A Living Project, Not Just a Concept
Founded in 2012 and continuously operational. Real land, real farming, real community. We're not proposing retirement—we're living it, and inviting you to join.
Vision & Mission
13 Years of Operation
Since 2012, Active Retirement has operated as a real, functioning agricultural community. Our founders live here—not in distant offices. They manage the farm, participate in community governance, and welcome new members to a project already underway.
More Than a Development
We're not selling a retirement product or a real estate investment. We're opening doors to a cooperative, self-managed community built on three pillars: organic agriculture, nature conservation, and active aging alongside purpose and genuine belonging.
A European Model
Following the traditions of proven cohousing models across Northern Europe—Trabensol (Spain), Knarrenhof (Netherlands), Färdknäppen (Sweden)—we've adapted the model to Southern European agriculture and climate, creating something unique: agricultural cohousing under a certified Dark Sky.
Six Founding Values
Authenticity
No marketing veneer. We show the real project, the real people, the real challenges. Trust built through transparency, not promises.
Community
Self-governance, democratic decision-making, and shared responsibility. Not a managed property, but a cooperative where members build the culture together.
Sustainability
Organic certification, habitat protection, carbon-neutral operations. We're not extracting from the land—we're regenerating it.
Active Health
Retirement as engagement, not withdrawal. Farm work, stargazing, walking, socializing—purpose and movement as the foundation of wellbeing.
Alentejo Roots
Deep connection to this region's soil, history, and culture. Not importing an idea, but growing from local foundations.
Innovation
Testing new models for aging in Europe. Learning from cohousing pioneers while adapting boldly to climate, agriculture, and astronomy.
The Entity Behind the Project
Monte Ardila — Atividade Agrícola e Agropecuária, Lda is the legal entity managing the estate and the cooperative. Established to operate this specific land with full Portuguese regulatory compliance.
The Estate: Herdade Entre as Águas
100 hectares between the Guadiana and Lucefecit rivers in Alqueva, Alentejo. Certified organic, with active cattle, olive, and cork production. Home to a certified Dark Sky and Europe's richest steppe birdwatching habitat.
Explore the estate →Operational & Transparent
All operations run with Portuguese permits, European ecological certifications, and full GDPR compliance. Regular audits, transparent financials, and democratic member governance. We're not offshore or obscured—we're a real Portuguese business registered for public accountability.
Ready to Explore?
Visit the estate, meet the founders, and experience the project firsthand. Start with a short Experience Stay or ask questions with no obligation.
Visit the Estate