The Gaia Project
Welcome to our journey of creating a sustainable, off-grid community in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. After years of seeking a more meaningful and intentional way of life, we, the Furneaux family, have set out on an exciting adventure to build a thriving, self-sufficient community with other worldschooling families. This program is all about stepping away from the conventional path and embracing a simpler, more balanced lifestyle, centered around nature, community, and autonomy.
Our journey began with the decision to leave the traditional hustle and bustle behind and explore alternative living options that align with our values. After spending 8 months in Morocco, we found our new home in Portugal, where we’ve partnered with other like-minded families who share the vision of living harmoniously with the land and each other.
Through this program, we aim to create a supportive, family-oriented environment that fosters learning, connection, and sustainable practices. Our off-grid community is built on principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and self-reliance, offering a blueprint for a life that prioritizes health, well-being, and freedom from the constraints of modern consumerism.
This journey to establishing an off-grid lifestyle is not without its challenges—learning to live in tune with nature, creating sustainable infrastructure, and building strong community bonds all require effort and dedication. But for us, this is an immensely rewarding path, filled with personal growth, shared experiences, and the satisfaction of knowing we are creating a better future for our families and the planet.
Through this program, we invite you to follow our progress as we document the trials and triumphs of setting up an off-grid community in Portugal. Whether you’re interested in sustainable living, worldschooling, homeschooling, or simply looking for inspiration to live a more intentional life, our journey offers insight into how to create a fulfilling lifestyle outside the traditional system.
Join us as we learn, grow, and create a new way of life—rooted in community, nature, and sustainability.
episodes
Episode 1
In this episode, we take you on an incredible adventure as the Furneaux family transitions from their 8-month stay in Morocco to a new chapter in the Algarve, Portugal. We’ve made the bold decision to start a sustainable, self-sufficient community with other like-minded worldschooling families, and this is just the beginning! Our vision is to build a life that embraces simplicity, balance, and connection with nature while fostering mutual support and a strong sense of community. This episode is all about the challenges, the triumphs, and the deeply rewarding experiences that come with creating a better life outside of the typical rat race. From finding the perfect land to settling into a new environment, and from overcoming obstacles to celebrating milestones, you’ll witness our journey in real time as we work towards a lifestyle of freedom, autonomy, and sustainable living. We share our story of moving away from the hectic demands of modern life and choosing to focus on what truly matters—raising our children with nature as their classroom, building strong relationships with other families, and growing a community that shares our values of self-reliance and support. If you’ve ever dreamed of living more intentionally, embracing worldschooling, or starting your own off-grid community, this is the journey for you! Come along as we embark on this exciting new chapter, balancing the practical aspects of worldschooling our children with the dream of living more in tune with the earth. Whether you’re interested in sustainable living, family travel, or community building, we hope our story inspires you to take the leap towards a more fulfilling, intentional way of life. Subscribe to follow our journey and get more content on living sustainably, homeschooling, and building community! Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!
Morocco to portugal, the journey begins
Episode 2
As everything was coming together nicely, it all started falling apart! In this episode follow our first week on the land, seeing the challenges we faced and the predicament we found ourselves in. Keeping a clear goal insight, and with no choice of failing, we buckled up and pushed on, determined and optimistic about finding the perfect solution. Do we find it? Watch this episode to find out. About The Gaia Project: The Gaia Project is a unique initiative aimed at building a self-sustaining community committed to living in harmony with nature. Located in the heart of nature, we focus on eco-friendly practices, sustainable living, and creating a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to thrive. Join us on our journey to transform how we live and interact with our environment. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our journey!
Is everything falling apart?
Episode 3
Plans are officially underway—but what exactly is The Gaia Project, and why are we doing this? In this episode, Digby and Katie spill the beans on their crazy dream to ditch the norm and build a community that’s completely off the beaten path (literally). Forget the typical school system—our kids have swapped classrooms for the great outdoors, and let’s just say the results have been wild in all the best ways. Take a walk with us as we explore the land, sharing our ambitious plans (and maybe a few mishaps) for each part of our future village. Families are already moving in, and it’s all starting to feel very real. Are we brave or just totally bonkers? We’re not sure, but we’ll leave it to you to decide! If you’ve ever dreamed of running away to live off-grid or want to know how we pulled this off on a small budget (spoiler: lots of DIY and a bit of luck), then you’ll want to stick around. Expect: A full tour of the land (yes, all of it!) The inside scoop on our community plans (including the bits that have us questioning our sanity) Proof that our kids are thriving without classroom walls (they’re loving it, we promise!) Curious about joining us or maybe even starting your own project? This episode is packed with inspiration, a few laughs, and plenty of real talk. Don’t forget to subscribe to see more of our off-grid antics! 🌱