Let me introduce myself: My name is Jochem; together with my 2 dogs Portuguese I started a new life in what I think, the most beautiful part of Portugal.

My first experience with Portugal was a vacation in 1989. I immediately fell in love with this country and its people. I was hooked on Portugal and started exploring it during dozens of times by tent, camper unit & terrain vehicle across the country. Somehow I especially couldn’t resist the pristine nature of the North (Minho). In 2006 I made the final decision and started working on a camping / park here.

As I always enjoyed being an entrepreneur In the Netherlands, I wanted to be one here as well. After a long search through several pretty towns, villages and natural sites, I finally found a unique spot in January 2008. An old Quinta (vineyard) with 3 ha. terraced vineyards alongside a beautiful river. The Quinta farm house was in such a bad state, I could really only reuse the thick granite walls. The quinta's previous owner had stopped making wine in 2005, and the land was overgrown with meters of weeds ever since.. My first task was clear. Making the camp site accessible took weeks with the brush cutter. Next,, I started to demolish the Quinta’s roof, walls etc. Together with my Portuguese help, I did all construction work on the house and camp site. Since June 2008 I live on the Quinta’s top floor. The ground floor still houses a granite wine press. We plan on installing a 2-bedroom apartment with living room, bathroom and kitchen.

Meanwhile I have installed water, electricity and sewer facilities. Can you imagine that the previous owner (with wife and children) has lived here without toilet, bathroom, kitchen or electricity? Even though hard to imagine, it’s still every day’s business for some villagers. And.. they’re generally happy and satisfied.

Everyday, we enjoy the wonderful weather, the astounding beauty of nature, , peace and our daily strawl on the land and alongside the river, where the dogs always have a quick swim.

I hope to welcome you here so you may enjoy all the beauty!.

Kind regards,

Jochem