Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
30 Jul 2026
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Reply rate
96.8 %
Usually responds within 8 days
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Feedback
22
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
Hello traveller.
We are Jon and Eva, a couple with a long experience creating meaningful projects rooted in ecological regeneration, land stewardship, healing, community, and human consciousness.
Our work has been deeply influenced by permaculture, and the wisdom generously shared with us by Indigenous elders from different traditions.
Now we are beginning the most exciting chapter of our journey.
We have bought a 14 hectare forest in the mountains of Marvão, Portugal.
Here we are creating our lifelong home and a living centre for nature, learning, and regeneration.
We'll be restoring the land, designing water systems, planting forests and gardens, building natural infrastructures, creating beautiful spaces, and shaping a place that we hope will leave a great impact in this territory, and to inspire many lives.
Volunteering here is an opportunity to learn directly from years of hands on experience in permaculture, natural building, community living and regenerative land stewardship.
We love sharing what we know, learning from the people who join us, and creating an environment where work, nature, and human (and more than human) have their place.
If you enjoy meaningful physical work, are curious to learn, and would like to be part of building something beautiful from the ground up, we would be happy to welcome you.
Come and grow with us.
Together we can create a place that cares for the Earth, for people, and for the generations to come.
Please note:
• Minimum stay is 2 weeks
• We are not a community
• We are not vegetarian, but we happily provide a balanced vegetarian diet if you prefer
• Madreselva is a place for people who genuinely want to learn, contribute, and be part of a regenerative project.We ask our volunteers to arrive with curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to care for the land.
•We have open starlink internet
•At this stage, we are simply caring for and restoring our family's land as a private project. Any support received through Workaway contributes to this personal journey and is not related to any present or future business. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
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Interests
Van life
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
History
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Animals
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Nature -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We hope you can benefit from the power and beauty of this place. And be somehow inspired by the way we live.
Our path is grounded, conscious, and practical. Expressed through working the land, caring for life, and cultivating a regenerative way of living. Permaculture is at the heart of what we do, not only as a set of techniques, but as a way of relating to the world with awareness and responsibility.
We are open, simple people who enjoy sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful moments. With many years of a meaningful life experience, we hope to inspire you, and we are equally open to learning from you.
Together, we contribute, in small but real ways, to a more conscious and harmonious world. -
Help
During your stay, you may be involved in a variety of seasonal and ongoing projects, including:
• Tree planting and forest regeneration
• Water harvesting and irrigation systems
• Trail creation and land maintenance
• Composting and ecological waste systems
• Permaculture gardening and food production
• Animal care (when needed)
• Creative projects, art and signage
The work changes throughout the year, offering the opportunity to learn a wide range of practical skills while helping bring Madreselva to life. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent -
Accommodation
The accommodation is in a cosy shared yurt (November to February) or camping tent (March to October).
Toilet: compost toilet
Shower: we have a very simple and beautiful outdoor shower set up.
Food/cooking: We normally share lunch together. Breakfast and dinner go on a flow.
We have an healthy, Mediterranean diet.
We can drink a bear or glass of wine once in a while, but we do not accept alcohol parties. With no exceptions. -
What else ...
The Marvão region is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by mountains, forests, and open landscapes.
There are many natural places to explore nearby (hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, and natural swimming spots ) as well as historic villages like Marvão, Castelo de Vide, and Portalegre.
From Portalegre you can connect to other cities. Having your own car is helpful for exploring the area. We also might have bikes available to use.
You can hike, swim in the river, visit castles and local markets, or simply relax and enjoy the quiet life on the land. -
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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Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (17)
He did not communicate any problem, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. He offered no explanation at all and left the property without notifying us, which naturally caused … read more
Dani was, without a doubt, one of the best volunteers we’ve ever had.
From the very first day, he showed himself to be deeply respectful, and kind.
He brings a calm, positive, and generous presence that makes living and working together a real joy.
On top of that, he’s incredibly skilled!
It truly feels like … read more
I am more than grateful to Madreselva and its wonderful family, community.
Eva, John, their children and furry companions have created an otherworldly, magical place to heal and evolve in Sintra region (which by it self is an extraordinary location). Both Eva and John have a loving and wise … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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:
(4.9)
He did not communicate any problem, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. He offered no explanation at all and left the property without notifying us, which naturally caused … read more
Dani was, without a doubt, one of the best volunteers we’ve ever had.
From the very first day, he showed himself to be deeply respectful, and kind.
He brings a calm, positive, and generous presence that makes living and working together a real joy.
On top of that, he’s incredibly skilled!
It truly feels like … read more
I am more than grateful to Madreselva and its wonderful family, community.
Eva, John, their children and furry companions have created an otherworldly, magical place to heal and evolve in Sintra region (which by it self is an extraordinary location). Both Eva and John have a loving and wise … read more
Throughout his stay, Alex was kind, friendly, and brought a … read more
Eva is nothing short … read more
They live in a little green and beautiful paradise (dschungle vibes) and they have the cutest and most chilled dogs. And happy chickens ;)
I worked a lot in their garden and helped to make the grounds beautiful; carrying stuff, cleaning, sanding, varnishing new … read more
In return they expect you to take the work seriously and be responsible and hard working as well. So don't come here if you want to be lazy.
The location was also … read more
She was very committed, responsible and hard working.
Also very respectful and great company.
Dear Johanna, you'll be always welcome to Madreselva!
Thank you so much for your support and the good times together 🤗
The nature there is amazing, it's so green and I felt like I live in a little dschungle there in Eva and Jon's place. They created an absolute beautiful and peaceful place, between bamboo and trees, where you can just relax in a hammock and feel connected with the nature … read more
She was a great help and company at our place.
She would often would see things ahead and offer her help to solve the situations.
She's dedicated, inteligente, organized and a hard working volunteers.
We had a great time together .She will be always welcome at our place.
Thank you Leoni! 💛
Waking up in my tent to the pine trees and cuddles with the 3 beautiful dogs, feeding the chickens, sipping coffee whilst looking out at the yurts, sharing breakfast with the team whilst … read more
We would start the day over breakfast and provided priorities for the day. I did jobs such as varnishing, preparing retreat accommodation, and gardening. Both Eva and John provided great instructions. And their dogs are wonderful.
Waking up here every morning was super special.
I understood Eva and Jon as being simple yet very special, … read more
So I've stayed 10 Days with these bunch of Beautiful People Eva, Jona and Kamila also With 3 Beautiful Creatures Adur, Ema and Farah.
After spending times with them if i use just "Kind" word, i think that would be very less to express how much Humble people they are. I've learned a lot definitely, Obviously when … read more
Jon and Eva along with their lovely children hosted us like we were part of their family! inviting us to share in their daily lives while we still had plenty of time to explore the surrounding magic that is Sintra.
This is a very special … read more
