Join our family and discover off-grid living in nature near Aljezur, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  We are a Dutch family living off-grid on 8 hectares of wild land near Aljezur, in the southwest of Portugal.
  
  Our land is a former eucalyptus and pine plantation that, over the past 25 years, has been slowly rewilding into a diverse landscape rich in native plants and trees, wildlife and visible layers of natural regeneration. During this time, it has been observed and cared for by biologists, making it a beautiful and inspiring place with a lot to see, learn and discover.
  
  We live here with our two young daughters, our dogs and cats. As a family, we are slowly shaping this land into a home, a learning place and a nature-based project. We are interested in rewilding, permaculture, simple living, land care, food growing, natural rhythms and creating a place where people can reconnect with nature.
  
  Much of our current tasks are practical: removing invasive non-native species, clearing dry fire-sensitive material, maintaining paths, improving the soil, developing a vegetable garden and creating simple outdoor spaces for family life, helpers and educational visitors connected to the land.
  
  We are a private family land project, not a business. Workawayers help only with our home, garden and land, and not with business activities, paying guests or spaces used by paying guests. Any visitors we welcome are connected to personal, family or educational purposes around the land, not commercial activities.
  
  This is not a finished retreat or polished eco-village. It is a real family home and land project in progress: beautiful, raw, alive and full of potential. We are welcoming grounded, practical and curious people who enjoy nature, simple living, honest hands-on tasks and being part of a family rhythm.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Self development

  

  Pets

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will experience daily life on an off-grid family land project in the southwest of Portugal, close to nature and the rhythms of the seasons.
  
  You can learn about rewilding a former eucalyptus and pine plantation, observing natural regeneration, caring for native plants and trees, removing invasive species, fire prevention, basic permaculture principles, soil building, vegetable gardening and simple off-grid systems.
  
  You will also get a taste of family life with young children, animals, simple living and the local culture of the Aljezur area. We are happy to share what we are learning ourselves, and we also enjoy learning from the skills, stories and perspectives you bring with you.

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  Help

  We are welcoming practical, grounded people who enjoy hands-on tasks outside and are happy to be part of a variety of land and family-home projects.
  
  The main areas we are working on are land care: removing invasive non-native species, clearing dry fire-sensitive material, maintaining paths, mulching, improving soil, gardening and helping in the vegetable garden.
  
  We are also developing simple DIY and outdoor projects around the house and accommodation area, such as painting, small building tasks and improving outdoor spaces.
  
  You do not need to be a professional builder or gardener, but it helps if you are practical, physically capable, careful with tools and able to work independently after clear instructions. We appreciate people who communicate clearly, take initiative and enjoy being part of a calm family rhythm.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are Dutch and speak English well. We are beginners in Portuguese and would love to practise through daily life, simple conversations and local connection. We are also happy to share Dutch or English with anyone who is interested.
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  Accommodation

  We offer accommodation in a dome on the land, with its own shower and dry toilet. Nearby there is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen that can be used for cooking and daily living.
  
  The accommodation is simple but comfortable, surrounded by nature and part of our off-grid family land. We currently have a strong 4G signal and are working on Wi-Fi at the accommodation area.
  
  If you travel with your own van or camper, it is also possible to park near the outdoor kitchen and use the facilities there.
  
  We provide breakfast and a good lunch as part of the exchange.
  For dinner, Workawayers can either join us when it fits the family rhythm, or cook for themselves in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Ingredients will be available for this.

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  What else ...

  In your time off, you can explore the beautiful west coast of the Algarve and the Costa Vicentina. There are many beaches, cliffs, walking trails and small villages nearby, including Aljezur, Rogil, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana, Amoreira, Odeceixe and Vale dos Homens. The area is great for nature, surfing, hiking, quiet beach days and discovering local cafés and markets.
  
  We live in a rural area, but we are still very well connected. Having your own transport is useful for exploring the beaches, villages and surrounding area, but we can discuss pickup from Aljezur or Rogil depending on our schedule.
  
  We live off-grid, so water and electricity need to be used consciously. Summers can be hot and dry, so we usually adapt the rhythm and do physical tasks earlier in the day. Our place is peaceful and family-oriented, not a party place. It suits people who enjoy nature, simple living, independence and a slower rhythm.

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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 currently have a strong 4G signal on the land and are working on Wi-Fi at the accommodation area. Accommodation is in a dome with its own shower and dry toilet, and there is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen nearby. Travellers with their own van or camper are also welcome to park close to the outdoor kitchen and use the facilities.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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