Herdade · Serpa · Alentejo
What happens here
The farmstead's productive vocation, at the right scale: little, done well, at the pace of the land.
Two things that only happen here
What sets Corga da Fonte apart is not what it has, but what it leaves outside the gate.
Off-grid, off the circumstance
In preparationThe house is designed to live on its own energy and water: sun, borehole, firewood and silence. The grid connection exists and is kept in reserve, for safety, but it does not run the house. Off-grid also means off the circumstance: hurry, noise and notifications stay at the door. Those who come to work get a measured connection, via Starlink or mobile network, in a dedicated space and at the hours they choose; the house stays disconnected. The autonomy system is in preparation and figures will only be published once measured.
Digital detox, with method
In preparationScreen-free days, designed with approaches from psychology and psychotherapy, to regain command of one's own attention. At Corga da Fonte, over stays of several days, the whole house is the programme. The work covers five areas:
- Digital detox: devices handed in voluntarily and a gradual return, with personal rules of use;
- Attention focus: sustained attention and deep work exercises;
- Behavioural regulation: recognising triggers and automatic habits and replacing them with choices;
- Analytical intelligence: thinking slowly, writing and deciding without noise;
- Attention framing: deciding where attention goes, instead of letting it be decided.
This is not a treatment and does not replace clinical care. Psychological or psychotherapeutic sessions are led by qualified professionals with valid registration in the relevant professional body.
The estate, hands on
Here the countryside is not something seen through a window. You walk, grow, care for the animals and plant trees, at your own pace.
Walks
In preparationAlong the estate's tracks, through the woodland, past the ponds and up the slopes, to the Mata Frades lookout and the Limas stream, and through the surrounding land. At dawn or late afternoon, alone or in company.
Vegetable garden and farm work
In preparationSowing, watering, harvesting and bringing to the table what the garden gives. Those who wish can join the day's tasks, alongside the people who work here.
The farm animals
In preparationThe hens in the henhouse, the dogs of the house and, when the Monte Ardila herd grazes on the estate, the cattle. Getting close is always voluntary and accompanied, as far as each person feels comfortable, and respects the animals' welfare.
Nursery and trees
In preparationCaring for the plants and trees in the nursery, planting new holm oaks and cork oaks in the woodland and looking after those already there. Trees that will keep growing long after you leave.
Experiences
Formats with minimal numbers and exclusive use, in preparation.
Deep work
In preparationFor digital nomads who need silence, privacy and independence: one to three months, with a Starlink or mobile connection in a dedicated workspace, at the chosen hours, and a screen-free house for the rest of the day.
Try living in the Alentejo
In preparationTwo weeks to two months for those considering a move: the vegetable garden, the animals, the walks and the rhythm of the farmstead, before deciding, in a single-storey house at ground level with direct vehicle access. No care services. With the Reforma Ativa project.
Silence and writing residency
In preparationOne to four weeks, for one resident or a couple, with a silence protocol. Morning writing sessions can move up to the Mata Frades lookout.
Self-sufficiency immersion
In preparationTwo to three practical days on energy, water, sanitation, vegetable garden and woodland, in a farmstead learning to be self-sufficient.
Decision retreat
In preparationOne to three days, up to eight people, exclusive use, staying at Corga da Fonte with working sessions at Mata Frades.
Working the land
Cattle farming
In preparationThe cattle yard, cowshed, troughs and hay barn are ready to serve again. The estate has no herd of its own yet: extensive grazing will be done with the Monte Ardila herd, currently at Entre as Águas.
bovinos.pt ↗A small self-sufficient farm
In preparationHenhouse and dovecote, pigsty, vegetable garden and wood-fired oven: the right scale for a house that produces part of what it consumes.
Pasture and oak woodland
Permanent meadows and pasture around the farmstead, under holm oaks and cork oaks, in an agro-silvo-pastoral system managed with patience.
Active Retirement
In preparationTrial stays for those considering a life in the Alentejo: a month in the woodland before deciding, with no care services, together with the Reforma Ativa project.
reformaativa.pt ↗Corga da Fonte welcomes few people, a few times a year. Tell us what you are looking for and we will reply in order of arrival.
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