*The village of Chumbaria is being lovingly restored by a UK couple using hempcrete blocks. Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinniss*

Restoring the Ruined Portugal Village of Chumbaria with Hemp

By Sarah McGuinness

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

When my husband, Steve, and I moved from the UK to Portugal’s Silver Coast, we certainly didn't plan on buying an entire ruined village. Our original idea was just a small house and an Airbnb conversion. But then Chumbaria caught my eye online—it was love at first sight! We bought the small cluster of derelict stone buildings for €200,000, and our epic renovation journey began.

Our goal was simple: bring this historic space back to life while prioritizing sustainability and honoring the buildings' past.

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*One of the ruined buildings in Chumbaria before being restored by the McGuinnesses. Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinness*

Americhanvre

South Bend Industrial Hemp

Hillside Center for Sustainable Living

Sativa Building Systems

CannaVision

US Heritage Group

Right Coast Hemp

Gradek Contracting and Design

*Hemp-lime (hempcrete) blocks from Alentejo-based supplier Canhamor were installed by local masons. Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinness*

A New Life for Old Barns

We’ve now completed Phase 1, transforming two old barns into unique, luxurious guest accommodations. Originally, these thick-walled stone structures served utilitarian purposes—storing olive oil, grain, and housing oxen. Now, they're holiday rentals, but the challenge was insulation and modernization.

We proudly worked with local builders and tradesmen but the biggest innovation was incorporating hempcrete blocks from Alentejo-based supplier Canhamor.

The renovation process preserved the original stone walls, securing them with a concrete ring beam. We left a 5 cm air gap between the old stone and the new hemp blocks. This allows the hemp to "breathe naturally," as well as providing a discrete space for installing wiring and pipes. While our initial plan was a smooth lime render, we changed our minds.

Once we saw the natural beauty of the hemp blocks, we decided to leave them exposed, highlighting the sustainable materials and craftsmanship. The rustic look is sympathetic to the building’s original purpose.

*Plastered and remodeled holiday rental insulated with hempcrete blocks. Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinness*

*The former barns have been remolded into a stylish holiday rental. Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinness*

Bison Biocomposites

Wyoming Hemp Co

High Desert Hemp Homes

Healthy Hemp Homes

The Hempcrete Difference: Function and Feel

We are absolutely delighted with the hempcrete blocks. The difference they've made is remarkable.

The results of using hempcrete have been remarkable, both functionally and for the guest experience.

The material has solved the common issues of dampness and drafts found in old stone buildings. No matter what the weather outside, inside both houses are warm in the winter, cool in the summer, very dry and very quiet.

But it’s the atmosphere the hempcrete creates that guests love most. Beyond the acoustic properties and year-round comfort, visitors appreciate the tranquility. Many have described the feeling of being inside as the buildings giving them a "hug.”

The quality of the construction and the commitment to sustainable materials haven't gone unnoticed. We were incredibly proud that our hempcrete houses were nominated for Building of the Year in Archdaily!

*Guests describe the holiday rentals at Chumbaria as so cosy they’re almost like “getting a hug.” Photo courtesy of Sarah McGuinness*

Welcoming Guests to Chumbaria

Since opening in 2024, our two properties have hosted over 400 guests, and we've achieved Superhost status on Airbnb. The unique hemp construction is a major talking point for us.

We have had many guests who have come to stay out of curiosity, which has increased our revenue considerably.

The success of Phase 1 has cemented our plans for the future. Having witnessed the remarkable benefits first hand, we are thrilled to announce that all eight of our remaining village houses will also be restored using hempcrete blocks.

We’re currently filming Series 5 of the BBC4 UK television show Help! We Bought a Village, which documents our journey. With planning permission for three more houses and a large barn for events and workshops already secured, we have plenty of ideas. Whether Chumbaria becomes a full rental village or a retirement community, one thing is certain: hempcrete will be the core of its new life.

You can visit and rent one of the hemp-renovated accommodations in Chumbaria HERE.