The Lagar
The Lagar, our beautifully restored olive press building, serves as the heart of our community. It houses a spacious main area for meetings, activities, and group sessions, along with more intimate study and art spaces, a cozy library, and a communal kitchen.
Over the years, we’ve made many improvements to the Lagar. In the early days, we installed doors and windows to protect the building from the elements. Later, we added roof insulation to the main space. The following year, with the help of a crowdfunding campaign, we transformed the central room into a more welcoming and functional space while addressing issues with water ingress during heavy rains, adding a false back wall and a floating floor. We then tiled the ground level and built a covered outdoor area, creating additional sheltered space for our activities.
Today, the Lagar’s main building is composed of several distinct yet harmonious spaces. At its heart lies a large central hall where we hold meetings and gatherings. Here, you can still admire some of the original mechanisms once used to crush olives in the oil-making process. Overlooking this space is a warm and inviting library.
Behind the main hall, a raised wooden platform houses a generous study area with tables and storage. In one corner, a custom-built staircase leads to a mezzanine classroom, adding a touch of architectural charm. On the ground floor, adjacent to the main hall, there is another classroom, with a larger study space located directly above it.
Jardim
The Jardim occupies an adjacent building on the quinta (farm). This is a bright and airy room with wooden floors and large windows that open onto the surrounding greenery and the soothing sounds of the nearby waterfall. The space is on one level allowing safe play and an openness for the children to interact with each other while being supervised in a cozy and warm setting.
Quinta
Next to the Lagar’s main building are our communal kitchen and an off-grid vermi-composting toilet, completing the welcoming and practical environment we’ve nurtured over the years. The playground is a lively and imaginative space, with a trampoline, climbing frame, child-designed “café,” two swing sets, a vegetable garden, a completely independently child created ‘Baba Garden’ and the much-loved “hole,” an ever-evolving project created and maintained by the children since day one. It’s something that truly has to be seen to be appreciated! We’ve also created several shaded areas, and the beautiful trees scattered throughout the space provide a cool, refreshing atmosphere during the summer months. In the extended garden on the valley floor we have a beautiful wilderness space to accommodate the Forest School which runs on Thursdays during term time.
