Enjoy offgrid family life with mountain views in Travancinha, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  We are William, Laure and we have 2 little boys: 4;5 year old Rafa and 5 month old baby Boris. We are originally from Belgium, but moved to Central Portugal 6 years ago to live off-grid. We live on 2 hectares of beautiful land in a valley next to a tiny village, called Travancinha. We look out onto the Serra da Estrela mountains and enjoy the freedom of living outdoors as much as we can.
  
  Will works in traditional timberframe building and Laure has a background in pattern - and clothing making. But we both spend most of our time raising our family while building, gardening and landscaping. Except for our family house, the quinta holds a small outhouse with a covered kitchen porch and a natural swimming pond.
  We share this valley with lovely neighbours of all ages and from different corners of the world, who enjoy the same type of outdoors alternative lifestyle as we do, and there is a fast-growing community in our area with ever more markets , concerts, jams, yoga , breathwork and many other activities going on.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Babysitting and creative play
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Art & design

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Cycling

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Fitness

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Helping out on our quinta is a good way to get acquainted with an alternative way of living. If you are curious to know what it is like to live off grid in nature and the joys and challenges of setting up a self-sustainable household, this is a good way to explore that. It's also a good way to get a feel for family life. There are many people from all nationalities, ages and walks of life choosing to carve their own path in this area, and you can get a sense of what this growing community is like. We live right at the foot of the mountains Serra da Estrela where you can go for many beautiful hikes. There s a lot of streams and river beaches around for swimming and relaxing.

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  Au Pair Help

  This host is looking for Au pair help.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are looking for a person or duo to come help us with childcare during summer/autumn (flexible/part-time dpeending on your other work or leisure commitments)
  More specifically looking for someone who wants to play with our 4,5 year old boy Rafa (play in the garden, mud, sand water, going for a swim in the pool...but also arts and crafts, or simple daily things like going to the shop) because I will often have my hands full with baby Boris (5 months). Other times it might be more helpful if you care for the baby so that I can devote my attention to Rafa or work in the garden.
  I do not have a fixed schedule in mind,but not looking for fulltime support, let's let is grow organically (but to give some guideline would aim at half a day support (Rafa/baby/garden) about 3/4 days a week.
  
  It is relevant to mention that Rafa is a boy with special needs. That means he needs a bit more attention, patience and a different kind of play than a neurotypical 4 year old, but he is very sunny, sociable and loves to be goofy!
  
  We are looking for someone (or a duo) who is responsible and independent and has a driver's licence.
  Our cars are available for you to use when needed/possible.
  You do not need special training or experience to help out with our kids.
  (If you speak Dutch/Flemish or Portuguese, that is a plus, but English is fine too!)
  
  There is lots going on four you to enjoy in our valley and in our area over summer ( festivals, yoga etc...) and beautiful hikes and swimming spots for you to explore.
  
  If you feel called, reach out and let's have a chat to see if we match / answer any questions you might have.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  German: Beginner
  Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner

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  Accommodation

  You can stay in our little caravan in the forest.
  Or if you prefer, here is plenty space to pitch a tent, or choose a pretty parking spot for your van.
  
  Excellent wifi and plenty solar electricity available.
  Cold water and compost toilet come with caravan, hot showers available in our house.
  Natural swimming pool with mountain view always available for you.

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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

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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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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  My animals / pets

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