Guesthouse in Portugal: DIY and Gardening Help

Jan and Lizz are a couple who have lived in Central Portugal since 2022, where they run a welcoming wellbeing guesthouse for walkers, holidaymakers, retreat guests and those seeking a peaceful place to relax. They are looking for practical and enthusiastic helpers to join them during the winter closure, when they focus on renovations, improvements and new ideas for the property.

Volunteer Now

The couple enjoy working on creative projects, spending time outdoors and sharing good food with others. Their home also includes three friendly cats. They welcome people who enjoy practical work, are happy to learn new skills and would like to help make the guesthouse even more inviting.

Tasks & Roles

Helpers will assist with a variety of indoor and outdoor improvement projects. These may include painting, gardening, pruning, clearing land, planting trees, preparing vegetable beds and decorating the garden with rocks. There may also be opportunities to build pergolas on the terraces and take part in carpentry and other DIY projects.

The hosts appreciate experience in gardening, painting, carpentry or similar practical work, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are equally welcome. The work schedule is flexible, with helpers expected to contribute at least six hours a day, five days a week.

Living & Getting There

Helpers will have their own private studio on the first floor, with a separate entrance and plenty of space to relax. The accommodation includes a large double bed, a single bed, a kitchenette, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and toilet, a wardrobe, and a table and chairs. Towels, bathrobes, beach towels, face cloths, a hairdryer and shower gel are provided. A laundry room is also available, and Starlink provides a good Wi-Fi connection.

The hosts provide two meals a day, while breakfast can be prepared using the food available. They enjoy cooking fresh meals with local, organic and seasonal ingredients, including fruit and vegetables from their own garden. Meals include vegetarian, chicken and fish options, and helpers are welcome to join in with cooking. Any dietary requirements should be discussed in advance. Tea, coffee, water and snacks are available throughout the day.

The nearest airports are Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon (LIS) and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto (OPO). Helpers should arrange their own travel and ensure they have suitable travel insurance. From either city, they can take a bus or train to a nearby station, such as Pombal, Tomar or Caxarias, where Jan and Lizz can arrange collection.

What else

The guesthouse is set in the Portuguese countryside, offering opportunities to enjoy nature, go for walks and explore the surrounding area during free time. The hosts value a good balance between practical work, shared meals and relaxation.

There is space for two helpers, so friends or couples are welcome to apply together. When contacting Jan and Lizz, applicants should explain what interests them about the opportunity, which skills they can offer and what they hope to learn during their stay. This will help the hosts decide whether the arrangement is a good fit for everyone.