Our family is composed of Rogier (35), Annette (39), Noa (7), Isa (5) and Lea (4). We come from the North east of the Netherlands where we always lived on the country side. In the Netherlands we also were used to have a lot of around the house. We had a lot of animals and horses of course. We were nevertheless looking for  a new challenge.

Rogier, professional ceramist, had a shop and work shop where he gave lessons and workshops. Besides running the pottery he also a shoe  repair shop, did odd jobs working on and rebuilding houses. He also followed a course for making straw roofing.

I (Annette) was a teacher for about 17 years in primary education, what I did with a lot of pleasure.

But about 3 years we said to each other that if we ever would want to do something different, then now would be the time. When the children would leave primary school it would be to late.  So we started looking what different possibilities we had and which counties would be available. We saw many European countries except for Portugal, So three years ago we decided to spend a vacation there. It was love on first sight and the feeling grew stronger each visit. So we decided to sell our house and came to Portugal last year (2006).

Soon we found a beautiful quinta of about 4 ha. with meadows, forest and water. Ideal to keep all kinds of animals and to suit our plans. And plans we have many.