Berlin to Portugal
Daniel, a Brazilian designer, and Stella, a German Product Owner at a tax startup, first met at a café in Berlin where Stella worked. After years together in Berlin, the COVID pandemic made them rethink everything — more space, more nature, a slower rhythm. Portugal had been on their radar for a while: the climate, the culture, the affordability, and the warmth of the people. When they finally visited the Minho region in Northern Portugal, they knew within days that this was it. The green hills rolling into the distance, granite villages untouched by time, and the sound of rivers everywhere. They packed their lives into suitcases, said goodbye to Berlin's grey skies, and landed in a place that felt immediately like home.
Tiny House Living
While we planned and prepared to build our permanent home, we moved into a tiny house on the property. Just 20 square meters of living space — a kitchen corner, a lofted bed, a small desk for remote work, and two border collies who somehow always found the warmest spot. It taught us what we actually need versus what we think we need. We worked our remote jobs with valley views as our backdrop, cooked simple meals with local ingredients, and spent evenings watching the sunset paint the hills in gold. It was challenging, sometimes cramped, but endlessly rewarding.
Building Our Home
The big dream finally became real — ground was broken, foundations poured, and walls started rising from the hillside. Together with Casa Gaia from Braga, we designed a home that works with the landscape rather than against it: Portuguese granite, large glass panels framing the valley, and spaces that flow between indoors and outdoors. Every week brought new progress and new challenges. We documented the entire process on our YouTube channel, from the first excavator scooping earth to the roof going on. The house is expected to be ready by mid-April 2026. It has been the most ambitious project of our lives, and watching it take shape on the land we love makes every difficult decision worth it.
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We share weekly videos documenting everything — the house build, local discoveries, food adventures, and life with two border collies in the Portuguese countryside. Subscribe to follow along from wherever you are.
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Northern Portugal Through
Our Eyes and Adventures
House Build Updates
Follow our journey building a modern home on a hillside quinta, from foundation to finish, with Portuguese granite and big glass walls.
Local Discoveries
Hidden waterfalls, granite villages, riverside restaurants, and the best vinho verde spots the Minho region has to offer.
Restaurants & Food
From homemade pizza in our tiny kitchen to the best traditional tascas, we explore the incredible food scene of Northern Portugal.
Hikes & Nature
Trail running through Peneda-Gerês, misty morning walks, river swims, and the most scenic routes in the region.