It seems that my last blog was 21 May 2021. That is when I started my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlifeportugal
So I thought I would write a quick catch up to bring you up to date!
I sold my van back in the U.K. in February of this year. I was sad to be letting go of that chapter of my life but at the same time I was looking forward to the next. In November 2023 I bought an abandonned stone house in one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, Monsanto, in the district of Castelo Branco, Central Portugal.
The renovation work of the main house and barn started in February and was completed by the end of May. Check out my complete renovation timelapse here https://youtu.be/Hmcd5O2rtSs?si=kVqoSMhlRhvYoKCS
My land includes an old vinyard and a large orchard garden, both of which I plan to regenerate as they have long been neglected. I need to get water systems in place before the winter rains arrive as what I quickly found out this year it’s impossible to hand water newly planted trees everyday. Thankfully I only planted a few.
I have created a plunge pool from the old water storage tank, which will also still be used to collect rain water during the winter months to fill up IBC tanks to enable me to water the orchard more efficiently during next year’s summer months.
I have just started to renovate what was the old kitchen. I am turning it into a bedsit retaining its rustic charm with old stone kitchen sink and fireplace.
I will continue to make monthly updates here but I do hope you will check out my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@dreamlifeportugal
