Woodworking and Restoration with Goncalo
Slow down in rural Portugal alongside master woodworker Gonçalo. Develop your skills in listening to the grain and behavior of wood as you explore traditional joinery, restore antique furniture, and learn to prepare natural adhesives and finishes that ensure your pieces last for generations. Outside the studio, immerse yourself in the peaceful Portuguese countryside, cycling through vineyards, wandering peaceful fields, and savoring the slow pace of life.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Breakfast
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1530
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $660
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $400
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $250
Meet the Artist
Gonçalo is a master woodworker specializing in fine woodworking and furniture restoration. With over 30 years of experience, his craft is deeply rooted in respect for wood’s natural rhythm and stories. His guiding philosophy is that “wood teaches us how to listen,” a patient, mindful approach that preserves the memories within each piece while inviting new stories to be carved into its grain.
He specializes in traditional Portuguese woodworking techniques, including tongue-and-groove joinery without nails, marquetry (embutido), carving (talha), and gilding. Whether restoring an heirloom or designing a new piece, Gonçalo approaches every detail with intention. In his studio, nestled among Portugal’s olive groves and vineyards, he crafts varnishes, waxes, and patinas from ancestral recipes—finishes that enhance the wood’s natural character. This eco-conscious commitment preserves the material’s integrity while honoring tradition.
Gonçalo’s creative process blends history with modern design, ensuring every joint and curve is built to last and tells a story. Sharing this craft is a natural extension of his love for storytelling and hands-on learning. He believes woodworking is more than a technique; it is a dialogue between maker, material, and past. Through the language of wood, Gonçalo invites you into a conversation with tradition and a chance to discover history and something new about yourself.
He specializes in traditional Portuguese woodworking techniques, including tongue-and-groove joinery without nails, marquetry (embutido), carving (talha), and gilding. Whether restoring an heirloom or designing a new piece, Gonçalo approaches every detail with intention. In his studio, nestled among Portugal’s olive groves and vineyards, he crafts varnishes, waxes, and patinas from ancestral recipes—finishes that enhance the wood’s natural character. This eco-conscious commitment preserves the material’s integrity while honoring tradition.
Gonçalo’s creative process blends history with modern design, ensuring every joint and curve is built to last and tells a story. Sharing this craft is a natural extension of his love for storytelling and hands-on learning. He believes woodworking is more than a technique; it is a dialogue between maker, material, and past. Through the language of wood, Gonçalo invites you into a conversation with tradition and a chance to discover history and something new about yourself.
VAWAA Includes:
- Discover the core principles of craftsmanship and mindful care essential for creating long-lasting objects.
- Learn traditional wood joinery techniques alongside restoration methods for chairs, furniture, and antique wooden structures.
- Gain a deep understanding of wood as a material—its behavior, grain, and unique characteristics—while working with natural waxes like Cera de Abelhas Natur to preserve both wood and leather.
- Prepare natural glues, pigments, and traditional finishes using ancestral recipes that honor heritage and sustainability.
- Explore the centuries-old salt production at Salinas de Rio Maior, nestled in a beautiful natural park.
- Savor a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby village “tasca,” with dishes like bacalhau à Brás or pork with clams.
- Cycle through quiet countryside roads, vineyards, and fields, or join a guided hike around Quebradas for panoramic views and fresh air.
Stay at Goncalo's
Stay in a newly renovated village house just steps from Gonçalo’s studio. This cozy, simple two-floor home accommodates up to six guests and offers a genuine rural Portuguese experience. It has two single bedrooms and one shared room for two (accessed by stairs), plus two bathrooms shared among guests. The house features a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, and a quiet backyard. For your comfort, there’s pellet heating and free Wi-Fi.
For a more affordable option, there’s an apartment within the atelier grounds where three very friendly dogs warmly greet you. It includes one shared bedroom for two guests, one bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area, plus access to a garden and swimming pool. Equipped with a pellet stove, washing machine, and free Wi-Fi, it’s surrounded by olive trees and nature—perfect for relaxing, reflecting, or continuing your craft beyond workshop hours. Let us know if you prefer to book this option.
Both options sit on a quiet street just 3 km from Alcoentre—with daily buses to Lisbon—and provide a peaceful retreat after a day of hands-on learning. Bicycles are available for exploring the countryside, and the slow village pace invites you to relax, connect, and create.
For a more affordable option, there’s an apartment within the atelier grounds where three very friendly dogs warmly greet you. It includes one shared bedroom for two guests, one bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area, plus access to a garden and swimming pool. Equipped with a pellet stove, washing machine, and free Wi-Fi, it’s surrounded by olive trees and nature—perfect for relaxing, reflecting, or continuing your craft beyond workshop hours. Let us know if you prefer to book this option.
Both options sit on a quiet street just 3 km from Alcoentre—with daily buses to Lisbon—and provide a peaceful retreat after a day of hands-on learning. Bicycles are available for exploring the countryside, and the slow village pace invites you to relax, connect, and create.
Explore Alcoentre
Quebradas, a quiet village in Alcoentre just outside Lisbon, offers a charming retreat into Portugal’s rural heartland. Located in the Ribatejo region, it is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, providing a peaceful glimpse of traditional countryside life. Gonçalo’s studio is set in a classic Portuguese home with a backyard full of fruit trees and three friendly dogs. Nearby, the town of Rio Maior is home to the Salinas da Fonte da Bica, Portugal’s only inland salt pans still in operation, dating back to the 12th century. The area, part of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, offers rich geological and cultural heritage, reflecting the community’s enduring bond with nature. Quebradas’s proximity to Lisbon makes it ideal for guests seeking tranquility and authentic cultural experiences without sacrificing convenience. Whether exploring nature or village life, Quebradas offers a genuine taste of Portuguese countryside charm and tradition.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Quebradas is during spring and summer (April-October).
Children 8 years and older accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. The studio is on the ground floor, but please note the bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.
Gonçalo speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
Children 8 years and older accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. The studio is on the ground floor, but please note the bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.
Gonçalo speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English.