Interview with Helder Farm Studios

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Esmee, and I’m a photographer and creative person with a big love for storytelling, aesthetics and food. After graduating from the Dutch Photo Academy in Amsterdam, I spent a few years traveling and gathering inspiration that now shapes my work and life. In Portugal I created a farmstay where art, nature and hospitality come together. Living close to the land made me fall in love with growing food and spending more time outside turned cooking into a new creative passion. These days I spend my time hosting retreats, photographing, working in the garden and cooking with whatever the farm gives us.

How did you start Helder Farm Studios?

I always dreamed of living abroad. When Laurens and I met, we realised we both wanted a life closer to nature. We started imagining living on a piece of land in Portugal where we could build something together and also host people and creative events. That idea slowly turned into what is now Helder Farm Studios.

What feeling do you hope to create for guests when they visit?

We hope people can really reconnect with themselves. Life is so busy, everyone is always in a rush. We want Helder to feel like a place where you can slow down, breathe, enjoy nature and feel inspired again. A little reset.

How did your passion for slow living begin?

I think it started when I travelled through Australia at 17. I spent about 2.5 years there, part of it in a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser with a rooftop tent. I loved the outdoor adventure of driving wherever we wanted to go and working on farms along the way. I worked on different farms,and even though it wasn’t always amazing, I loved living so close to nature. I think that’s where the seed for slow living was planted.

Why Portugal?

I had visited Portugal a few times before meeting Laurens, but he had been here often for surf trips and always said he wanted a small place here one day. We had only known each other for a few months when I told him, “Why not just look?” That small conversation made us dream even more, and around nine months later we decided to actually look for land. It all happened very naturally.

Do you ever miss the city life?

Not really. When I’m back in the city, I do really enjoy it, the restaurants, museums, my friends and family. But after a few days I’ve had enough. I’m always happy to go back to the farm. I like that my home is located in nature and that I can visit the busy city life when I want to or feel like it.

All-time favourite breakfast?

A yoghurt bowl with homemade granola and fresh fruit. Or fresh eggs from our chickens with cottage cheese and avocado. I love both.

Best thing about living on a farm?

Waking up here. The quiet mornings, the birds, the sunlight, the fresh air and having the animals around. It gives such a calm start to the day.

What inspires you?

Nature inspires me the most — the seasons, the light, the colours and the food that grows around us. Also the people I meet through retreats and staying with us. Simple things inspire me a lot.

Most memorable table or retreat you’ve ever created?

The beach picnic we created with Yohan Irani. We set up a small table on the sand with scones and homemade jam. It was simple but very special.

Sweet or savoury breakfast?

Sweet, but I’m trying to eat more savoury in the mornings.

Coffee or tea?

Tea. I always start and end my day with tea. I didn’t drink coffee for a few years, but now I enjoy one or two cups a day. Still, tea stays my favourite.

Morning ritual you can’t live without?

I’m a morning person. I need to move my body first thing—either a gym workout, pilates or yoga on the outdoor deck. After that I make myself breakfast, walk the dogs and feed the animals. It’s the routine that sets the tone for my day.

One tip to make a simple weekday meal feel special?

Use seasonal veggies and keep it simple. You don’t need complicated recipes. Just take the time to cook something nourishing for yourself. It shouldn’t feel like you have to do it, but try to make it a moment to enjoy.

A childhood food or table memory you still cherish?

Pasta was always one of my favourites when I was younger. When I visited my grandpa, he would make spaghetti bolognese  which I loved. And at my other grandma’s house, she always made macaroni and sometimes her tomato and chicken soup with. Those simple meals still feel very nostalgic to me.

Your golden rule for a beautiful table?

Keep it simple. Good linen, nice plates, candles and some flowers. That already makes a table feel warm and inviting.

Any tips for people who dream of starting something abroad?

Just try it. I really believe in going after the life you want. Do your research, talk to people who’ve done something similar and be prepared for challenges. It won’t always be easy, but if it feels right for you, go for it.

If you could set a dream table anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Oeh, a hard question — there are so many beautiful places in the world. But I think it would be a long table in the middle of a sunflower field somewhere in France. Surrounded by yellow fields, good food and friends… that would be a dream.