Winter nest residency

A quiet season for connecting with self, land, and creative roots

Mid-December to Mid-April

Seasonal Stewardship

A Corujeira is a land project dedicated to regenerative arts, rooted in the understanding that human and ecological well-being are synonymous. Our focus is exploring how practical learning and intentional lifestyles contribute to creative growth and regenerative land practices.

This winter, we are seeking stewards to live, create, and connect with the land.

'We' are Nimbu (the cat) and Eska (the human).Although I'm a mechanical engineer by education, the patterns of humans and natural systems will always be infinitely more beautiful to me than machines - and this forest is where this passion has taken root. The land is on a slow journey of recovery from a fire that passed through two decades ago, and our work here is a gentle, creative rehabilitation from that. This expresses itself in two intertwining streams: regenerating the land through agroforestry, and playful, ecological architecture as a form of applied learning. We have been hosting educational, not-for-profit gatherings asking ourselves the question "How can we engage more deeply with ecological restoration as a creative, communal process?".After a few years of pouring myself into this land, I am taking a season away. I believe in keeping nests warm and am excited to open this space to other stewards.

The Space: Your Winter Sanctuary

Down by the creek, you will find a sauna and steam temple complete with a spring-fed pool and waterfall. You can explore the terraced medicinal garden, with over 25 varieties of plants for intentional foraging, and a young food forest now growing with over 200 newly planted trees and shrubs.

The land provides many spaces for restoration and connection. Stewards share a fully equipped open-air kitchen, sheltered for cosy winter use. The entire project is powered by a resilient, off-grid solar system. You will also share the land with Nimbu, our resident companion cat and guardian.

CLAYHOUSE

A naturally built tiny house; living space that is also a work of creative expression, built with locally sourced and salvaged materials.

Mongolian Yurt

A 35-square-metre (~7-metre diameter) Mongolian yurt with a cosy, egg-shaped wood burner.

Visual & Physical Arts

A 20m² equipped workshop for carpentry or masonry projects, complete with a table saw and a comprehensive set of power tools. An easel, paint brushes, and various art supplies. The workshop also has a stock of natural clay for pottery or sculpture.

Land, Movement, & Contemplation

A dedicated yoga deck and yoga mats. The 35m² yurt also serves as an open space for movement practice. Explore our terraced medicinal garden for intentional foraging.

Music & Audio

A minimal recording setup including a Shure SM58 microphone, pop filter, Focusrite 2i2 audio interface, and Sony studio headphones. A guitar, hand drums, and a steel tongue drum are also available.

Writing & Research

Both accommodations feature writing desks. We also have a curated library with books on design, regeneration, agroforestry, art, philosophy, and ecology.

Details at a Glance

When: Mid-December 2025 – Mid-April 2026
Duration: 1-month minimum stay
Who: 2 to 4 stewards at a time
Location: Minho Valley, North Portugal
Contribution: 200€ per month per spaceFirewood and butane not included