Latest newsletter issues
Questions people ask
Where is Neos?+
Neos is in the Alentejo, Portugal: 75 minutes by car from Lisbon, 20 minutes from Montemor-o-Novo and 45 minutes from Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city. See on Google MapsRead: Neos Village →
How is Neos organised?+
Neos has two arms. Neos Center, the education, retreat and transformation arm, occupies the northern part of the land. Neos Village, on the southern part, is becoming home to 144 houses and 300 villagers with its own community center and farm. Explore the land on Google MapsRead: Neos Village →
How is Neos governed?+
The Center and the Village are separate legal entities. Neos Village will be owned and governed by its villagers using the practice of Sociocracy; Neos Center will sit under the Neos Foundation, with a board of trustees safeguarding its mission.Read: Neos Village →
Who is behind Neos?+
Co-founders Karen Aiyana Birch and Vincent Daranyi, who live full-time on the land and have invested their entire personal funds in the project. They are not romantic but mission partners, holding the yin and yang of Neos. They are working with a team of multi-disciplinary partners and co-creators. If this calls you, apply here.Read: Neos Village →
Who is Neos for?+
People of all backgrounds and ages, united by a commitment to personal evolution, wanting to live in nature and community as active contributors rather than consumers to a more beautiful and conscious world starting with themselves.Read: Neos Village →
What about childcare and schooling?+
Neos is designing a living school for children, a dedicated learning environment where empowerment, nature and real-world skills replace the traditional classroom. Children grow up free in nature, embedded in a multigenerational community that shares in their care and upbringing. More about Neos and familiesRead: Neos Village →
What is Neos not?+
Neos is not a hippie commune, not an escape from society, and not guru- or dogma-led. It seeks to integrate with the local environment and wider community. Beyond a shared commitment to consciousness and inner work, nothing is prescribed. Read "Neos is not for Everyone"Read: Neos Village →
What are the options for becoming a villager?+
You can become a villager through an application process where we get to know each other and feel into the alignment. House reservation deposits currently start from €52,500. Apply now.Read: Neos Village →
How much does a house cost?+
Neos Village is not a commercial development. House prices start at €175,000 and are currently offered at cost. Prices reflect significant infrastructure and communal facilities development costs that the 144 houses share across the 158 ha of village land. Prices increase as the project develops, rewarding early investors' support and commitment.Read: Neos Village →
When will the village be ready?+
Masterplanning is underway with the municipality, the relevant authorities and Turismo de Portugal. Permitting runs on two tracks: initial permits are expected in 2027, construction starts in 2028 and the first villagers arrive in early 2029.Read: Neos Village →
Do I own my house outright?+
Yes. Houses at Neos are bought with full legal ownership under Portuguese law, via a standard promissory contract (CPCV) followed by the deed.Read: Neos Village →
What does the €50 application fee cover?+
It confirms genuine interest and unlocks the full document set and calls with the team. It is credited towards any Neos retreat or experience.Read: Neos Village →
Can I rent my house out when I'm not there?+
Yes, you are encouraged to within the village's shared agreements. As with any touristic development and to ensure the integrity of communal life, Neos Village will manage the rental process for you.Read: Neos Village →