Last week, I had another trip to Braganca region in the north east of Portugal (possibly the 12^th visit in the past few months), casting my net further this time to view more houses for sale. I am so ready for ‘a place called home’ after being a nomad for the last four and a half years, and I also need a base in the area, to make it easier to search for land for the Earth Collective project. So, I had 5 viewings, scattered around the countryside. The weather was fabulous. I set off in 26 degrees and the temperature peaked at a very pleasant 28 by the end of the day. It was a joy to be in shorts, feel the sun on my skin and breath the clean air of the mountainous region, on the border with Spain.

The first few properties were non-starters. Around 12.30, I arrived in a stunning village (inhabitants 35, all retired) with poppies carpeting the ground in the nearby olive groves. I sighed with relief. It was beautiful and tranquil. Not quite the area I had in mind, but probably no more than 45 minutes to the furthest point I would be looking for land and, hopefully, a lot less.

I almost crossed this property off my list, as the agent made a point of asking if I really wanted to view it since there was no outdoor space (which is typical in villages of this region). The tiny balcony off the main living room and the steps leading to the front door, might just be sufficient for eating al fresco, which is my preferred dining method. But then there was Nina. I wondered if there was open space near by, how many other cats and roaming dogs they were, and if she would be safe? It was difficult to tell from studying the ‘street view’ online, so I decided to view the property anyway, as it was in the direction I was traveling.

On the plus side, it was renovated 2 years ago, though it hadn’t been lived in since, sported loft insulation (a rarity), a wood burner in the kitchen, a log fire in the living room and central heating – almost unheard of in Portuguese houses, but essential for me after freezing through the last winter in rented accommodation. It also had double glazing, 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room (marvelous!) and a large basement under the house. Plenty of room for guests, or in due course, for people joining the Earth Collective who would need accommodation whilst their house was built in the project, or for me to rent out.

I arrived early which gave me a chance to walk around the village and inspect the house from the outside. The agent, or more correctly agents (all three of them) – I am not sure why I was so honoured, arrived a little while later. One spoke English which was a relief. We were also joined by an elderly Portuguese woman, keeper of the keys. She lived a few doors away and was the mother of the man who owned the property, and who now lived abroad. She explained it had originally been their family home, and each child had been given a property. A son had renovated this house and put it up for sale. The tour began and, to my delight, there were a couple of surprises - good ones. The first was finding there was a small patio off the kitchen (outdoor space, after all). And the second was a newly restored, super-size garage across the road. You really must have shade for your car in the heat of the summer, to stop it melting! I liked the house, a lot, but still had another property to see.

The last part of the day had some more surprises. When I arrived at the final property, I was shown around by a local builder, as the advertiser lived in France. It needed a lot of work (which the builder said he could do for me) but this would make the overall price too high, and the time-line too long. Lovely as the village was (and the location was ideal), I ruled it out. As I was leaving, I commented (through my translation device) on the property next door, and it’s beautiful stonework. It turned out that the builder had done the renovation 10 years ago, though it had not been lived in since. He showed me inside. It was lovely but in need of attention as a result of the neglect. But it was suitable in principle, so the builder called the Swiss owners to ask if they would sell, and he would do the work to bring it back up to scratch for me. They might, but not until the summer. Too late for me! So, he showed me around the village where his work was omnipresent. He had renovated most of the houses that were in good order (the rest being dilapidated ruins). He was indeed a master craftsman. I was glad to have met the builder as I am sure I will be able to use his skills in building the Earth Collective.

I stayed overnight in a place that looked great on line but was dreadful in reality. Apart from being dirty, I spent the night with metal springs poking into my back from a mattress that should have been discarded decades ago. I got 2 hours sleep, the only relief being my fantasy about living in the house I’d seen and liked. In my mind, I created a complete plan of what I needed to buy (I have no furniture at all), a list of jobs that would need to be done, what it was worth and how quickly I would have to complete the purchase, to have moved in before a visit from a friend at the end of May. I called in to view the house again, on my way back to the north.

The day after was a bank holiday, then a weekend. Yesterday (Monday) was the first working day after my visit. It always strikes me as absurd how much money you spend on buying a house, and how little you know about it, it’s surroundings, micro-climate, neighbours etc. You can get more information when buying an inexpensive device or an item of clothing online! So, with discernment, past experience and trust in my instinct, I prepared to make an offer. It was not to be. Best laid plans and all that! At 10.30am the power went off and I also lost internet connection and water. None were restored until nearly midnight. It was the same in most of Portugal, Spain and parts of France.

There was no choice but to relax into it. I did drive to the local town to see if I could get any internet. But no, there was nothing! So, I got fuel in the one garage that was open. No cash-points were working, supermarkets were closed after an early run on supplies and schools were sending pupils home. I returned, read a book in the fabulous sunshine, had a walk and got the camping stove out to make supper. Thankfully, there was no problem staying warm, as it was 30 degrees.

Finally, after exercising considerable patience (as I viewed the property last Thursday), I finally spoke to the agent today to ask a few more questions and request purchase documentation, so I could get it checked by a professional. I submitted my offer this afternoon. I sense victory, but now I must wait.

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