Home - It Takes Dutch Courage

Welcome!

We’re Rene and Gaby. We are both Dutch, and moved to the UK in 2011. After 11 wonderful years there, and meeting the most wonderful people, both the country and we ourselves had changed so much that in 2022 we decided that it was time to start another part of our journey.

In February of 2023 we set off to Portugal to start something new. The first two years we lived in Espinho, just south of Porto. From here we started our house hunting journey.

After a lengthy process of almost 16 months, we are now ready to get moving into our new home situated on a plot of land of 17 hectares at the edge of the Serra da Estrela national park. We received the keys on the 22nd of November and are moving everything across before Christmas!

On this page we share our plans, DIY progress, successes and failures, our journey of learning how to grow stuff, and, of course, our beer brewing adventures! For friends and family, and anyone else who wants to come along. All fuelled by some home-brewed Dutch Courage… 😉

Blog: Read about our adventures

Follow us on YouTube: our second video is out today!

Since we moved, or even before, quite a few people...

The heat is on! And so is the pressure to make improvements…

First of all, happy new year, feliz ano novo dear...

We have moved! Now the real work begins!

The moment that we had been anticipating for so long...

And so it begins: the first two weeks of almost moving

As I’m writing this in Barcelona, where I am for...

Other stuff

Our Beer

ittakesdutchcourage

In '23 we moved from the UK to Portugal. We are renovating a wonderful home with 2 hectares of land in the Serra da Estrela 🌟

🎃 When life, or the friendly neighbour, gives y

🎃 When life, or the friendly neighbour, gives you lemons, or, well pumpkins,.... Make all sorts of pumpkin stuff!

🥳 This was a bit of a surprise pumpkin. I expected a very sweet and rather soft one, but got a stringy spaghetti squash instead. Not the best for jam, but still wanted to try and make some jam out of the 3.1kg in total of cut-up flesh!

🍯 600 grams went to jam, with a lovely blend of orange juice, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg.

🥘 600 grams, after roasting in the airfryer, was shredded and distributed over two tubs for some easy casserole filling.

🟧 The remaining 1.9kg was cut up in chunks and is now in the freezer too, for easy adding to curries and stews.

And this was but the smallest of the two we had!

We really need an oven though, because doing all of this in batches in the airfryer was.... A chore 😂

Bring on the new kitchen! Oh, we need to sort that ourselves.... 😂

#cooking #pumpkin #pumpkinjam #airfryerrecipes
#airfryer #kitchengoals

Words and pictures can only convey so much. We've

Words and pictures can only convey so much. We've had a few people request we share some videos and we were a bit reluctant to do so. It's a lot of work and we're not really TV stars, are we now?

But... We've decided to give it at least a try. Not to become any kind of influencers or YouTubers, but to share with mainly family and friends what we're up to and to give them a better idea of what we're working on, our challenges, successes and failures in a more engaged and more tangible way.

We have just published our first short video and have got another short one lined up for next week. After that they'll get a bit longer as we'll get into the details and the work of the renovation, and they'll also be a bit more personal and talking to the camera-ey.

We'll not be filming EVERYTHING probably as we simply don't have the time for that, and making these kinds of videos is a learning journey for us, so... Hopefully we'll get better at it soon!

Anyway, you can follow us on https://youtube.com/@ittakesdutchcourage and we hope you'll subscribe there too for our weekly updates!

#renovation #quintalife #portugal #youtubechannel #youtube #sustainability

First run of the year, second from the new home in

First run of the year, second from the new home in the books. All this at max 2km as the crow flies from home as I did a loop with our home basically in the centre.

It's good to have the trails at our doorstep again. These views, the diversity in paths, the quietness... Bring on a year of running and hiking! ❤️

#running #trailrunning #runningportugal #trailrunningportugal #trails #serradaestrela #serradaestrelanaturalpark

It has been a week since we moved into our new hom

It has been a week since we moved into our new home!

And what a week it has been. Lots figured out and lots to still figure out and get sorted. We don't have our central heating up and running yet, but we have used our two wood burners to the max. We don't have an internet connection yet, but we prepared with an unlimited data esim from Woo to keep us going...

On Monday we had the day off and worked hard to create two good living spaces: the kitchen and the living room. From Tuesday to Friday we both had to work full-time, but we still got stuff done in the lunch breaks and evening.

We've met quite a few of our neighbours already and everyone is really kind and helpful. We have pumpkins for years already!!!

The weekend we made a start with the outside, properly. Cutting back the massive Cherry tree that was blocking the phone cable (and then snapped it), and clearing out the messy pots and tubs the previous owners had put under the house.

There still is SO much to do, and with the nights being rather cold we hope the heating will be fixed soon, but we're settling in rather nicely and are getting into a rhythm.

Gaby is off the next two weeks and the weather is looking to be splendid, so a lot of outside SOS work will be done!

#DIY #portugal #movingtothecountryside #movingtoportugal #portugal #quinta #quintalife #houserenovation

While we are making the final preparations for the

While we are making the final preparations for the big move this weekend, have a read to find out what happened the last two weekends in our latest blog!

https://www.ittakesdutchcourage.com/2024/12/09/and-so-it-begins-the-first-two-weeks-of-almost-moving/

Copy paste, or go via main link in bio!

Almost all our boxes are now packed, and it's just the big ticket items left: washing machine, fridge freezer, sofas, armchairs and spinning bike.

We might be a bit busy but keep an eye on our Stories for some snapshots! 📸

#moving #movingtothecountryside #portugal #immigratingtoportugal #diy #movingdaytomorrow

Afternoon at the new home 🏡 Our main objectiv

Afternoon at the new home 🏡

Our main objective was to move as much of our stuff that was at the living floor to the attic and do a first round of very basic cleaning. We don't have electricity yet, nor warm water, so most of the cleaning was done with cold-ish water mixed with some warm water we brought from home in two big thermos bottles.

It was not extremely dirty, but it was very grimey, and next week we'll bring some more heavy duty material for that (still to buy), and by then we'll also hopefully have electricity.

We also bought a 100l boiler and need just some minor accessories to be able to mount and install it, so hopefully this Friday we'll have electricity, which should be activated Thursday at the latest, and with that warm water. We also hope to have internet as that will be installed on Friday afternoon.

The week after that we're planning to move across the last of our stuff...! It's going to be a very busy few weeks!

And so the adventures of DIY, land maintenance and

And so the adventures of DIY, land maintenance and so much more begin!!

Today we finally signed the deed and got the keys for our new home!

After 16 months we finally got to have a look inside again, and it is indeed all empty. With it being empty we could see there is a lot of work to do, and ideally we would have done a lot of that while not yet living there, but with our rental place terminating mid January now... It's going to be a very interesting time!

More to follow this or after the weekend. ❤️

Our latest blog is up, with some very good news!

New Blog out today! "When we've moved", so many s

New Blog out today!

"When we've moved", so many sentences start with this phrase... Find out the latest progress update and our favourite "`When we've moved" follow-ups here:

https://www.ittakesdutchcourage.com/2024/08/10/when-we-have-moved/

Another hard but wonderful day of hiking yesterday

Another hard but wonderful day of hiking yesterday.

The trail was called "the trail of the adventurous", and we could have known it'd be a challenge. Or 5.5 to 6-hour finish time was a BIT too optimistic 😂🤣

The path disappeared on us a few times (it was a route from the Council, but not sign posted) so we had to find some alternatives, and eventually took a shortcut taking off around 3-4km as well. And still it took us 7 hours (including two breaks) to make our way back to the car, covering 20.5 km.

Stunning views though, and the bit through the forest was quite the adventure with some technical bits.

Next week we're taking a week of rest from hiking probably, giving some more rest to the feet, and bottling the beer we brewed last week! 🍻

#hiking #hikingPortugal #outdoor #walking #walkingPortugal #Portugal #trails #trilhosecaminadas

What? A new blog? Yes! Does that mean we have the

What? A new blog? Yes!

Does that mean we have the house sorted?

As the title hints: no.

But, we do what to let people know what the problem and solution are, and why there's still no DIY content to enjoy!

Link below to copy paste for you!

https://www.ittakesdutchcourage.com/2024/07/03/update-on-our-house-purchase/

#portugal #immigrantsnotexpats #immigrantadventures #diy #diyprojects #housemove
#housesearch #buyingahouse #redtape #bureaucracy #waiting

Sometimes hikes aren't all stunning and perfect al

Sometimes hikes aren't all stunning and perfect all the way around...! But we just don't get to filming the bad parts because you want them over and done with 😂

Our 4 days in the Sierra Nevada 🇪🇦 were wonderful.
We did our biggest hike the day before we vacated our lovely AirBnB to drive up North to the Sierra de Gredos.

This hike, or a very similar version of it was a second chance of a hike we did in 2017. Back then we did a lot of trail running, but we weren't as experienced when it came to hiking perhaps. Back then we did this walk on a whim because the first bit felt too short, but we ended up being quite overwhelmed. Not enough to drink, quite technical bits...

So this time we brought enough water, sticks, snacks, bread and hats!

For the first half, the way up, we were rather pleased! Stunning views, clear paths, all was good!

The way back, however, was quite the struggle. Very overgrown, a lot more than in 2017 for sure, and we fought a lot of flies, mosquitos, and prickly bushes of many varieties... It took forever!!! There was no winning back the pace on the way down!

We estimated 4.5hrs, maybe 5, and were well on course for that when we reached the top, but ended up 6.5hrs 😂

When we were fighting the mosquitoes life wasn't great, but once we made it back and had a donut, on average, it was still quite a good hike!

#hiking
#hikingholiday #spainsierranevada #hikingfordays #outdoorlife #hikingspain #hikingspain🇪🇸 #hikingfun #outdooradventures #mountains #mountainhiking #spainhiking #

Wonderful hike in Las Alpujarras/Sierra Nevada ❤

Wonderful hike in Las Alpujarras/Sierra Nevada ❤️
🥾 21km
⬆️ 750m
⌚ 4hr57m (4hr39m moving time)
☀️ 21°
🏔️ 2233m above sea level

Tale of two halves, but both enjoyable. First half was divided in up in another halves: up and down. Lovely climbs through a varied landscape, to be blown away in a chilly wind at the top at 2233m. Turned out of the wind to begin out descent. Again varied and really great small trails.

We got 'down' with just under 9km to go, which was all on a wide sand road. Views were gorgeous but the lack of diversity in the path was heavy on the feet.

Success though. Just a bit tired. No blisters, no aches. Winning at holiday!

#hiking #spaintravel #spainhiking #sierranevada #spainsierranevada #outdoors #alpujarras #outdoorlife #hikingholiday #hikingfordays #outdooradventures

Today we did a shorter hike close to home at a 30-

Today we did a shorter hike close to home at a 30-minute drive. Back to the @serras.do.porto ! PR5 is a shorter one coming in at 12km. The trail is on the urban side of the park, so the views are mostly of the Porto region.

The path is getting a bit overgrown in places, which also means that quite a few markers weren't visible. Of course we had our @garminoutdoor watches to guide us, but sometimes it's nice to just not have to focus on the route. Maybe some checking needed, will drop them a note to check the route.

Pretty close to having completed most @serras.do.porto trails by now, only a few more to go!

Next week we hope to do the PR4 PRD of 26km (actually had it on the calendar for today, but the weather was a bit unpredictable) and maybe we get to do the GR62 in 3 stages as well with some overnight stops!

#hikingaroundporto #hiking #porto #portugal #serrasdoporto #hikingtrails #trails #outdoorlife #outdoorportugal #portugalhiking #trilhosecaminhadas #caminha #caminhada #hikingfun #trailsfordays

Another day, another walk! #pr15arouca We recentl

Another day, another walk!
#pr15arouca

We recently did a few non-PR walks, but they always end in proverbial tears: inaccurate GPX files, private land, dogs, disappearing trails... The PRs are where it's at.

@aroucageopark, just like @serras.do.porto, has NAILED all their routes. Signs, multiple starting locations, posts, information points...

To be fair, can't go wrong with this wonderful @unesco site.

The views are tremendous, the trails diverse, the villages wonderful, the people friendly, the grass green 💚, the heather purple 💜 and the skies blue 💙.

#portugalhiking #hiking #portugal🇵🇹 #outdoorlife
#mountains #serras #trilhosecaminhadas #trilhos #caminadas #caminha

Even when things don't go to plan, there's always

Even when things don't go to plan, there's always something nice to find!

We had planned to do a longer hike around Lapa dos Dinheiros, but our friends' car ran a flat tire and needed to be towed. They had planned to drive to Porto tomorrow, but... As we were going there anyway, we changed plans, took them with us today, of course, and found this wonderful stroll on the way back.

Great change from a more challenging snowy hike around Torre yesterday 😶😂

❤️ 🥾

#portugalhiking #trilhosecaminhadas #portugal #hiking #lovehiking #riotorto

We keep running on! No big build-ups, no half mara

We keep running on!
No big build-ups, no half marathon aspirations, just slowly building up the distance and not forcing anything. Wasn't the most energetic of runs for either of us, but we put 11.5km on the counter in 6.09min/km pace.

Hopefully enjoying the flat runs while they last too, as the hopeful move location is anything but flat.

We're still waiting on good news on the house purchase. When we made the offer back in August we were first scared into thinking it might be sorted in a month, but the opposite is turning out to be true. Every few weeks there's minor movement, and we're just waiting for the final shuffle.

🥾 18km ⬆️ 800m ⌚ 4h50m Portugal has so

🥾 18km
⬆️ 800m
⌚ 4h50m

Portugal has so many wonderful trails! This time we were around @aroucamunicipio @aroucageopark walking the 18km long PR1 - Caminhos do Montemuro.

Depending on which way around you are going, it has either an unforgiving up or downhill. For us, clockwise, it was up. No rest for the wicked!

We set off around 12, had lunch near the top and got back just before 5pm.

The route as advertised on their official website isn't entirely correct, and we recommend you simply use the trail markers which are well-placed 85% of the time as that will navigate you around a bit of maintenance road for the windmills at the top.

It was on our list for a while, but reminded of it by @trilhosecaminhadas a few weeks ago, so put it on the "really have to do it soon!"-list.

#portugal #portugalhiking #hiking #hikingportugal #trilhos #trilhosecaminhadas #Arouca #aroucageopark

Absolutely wonderful to see the gorgeous ladies @c

Absolutely wonderful to see the gorgeous ladies @caroline_chapman_10 and H, who, in true teenager fashion, refuses pictures, in Porto this week ❤️

The predicted weather was shit, but we were strolling through this gorgeous city without jackets, the vinho verde tasted wonderful sat at Ribeira and we regretted not bringing sunscreen 😂☀️❤️

Another gorgeous hike in @serras.do.porto yesterda

Another gorgeous hike in @serras.do.porto yesterday ❤️

We went with the PR8 PRD today, advertised as around 19km. We didn't know yet we could download the .gpx tracks from the official website (stupid!!!) so we used someone else's from @alltrails as guidance. It wasn't the best for a 100% accurate PR8 follow, but served well as a rough plan until 2/3 in when we missed a marker.

Added around 2km to our route taking in some parts of the PR4, so in the end we got back to the car with 21km on our watches.

Want to give these hikes a go yourself? Have a look here: https://dev-trailexplorer.primelayer.pt/percursos

You can also download the GPX files from there!!

#Porto #portugal #portugalhiking #hikingaroundporto #hikingportugal #outdoorlife #walking #hillwalking #serrasdoporto #trilhasecaminhadas

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