Restore, create and reconnect with nature on a riverside homestead in Figueiredo das Donas, Portugal

Infos

• 

  Description

  Hello everyone,
  
  I'm Mick, 43 years old, originally from the Italian Alps. After many years of travelling, the desire to slow down and create my own little harbour became stronger than ever. Seven years ago, I decided to settle down and buy a small farm in Portugal, where I now live together with my dog, cat, geese, chickens and ducks.
  
  The project originally started with my ex-girlfriend, and today I continue the journey on my own. The land is about two hectares and offers plenty of space to share with good-hearted and like-minded people. A beautiful river borders the property, there are natural springs with excellent drinking water, and we are surrounded by native forest. The nearest town with shops and amenities is only a 10–15 minute drive away.
  
  My vision is to live in harmony with nature and create a simple and respectful lifestyle, following permaculture principles and moving step by step towards greater self-sufficiency.
  
  At the moment, I am spending a lot of time bringing some of the old parts of the property back to life and gradually improving different areas of the land. There are always interesting things happening and plenty of ideas for the future. Depending on the season, I might be busy organizing spaces, improving the surroundings, caring for the land and finding creative ways to make the place more comfortable and welcoming.
  
  Another little project that keeps me busy is giving an old motorhome a second life, which hopefully will soon provide a cosy place for future guests.
  
  More than just getting help, I enjoy sharing experiences, learning from each other and creating a happy and relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. I appreciate people who are honest, reliable, respectful and enthusiastic about this kind of lifestyle.
  
  We'll spend time together, share meals, enjoy the harvest, exchange stories and celebrate the small achievements along the way. I always enjoy meeting people from different countries and learning from their experiences and perspectives.
  
  There is always something to do around the place, whether it's helping in the vegetable garden, looking after the animals, collecting seasonal produce, preparing meals, tidying and organizing spaces, or simply taking part in daily life on the farm. People who enjoy nature, simple living and don't mind getting their hands dirty once in a while will probably feel right at home here.
  
  I can provide running water, hot showers, hot baths and electricity. You're welcome to come with your own caravan, camper van or tent, and I can also provide a tent if needed, so everyone can enjoy their own comfortable space and connection with nature.
  
  Every stay is different, and I am always happy to chat beforehand so we can get to know each other, discuss expectations and make sure we are a good match.
  
  If this resonates with you and you feel inspired to be part of this journey, don't hesitate to send me a message. I'd be happy to tell you more and answer any questions.
  
  Looking forward to meeting you!
  
  Hugs,
  
  Mick

• 

  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage d'entretien

  Projets DIY créatifs

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Petits travaux d'entretien

  Garde de maison et d'animaux
• 

  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Vie en van

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Ferme

  

  Événements/vie sociale

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Musique

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Jardinage

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Art et design

  

  Animaux

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  Nature

  

  Montagne

  

  Randonnée

  

  Sports d'aventure

  

  Camping
• 

  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience a simple and nature-connected lifestyle while learning practical skills along the way. Depending on the season and the ongoing projects, you can gain hands-on experience in permaculture and gardening, food preservation, animal care, tree pruning, etc.

• 

  Aide

  Following the recent Workaway policy updates, I would like to clarify that cultural exchange, language exchange, sharing experiences and spending time together have to be the primary focus of the workaway experience.
  
  Any heavier farm, construction or restoration-related activities, including building projects, renovations, motorhome restoration, carpentry, woodworking, roofing, construction work, operating machinery, tractor work, landscaping or similar tasks, will be carried out entirely by myself without any assistance from Workaway guests.
  
  Workawayers will only be invited to participate in light, non-professional activities that are safe, enjoyable and suitable for cultural exchange. These may include sharing daily life, language practice, light gardening, helping with simple household tasks, caring for animals, preparing meals together, exploring the local area and exchanging skills, knowledge and culture.
  
  Any professional, technical, construction-related or potentially hazardous tasks associated with the farm or property is strictly excluded from the Workaway experience and will be completed independently by me.
  
  Some of the workaway tasks may include:
  
  Gardening & Permaculture
  
  - Sowing, planting and harvesting
  - Mulching, composting and preparing new beds
  - Watering and general plant care
  
  Animal Care & Daily Life
  
  - Feeding and caring for chickens, ducks, geese ,dog ,cat
  - Cleaning animal shelters
  - Cooking and sharing meals
  - Everyday tasks around the farm and household
  
  Food Preservation
  
  - Drying herbs and vegetables
  - Making jams and preserves
  - Fermenting vegetables and experimenting with different methods
  
  Artists, musicians and creative souls are also very welcome. Feel free to leave your footprints around the land through music, paintings, creativity and inspiration. I love when people bring their own passions and ideas and add their own unique touch to the project.
  
  I enjoy cooking healthy and delicious food, and I also love discovering new dishes from around the world. Meals are mostly vegetarian, although I / we occasionally eat meat.
  
  In general, I ask for around4/5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week, leaving plenty of free time to relax, explore the area or simply enjoy life. During the hotter summer months, we usually work in the cooler mornings and evenings.
  
  Friends and neighbours often visit, or we them, and some of them host Workawayers as well, so there are usually interesting people around and opportunities to connect. In our free time, we sometimes explore beautiful places nearby, visit friends or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life on the land.
  
  I try to adapt the tasks to each person's interests, abilities and energy. There is something for almost everyone, as long as you don't mind getting your hands dirty and embracing the realities of country life. Some tasks can be physically demanding, but they are always more enjoyable when shared.
  
  Above all, what matters most to me is creating a respectful, relaxed and joyful atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, appreciated and at home.

• 

  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Allemand: Courant
  Anglais: Courant
  Italien: Courant
  Portugais: Courant
  Espagnol: Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il souhaitait faire partager sa propre langue ou en apprendre une nouvelle.
  Contactez-le pour en savoir plus.
• 

  Hébergement

  Accommodation
  
  Life here is simple and close to nature.
  
  You're very welcome to bring your own van, camper or caravan and choose one of the many beautiful spots around the land. There is electricity and can be provided if needed.
  
  If you prefer camping, you're welcome to bring your own tent, and I can also provide one if necessary. The large tent on the land serves as a communal space where we can gather, share meals, relax and enjoy each other's company.
  
  You will have access to hot showers, running water, electricity, hot- spot, a washing machine and dryer, and facilities for charging your electronic devices. The toilet is a compost toilet, peacefully located in a small forest area, offering a true connection with nature.
  
  Pets are welcome too, provided they are friendly with dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese and other animals, 🐶🐱🐔🦆
  
  I usually prefer an initial stay of around one to two weeks, which gives us enough time to get to know each other and see if we are a good match. If everything flows well, longer stays are definitely possible.
  
  I provide three meals a day, seven days a week. I enjoy cooking healthy and delicious food, mostly vegetarian, and I always appreciate sharing meals and discovering recipes from different cultures.
  
  Things that are useful to bring:
  • A head torch
  • Your own sleeping bag if you prefer (otherwise bedding can be provided)
  • Good energy, enthusiasm, a smile and positive vibes 😊

• 

  Autres infos...

  In your free time
  
  The farm is located just outside a small village and only about 10 minutes by car from São Pedro do Sul, where you'll find supermarkets, cafés, bars, a weekly market, laundry services, buses and everything else you might need.
  
  This region is a paradise for nature lovers. There are countless hiking trails, mountains, river beaches and beautiful hidden waterfalls with crystal-clear pools waiting to be discovered. In your free time, you can simply relax by our own river, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take a refreshing swim or just listen to the sounds of nature.
  
  We visit friends and neighbours, many of whom also host Workawayers, so there are usually interesting people around and opportunities to connect with the local community. Depending on what's happening, we sometimes go on little adventures, visit places nearby or simply enjoy slow evenings around a fire, good food and good company.
  
  The city of Viseu is only about 30 minutes away and offers plenty of cultural events, restaurants and everything you would expect from a Portuguese city. If needed, I can pick you up there, although São Pedro do Sul is usually easier and more convenient.
  
  Porto is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away, while Aveiro and the nearest Atlantic beaches can be reached within about one hour, making day trips easy and enjoyable.
  
  Whether you are looking for adventure, learning new skills, meeting wonderful people or simply slowing down and reconnecting with nature, I hope you will feel at home here and create beautiful memories to take with you on your journey.

• 

  Informations complémentaires

  • 

    Accès Internet

  • 

    Accès Internet limité

  • 

    Nous avons des animaux

  • 

    Nous sommes fumeurs

  • 

    Familles bienvenues

• 

  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il aimait accueillir les digital nomads.

• 

  Espace pour garer des vans

  Long caravans / motorhomes with low ground clearance will find difficulties to reach the land!

• 

  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  Cet hôte a dit qu’il acceptait les personnes voyageant avec un animal.

• 

  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

• 

  Mes animaux

Sécurité du site

Discutez avec des workawayers qui ont séjourné chez cet hôte

+3

Feedback (9)