Volunteers and Woofers

We are lucky enough to have around 15,000 m2 of land, about half of which is terraced and the rest is returning to woodland and scrub, there are also a number of granite dry-stone buildings.

We are a English / Spanish couple - who both speak fluent Spanglish - with some Portuguese on the side and a spattering of other European languages.

Planned Jobs

We have an extremely long TODO jobs list, but to give a general idea, here's a few for this coming year ( as of Jan 2010 ):

• cut & prepare the grape vines ( extra manure required )
• clear some of the wilder terraces near the houses and start a herbal / flower garden
• building a 10,000 liter water tank above the barn
• building a bottle house for the Quinta energy system
• buy and plant fruit trees in the new orchard space
• prepare space for new organic garden by stream
• repair damaged terrace walls ( and re-erect old granite markers )
• prepare main house for renovation work
• creation of micro-hydro system to tap into the power of our stream

Accommodation

At present the "guest" accommodation is limited to one red VW campervan, parked in a lovely spot on one of the middle terraces - having lived in it for over 4 years we can vouch for it's comfort. 

The campervan is now retired from active duty, and comes with all the basics requirements:

• it has limited power fed from our own solar energy system.
• a small kitchen with hob and sink
• running water
• a double bed and storage space ( a.k.a the cab! )
• it's own solar heater outdoor shower
• wonderful views of the serra da estrella mountains.

The van has easily accommodated two ( plus our dog ) for long stretches of time, and so it ideally suited to a couple or two good friend!

Weather Conditions

Winters are windy and wet and at times cold, we've had a few inches of snow and some ice - but nothing too drastic.

Spring is a wonderful time in central Portugal and stays mild up until late July or August - then the summer can get very hot well into October.

After the grape harvest ( and subsequent wine making! ) autumn brings rains to quench the dried out land - and this can last on or off until January or later.

How can I Help?

We would love to hear from anyone interested in helping out in any way, the best way to start is to send us a message from out contact page.

Experience gained from living in other communal spaces has taught us that it's a good idea to have a short trail-period - for you to get to know us and much as the other way around, after which we can work out a fair exchange and working relationship that meets all our needs.