nature in the Douro region.
  The property is large enough that there is always something small to do: watering plants, keeping spaces tidy, helping with animal care, small maintenance tasks, gardening, etc.
  Most of the time the work is relaxed and flexible.
  Some weeks I may be here working remotely. Other times I may be travelling or spending time away, in which case having someone trustworthy in the house becomes especially valuable.
  
  Animal Care
  
  The animals are the heart of this home.
  Shiva is a sweet and energetic dog who loves company, walks and attention.
  The cats are easy-going and mostly independent, but they also appreciate routine and care.
  If you don't genuinely enjoy being around animals, this probably isn't the right place for you.
  
  Location
  
  The house is located in a small village approximately 1 hour from Porto by car.
  Nearest bus station: Amarante.
  A car is highly recommended. The countryside is beautiful, but public transportation is limited.
  The nearest large supermarket is about 7 minutes away by car.
  I have a car available occasionally if needed. Confidence driving is important.
  
  What I Can Offer
  
  * A peaceful home surrounded by nature
  * Your own space and privacy
  * Animal companionship
  * Flexible schedules
  * Honest conversations when they happen
  * Shared meals sometimes
  * Complete independence when desired
  
  Some days we might cook together, explore the area or have long conversations.
  Other days we may barely see each other.
  Both are perfectly okay.
  
  A Final Note
  
  Please read the "HELP" section.
  This opportunity will probably appeal to a specific type of person.
  Someone who doesn't need constant movement to feel alive.
  Someone who enjoys a slow morning, a walk with a dog, reading in a hammock, listening to birds, or simply being present.
  If that sounds like you, we will probably get along very well.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Events & social

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Hitchhiking

  

  Languages

  

  Music

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Hiking

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Experience rural Portugal — peaceful mornings, starry nights, and friendly locals.
  
  Meet my animals (dogs and cats) and experience life in a home shared with furry companions.
  
  Learn about Portuguese culture from someone who grew up here
  
  Hear stories and perspectives from my Portuguese–Indian background, and how that mix has shaped my worldview.
  
  Share meals, swap recipes, and enjoy long conversations about life, travel, and personal growth - but also a lot of independence and silence.
  
  Explore nearby villages, local markets, and the Douro River area
  
  Exchange knowledge — I have a background in psychology, work as a coach, and run a support group in Porto, so we can dive into conversations about human behaviour, relationships, and self-development.
  
  Teach me something from your own culture — a skill, a craft, or even a favourite dish.
  
  Join in creative projects like designing a natural swimming pool, building a dome, or improving the land.

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  Help

  Read this section please.
  
  If you are interested, please send me a message with the following information:
  Why are you interested?
  Do you drive/Have your own car?
  Do you work remotely?
  How long would you like to stay? Minimum 1 month stay, and I will prioritize people that have the flexibility to stay longer.
  
  What Help Am I Looking For?
  The most important role is house sitting and pet care.
  This is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, independence and a slower lifestyle.
  
  My animals and home are a big part of my life, so I am looking for someone who genuinely enjoys caring for a space and helping it run smoothly.
  
  Daily Responsibilities
  These will vary depending on the season and whether I am home or travelling, but make sure you are comfortable with all of them, as they may include:
  🐕 Feeding Shiva and taking him for walks
  🐈 Feeding the cats and making sure they are happy and healthy - lots of cuddles.
  🌱 Watering plants and gardening
  🏡 Keeping common areas tidy and cared for
  🏡 Trash Management, occasional deep cleaning of certain areas (e.g. car wash, the mountain water tank, windows, outdoor areas)
  🏡Jacuzzi management (change water, clean)
  🌱 Gardening or cutting grass with a lawn mower - very important - getting your hands dirty in the soil is healing!
  📦 Receiving deliveries
  🚗 Small errands (supermarket, local purchases, etc.)
  🔥 During summer: helping keep outdoor spaces maintained and safe
  ❄️ During winter: helping keep the house warm (manage fireplace) and functioning comfortably
  
  House Sitting
  A very important part of this role is being a reliable presence in the house.
  If I travel or spend time away, I need to know the house and animals are being looked after.
  Because of this, I ask for good communication and planning.
  
  If you would like to travel or spend a weekend away, please let me know well in advance so we can coordinate animal care and house responsibilities.
  
  This is not a place where someone can disappear for a few days without notice.
  
  The animals depend on routine and reliability.
  
  Optional Creative & Practical Projects
  
  There is always room for creativity if that's your thing.
  
  Examples include:
  
  🎨 Painting and decorating
  🌿 Gardening and landscaping
  🪵 Small DIY improvements
  🧹 Organising spaces
  🛠 Improving functionality around the house
  ✨ Making the house more beautiful, practical or welcoming
  
  These projects are optional and depend entirely on your skills and interests.
  
  I am always open to ideas.
  
  Important Boundaries
  * Safety always comes first.
  * No one will be expected to do anything beyond their abilities.
  * Heavy or technical work will be done with professional help when needed.
  * This is about collaboration, not exploitation.
  * Driving is important. You should be comfortable driving a manual car. I can occasionally share mine when needed.
  
  A Note About Winter
  The Portuguese countryside can be surprisingly cold in winter.
  The house is large and rural, and winter here is very different from spending winter in a city apartment.
  Please keep this in mind if you are planning a longer stay.
  
  You should enjoy quiet environments, rainy days, slower rhythms and a more nature-based lifestyle.
  
  The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here
  
  Someone who:
  
  ❤️ Loves animals
  🌿 Is independent and self-sufficient
  🏡 Enjoys caring for a home
  🧘 Is emotionally stable and low drama
  🚗 Is comfortable driving
  🌄 Appreciates silence, nature and slower living
  💡 Notices things and takes initiative
  
  I am not looking for someone to simply complete tasks.
  I am looking for someone who sees the house as a living space and naturally asks:
  "What does this place need today?"
  If you have ideas to make the house more beautiful, functional or enjoyable, I would love to hear them.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Sleeping arrangements:
  You will have your own bedroom and a shared bathroom
  Full access to the kitchen
  Plenty of natural Light
  Wifi
  Access to a jacuzzi
  Access to a beautiful cold water tank from the mountain
  Access to a small work-in-progress gym
  Fresh Bread Deliveries
  An amazing telescope to watch the moon
  Meals - to be discussed
  
  Mostly, I can offer an open heart, a comfortable space and the feeling that you are welcome just the way you are.
  
  This is a quite rural area, perfect if you enjoy nature, peaceful morning and starry nights. The house is surrounded by fields and trees.

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  What else ...

  My house is located in the beginning of the Douro Valley, you will have lots to explore!!

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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

  The Wifi is good but when shared slows down - its possible to buy an extender, something I am open to if this affect the lifestyle of remote workers.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  I have a big land where you can park your camper.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I would prefer not to. But... It will highly depend on the synergie of our pets, so lets be mindful of this. Shiva is very sociable, so I will only host friendly dogs who are proven to get along well with both other dogs, people and cats - non negotiable.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  My animals / pets

  

  Niko

  

  Goa

  

  Gipsy

  

  Shiva

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