Quinta with organic olive grove where rustic charm meets modern comfort
Portalegre
Hi there! I'm Shermin, an author and farmer.
After living in many countries, I found my home in Portugal, where I’ve spent the last three years regenerating an abandoned olive farm which I completely modernised. Age-old olive trees are nestled between ancient stone terraces on a mountain from where you can enjoy breathtaking views over Portugal & Spain. This unique space is filled with ancient stone terraces that protect the majestic olive trees, offering breathtaking views that stretch across Portugal and Spain. Looking ahead, I plan to introduce sensors for data-driven agriculture and create stunning metal and wood sculptures nestled among the trees. My goal is to not only grow food but also cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that inspires creativity and innovation.
THE FARM
The first years, we designed a comprehensive water management system from scratch, focusing on sustainability through water recycling for agricultural use. Our farm is committed to organic practices, utilizing eco-friendly products for everything from dishwashing to maintaining our machinery. Imagine rustic charm harmonizing with modern comforts—like a well-insulated house equipped for optimal heating and cooling and good Internet. Two lovely cats add joy to our home, while the occasional visit from our neighbors' sheep and goats enhances the serene atmosphere, and from the kitchen and pergola you can see the other neighbours Lucitano horses. Friends often drop by to help and soak in the peaceful energy of this serene place.
LENGTH OF STAY
Minimum stay is a week, though we prefer longer stays.
During Harvest season, minimum stay is 3-4 weeks.
TYPE OF WORK (Typical volunteers as cultural exchange)
Harvesting olives (October-November)
Pruning olive trees & other trees on the property (September - April)
Planting new plants around the house among others a medicinal garden (October-March)
Planting new fruit trees (October-March)
Mending fences if necessary (October-April)
In summer, because of the heat, we offer housesitting opportunities, where you will have only very limited todos, basically only car/animal care & pool maintanace because there is limited outdoor work. You will be on your own most of the time as we will use the time to travel (June-August)
Collecting and/or cutting wood for wood stove (all year round)
WORKING HOURS (volunteers)
Working hours are typically scheduled for the morning to early afternoon, Monday through Friday, depending on weather conditions. If the weather doesn’t permit work, we will resume once conditions improve, or shift to working on weekends and take weekdays off instead. If you don't like to wake up early and feel the urge to sleep in, this is not your place.
RESIDENCY PROGRAM
I also offer residency programs for people with experience for selected projects to implement. You are expected to be here from the beginning to the end of the project, will get a minimum wage, your own side building with private kitchen and we will provide materials and extra labour needed.
* Co-design & build fenced raised beds and an integrated chicken coup
* Raised Beds: Planning what organic matter is needed and what plants and crop rotation makes sense in the Alentejo climate).
* Plant a dry garden around the main-house and design the pathways between the spaces, including implementation
* Build a carport for 4 cars, potentially also for solar panel support.
* Creating a sculpture park
WORKING HOURS (residents)
Full time work hours. Residents can participate in all volunteer activities, meals etc, but can also be indenpendent.
FOOD
1 kitchen in main house (communal meals where I do the cooking)
1 kitchen in side building (individual/communal meals where you do the cooking)
Vegan/vegetarian cooking.
At least one meal a day will be communal (typically lunch), which I will prepare.
LODGING
4 bedrooms in the main house, most of which have their own bathroom.
One side building with independent kitchen & bathroom a double bed and extra bed.
Caravan & Campers: Lots of space to camp & park and change including outdoor & indoor showers you can use
THINGS TO DO
Hiking through the cork oak forests, cycling across the open plains, kayaking on the river guardiana, visiting nearby towns/castles/markets.
ABOUT ALENTEJO
Typical for Alentejo countryside, the landscape unfolds in a series of gently rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. The hills are dotted with ancient olive groves and cork oak forests, their twisted trunks and silver-green leaves defining the character of this region. The olive trees, some of which are centuries old, produce the renowned Alentejo olive oil, while the cork trees—harvested carefully by hand every nine years—stand tall and majestic, their bark providing a vital industry for the region. These trees are not just part of the scenery; they are the heartbeat of the Alentejo, embodying the connection between the land and the people who have farmed it for generations.
SEASONS
Lush green winters gradually give way to the dry, golden summers. In winter, the land is alive with greenery, and the cool air is filled with the scent of wet earth and the sound of birdsong. Wildflowers bloom across the meadows, and the rivers run full and clear. As summer arrives, the landscape transforms into a warm palette of ochres and golds, with the sun-baked earth cracking under the intense heat of the sun. The air is filled with the fragrance of wild herbs—thyme, rosemary, and lavender—that thrive in the dry conditions, and the sound of cicadas creates a steady, rhythmic hum. The hot summer days give way to warm, balmy nights, where the clear skies reveal a stunning canopy of stars.
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Learning opportunities
Fruit or nut farming
Sheep or goat farming
Forestry
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Food justice / sovereignty
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
Former WWOOFer
20
Hectares
|
49.4
Acres
Schermin
Member since 2024
Languages spoken:
English, French, German, Persian, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 75%
Response time: typically within 7 days
Portalegre
Elvas train/Bus station, Bazajoz train/Bus station, Bazajoz airport,
Reviews
Alice
France
•
November 2024
We spend one week at Labirinto Ecletico, a beautiful olive farm, with old trees, hills with great view. The house is very comfortable and modern, we had our own bathroom !
Shermin is sympathic and provide everything you need, and she's cooking really well. 4 other woofers were also there, and we had a community life with shared meals at lunch and evening, which allow to meet people and taste different meals from other countries.
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Naama
Israel
•
November 2024
I arrived at Charmaine’s with a friend, and we spent almost two weeks there. Charmaine was a kind and pleasant host who took care of everything we needed and more. The bedroom was comfortable, clean, and tidy, which added to the positive experience. The working hours went by pleasantly. I highly recommend it!
Silvia
Germany
•
September 2024
The time I spent at Labirinto Ecletico was an incredible experience. The accommodation was a modern, beautifully designed space in the peaceful countryside, perfect for relaxing moments. I had my own room with a private bathroom, allowing for personal time while also enjoying great moments together.
During my stay, I participated in outdoor work preparing for the harvest and helped with various tasks around the house. The views were stunning, and the good internet connection along with effective cooling and heating systems made my stay very comfortable.
Additionally, the region offered plenty of opportunities for exploration, making it a perfect blend of physical work and activity, learning, relaxing, and adventure.
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