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Environment:
During the last decades more and more west coast farmers abandoned their land and went into the cities or to the south coast to find work. So the land became overgrown with shrubs and the houses decayed. One reason for the big fires we had here in the past is, that not many are living in the countryside anymore and nobody cares.
Waste -
- I have an organic vegetable garden and fruit trees. I compost and use vegetable waste and chicken and cow manure. Greens go to feed the chicken. I use and provide cotton shopping bags. I re-use plastic bags for rubbish and water bottles for my own water.
- I use second hand building materials – doors, windows etc. Also wood from my own forest and cane from the land.
- My house is mainly furnished with second hand goods.
Water conservation -
- The house is not connected to the main water supply. I do not have a bore hole because the water table in Portugal is sinking rapidly. There is water from a small well and I collect rain water. I am planning to install a larger water tank. Water is to be used sparingly.
- Showers. The warm water for this is either heated from the sun during the day or by boiling water on the hob at night.
Electricity - There is a small capacity of twelve volt solar power which only provides light. So it is not possible to use hairdryers of electric shavers etc. There is no washing machine and no electric heaters in the winter.
Wood burning stove - The wood can be collected from the land and the ash is used in the vegetable garden.
Wildlife - Part of the farm is left to nature and the wildlife. The small river which runs through the land encourages wild pig, mongoose and foxes to come down to drink at dusk. There are many local birds including hoopooes and nightingales. On your walks rare plants may be found, like tree heather, wild rhododendron, medronho and orchids. The farm is like an outpost of civilisation, you can walk for hours without meeting anyone.
Environmental cleaning products - I use vinegar, lemon and Ecover products.
Community:
When I bought this 10 ha Farm my ambition was to create a balance between wild nature and cultivated land. Between civilisation and wild life. Carefully I renovated the old farmhouse with its thick adobe walls with the help and the knowledge of local workers. A great part of my plan was to encourage workers to return to the land and make a difference. It is now my intention to share this vision with my guests and the finance generated will help me to fulfil my dream.
Aljezur - is a small town on the Western Algarve with few tourists except during July and August. Guests can enjoy the friendly, patient and calm Portuguese way of life. There are still small shops and typical restaurants with local food. The restaurants provide fresh fish from the local fishermen and the fish can also be bought from the local fish market. There is a small historical museum as well as exhibitions and a castle which was built by the Moors. Once a month there is a gypsy market where you can buy practically anything and eat barbecued chicken and hand made chips with the locals.
Charities - I am involved in several local charities:
- São Vicente de Paulo, which collects money for the poor people of Aljezur, for example, to pay for expensive operations.
- A local animal welfare charity. This helps find homes for abandoned, lost and ill treated dogs and cats.
- The local fire brigade, which is manned by volunteers. We have huge forest fires here in Portugal every year and the firemen are an essential part of the community. Donations help to buy expensive equipment. Donations are essential to maintain all these charities.
Cultural information -
- I inform guests about concerts, exhibitions and museums. Staff.
- Employees are well paid. For many years I have employed a local Portuguese gardener and from the beginning I have used a local builder, who has special skills in the renovation of typical Portuguese adobe houses, built from the earth, lime and rock found on site.
Sustainable purchasing - What is not home grown or home made I buy locally from the Health Food Shop in Aljezur. They provide Ecover cleaning products. I buy fruit and vegetables from the local farmers market. It is all grown locally by the small farmers who sell it direct.
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