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85 %
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2 Dec 2024
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Description
Hello, Workaway friends! We currently have 2 rooms open for couples or singles! 🙏🏻
It’s a pleasure to meet you and invite you to our rural and rustic home in Northern Portugal. This special place has been a labor of love for Joao and me over the past year, as we aim to create a sustainable and regenerative haven.
We love meeting new people, sharing the rich cultural heritage of this region, and completing projects together toward our vision of sustainability. Our project is rooted in the land, with an old farmhouse (where you may stay), agricultural fields, and ancient ruins that are waiting to be restored.
We would be thrilled to welcome individuals who are passionate about eco-construction and sustainable farming. If you have experience in construction, we would greatly appreciate your help in restoring the ruins, while also getting involved in our ongoing farm, land and permaculture activities. Life here is all about learning and growing together, and we’d love to share this journey with you.
To clarify, this new project is not a business, nor do we intend to operate it in any commercial capacity. It’s simply a private home where we seek to engage in cultural exchange and receive assistance with personal, non-commercial tasks. Our focus is on building a homesteading family and creating a space where everyone can share experiences, learn, and grow together.
A little bit about us: Joao (36, Portuguese) and I, Daleela (38, Canadian), both have deep roots in this region. Joao brings two decades of expertise in traditional Portuguese home construction and sustainable living, drawing from his past careers in real estate and tech. As for me, I have a background in the not-for-profit sector and now focus on teaching yoga and meditation, as well as expanding our vision for this project. I’d be delighted to practice with you.
You’ll also get to meet our beloved animals—two cows named Buttercup and Blossom, our two dogs, Lilly and Ruru, and our kitten, Bella, who are always eager to greet new friends.
We look forward to welcoming you to our home and sharing this experience with you! Bem-vindo!
Warm regards,
Daleela and Joao ✨
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Animals
Carpentry
Writing
Photography
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
History
Music
Plant care
Politics / Social justice
Technology
Videography
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Self development
Charity work
Farming
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Mountain
Beach
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
When you decide to join us in Arcos de Valdevez, the birthplace of Portugal, the exploration is endless. Our 4-hectare property, rich with history, embodies the region's profound heritage. The scenery is stunning, as well as rugged! As we build a fully sustainable and regenerative farm, you'll forge a deep connection with the land and its traditions. João, a local from this historic village, and Daleela, whose family has deep roots here, warmly welcome you into their home and invite you to join in their daily activities.
Help
Workawayers can actively participate in *all* of our projects. We do tasks together in teams to ensure the tasks is shared. João will provides hands-on learning in construction, guiding you through every stage of our building process. Meanwhile, Daleela will immerse you in sustainable agriculture, farming activities, and local cuisine. There are many opportunities to learn new skills...and we are also so eager to learn from you!
Join Team Joao:
*Learn eco-construction and traditional techniques under Joao’s guidance
*Utilize natural materials from our land, including stone and our eucalyptus and oak trees
*Participate in our building projects, such as excavating ruins, rebuilding roofs, and reconstructing old stone walls
*Assist with general maintenance and repairs around the farmhouse
*Management and upkeep of our 4 hectares of land, with tasks being seasonal.
Preferred Skills: Construction, building, carpentry, stone masonry, machinery operation, landscaping
OR
Join Team Daleela:
*Engage in permaculture gardening, plant care, and seasonal harvesting
*Help raise and maintain indigenous breeds of farm animals, including chickens and cows (this is still in process)
*Create traditional organic Portuguese meals for all workawayers. In Portugal, eating together equals connection!
*Assist in developing and clearing new land, landscaping, pruning vineyards, and more.
Preferred Skills: Farming, agriculture, cooking, love of nature, and perseverance ❤️
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Italian: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
We’re excited to assist our Workawayers in learning Portuguese, Spanish or English. Joao is fluent is Portuguese, Spanish and English. Daleela is fluent in English and learning Portuguese. Whether through daily conversations or cultural immersion, we’re here to support your language learning journey. If it’s of interest to you, we’ll make sure to integrate language practice into your experience with us. We always try to have a dialogue and lesson in Portuguese during each meal.
Accommodation
Our land is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Arcos de Valdevez and offers a serene retreat during your stay. While secluded in the forest, it’s just a 5-minute drive to the historic village center. We have three rustic and simple rooms within our home, shared with João and Daleela, that have access to a communal kitchen and lounge area for connecting with other guests.
Meals, prepared daily, will be of local Portuguese cuisine. Group meals are served Monday through Friday: self-serve breakfast, lunch at 12:30 PM, and dinner at 8 PM. On weekends, guests in private rooms can use the communal kitchen. Whether you seek solitude or community, our Quinta provides a peaceful and inviting environment.
What else ...
There is so much to explore on your weekends off! Arcos de Valdevez, tucked away in Portugal’s lush and green northern region, offers incredible tourism highlights. The town's historic center features charming cobbled streets and 17th-century churches. You can walk to the village, rent a car, or we can help with rides when needed. Nearby, the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park provides breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and waterfalls. A short drive away, the village of Soajo is a must-visit, known for its unique granite espigueiros (traditional grain storage) and picturesque streets that echo the region’s rural heritage. Also, don’t miss the charming village of Sistelo, often called the "Portuguese Tibet" for its terraced fields and breathtaking views. Recognized as one of Portugal's Seven Wonders, Sistelo is a living testament to the country’s agricultural history. Northern Portugal is such a special and undiscovered place. Look up these places and you will be in awe! Joao and Daleela are more than happy to guide you on these adventures.
Arcos de Valdevez is also conveniently close to the Spanish border, just a short drive to Galicia. Galicia has stunning coastal scenery, including the rugged Rías Baixas and the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Workawayers can explore charming towns like Santiago de Compostela, renowned for its historic cathedral, or visit Vigo, a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and lively atmosphere. Galicia's beaches, particularly those along the Costa da Morte and the Rías Altas, are famous for their dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and pristine sands, offering a perfect seaside escape. We highly recommend exploring Spain and can give you all of our favorite secret spots! There is even more…
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We aim to follow our scheduled work hours, but we’re also open to discussing what best suits your needs and preferences.
Space for parking camper vans
We can offer simple spaces for campers and motorhomes to park (in our olive grove), with access to our home’s facilities.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Help hours are 5 hours per day: 10 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5PM. 5 days/week
Feedback (1)
Joao is a native from the region so it was really interesting for us to learn about the history of the place and learn some farmers tricks. They will give you some good ideas to spend your weekends. Daleela took us to her yoga class and we were very happy to be able to participate.… read more
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Feedback
Joao is a native from the region so it was really interesting for us to learn about the history of the place and learn some farmers tricks. They will give you some good ideas to spend your weekends. Daleela took us to her yoga class and we were very happy to be able to participate.… read more
