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Volunteer support for house cleaning, property maintenance & rura

4.5
(11 reviews)11

The experience

We are looking for volunteers to support us mainly with house cleaning between guest stays and general maintenance of the property at Terra das Abelhas, a rural project focused on nature, bees, sustainability, and slow living in Portugal.

This is a small, family-run project, so the help is practical, hands-on, and essential for our daily rhythm.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Important to know:
Cleaning is a core and regular task, not occasional
The routine is flexible, but depends on guest arrivals, visits, and weather
Gardening tasks are light and seasonal
All tasks are explained and guided — no professional experience required

Activities & Shift

Cleaning is a core and regular task, not occasional
The routine is flexible, but depends on guest arrivals, visits, and weather
Gardening tasks are light and seasonal
All tasks are explained and guided — no professional experience required

Rules

This is a working rural project, not a touristic stay. Cleaning and practical help are an essential part of daily life here.

Cleaning between guest stays is a core task and must be done with care, attention to detail, and respect for schedules.

Volunteers are expected to be responsible, punctual, and proactive.

The routine is flexible, but depends on guest arrivals, school visits, weather, and daily needs.

Some days may require more work, others less — flexibility and communication are essential.

Volunteers must be comfortable with working both indoors and outdoors.

All tasks are explained, and guidance is always provided.

Respect for the house, tools, nature, animals, and the project’s values is mandatory.

This is a quiet, nature-based place. Respect for silence, rest times, and shared spaces is required.

No drugs are allowed on the property.

Alcohol only in moderation and outside working hours.

Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Volunteers are expected to keep their room and shared spaces clean and organized.

Clear and respectful communication is essential. Any issue should be communicated early.