Volunteer on an organic farm in the Netherlands
Area: Midi Pyrenees
I am currently restoring an old french farmhouse using the same materials it was built with and making the materials by hand whenever possible. The house is on five acres, mostly pasture, some oak woods. There is a tumulus, an ancient burial mound, on the land from which there are fantastic views of the Pyrenees mountains and Spain. There are two organic vegetable gardens and a young orchard. I also do bronze casting. It is a very quiet and peaceful spot and the yurt, see accommodation below, is a great place to relax. From here it is possible to spend the day swimming in the Mediterranean or surfing in the Atlantic or hiking or skiing in the Pyrenees. In the area there are pre-historic caves, roman ruins and various medieval fortresses to visit.
Area: Popovo, Targovishte
We are an English couple that have moved to live in Bulgaria. we are situated in central Bulgaria, in a village called slavyanovo, which is 7km to popovo, and 35km to targovishte. We live in a village with beautiful views and the village is very peaceful and family orientated. We have a 7 year old girl, who loves being here. she is learning the language, and attends full-time Bulgarian school,and the neighbors and villagers love her. We have a large house, which we are slowly renovating, but have a double bedroom with ensuite tiolet and shower, to offer our guests.The guest house is renovated and very comfortable. We also have a large barn which we have two large rooms which we use as a gym. we are in the process of refurbishing the house and barn. The gym is opened to the public, as a small business. We are not only looking for skilled workers and builders of all kinds to help us to finish the house, but also people who are willing to just give us a hand with the gardening and general up keep. In the spring months, we get our garden ready, full with vegetables and fruit plants and trees. And of course add a splash of colour with the Flowers. We start the season as soon as the snow has gone, and the weather is warm enough for the seeds to germinate, usually around March. We have 16 chickens, some of which we hatched out in the summer of 2011. Which was wonderful to see, we will more than likely hatch more this year. We have also just bought an 8000m2 plot of land, that we have plans to build a lake, make a nature reserve, and it has a stream. We want to do a natural tiolet, natural living areas, etc. And would love help with this too. we are looking for any one really who will just help us out, for this you will work 5 days of the week, and we will give you in return food and board for free. Me and my daughter are vegetarians, and my daughter has been brought up not eating meat, (I have not eaten meat for over 8 years) but my partner does eat meat. So every night I cook meat and vegetarian meals. so everybody will fit in. We also have a villa which is completed and we rent out, to tourists, looking to buy property here. When we do not have guests we spend time at the villa relaxing in the pool and enjoying the peace. You can see pictures of the villa and pool under our photos section. Guests are welcome to come and stay for as long as they are comfortable with. If the guest house is full then you are welcome to bring a tent and camp in the garden, during summer months, or use our caravan on our land. please contact us with any questions you may have.
Area: New South Wales
We are a painter and a sculptor who live and work from our waterfront home and studio on Dangar Island. We have three small children aged 8,7 and 3 years. Dangar island is situated 1hr north of Sydney by train or car and is boat assess only. The ferry runs every hour. We are keen permaculture gardeners, and have a garden filled with paintings & sculptures in amongst the fruit trees. We have a variety of subtropical fruit trees planted, happy chickens & a healthy vegetable patch. Work includes gardening, weeding, building garden paths & sheds, tree planting, maintenance of vegetable garden, making sculptures and art reproductions, painting buildings and whatever else we have to do. Must have a sense of humour and be prepared to have fun while working. Usual stay is about a week to start, however longer stays are negotiable after first few days. Although building, painting and landscaping skills would be nice the most important thing is that you are WILLING to work. We are happy to teach you new skills provided you are willing to make the effort. We have canoes and rowboats and in your spare time you are welcome to go exploring or fishing on the river estuary. Lots of great hiking and bushwalks in the surrounding national parks. Would be very happy to host Spanish, Japanese or Chinese speakers as I need to practice these languages. Must be a non smoker. We can also host couples and possibly even one or two small children too for short stays.
Area: Murcia
Our company organises programmes that bring together a group of volunteer native English speakers and a group of Spaniards for a week in a four star hotel. The goal of the programme is for Spaniards to speak English and improve their capacity to communicate in English. Volunteers get free **** hotel accommodation and meals during the week. In exchange, we ask you to take part in activities such as one-to-ones, telephone calls, group conversations, etc.
Area: North Rhine Westphalia
Our family: thats me - Maria- and Emma (12), Frieda (10) an Hannes (8). We live close to the city-centre of Essen- and in the middle of the heart of the so called "Ruhrgebiet"- lot´s of cities around, lots of cultural events and probably the most open minded people in germany. I have an institut (I´m training social workers in case management and Community Organising) and work a lot in the house (where we also live).
