On a soft spring afternoon in Portugal’s rugged Alentejo, the air is scented with citrus and the temperatures are finally climbing. For many people, the balmy weather would be a cue to relax—but for the Brent-Berkuses, there is work to be done on the 18-acre farm they are stewarding on a remote stretch less than half an hour from the Spanish border.
Jeremiah Brent is at the wheel of his vintage orange Kubota tractor, hauling plants and soil for his new vegetable garden.
Nate Berkus is racing to fill barrels with ripe “Laranja-da-Bahia” oranges, trying to keep up with the surplus from the orchards.
Their son, Oskar, eight, lends a hand but is eager to take a dip in the checkerboard marble pool his dads reimagined from an old water tank.
Meanwhile, their daughter, Poppy, 11, is wandering through fields of French lavender, armed with a walkie-talkie, keeping an eye out for snakes, searching for peacocks, and hoping to run into her grandmother, who lives on the property.
A Family’s Labor of Love
The Brent-Berkuses’ farm is a bucolic homestead that showcases their love for nature and their desire to live a more self-sufficient life.
According to the report, the family spends their days tending to their vegetable garden, orchards, and livestock, and enjoying quality time together.
The Alentejo region of Portugal, where the farm is located, is known for its natural beauty and rich history, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and medieval castles.
The family’s decision to move to rural Portugal was likely influenced by the country’s mild climate, rich culture, and affordable cost of living.
A Typical Day on the Farm
A typical day on the farm begins early, with Jeremiah and Nate tending to their animals and gardens.
Their children, Oskar and Poppy, help out with various tasks, such as feeding the chickens and collecting eggs.
After a long day of work, the family enjoys a home-cooked meal together, often featuring fresh produce from their garden, under the warm glow of home lighting.
They are not only working on the farm but also connecting with nature and with each other.
The farm’s checkerboard marble pool is a popular spot for the family to relax and have fun, especially during the hot summer months.
A Growing Community
The Brent-Berkuses are not alone in their love for rural Portugal, as many other families and individuals have also made the move to the countryside.
According to officials, the Alentejo region has seen an increase in foreign investment and tourism in recent years, with many visitors drawn to the area’s natural beauty and rich history, similar to the appeal of rural California.
The Portuguese government has also implemented various initiatives to support rural development and sustainable agriculture in the region.
They have a unique character and charm, and the Brent-Berkuses’ farm is just one example of the many bucolic homesteads that can be found in rural Portugal.
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