Syntropic farm near Tomar in central Portugal
Santarém
We are the guardians of a plot of 2000m2 of which about 700m2 is devoted to fruit and vegetable production . We have a nursery and are almost always in the process of planting, watering, pruning, harvesting, composting, fertilising, collecting seed, and processing the food that is grown. Our aim is to learn to be guardians of this land which, for us, implies growing what we eat, learning, experimenting and making mistakes, helping others to learn, serving as a example, involving people from our community in our lives, and building a sense of community locally.
The land we take care of is located in a small rural village 5 km from the mid-sized town of Tomar. We are an international couple, in our sixties, who speak Portuguese fluently. We live in a cosy, restored farm house in a fairly traditional, country village with a local coffee shop and a small store. We are connected with a network of organic farmers in our area. In November we make olive oil and gather friends and neighbours to collect the olives. We are keen to learn more about conserving, drying and processing foods. We also have a number of projects that we implement as and when we have time (such as building the green house, installing drip irrigation, etc.) to improve the property and to facilitate our work.
You are invited to participate in all activities and to contribute with your ideas and experiences. Lots of pruning and fertilising of trees and shrubs depending on the season. There is also always some building work to be done (fences, paths, painting) depending on your skill and interest. Recently we made bokashi for the first time and aim to produce more bio-fertilizers. We learn a lot from the internet and from friends and then just experiment (and make lots of mistakes). You can listen to an interview with Ivan by Heart and Soil Magazine here: https://youtu.be/GdysARg90PQ?feature=shared
We work always in the garden mornings and take off in the afternoons after lunch. Volunteers are expected to conform to this schedule so that our work times coincide and overlap. You can organise your days off with the exception that we sometimes need to plant before it rains. There are certain duties such as turning the hot compost every two days and opening and closing the green house every day which are part of the volunteers learning and responsibility. If you know how to build there is plenty to do (basic carpentry, reinforced concrete, path laying etc.). When it is hot outside in summer we tend to work early mornings and late afternoons as usually it is cooler then and the days are longer. If you want to learn to use farm tools like chippers, strimmers or the chain saw you will probably have the opportunity. We like to give volunteers a sense of what it would be like to be a guardian (where they have to make decisions and choices) and not just to be a place of routine tasks.
For fun, we have two lakes nearby, great mountain biking trails, and easy access to other towns around Portugal. We also bathe, in the summer, in our outdoor water tank and take our dog for walks. There is a municipal vegetable and flower market twice a week in Tomar and cultural events. The Wwoofers have complete privacy as the property is basically has three separate living areas, each fully equipped and independent. The Loft and the Tiny House both have their own entrance, bathroom and kitchenette. We also occasionally have a caravan that is fully equipped and heated and sleeps 2. We will discuss lodging options when we speak, but usually most volunteers are in the Tiny House as we rent out the Loft longterm and through Airbnb. All spaces offer comfortable beds, a living and work (desk) area, shower bathrooms en suite, and heating and cooling so that you are comfortable.
There is a lake within walking distance and another one (79 km long) 10 minutes away by car. You can get into Tomar by bike, bus (not a very good service), or car and from there there are bus and train connections to Coimbra (45 minutes), the sea (50 minutes), Lisbon (1 hour). If you are afraid to be a bit dependent or like social stimulation it is best to have your own car to get around as you see fit and not depend on us.
We both have made the transition from city life and modern culture to country living over the past years, with all that this implies, and are happy to help guide others that are thinking to do the same. We meditate (vipassana and Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō) and Ivan loves to cook. Ceres, who is from Brazil, is an artist and painter. Ivan is involved in land conservation and restoration projects throughout Portugal as the CEO of Terra Agora Foundation and in community building and organic farming networks so can help orient people interested in these subjects. Ceres is the Mother of our house who will make sure you are feeling loved and connected. Ivan is more of the doer and a teacher.
We have a large, diverse collection of literature and spiritual reading materials. In the evenings, we often prefer to have our privacy and invite volunteers to make their own dinner or entertainment. But we also often are all together for a dinner, film, or some other social or cultural happening.
We prefer Wwoofers that are over 30 (but are open also to younger volunteers) for stays of a minimum of 8 weeks but preferably longer than this as it takes time to acquire the learning we are sharing. Previous garden and farm experience is a big plus. Please indicate when applying what experience you have. Come here only if you really are prepared to work and to learn. If you come her just for a holiday or to not pay room and board you will not be happy and nor will we. We accept pets if you can make us feel comfortable that they won’t be a nuisance or damage home or property (we have a female dog and two cats, one male and one female ). We provide food for you to cook your own meals in your own kitchen and if we agree mutually will invite you to join us for lunch where we will eat, cook, and clean up together. We are omnivores but cater to vegans and vegetarians. Occasionally, we do drink alcohol but do not provide it for volunteers.
Work is based around 25 hours a week, 5 days a week. Occasionally we need extra hours for watering or sometimes to cover a day off. There is no obligation, but Wwoofers willing to be flexible to help out over the allotted 25 hours are greatly appreciated as our focus is not on hours spent but rather on the tasks that must be competed as guardians of the property. We focus on tasks rather than on hours, as each person works at their own rhythm. We work hard and the purpose here is really to learn, to experience, and to make mistakes and to understand how to be a guardian of Mother Nature.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Former WWOOFer
0.2
Hectares
|
0.5
Acres
Ivan
Member since 2019
Languages spoken:
English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 1 day
Santarém
From Lisbon, take train to Tomar or Entroncamento (latter has more frequent service and is closer to Lisbon); take train to Fatima train station if coming from Porto or the north. Airport is Lisbon (1.2 hours) or Porto (2 hours). Bus station is Tomar.
Reviews
Simone
Italy
•
August 2025
I spent just under two months at Horto do Amor, it was a fantastic experience and Ivan and Ceres were lovely. I learned so much about regenerative agriculture through hands-on activities like planting, transplanting trees, creating biomass, harvesting, and much more. The work was a lot in some cases, but it was great because everything was always explained to me in detail. Furthermore, in addition to working in the garden, I was also able to participate in events with the Terra Agora association and a very interesting day on agroecology. Living in a small house next to their house was also a great advantage. I really enjoyed meeting Ivan and Ceres' international friends and having dinner together. Ultimately, I can say that you get to work on a very organized project where nothing is left to chance and everything is done to make you feel better than at home. It's an experience I highly recommend to everyone!
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Reply from Ivan
Thank you SImone. It was a pleasure to become friends with you and we look forward to staying in touch., Ceres and Ivan
Chi
United States
•
September 2024
The review is being evaluated by our staff.
Lo
United Kingdom
•
August 2024
This is my second time at Horto do Amor as a WWOOFer at Ivan Sellers' farm. I have found this place to be a true haven of peace, surrounded by a diverse array of trees, bushes, and plants. My work here has been primarily focused on the Horta, which features a beautiful variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It’s a wonderful space to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you are passionate about gardening and eager to learn about growing vegetables and syntropic/agroforestry agriculture this is a lovely place to be. During my stay, Ivan hosted several workshops on gardening and agroforestry, including one on syntropic agriculture. It was an enriching experience to spend time with like-minded individuals and to see the theory put into practice in the Horto do Amor.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ceres, another volunteer, and Ivan for the opportunity to be part of his farm. I wish them both all the very best in their future endeavors.
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Reply from Ivan
We hope you will be coming back to se us either as a guest or as a volunteer!!
Dennis
Netherlands
•
February 2024
Thanks for letting me stay at your place in January. It was lovely to see how you managed your farm. How every plantbed was full of life and different than the next. I appreciated your trust in me regarding various tasks, such as planting, harvesting and composting.
You challenged me spiritually, suggested other ways of thinking and acting, and invited me to observe more than I was doing before. After a lot (and I mean a lot) of resistance, I saw and accepted that you provided a safe and open environment in which I could grow. I didn't ask for these teachings and this deep experience, but in the end I'm thankful for it.
More than anything, I'm missing your treasure of a dog, Sasha, and some of the people in your community you introduced me to.
Love, Sem.
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Juliana Moreira da
Brazil
•
October 2023
Estou avaliando em meu idioma nativo pois assim me expresso melhor. Minha passagem de um mês pelo Horto do Amor foi uma incrível primeira experiência como WWOOFer.
Tive a oportunidade de aprender MUITO sobre agricultura sintrópica, na teoria e na prática, desde a preparação do composto, do solo, métodos de plantio aos cuidados específicos para cada tipo de planta que compõe o consórcio agroflorestal.
Ivan é um mestre e mentor paciente, nos dá liberdade e independência para fazer de tudo e transmite confiança de que somos capazes de ajudar em todas as tarefas, desde cozinhar a manusear ferramentas pesadas.
Passamos muitos momentos agradáveis com seus diversos amigos que estão sempre a alegrar a casa e também compartilhamos boas e profundas conversas no tempo que estivemos nós dois.
Ivan faz você se sentir em casa, te dá todo o conforto e cada detalhe da decoração é de muita beleza e bom gosto. É um cozinheiro espetacular, se come muito bem nessa casa.
Participar da apanha de azeitonas com a comunidade foi o ponto alto da minha estadia em Tomar, posso dizer que fiz amigos que vou levar por toda minha vida.
Vou me lembrar para sempre de tudo que vivenciei e aprendi com Ivan e seus amigos. Já sinto falta do cão (minha companheira Sasha), dos gatos, dos passeios no lago e até mesmo do trabalho pesado.
Obrigada pela confiança e ensinamentos.
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Reply from Ivan
Querida foi um prazer e honra ter-te aqui. Boa sorte com a tua quinta e os teus cavalos
Irina
Portugal
•
August 2023
Come to Horto do Amor ready to work, learn, and have a unique experience on a small but intensive farmette. Host Ivan Sellers is a skilled practitioner of Syntropic agriculture, eager to share his vast knowledge - and passion - with kindred spirits. Besides encouraging the greatest vegetative yield from his patch of Earth, Ivan is actively building a vibrant human community of friends and neighbors who share his commitment to good stewardship, good food, and good conversation. Open yourself to all the stimuli that animate Horto do Amor -- Sasha, Lui and Lua (dog and cats), the multi-level burgeoning garden, the warm days and cool evening of the village, and above all, to Ivan's dedication to creating a special plant and human society. A final but important note: Ivan offers 5 star accommodations and Michelin-level cuisine at the daily lunch served among guests and WWOOFERs on the pleasant terrace.
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Reply from Ivan
Good to know you are now doing your own project in Madeira. Love to both of you.
