Thanks to Satvana for posting this opportunity in our Facebook group. 🚩 Satvana is looking for an experienced handyman to help renovate a former guesthouse that is being turned into a retreat centre and community home in southern Portugal. This is a practical, hands-on work exchangeA work exchange is an arrangement in which a traveller contributes an agreed amount of help to a host in return for benefits such as accommodation, meals or learning opportunities. Conditions vary by host., best suited to someone who can work independently and already has experience with renovation tasks.

The host says the exchange includes accommodation and three meals per day. They also mention that an additional payment may be possible if you work more than 20 hours per week, so make sure you agree the weekly schedule and conditions in writing before you commit.

What help they are looking for

The host is seeking someone with experience in general maintenance and renovation, especially tasks such as tiling, drywall, and plastering. They say they would like to hear from people who can take on tasks on their own without much guidance, so it helps to share examples of similar projects you have done.

What you get in return

The host offers a private room with your own bathroom, three meals per day, and a friendly team. They mention an immediate start and a suggested stay of around 6 to 8 weeks. They also note a possible bonus payment if you work more than 20 hours per week. If pay is discussed, ask for the exact rate, how it is calculated, and how it will be paid.

Hours and expectations

The listing does not confirm a standard number of weekly hours, only that extra payment may be possible above 20 hours per week. Ask the host what the usual weekly commitment is, how many days off you will have, and how they plan tasks across the week. Renovation work can be physically demanding, so also clarify start and finish times, breaks, and what happens during extreme heat or bad weather.

Location 📍

The project is described as being in a peaceful mountain setting in southern Portugal, around Amoreiras (about 1 hour north of Faro, around 2 hours south of Lisbon, and roughly 45 minutes to the coast). Confirm the nearest town, transport options, and whether you will need your own vehicle to get groceries or reach the property.

How to apply

Email the host with your availability, your renovation skills, and the kind of tasks you are comfortable doing. If you can, include a short list of recent projects (or photos) and mention if you have experience working safely on active renovation sites. If you are travelling from outside the European Union, also ask what documents they expect for your length of stay.

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