ECO ENERGY
The main house is powered with solar energy batteries and an eolic windmill.
For the hot water system, we also use the sun and a wood boiler. This helps to heat all the buildings.
The wood used in the boiler is from our own forest and is harvested in a sustainable way.
SUSTAINABILITY
Our project at Monte Velho started with reforestation, with umbrella pine trees, cork trees, and strawberry trees that were planted in 1997. The land had been abandoned and wild for more than 20 years, it was infested by acacias and eucalyptus trees, the soil was very poor with lots of stones and little water.
A lake to collect the rainwater was our first step to revitalize the land. Without water we knew that nothing was possible….
While we were digging the lake with machines, we used the clay and argile, to build the main walls of Monte Velho. After 2 winters the lake was almost full of water and the wildlife began return to the land. We could hear the birds singing again, frogs croaking, rabbits, foxes, wild boars and other wildlife were happy to share the land with us.
Now we use the water from the lake for our permaculture garden and horses, during the summer months.
Ecological Philosophy and practice
for Sustainability
Our intention is to live in balance and harmony with mother earth. And be as self sufficient as we can.
We wish to pass our experience to our guests so that we can all benefit from the reconnection to Nature.
It´s a daily learning process and the changes we make in our lifestyle came gradually. We are always open to learn from others experiences. New ideas to live in a more sustainable way, are always welcome. So please share your knowledge with us too.