Artist Residencies at Terra Verde · 2026

During three weeks in late April and three weeks in early November 2026, Terra Verde opens as a small, focused base for self directed artist residencies in Central Portugal.

Terra Verde is a historic country house (solar in Portuguese) just outside the medieval town of Côja, in the heart of Central Portugal. Set between the forests of the Serra do Açor and the peaks of the Serra da Estrela, the estate opens onto 60 hectares of gardens, fields and ancient woodland, with quiet indoor rooms and generous outdoor spaces that make it easy to find your own corner to work, read or rest.

Restored with care to preserve its original character while adding modern comforts, Terra Verde offers strong spring water showers, comfortable beds and thoughtfully designed shared spaces that support both concentration and slow, spacious days in nature.

What the Residency Offers

Each residency is booked by the week.

Every 7 night stay includes:

A private bedroom in the main house (maximum 5 resident artists per week)
Shared, luxurious bathrooms with strong spring water showers and polished fixtures
Half board: 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, served buffet style any time between 8.00 and 16.00
Access to a vegetarian pantry for simple self catered dinners
Use of all indoor and outdoor work spaces, by agreement with the other residents
Pick up from Coimbra train or bus station

Evenings can be quiet and studio focused, or you can walk into Côja for cafés and local restaurants.

Who It Is For

These residencies are designed for:

Visual artists and illustrators
Photographers and lens based practitioners
Writers, poets and researchers
Sound and field recording artists
Movement based practitioners and performers who work without heavy equipment

In short, people who need time, space and a grounded rural setting to develop a project or body of work, rather than a fully programmed retreat.

Heavy machinery, toxic materials or large scale fabrication are not suitable for this residency.

Spaces To Work In

Residents are free to turn the house and estate into their studio, in conversation with the other artists staying that week.

Indoor options include the Green Hall, the Art Studio, the barn like Skills Shop, the dining hall and smaller lounges and corners that work well for writing, sketching or sound editing.

Outdoor options include terraces, patios, the linden tree area, gardens, game fields and a small river beach area with views of the hills.

Interior Spaces

Exterior Spaces

Getting Here and Moving Around

Pick up from Coimbra train or bus station is included in the residency fee
A 9 seater electric van is available for day trips and occasional transfers, charged at 1 € per kilometre for up to 8 people
Full details of how to reach Terra Verde by public transport, car or plane can be found here

Accommodation & Food

Up to 5 private bedrooms are available each week for resident artists
Beds can be arranged as double or twin, depending on your needs
Bathrooms are shared, spacious and finished to a high standard

Meals:

Local restaurants, cafés and bakeries in Côja are within easy reach for evenings out
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style from 8.00 to 16.00, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients
A vegetarian pantry is stocked for simple dinners you can prepare yourself when it suits your working rhythm