Castle Life in Portugal Forest!

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The experience

Volunteer at our historic castle renovation in Central Portugal (30min from Coimbra, 1.5hrs from Lisbon/Porto). Help with construction, gardening, painting, aquaponics, and animal care. Enjoy private bedroom in dedicated volunteer area with shared bathroom, kitchen and cozy living space with wood stove. Nearby village offers restaurants, gym, swimming pool, hiking trails, and river beaches. Perfect base to explore central Portugal!

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What you offer

30 hours of help per week

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

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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.

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

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

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

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

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Requirements

Intermediate English

Between 18 and 56 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

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What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Program Details

LOCATION:
My husband and I are remodeling a castle in Central Portugal, ideally situated just 30 minutes from historic Coimbra and only 1.5 hours from both Lisbon and Porto. We're perfectly positioned for exploring central Portugal's treasures.
THE WORK:
We're looking for help with various exciting projects:

Sustainable systems: Setting up aquaponics and eco-friendly infrastructure
Construction and renovation: Hands-on building projects
Creative work: Interior design and painting
Animal care: Spending time with our goats, dogs, and cats
Gardening and landscaping: Creating beautiful outdoor spaces

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Activities & Shift

Work Schedule & Activities:
Work Commitment:

5 days per week, 6 hours daily (typically 9am-3pm)
2 consecutive days off each week (flexible based on project needs)

Free Time Activities:

Explore the local area and picturesque village of Pedrógão Grande
Visit nearby historic cities (Coimbra, Tomar, Fátima)
You can travel by bus and train for day trips to Lisbon or Porto on days off
Hiking to waterfalls in the surrounding forest
Swimming at river beaches (summer months)
Relaxing at the castle - reading in the library or enjoying the grounds
Local gym and indoor pool access in the village at very reasonable price on a weekly or monthly bases.
Friday night live music at the local vegetarian restaurant

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Rules

Respectful Living Environment:

This is a family home where we live with my husband, father and brother, not a party house
We maintain a peaceful atmosphere for everyone to relax and unwind
Quiet hours observed in the evenings so everyone can rest, read, or watch TV

Substance Policies:

No smoking inside the castle (designated outdoor seating areas available for smokers)
Moderate alcohol consumption only - no heavy drinking
No Drugs
No loud music in the evenings

Shared Spaces:

Clean up after yourself in kitchen and common areas
Respect others' food and personal items
Conserve water and energy - turn off lights when not in use
Local Entertainment:

Privacy & Guests:

No outside overnight guests without permission
Keep your living area tidy
Respect private family areas of the castle


Atmosphere & Environment:

This is a family home, not a party house - we maintain a peaceful, respectful atmosphere
Quiet hours observed in evenings (10pm-7am)
No loud music, excessive noise, or disruptive behavior

For nightlife and entertainment, our nearby town offers restaurants, cafes, and the Friday night live music venue
The village provides social opportunities while keeping our home environment tranquil


We value creating a calm, productive atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and respected. While we encourage socializing and building connections, our primary focus is on the castle restoration project and maintaining a peaceful living space.