Our Story
After living together in Amsterdam for more than a decade, Dennis (from Amsterdam) and Dara (from Los Angeles) knew we had outgrown city life, which felt increasingly anonymous, crowded, and exhausting. We wanted to live closer to nature, but where…and how?
We first started exploring by volunteering at off-grid projects around Portugal. We also visited villages, cities and the rough, magnificent southwestern coast, but always circled back to central Portugal because we felt called there. The area is largely undiscovered by tourists, with half-empty villages, plentiful rivers, mountains, small-scale, independent Portuguese farmers, and a growing expat community devoted to reforesting and what we consider conscious living.
Our hearts quickly decided for us. So, we parked our camper, bought our land with several ruins on it, and began planting the garden of our dreams, intending for it to bear fruit. We are committed to the adventure—this is more of a lifestyle than simply remodelling a house—and invite you to visit or learn more!
Vision
Our goal is to create a retreat centre for visitors, guests, volunteers, and workshop hosts by offering accommodation, meals, access to nature, uplifting conversations, and always the chance to connect to yourself first, then those around you. We don’t use the word “connection” loosely. It’s been said thousands of times before, but in this digital age of efficiency, speed, distraction, overconsumption, lack of eye contact, and (a)social media, most humans are disconnected.
In the future, our land will be ideal for holding workshops (writing, art, singing/voice activation, etc), groups, ceremonies, or community (which we are building). But it's already perfect for just hanging out under big skies, relaxing and recharging, exhaling and emptying your mind.
Here, we are geared towards sustainability—we use and reuse everything wisely, just as nature does. We value being in nature—which helps you ground, so you can hear yourself think (you’re the guru), and connect. We also believe in taking action—meaning don’t wait for things to happen, life happens now!
Some key words for us: Be. Be passionate. Be patient. Build. Persevere.
