About us
Hubert and his brother Michael bought the 140 acres of land in the early 80´s. As soon as the first foundations were created, Hubert´s life companion Margit together with their three daughters came to the farm.
Hubert studied agronomic engineering, and it was here that he applied his knowledge and fundamentals in organic farming, Michael wanted to use the place to write his travel guides.
Hubert´s vision was to create a self-sufficient farm, rich in biodiversity.
Over the years Hubert planted around 80.000 trees to stop eroding the soils and to create a biodivers flora and fauna. Simultaneously he built the lakes, to retain water. The storage of water offered the farm a source of life: vegetable gardens and animals were introduced to establish the basic foundations of the farm as to provide the houses.
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While Hubert was focused in his projects, Margit managed the family life and created alternative education conditions for their daughters. 1988, the “Escola Primavera”, the first Waldorf School in Portugal was founded. This project lasted 8 years. Margit Co-founded “Jardim Internacional Infância Viva”, which still exists today. Over the years, she developed others cultural and social initiatives and until today, she is strongly connected to these subjects. Margit became one of the references in Portugal in the anthroposophical community.
Over the years Hubert tried several different projects that were not always “successful”, but he did all with a lot of enthusiasm and idealism. However, all of this would not have been possible without the help and support of many people over the years.
To support the farm financially, he run a carpentry business and was involved in the founding of a wind park, which until today provides green energy, for the farm.
Hubert's sudden sickness in January 2014 and his death in march 2017 sped up a generation shift in Vinha Velha. Now the daughters Clara and Delia, her partner Florian and Margit are in charge of the farm.
Michael still supports Vinha Velha from Germany.
Life at Vinha Velha today
People from different countries have been coming to this place for many years.
There are currently around 20 people from different backgrounds living here.
Our common principles are solidarity with one another, sustainability and responsibility towards the environment. Some are permanent employees or young volunteers, others are involved in independent projects on the site.
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We live in close neighbourhood, still everyone values their privacy and individuality.
Children have the opportunity to participate in farm life, whether in the vegetable garden, at the harvest, milking the cows, the little ones are always welcome.
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