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Escape the rat race: Renovate village homes with only birdsong

The experience

Escape the rat race and join me in a quiet mountain village in central Portugal, where time stood still. Help restore two old village houses (painting, roof repair, tidying, light construction) while enjoying nature, fruit trees, and pure birdsong. You’ll have your own private house, 2 meals/day on workdays, and a car to explore rivers, waterfalls, and historic towns. Skilled, reliable, and easygoing volunteers welcome!

What you offer

20 hours of help per week

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

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.

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

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

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

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Over 25 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Help bring two traditional stone houses back to life in a forgotten mountain village in central Portugal. I’m looking for reliable, hands-on volunteers who can assist with rendering, painting, roof repairs, and general tidying. Rendering is a skill not everyone has, so if you know it, you’re especially welcome here.

I’ll join in where I can, but due to arthritis I cannot do heavy work and I’m not very handy — so your skills and reliability make all the difference.

In return, you’ll enjoy life in what feels like the Garden of Eden: picking fruit straight from the trees, listening only to birdsong, and drawing crystal-clear water from the ancient village well. You’ll have your own simple but private house (bedroom + living room), share delicious home-cooked meals with me (I love to cook and you will be spoiled!), and even have access to a car for exploring the waterfalls, river beaches, and historic towns nearby.

My own village is extremely quiet, but just 5 minutes’ drive away there’s a lively little town with an ATM, mini-market, bakery, bar, free wifi, and even a river pool for summer swims.

I don’t yet have wifi at home, only through my phone hotspot. Many volunteers use their own phones or buy a Portuguese SIM card with unlimited data — perfect if you’re a digital nomad and need to stay connected while enjoying the peace of nature.

I speak English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch fluently, so communication will be easy and we can share stories in many languages.

This is a place to escape the rat race, recharge in nature, and be part of something meaningful.

Activities & Shift

Work hours: 4 hours per day, 5 days a week (weekends free).

Main tasks:

Rendering (if skilled)

Painting walls,iron shutter,gates and woodwork

Light roof repairs

Fruit tree trimming (in winter)

Small construction or maintenance tasks

Extras: Helping with everyday things like moving materials or organizing sheds.

I will always be around to guide you, but since I can’t do heavy work myself, I really appreciate volunteers who are practical and independent.

Shifts are flexible: mornings are preferred, so you have the afternoons free to explore nature, visit the nearby village, or simply relax.,

Rules

Respect each other’s space: You’ll have your own little house and freedom; I value my privacy. Of course you’re always welcome for a chat, a drink, or to share a story.

Positive spirit: Be independent, considerate, and easygoing

Bring good vibes, curiosity, and maybe a favorite recipe to share.