Traditional Dream Factory

Alentejo, Portugal

Regenerative village using blockchain and token-based stewardship. Real estate owned by nature and governed by residents. 280 token holders, €1.25M+ raised, 25ha land restoration

Key facts

  • Country: Portugal
  • Region: Alentejo
  • Founded: 2021
  • Members: 280
  • Land size: 25 hectares
  • Governance model: DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) with weighted voting based on tokens, presence, and contribution
  • Economy model: Token sales funding development, member loans, future hospitality/restaurant income. Work-for-tokens program for team members
  • Ownership model: Token-based commons held by Swiss nonprofit, blockchain governance
  • Land tenure: Land held in trust by Swiss nonprofit, governed by DAO
  • Legal structure: OASA Association (Swiss nonprofit)
  • Membership status: Open
  • Status: active

About

Regenerative village using blockchain and token-based stewardship. Real estate owned by nature and governed by residents. 280 token holders, €1.25M+ raised, 25ha land restoration

Full description

Traditional Dream Factory (TDF) is an experimental regenerative village in Alentejo, Portugal, founded in 2021-2022. The project converts a former industrial chicken farm into a co-living, co-working, and event space while regenerating 25 hectares of surrounding land through agroforestry.

TDF pioneered a token-based ownership model where one token equals one night's stay. The project aims to flip traditional real estate development by creating spaces where people build belonging and stewardship rather than extraction. The land is held by a Swiss nonprofit, with governance through a DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) where token holders vote on major decisions.

The community embraces 'land-based nomadism' - allowing people to move globally while maintaining a reliable base to return to. It combines Burning Man culture values (radical inclusion, immediacy, co-creation) with serious land regeneration and modern technology infrastructure.

As of 2025, TDF has 277 token holders and runs programs including month-long residencies, three-month stewardship programs, and a six-month co-housing onboarding process. The project vision spans 1000 years, with all tokens as one-way entries to the commons - non-refundable and designed to keep land permanently in collective stewardship.

Research summary

Traditional Dream Factory (TDF) in Portugal is a vibrant community focused on regeneration and collaboration, founded in the repurposed structure of an old chicken factory. Community members participate actively in infrastructure projects, work collaboratively on daily tasks, and foster a strong sense of belonging through shared experiences. Tias, Julia, and Tonya Gorman emphasize the importance of community activities, emotional check-ins, and the necessity of support for the project to thrive. TDF is characterized by its commitment to sustainability, with plans including the renovation of facilities to support collective living and dining spaces that engage with outside visitors. The community is a living example of how individuals can come together to prioritize communal goals over personal ambitions, despite challenges often arising from interpersonal dynamics.

Themes

Quotes from members

Sustainability actually isn't an individual thing that like, sustainability and moving towards… not destroying the earth actually requires a collective effort.

Tonya Gorman

Every day actually starts the same. We come down to the centre space, we have breakfast all together, and then we do our collective stand up. We check in emotionally, and then we distribute tasks for the day and for the week.

Julia

I wanted this energy to be able to serve my multiple goals and to, like, also allowing something to grow bigger than just money exchange.

Tias

Timeline

2020
Sam arrived in Portugal during COVID, began searching for land.
2021
September: first visit to the property; concept and name emerged.
2022
April: moved onto the land, began infrastructure setup.
2022
September: hosted first major event 'Rebuild' with 100+ people.
2023
Began selling tokens as primary funding mechanism. Token launch failed in August despite tens of thousands spent on marketing; entire team left as cash ran out. Founder Sam Delesque resumed leadership in September after having stepped down as director earlier in the year.
2024
Started issuing member loans; raised €400,000. New land managers Ofer and Mika consolidated years of permaculture work into a unified masterplan that became TDF's guiding development plan.
2025
Acquired 25 hectares of surrounding land for co-housing development.
2025
Total capital raised: €1.2 million, 277 token holders.
2025
Water table rose from 20 metres below ground in previous years to 3 metres after years of water conservation work. 1.2 million litres of rainwater storage capacity built across multiple lakes, ponds, and a 500m3 reinforced concrete pool used as irrigation reserve.
2026
Series of European storms with 300% rainfall anomaly caused infrastructure damage. Project launched a 4-stage capital raise to consolidate assets under the company, install solar across the roofs, build a licensed restaurant, and complete hospitality suites.
2026
Founder Sam Delesque stepped back from speaking engagements following a serious health diagnosis.

Research insights (96)

  • Living in community requires individuals to let go of strong individualistic tendencies, suggesting that a collective mindset is essential for successful participation in the community. (Luna) [belonging]
  • The community follows a seasonal rhythm that includes periods of intense activity followed by phases for reflection, indicating a structured approach to balance work and integration. (Luna) [culture]
  • Members experience a gradual process of commitment that involves introspection and balancing personal needs with community service, revealing that belonging requires significant personal development and sacrifice. (Luna) [belonging]
  • The community emphasizes a collaborative leadership model where individuals learn and grow through shared responsibilities, highlighting the importance of continuous personal development in community roles. (Luna) [governance]
  • The community embraces a model where land is considered self-sovereign, promoting the idea that stewardship and long-term care of the land is more valuable than conventional ownership, which often leads to exploitation. (Sam) [joining]
  • The community aims to foster a sense of belonging and stewardship among its members by creating spaces where individuals can build a connection to the land, rather than simply treating it as a commodity. (Sam) [belonging]
  • Sam emphasizes creating a sustainable economic model through blockchain-based tokenized ownership, which allows for non-speculative, straightforward access to resources while engaging in long-term stewardship of the land. (Sam) [money]
  • Tonya asserts that the community's nomadic and transient nature is appealing, encouraging members to commit while allowing for personal autonomy and flexible participation. (Tonya Gorman) [joining]
  • Cultural practices in the community include simple rituals that emphasize gratitude and communal gathering, reinforcing relational ties and a sense of shared purpose among members. (Tonya Gorman) [culture]
  • The community fosters a sense of belonging through active participation in land stewardship and collective decision-making, emphasizing emotional investment and recognition of individual contributions. (Tonya Gorman) [belonging]
  • Tonya claims that financial barriers often inhibit the formation of intentional communities, suggesting a need for creative economic models and communal resource pooling to facilitate collaborative living. (Tonya Gorman) [money]
  • Conflict resolution practices focus on proactive communication and creating safe spaces for dialogue, utilizing check-ins, shared circles, and allyship to address tensions immediately before they escalate. (Tonya Gorman) [conflict]
  • The community embraces decentralized governance, integrating blockchain technology to enhance decision-making processes, aiming for transparency and shared ownership that could mitigate common governance failures. (Tonya Gorman) [governance]
  • Tias identifies dealing with interpersonal conflicts as both the biggest challenge and a central purpose of the community, emphasizing growth through these experiences. (Tias) [conflict]
  • The community fosters a sense of belonging by pooling resources and energies towards collective goals, enhancing interpersonal connections among its members. (Tias) [belonging]
  • Tias expresses a desire to engage in a model of resource exchange that prioritizes community and relational values over monetary gain, indicating a shift toward a more collaborative economy. (Tias) [money]
  • The decision-making process in the community emphasizes collaboration, with a focus on building trust and communication among members to navigate conflicts and challenges effectively. (Tias) [governance]
  • Julia acknowledges that living in community presents challenges, particularly in maintaining personal boundaries and addressing her own tendencies to withdraw during difficult times, suggesting conflict arises from personal differences and the need for emotional transparency. (Julia) [conflict]
  • Julia expresses the importance of supporting others in becoming part of the community and actively engaging them in projects, suggesting that the community aims to inspire both its members and outsiders for broader social impacts. (Julia) [joining]
  • The community fosters a strong sense of belonging through daily collective rituals such as shared meals and emotional check-ins, which help members to reinforce their interpersonal connections and support systems. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Julia highlights the blend of modernity and traditional community values as a key element that attracted her to the Traditional Dream Factory, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging and shared values in contemporary society. (Julia) [culture]
  • The community's existing infrastructure and moderate scale attract members, encouraging a sense of being part of a significant project that could inspire broader change beyond the immediate group. (Julia) [joining]
  • Julia emphasizes that the community provides a persistent presence of supportive individuals, which aids her personal growth and challenges her prior habits of withdrawal. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Daily rituals such as group breakfasts and collective stand-ups serve as bonding opportunities that enhance team dynamics and support shared values. (Julia) [culture]
  • Tias emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships within the community, stating that this connection is foundational to why he chose to remain and contribute to the community. (Tias) [belonging]
  • The community practices collective decision-making through daily check-ins and task distributions, fostering emotional awareness and shared responsibility among members. (Julia) [governance]
  • Tias expresses a desire to redirect energy from creating wealth for individuals to supporting collective goals that transcend monetary exchange. (Tias) [money]
  • Tias highlights that the biggest challenge in the community is managing interpersonal relationships and conflicts, which he views as a central aspect of community life and growth. (Tias) [conflict]
  • Luna notes that leadership roles within the community are dynamic, implying a participatory approach that allows for personal and collective growth. (Luna) [governance]
  • The community aligns its rhythms and activities with natural seasons, promoting reflection and integration during winter periods as part of their cultural practice. (Luna) [culture]
  • Luna claims that living in community accelerates personal growth and self-awareness, presenting both challenges and opportunities for addressing boundaries and emotional labor. (Luna) [conflict]
  • The community prioritizes trust-building through visible progress and shared experiences, which fosters deeper connections over time. (Luna) [belonging]
  • Luna emphasizes that community living requires a commitment to collective well-being over individualism, indicating that not everyone is suited for this lifestyle due to its demanding nature. (Luna) [belonging]
  • The community emphasizes long-term ecological stewardship and advocates for a fundamental shift in societal rules regarding land ownership and use. (Sam) [governance]
  • The project's economic model is designed to be transparent and equitable, with a focus on long-term stewardship rather than short-term profit motives. (Sam) [money]
  • Tonya asserts that traditional ownership models hinder community building, and advocates for more creative, collective economic solutions, such as pooling resources and utilizing alternative systems like blockchain. (Tonya Gorman) [money]
  • The community employs a blockchain token system that facilitates land use rights, emphasizing non-speculative ownership models and liquid participation. (Sam) [joining]
  • Tonya highlights the importance of simple rituals, such as communal meals and gratitude practices, which help create a sense of connection and serve as regular touchpoints for community bonding. (Tonya Gorman) [culture]
  • The community aims to create spaces that foster a sense of roots and stewardship among digital nomads, promoting belonging and responsibility towards the land. (Sam) [belonging]
  • She believes that people need to feel seen, valued, and trusted to foster commitment to the community, suggesting that relationship-building is fundamental in facilitating deeper connections. (Tonya Gorman) [belonging]
  • Tonya discusses that effective conflict resolution in the community relies on transparency, emotional support, and immediate response to issues, fostering a culture of openness. (Tonya Gorman) [conflict]
  • The community aims to welcome volunteers and individuals who share their vision, indicating a commitment to fostering new relationships and integrating diverse perspectives while maintaining shared goals. (Tias) [joining]
  • Conflict resolution practices involve regular check-ins and creating spaces for sharing, which help preempt misunderstandings and promote trust within the community. (Tonya Gorman) [governance]
  • Tias illustrates a culture of inclusivity and support, where individuals come together to build trust and strong interpersonal relationships, reinforcing a sense of collective belonging. (Tias) [belonging]
  • Tonya emphasizes the community's focus on decentralized governance, where blockchain technology is integrated to address historical governance issues that have led to conflicts in other communities she has experienced. (Tonya Gorman) [governance]
  • Tias expresses a desire to operate outside conventional economic models by focusing on collective goals rather than individual profit, viewing their work as contributing to a broader purpose. (Tias) [money]
  • The community recognizes interpersonal challenges as both a significant hurdle and an integral aspect of the learning process, promoting communication and conflict resolution among members. (Tias) [conflict]
  • Tias emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork within the community, reflecting a collective decision-making and support structure rather than top-down authority. (Tias) [governance]
  • Julia acknowledges the challenges of living in community, particularly the emotional labor involved in constant interpersonal visibility, which fosters personal growth alongside the struggles of vulnerability and boundary-setting. (Julia) [conflict]
  • Julia expresses that while the infrastructure exists, the community is still evolving, allowing for participation and input from members in building and shaping the space, which encourages a culture of collaboration and initiative. (Julia) [joining]
  • Daily communal activities, like collective breakfasts and check-ins, are core practices that reinforce emotional connections and accountability among community members, fostering a sense of unity and support. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Julia emphasizes the significance of combining modernity with core community values, highlighting a revival of lost cultural connections and a sense of belonging within the Traditional Dream Factory. (Julia) [culture]
  • Simple rituals, such as communal meals and gratitude expressions, are highlighted as mechanisms that foster connection and appreciation within the community, reflecting a culture that values both joy and depth. (Tonya Gorman) [culture]
  • Tonya reflects on the collective financial challenges faced by potential community builders, advocating for creative economic models that leverage existing resources instead of relying solely on individual ownership. (Tonya Gorman) [money]
  • Tonya asserts that feeling seen, valued, and trusted is crucial for individuals deciding to commit to the community, highlighting that relationships form the core of a cohesive community. (Tonya Gorman) [belonging]
  • The community emphasizes proactive conflict resolution through regular check-ins and open discussions, ensuring that issues are addressed as they arise to prevent escalation and maintain trust among members. (Tonya Gorman) [conflict]
  • Tonya discusses the importance of transparent decision-making and governance protocols within the community, emphasizing the use of blockchain to potentially enhance equitable participation and reduce conflicts arising from traditional ownership structures. (Tonya Gorman) [governance]
  • Sam’s experience of burnout and return to the project reflects the personal toll of community leadership and the importance of resilience and support systems in managing conflict and emotional labor. (Sam) [conflict]
  • There is an emphasis on long-term thinking and stewardship principles within the community, indicating a desire for governance structures that reflect these values rather than conventional political frameworks. (Sam) [governance]
  • Julia reflects on her journey of integrating into the community, acknowledging both the challenges of maintaining her individuality and the necessity of engaging with collective decision-making. (Julia) [joining]
  • Julia talks about the collaborative approach to task distribution within the community, where members check in emotionally and allocate responsibilities together during meetings. (Julia) [governance]
  • The community employs a tokenized ownership model to facilitate equitable access to land use, allowing for flexibility in usage without falling into speculative practices. (Sam) [money]
  • Julia notes that the presence of others in the community serves as a continual source of accountability and emotional support, challenging her tendency to withdraw in times of difficulty. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Sam asserts that the community operates on a self-sovereign model of land ownership where members act as stewards rather than traditional owners, which requires a long-term commitment to ecological principles. (Sam) [joining]
  • Julia emphasizes the importance of daily collective practices, like group breakfasts and stand-ups, as crucial for fostering connections and emotional awareness among community members. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Tias articulates a commitment to the communal effort, stating that the collective nature of the community provides a sense of belonging and support, which he values highly. (Tias) [belonging]
  • Julia describes the Traditional Dream Factory as a modern community that embodies core values of tribal culture and collaboration, contrasting it with the disconnection she perceives in wider society. (Julia) [culture]
  • The community aims to foster a sense of belonging for individuals who often feel rootless as digital nomads, creating spaces that encourage stewardship and connection to the land. (Sam) [belonging]
  • The community's lifestyle is structured around seasonal rhythms that create mini chapters of intensity followed by reflection, integrating natural cycles into their culture. (Luna) [culture]
  • Tias describes a shift in focus from personal financial gain to collective goals, indicating a desire for economic practices that prioritize community benefit over profit. (Tias) [money]
  • Luna describes living in community as a transformative experience that acts as a mirror, where personal boundaries are tested and necessary for both personal and communal well-being. (Luna) [conflict]
  • The community operates with a deliberate rhythm, marked by intense work periods followed by reflection and integration phases, fostering collective growth. (Luna) [governance]
  • Luna emphasizes that community living requires specific traits and a significant shift from individualism, highlighting the importance of letting go of personal autonomy for collective service. (Luna) [belonging]
  • The community faces typical challenges related to interpersonal relationships, highlighting that conflict resolution and support are crucial components of their communal life. (Tias) [conflict]
  • Tias emphasizes the community's need to address interpersonal challenges as central to their governance, showcasing an environment focused on conflict resolution and support. (Tias) [governance]
  • Sam believes that effective governance should focus on long-term stewardship principles, indicating a need for decision-making structures that reflect ecological and communal values rather than conventional political approaches. (Sam) [governance]
  • The community employs a non-speculative tokenized ownership model that allows for equitable access to resources and stability, framing economic participation in terms of rights to stay rather than financial transactions. (Sam) [money]
  • Sam envisions a model of land ownership that transcends traditional notions of property rights, emphasizing self-sovereignty and stewardship over mere ownership. The blockchain token model is a way to facilitate participation without speculation or competition. (Sam) [joining]
  • The community is designed to facilitate a sense of belonging among its members through creating spaces that foster stewardship and connection to nature. This supports the idea of providing roots for nomadic individuals. (Sam) [belonging]
  • Through their experiences in community, Luna acknowledges that living together acts as a catalyst for personal introspection and boundary setting, illustrating the emotional labor necessary for managing interpersonal dynamics. (Luna) [conflict]
  • The community lives in alignment with seasonal rhythms, incorporating reflection and integration periods, which serve as a framework for both individual and collective development throughout the year. (Luna) [culture]
  • The community focuses on long-term growth and change, paralleling natural cycles, which enhances trust among members by providing visible evidence of progress and development within the community. (Luna) [trust]
  • Luna emphasizes that community living requires a significant shift from individualism to a more service-oriented mindset, which can be challenging and necessitates a certain type of person who is willing to let go of personal priorities for collective harmony. (Luna) [belonging]
  • Simple rituals and shared practices, such as communal meals and gratitude gatherings, are essential in cultivating connection and shared values among community members. (Tonya Gorman) [culture]
  • The essence of belonging in the community is enhanced through individuals feeling seen, valued, and trusted, with an emphasis on creating an inclusive environment for all members. (Tonya Gorman) [belonging]
  • Tonya asserts that financial sustainability requires collective effort and creativity, emphasizing the need to move beyond individual ownership dynamics to unlock potential communal resources. (Tonya Gorman) [money]
  • Conflict resolution within the community relies on immediate and open communication, as well as creating spaces for collective conversations to address issues before they escalate. (Tonya Gorman) [conflict]
  • The community employs blockchain technology as a potential solution to governance issues, encouraging transparency and decentralization to prevent conflicts common in other communities. (Tonya Gorman) [governance]
  • Tias feels a strong connection to the community's values and collective goals, illustrating a deep sense of belonging that motivates his participation and commitment. (Tias) [belonging]
  • Tias expresses a desire to move away from traditional economic models focused on individual gain, advocating for a system where energy and resources are pooled for the collective benefit instead. (Tias) [money]
  • Tias identifies interpersonal relationships as the biggest challenge within the community, suggesting that addressing these conflicts is crucial to the community's functioning and collective well-being. (Tias) [conflict]
  • Tias emphasizes the importance of collaboration and collective decision-making within the community, highlighting the challenges of trust and communication while addressing interpersonal conflicts. (Tias) [governance]
  • Julia identifies the community as a place where people can come to learn and grow, intending to create an inspiring environment that invites external engagement and collaboration. (Julia) [joining]
  • Julia acknowledges the ongoing challenge of living in community, particularly regarding personal boundaries and the emotional labor of group dynamics, which requires constant negotiation and reflection. (Julia) [conflict]
  • The community fosters belonging through daily rituals like collective breakfasts and emotional check-ins, which help members connect and support each other's growth. (Julia) [belonging]
  • Julia appreciates the blend of modernity with core community values, emphasizing a return to roots and the cultivation of forgotten cultural values in the context of community living. (Julia) [culture]

Interviews (3)