Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
24 Feb 2026
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
32
Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Dear future friends who are Workaways
I need help to keep the wonderful work that many people have done over the years of keeping my garden looking good.
Last year I had help from a wonderful Hungarian - Anna - who returned home weighted down with marmalade that she has made from my oranges and lemons. See her great smile when cutting the grass on the ride on mower, whilst here she also tutored Maths and Physic students back in Hungary via my very fast Wi-Fi.
The wonderful couple Pam and Scott from Michigan who are returning this year in June and July, and a Virginian - Ian - who came for two weeks and then stayed 3 months.
So, can you continue their wonderful work?
I have a garden around the house and swimming pool, with orange and olive trees, a small herb garden. The other land across the road, is much more extensive with many trees.
I prefer people to come for longer than two weeks. I look forward to welcoming more people to this wonderful part of Central Portugal to understand the culture, history, beautiful scenery, interesting castles and the coast which is an hour away and have some fun.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Sustainability
Movies & TV
Events & social
Culture
Writing
Music
History
Cooking & food
Photography
Performing arts
Help
The garden is mainly grass with olive trees, oranges, lemons and cherries. There is a small herb garden and flowers and shrubs around the swimming pool.
If vegetable growing was wanted then there is more land over the road about 4 hectares (10 acres) of trees.
There is a motor mower and bush cutters.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
The house is on top of a hill with far ranging views. It has central heating, two bathrooms, if there are two of you and you did not want to share then you could have separate rooms.
What else ...
There is a small town nearby, which is visited most days for shopping and meals etc.
Within 20 minutes is Tomar where the Knights Templar's ruled Portugal from, which has an interesting castle from the 12th century, many shops and has some fun bits.
Lisbon can be reached in about an hour, there is swimming in a nearby lake and the sea is about 40 miles away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a very fast connection, it is fibre optic into the house.
Space for parking camper vans
I have two plots of land which are across a road, your van can be on either side,
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 897913948574
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+10
Feedback (17)
7 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Ian)
Ian said he was staying for 2 weeks, as we drove from the station, he commented how beautiful the countryside is in Central Portugal.
He settled down in the house very quickly, did his work very diligently and was extremely good natured.
He didn't stay 2 weeks, he stayed for the whole length of his visa (3 months) he also said he will return… read more
He settled down in the house very quickly, did his work very diligently and was extremely good natured.
He didn't stay 2 weeks, he stayed for the whole length of his visa (3 months) he also said he will return… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Pam & Scott) for host
Barry is a wonderful workaway host. He was generous sharing his time and local friends. He is funny and interesting to talk to. He has a lot of interesting life experiences to share. We would read his autobiography, "On a Tangent", if he wrote it. He was flexible with our arrival and working schedule. We were able to complete our work in four days… read more
26 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Pam & Scott)
Pam and Scott were "simply the best". They are a really nice couple who have transformed my garden which had been neglected because of my illness.
Now it is once more looking good.
Pam and Scott were here for a month. Most weekends they went travelling around Portugal so they discover this wonderful country. They found a branch of their chuech in… read more
Now it is once more looking good.
Pam and Scott were here for a month. Most weekends they went travelling around Portugal so they discover this wonderful country. They found a branch of their chuech in… read more
(Excellent
)
22 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Barry for two amazing months. The work was varied and enjoyable, from weeding to pruning trees, cutting back ivy, strimming, organizing tools and the best: driving the ride-on mower. The working hours were flexible, which allowed me to easily manage my online job thanks to the fast internet connection. We shared… read more
6 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna is wonderful, we really enjoyed her being here the last few months. She tackeled the gardening with full enthusiasum, and even learned new skills like bush-cutting and ride-on mower driving , see the picture of her riding the mower.
We will really miss her but she has said she will come back next year to make even more marmelade from our… read more
We will really miss her but she has said she will come back next year to make even more marmelade from our… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+10
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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
7 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Ian)
Ian said he was staying for 2 weeks, as we drove from the station, he commented how beautiful the countryside is in Central Portugal.
He settled down in the house very quickly, did his work very diligently and was extremely good natured.
He didn't stay 2 weeks, he stayed for the whole length of his visa (3 months) he also said he will return… read more
He settled down in the house very quickly, did his work very diligently and was extremely good natured.
He didn't stay 2 weeks, he stayed for the whole length of his visa (3 months) he also said he will return… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Pam & Scott) for host
Barry is a wonderful workaway host. He was generous sharing his time and local friends. He is funny and interesting to talk to. He has a lot of interesting life experiences to share. We would read his autobiography, "On a Tangent", if he wrote it. He was flexible with our arrival and working schedule. We were able to complete our work in four days… read more
26 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Pam & Scott)
Pam and Scott were "simply the best". They are a really nice couple who have transformed my garden which had been neglected because of my illness.
Now it is once more looking good.
Pam and Scott were here for a month. Most weekends they went travelling around Portugal so they discover this wonderful country. They found a branch of their chuech in… read more
Now it is once more looking good.
Pam and Scott were here for a month. Most weekends they went travelling around Portugal so they discover this wonderful country. They found a branch of their chuech in… read more
(Excellent)
22 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Barry for two amazing months. The work was varied and enjoyable, from weeding to pruning trees, cutting back ivy, strimming, organizing tools and the best: driving the ride-on mower. The working hours were flexible, which allowed me to easily manage my online job thanks to the fast internet connection. We shared… read more
6 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna is wonderful, we really enjoyed her being here the last few months. She tackeled the gardening with full enthusiasum, and even learned new skills like bush-cutting and ride-on mower driving , see the picture of her riding the mower.
We will really miss her but she has said she will come back next year to make even more marmelade from our… read more
We will really miss her but she has said she will come back next year to make even more marmelade from our… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Iveta)
Iveta is wonderful. She very rapidly became known as "Wonder Woman" She is very very hard worker, my garden is transformed. I have had some great meals and she is very good company. I am staggered by her energy and would have loved her to stay but the wanderlust got to her. I hope she returns!
(Excellent)
21 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Iveta) for host
Initially I wanted to stay at Barrys only for two weeks but I felt so comfortable that I stayed more than three months and if i wasn’t Gypsy i could stay all my life at his place. Barry is really nice guy, easy-going with plenty stories to tell. I enjoyed helping him and enjoyed his company. The place is nice and Barry is great cook. Most of the… read more
18 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Barry was incredibly kind enough to offer to host me rather last minute when I had to leave my former host on short notice. He is a fantastic host! His home is very comfortable and he is a great cook and entertaining storyteller. His dog, Sarah, is such a sweetheart! Barry always made me feel included whether it was simply a quick trip to the… read more
9 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hi, I want to say how good Hannah was as a workaway, her work ethic was good and she was exemplary to sharing the house.
She came here at short notice after leaving a very bad authoritarian host (unfortunately they exist and abuse the whole workaway system). She had been working with horses, which she loves and is a very good rider. I have no… read more
She came here at short notice after leaving a very bad authoritarian host (unfortunately they exist and abuse the whole workaway system). She had been working with horses, which she loves and is a very good rider. I have no… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hi, I want to say how good Hannah was as a workaway, her work ethic was good and she was exemplary to sharing the house.
She came here at short notice after leaving a very bad authoritarian host (unfortunately they exist and abuse the whole workaway system). She had been working with horses, which she loves and is a very good rider. I have no… read more
She came here at short notice after leaving a very bad authoritarian host (unfortunately they exist and abuse the whole workaway system). She had been working with horses, which she loves and is a very good rider. I have no… read more
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (YU-FANG & TING-WEN)
What a great team: these ladies are wonderful; very hard working, great fun and a joy to have around. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. Apart from their working skills they are great makers of food. These are generous, nice and very funny people. I would welcome them back anytime.
(Excellent)
16 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (YU-FANG & TING-WEN) for host
It’s our first time being workawayers. We spent two weeks here and the experience was fantastic.
Barry is absolutely an excellent host. He is good at cooking. We had the risotto, pasta, mussels, English breakfast, and to name a few. The food was delicious and never repetitive! He has many interesting stories to share. The conversation was never… read more
Barry is absolutely an excellent host. He is good at cooking. We had the risotto, pasta, mussels, English breakfast, and to name a few. The food was delicious and never repetitive! He has many interesting stories to share. The conversation was never… read more
5 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (seanwestern)
It was a pleasure to have Sean here. He is very hard working and was very able in all his tasks. He is a very experienced workaway and knows well its responsibilities.
I have no reluctance in recommending him and I hope he is doing well in his travels.
I have no reluctance in recommending him and I hope he is doing well in his travels.
(Excellent)
4 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (seanwestern) for host
It was an enormous pleasure to have stayed at Barry's although it was only for 4 weeks. Barry is a fantastic cook and conversationalist and regaled me with many enjoyable tales from his experiences working in the television and film industry.
I was given a great deal of freedom with the gardening work that I did; mowing and strimming the garden… read more
I was given a great deal of freedom with the gardening work that I did; mowing and strimming the garden… read more
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Juliette)
Juliette is a very hard working volunteer and has a great sense of humour. She cooks very well and I would welcome her back at anytime. She is great!
(Excellent)
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ena & Mihovil)
Ena And Mihovil stayed with me for a few weeks and were great fun and worked very hard. We had some great times and they taught me to play a new card game. They were good cooks and I would welcome them back anytime.
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ena & Mihovil) for host
Staying at Barry's was our first workaway experience.
It was way better than we expected it and we will be workawaying in future for sure.
Carril is just wonderful. It's a nice little rural village, we came just in time for oranges to fall from trees from how ripe they are and they are soooo delicious. We drank hectolitres of juice and ate oranges… read more
It was way better than we expected it and we will be workawaying in future for sure.
Carril is just wonderful. It's a nice little rural village, we came just in time for oranges to fall from trees from how ripe they are and they are soooo delicious. We drank hectolitres of juice and ate oranges… read more
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Giulia & Francesco)
Giulia and Francesco stayed with me for about five weeks, they were very hard workers and a lot of fun. They are also great cooks. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. You only have to be aware that your waistline will grow because of delicious meals.
I look forward to them coming back at some time.
I look forward to them coming back at some time.
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Giulia & Francesco) for host
This was our first Workaway experience and it was absolutely amazing! Barry is very nice and enjoyable person: you can have long conversations with him and never get bored (his life is just amazing).
The quinta has a huge garden, a swimming pool and other hectares to take care but working there is not complicated as it seems to be: you will have… read more
The quinta has a huge garden, a swimming pool and other hectares to take care but working there is not complicated as it seems to be: you will have… read more
30 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Rebeca & Mark) for host
Our stay at Barry’s was just wonderful! We had the best first workaway experience you can wish! Barry is an amazing host, his house is located in a beautiful environment close to Ferreira do Zezere and the views are breathtaking! With Barry you will feel at home! He did everything for us to make us feel more than just workawayers! He showed us… read more
29 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Marco) for host
My stay with Barry was a very short-term arrangement and I was really thankful that he gave me this opportunity so spontaneously!
I stayed for two weeks in his cosy, warm house with his sweet dog Sarah and another workawayer. The house is beautiful and makes you feel home from the beginning and the area around is great for long walkings. Barry's… read more
I stayed for two weeks in his cosy, warm house with his sweet dog Sarah and another workawayer. The house is beautiful and makes you feel home from the beginning and the area around is great for long walkings. Barry's… read more
26 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Clément & Rea) for host
Barry was an amazing host. We stayed there for 2 months and every single day was filled with interesting conversations and fun.
Our work there was mainly gardening, cooking and walking the dog, everything was really pleasant and Barry let us arrange our scheduling and activities regarding to our needs and preferences.
As a host Barry is… read more
Our work there was mainly gardening, cooking and walking the dog, everything was really pleasant and Barry let us arrange our scheduling and activities regarding to our needs and preferences.
As a host Barry is… read more
12 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Brian) for host
Barry is a excellent host and a excellent person to spend time with, and I m looking forward to meeting him again and to see the changes around his place.
7 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Juliana & Gregor) for host
Staying with Barry was wonderful!! We spent 01 month (February) in Barry's house and we had a lot of fun, conversation, work and we could learn so much about cooking, film industry, heating methods (hahaha), England, Portugal, among other things.
Sarah is an amazing dog, we've never seen a dog like her, so friendly.
The area around Barry's house… read more
Sarah is an amazing dog, we've never seen a dog like her, so friendly.
The area around Barry's house… read more
1 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sunraygirl) for host
Barry is such an interesting host, a great cook, story teller, guide and much more. My time on the Quinta was a real pleasure and during the rainy days of January, when there wasn't much to do, we could always have a movie day with goodies and the company of the friendliest dog in the world. A great work away.
Thanks Barry
Thanks Barry
3 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sunraygirl)
Ollie is a force of nature and I have no hesitation in recommending her to fellow hosts. She is a hard worker, a lot of fun and I am sure she will slot into any situation.
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel & Janna)
Daniel and Janna, stayed in Carril and they were great. They were great fun, did a lot of work, were very nice and then they would cook great food - even cakes and bread. It was a pleasure having them here. I hope they return and I wish them good fortune for the future.
(Excellent)
16 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Janna) for host
We were lucky to spent a month with Barry and his cute, but very excited dog Sarah. He is a great cook and we really enjoyed the Sunday Lunches where we met a lot of interesting people.
He also showed us a lot around and told us much about the portuguese history.
We worked in his huge "garden". It was mostly bush cutting, fighting the bramble… read more
He also showed us a lot around and told us much about the portuguese history.
We worked in his huge "garden". It was mostly bush cutting, fighting the bramble… read more
14 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Danielle & Debra) for host
First of all, Barry is a wonderful cook, followed by a close second, his dog is irresistibly cuddly. We had plenty of fun frolicking in his garden and exploring around the local area. Barry took us out on sightseeing adventures and was quite knowledgeable about the history of area.
If you're thinking of staying with Barry do not hesitate, you… read more
If you're thinking of staying with Barry do not hesitate, you… read more
13 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Danielle & Debra)
Danilla and Debbie made a maasive difference to my garden. They are also very nice people, even bathed the dog. I would have no hesitation recommending them.
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)
Maya is a great person. She totally changed my garden and was also a fantastic person. She is a pleasure to be with and a very good worker. As she left on her bike to travel south, my dog missed her as do I. I hope she has a great trip.
(Excellent)
11 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
hi im martin
i have been working for bary for over 2 month
its been realy great hire most of the work is gardening ore pikking olive
bary is a great guy and ful of storys never a dul momend
the food is very good and fresch from the market ore garden
i meet a lot of intresting people and have a great time hire
i have been working for bary for over 2 month
its been realy great hire most of the work is gardening ore pikking olive
bary is a great guy and ful of storys never a dul momend
the food is very good and fresch from the market ore garden
i meet a lot of intresting people and have a great time hire
