Our story so far…
In 2023, we decided we were done with city life and the rat race. We knew the way we were living was ultimately keeping us trapped and making us sick—both physically and emotionally.
It was time to make some big changes and take radical responsibility for our lives. So we began taking steps to move closer to our dream: an off-grid homestead and a more self-sufficient way of living.
We sold our home in the Midlands, UK, along with half our belongings, and spent the second half of 2023 on the road trip of a lifetime, travelling across the UK and Europe in Amber the Camper, our beloved VW T5. During this adventure, we began searching for the perfect plot of land to bring our dream to life.
By spring 2024, we discovered a beautiful organic quinta in the mountains of Central Portugal. That autumn, we moved onto our land, where we now live fully off-grid in Edith, our converted caravan, and are about to begin renovating a traditional Portuguese stone cottage to become our off-grid home.
Through our blog and Instagram, we’ve been documenting the real, raw story of this exciting new chapter. We hope you enjoy following along and learning with us as we navigate the challenges and joys of creating our off-grid homestead and glamping retreat.
You can read about our professional backgrounds below and explore our services, offerings, and products that support our lifestyle through the tabs on the homepage.
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A bit about me (Chloe)
I’ve spent nearly two decades working in the marketing industry, taking on a wide range of roles across advertising, graphic design, digital marketing, natural health and wellness, and the arts.
After becoming a mum over ten years ago, I stepped away from the corporate world to set up my own freelance consultancy. Since then, I’ve focused on helping individuals and small business owners reach their goals through strategic, thoughtful marketing support. I create marketing plans and guide clients on how to use their social media and other online platforms to raise awareness of their work and grow their businesses with confidence.
Much of my work now centres on Instagram, where I offer workshops, “power hours,” and one-to-one guidance for individuals, small businesses, and bloggers who want to make the most of the platform. I help them understand how Instagram can support visibility, creativity, community—and even open doors to new income streams.
Alongside my marketing work, I’m also working with a frequency healing device and embarking on a deep journey with frequency healing whilst supporting others who feel called to explore this modality for themselves.
If any of this resonates with you, feel free to get in touch via the form below—I’d love to chat and see how I can support you.
A bit about me (Jeff)
Inventor, Engineer, Designer—these have been the cornerstones of my 25-year professional career. I’ve worked for large international companies, delivering innovative product designs across a variety of industries. What drives me most is the design process—starting with a basic concept and transforming it into a tangible product. I achieve this through research, visualization, computer-aided design, and physical modeling. Each design is rigorously tested and evaluated, allowing me to refine and optimize it for manufacturing and successful product release. Over the years, I’ve designed numerous successful products, with three patents granted and one more pending.
After spending so many years working for companies, I had long considered working for myself but never leaped—until now. In 2024, I founded JSM Design and Engineering, based in Portugal. I aim to offer professional design services remotely and for local projects. Alongside my professional expertise, I bring a wealth of practical skills. Being a hands-on and creative person, I have always enjoyed building and renovation work. I am a competent handyman with experience in house renovations, garden landscaping, and creating structures ranging from treehouses to chicken coops. I recently took a tree pruning course and I am currently doing another in permaculture. With my combination of engineering knowledge, creativity, and my own tools, I can offer a comprehensive service for a wide range of projects.
As a family, we have achieved a lifelong dream of owning a beautiful Quinta in Portugal. My aim now is to find the perfect balance between life and work, enjoying the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions, both professionally, and personally.