How not to put up a gazebo when you need shade - ruined house renovation Portugal

This is how two grown-up, sensible people can ignore instructions, make complete fools of themselves, and still get there in the end.

About us
We are Jane and Phil, and this is part of our big adventure in central Portugal.

We are both in our sixties, semi-retired townies with a bit of renovation experience behind us, but nothing on this scale. This is a new chapter, in a new landscape and culture, and with many open questions.

Splitting our time between the UK and Portugal under post-Brexit regulations, we are exploring the options for long-term settlement or a dual-location lifestyle where we might find the best of both worlds.

About the Quinta
We are breathing new life into a small, long-abandoned farm of about 2 acres (8,000 sq metres), on a gentle slope, with multiple buildings, loads of olive, fruit, oaks, pines and other trees, a stream, a well, and masses of potential.

The plan
This project is what we are calling 'slow renovation' where the journey and the experiences are as important as the finished article. It also stands as an example of 'active retirement' whilst we have the energy and health to make it work. #slowrenovation #activeretirement

We will go off-grid where possible, and aim to create a fabulous single-storey home that is future-proof for people of our age and will welcome friends and family.

It should also retain original content wherever possible, embrace local methods and materials, and sit comfortably within the local environment.

Of course, there is also the local community, food, wine, facilities and culture to dive into!

Thanks for visiting Hotkeys Portugal. Please like and subscribe to follow our progress.

#renovationprojects #offgrid #portugal #houserenovation #abandonedhouse #diy #expat #retirement #sustainableliving #quinta #activeretirement #slowrenovation #oldhouserenovation #portugalrenovation #renovation #restoration #restorationproject #farmhouserenovation #abandonedfarm #centralportugal #parttimeexpat


Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):