Portugal
46 “me gusta”
My land is a secluded hectare of terraced oak forest nestled into the southeast-facing slope of a valley fed by numerous springs. The base of the property runs along a fresh spring-fed creek with multiple bathing spots, and the top of the property boasts views of the Peneda-Gerês mountain range.
I bought the property last year as an experiment in off-grid living and agro-forestry, with the eventual intention of hosting friends for small arts and meditation gatherings throughout the year. Although I'm a mechanical engineer by education, the patterns of humans and natural systems will always be infinitely more beautiful to me than machines, and my life and project reflects this. The project is in its infanthood, and still evolving day by day. The philosophy behind the design is based heavily in Permaculture principles, with an emphasis on sustainable food forestry and natural building using wood and materials from the land. It is a place of active creation, devoted learning, deep play, and meditation. I hope you can find yourself here, as I have.
Proyectos artísticos
Ayuda en proyectos ecológicos
Jardinería
Proyectos de construcción y bricolaje
Ayuda en una granja
Mantenimiento general
The community in these hills is always growing and changing. I'm involved in a few local cooperatives including the building of a small-scale sociocratic school along with some families in a nearby town, and there are often meetups and exchanges between cultures ranging from Portuguese, Dutch, Israeli, Polish, German, British...
The surrounding area is rich ecologically as well as culturally. The land is nestled in a small valley along the foothills of Gerês National Park, with a view of the mountains across the river. Historically, the Minho valley is sometimes referred to as the cradle of Portugal, holding the oldest medieval villages in the country.
The nature of the tasks on the land varies depending on the season and which projects are on the go! However, there is almost always energy to be poured into the annual garden and food forest (building new beds, pulling brambles, propagating plants, clearing thickets, designing and planting new sections of food forest), and consistently construction work around the property (carpentry with a focus on roundwood timber framing, foundation work, stonework for steps and paths). I'm also very open to artists in residency; if you want to contribute to the project in a more creative and artistic way, I'm very open to suggestions and seeing if we can turn your dream into a reality here.
This is a very 'hands in the dirt' site; so if you want to expand your experience of hands in the soil or on tools, this is the place for you!
Idiomas hablados
Inglés: Fluido
Francés: Fluido
Portugués: Principiante
Este anfitrión ofrece intercambio de idiomas
I'm actively learning Portuguese, and very eager to practice :)
At the moment (until we rebuild the caravan!), I can only offer basic camping accommodation; a tent with a view of the mountains, pitched within a beautiful grove of forest, as well as a simple camping mattress and sleeping bag.
The coastline of the Atlantic is a 40 minute drive to the West, and the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park 20 minutes to the East.
There are natural hot springs, hikes through ancient oak forest, a coastline with surf spots, medieval towns, all within 45 minutes driving. The two nearest villages are within 10 minutes walk away.
Acceso a Internet
Acceso a Internet limitado
Tenemos animales
Somos fumadores
Puede alojar familias
The property is accessible by van, and there is a spot to park within a few dozen metres of running water, [solar] electricity, and a comfortable compost toilet.
I love animals! However I don't love when they dig up the garden or poo in the yurt ;) I trust you to ensure your lovely beast doesn't do these things.
Dos
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
