Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
8 Mar 2024
Reply rate
65.2 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
33
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
My profile changed in August when my husband suddenly died. I am a retired American that has lived in Greece for over 40 years. I graduated from MSU in Michigan. My home is very American. I speak English some Greek and I also speak German. We live in a passive solar house and consider the environment to be something to be cared for. We have about 6 stemmas on a steep hill just above Athens. We are 2 km from the commuter train which goes to Athens every hour and arrives there in 22 minutes making it easy to tour the city and to return. There is always something that needs doing. We had a terrible forest fire. Our house was saved but needs some repair. At least it is still very habitable.
Food is home cooked. I live in a farming area very close to Kifissia. Here it is quiet but easy to get to lively Greek life. Absolutely no smoking. Depending on how many people are here at the same time, I may not be able to provide each person their own room. Couples would have their own space and bathrooms would have to be shared. Bedrooms are air-conditioned.
Now I only have one dog.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My husband, Leonard, was an exchange student to Pakistan in the International Farm Youth Exchange program. That experience changed his life. When my husband was alive we traveled a lot and we enjoyed meeting different nationalities. I appreciate different points of view.
Help
Farming experience is a plus. Knowing how to set up a dripper system is also helpful. Knowing how to use a weed eater or strimmer is very useful. Knowing how to paint some interior walls would be good especially now that we have smoke damage.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Greek: Beginner
Accommodation
We live in a one family home. You would have a room with two twin beds and would have to share your own bath room. The bed rooms are air conditioned.
What else ...
We are 1 km from the bus, 2 km from the commuter train, about 20 minutes by car to the subway station. That depends on the time of day. Within 22 minutes the commuter train has you in central Athens. That same train takes you to the port and from there the islands. Athens has lots of things to do and see. Far too many to list here. Young people like visiting the islands.
Please note the commuter train is different than the subway, and it usually runs every hour during business hours. The subway runs every 10 min. If I want to go to Athens, I take the commuter train and then go by subway.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 256156118894
Feedback (15)
4 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Markus)
I needed someone to house sit and take care of my German shepherd while I was away. Markus contacked me and we connected imediately.
Markus hurt himself before coming and needed to go to the hospital immediately. After his operation he needed rest to recover. I needed to go out of the country and he filled in perfectly. When I returned he
had… read more
Markus hurt himself before coming and needed to go to the hospital immediately. After his operation he needed rest to recover. I needed to go out of the country and he filled in perfectly. When I returned he
had… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (teamsharma)
They were fantastic people. I had so many things that needed fixing that they made a list and worked it off in order of necessary. They were fun to be around. I missed them when they left and I hope they will keep in contact during their travels. I consider them friends.
(Excellent
)
20 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (teamsharma) for host
Wow! What an incredible workaway! We spent just under two months with Lorraine which gave us many opportunities to visit Athens, Kifisia and Piraeus plus time to take trips to Mt Olympus National Park for hiking and to Meteora to see the monasteries. Lorraine’s home is large and welcoming and she is a delightful host, excellent cook and baker. We… read more
1 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anna Laureen) for host
My time was really good with Lorraine, she was really friendly and lovely. Her son was also really kind! I felt really welcomed and in the firsts seconds I felt like I'm home. Lorraine is really good in cooking, her food is amazing (as specially her pancakes and brownies ;)) I will miss this!! In general I will miss my time with Lorraine!
Thank… read more
Thank… read more
20 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna Laureen)
She did whatever I asked her to do. She had a good atitude. The two girls made a good working pair.
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
4 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Markus)
I needed someone to house sit and take care of my German shepherd while I was away. Markus contacked me and we connected imediately.
Markus hurt himself before coming and needed to go to the hospital immediately. After his operation he needed rest to recover. I needed to go out of the country and he filled in perfectly. When I returned he
had… read more
Markus hurt himself before coming and needed to go to the hospital immediately. After his operation he needed rest to recover. I needed to go out of the country and he filled in perfectly. When I returned he
had… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (teamsharma)
They were fantastic people. I had so many things that needed fixing that they made a list and worked it off in order of necessary. They were fun to be around. I missed them when they left and I hope they will keep in contact during their travels. I consider them friends.
(Excellent
)
20 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (teamsharma) for host
Wow! What an incredible workaway! We spent just under two months with Lorraine which gave us many opportunities to visit Athens, Kifisia and Piraeus plus time to take trips to Mt Olympus National Park for hiking and to Meteora to see the monasteries. Lorraine’s home is large and welcoming and she is a delightful host, excellent cook and baker. We… read more
1 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anna Laureen) for host
My time was really good with Lorraine, she was really friendly and lovely. Her son was also really kind! I felt really welcomed and in the firsts seconds I felt like I'm home. Lorraine is really good in cooking, her food is amazing (as specially her pancakes and brownies ;)) I will miss this!! In general I will miss my time with Lorraine!
Thank… read more
Thank… read more
20 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna Laureen)
She did whatever I asked her to do. She had a good atitude. The two girls made a good working pair.
(Excellent
)
1 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
She is such an amazing woman. Lorraine is very kind, supports you and cooks great food! I had an adorable experience with her and the work there. All are very kind and lovely. It is a good atmosphere in her home! :)
Would always come back
Would always come back
25 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Declan)
A nice quiet respectful young man. Easy to have around. Helpful in teaching me new stuff on my I phone.
I needed garden work but my weed quacker did not work so he had to do manual cleaning of the garden area.
I don’t think he was too enthused with weeding. He did what I asked but did not find work to do on his own.
I needed garden work but my weed quacker did not work so he had to do manual cleaning of the garden area.
I don’t think he was too enthused with weeding. He did what I asked but did not find work to do on his own.
(Very good
)
1 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Glen & Jo) for host
We had great time with Lorraine and Ariana. They are the most warm and friendly ladies and we immediately felt at home there.
They welcomed us with open arms, took us to places in the area and prepared amazing hearty meals for us.
The house itself is very unique and so close to Athens yet in a quiet, beautiful rural area. A lovely place indeed. … read more
They welcomed us with open arms, took us to places in the area and prepared amazing hearty meals for us.
The house itself is very unique and so close to Athens yet in a quiet, beautiful rural area. A lovely place indeed. … read more
1 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Glen & Jo)
They came just when I had some serious problems with my house and fixed everything immediately. I could not ask for better help! They were wonderful, friendly and so nice to be around. They are welcome anytime.
I wrote a comment for Glen and Jo after they stayed 2 1/2 days. They left for 6 weeks as previously
planned and came back on schedule.… read more
I wrote a comment for Glen and Jo after they stayed 2 1/2 days. They left for 6 weeks as previously
planned and came back on schedule.… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Leonardo)
Very mature young man. Easy to be around, helpful and polite. Able to figure out how to do things without much or any instruction. I would have him back any time and I was sorry to see him go but was glad he would be with his family for Christmas.
(Excellent
)
4 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomás)
Very nice quiet guy. He appreciated detailed instructions. Could work without supervision. Easy to have around.
Did not complain about anything. Very willing to work.
Did not complain about anything. Very willing to work.
(Very good
)
10 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host
Since our first minute with Lorraine and Ariana we felt like home. We loved it to spend our time at this special place. The best part of our stay was the time we had together. Lorraine got many nice stories about her life, I always enjoyed it to talk with her about them. Ariana got some great recommendations about how to spend your time off.
All… read more
All… read more
9 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas)
Jonas has wonderful skills as a carpenter and works carefully and finishes the project perfectly. He worked very well with his friend Lukas. They cleaned up afrer the work too. Very nice to have around exceptional work ethic. Any project they undertook was finished to perfection. I was sorry to see them go. Good command of the English language.
(Excellent
)
29 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lukas)
Lukas and Jonas. They were a pleasure to host. Jonas was a talented carpenter that was able to fix a wooden folding door so that it looked like new and noone else was able to do that. Lukas helped him with his project. Jonas was the first person i ever trusted to stain and match my old door and he did that so well i could not tell the difference… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Candy Azucena) for host
Living with Lorraine and Ariana has been one of the best experiences, I'm very grateful for the warmth and love with which they treated me. When I just arrived at Athens, Lorraine picked me up at the airport and the next day she didn't hesitate to prepare welcome cupcakes for me!
She is caring, attentive and cares that you really feel comfortable… read more
She is caring, attentive and cares that you really feel comfortable… read more
27 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Walter Itzcoatl)
Walter was an excellent guest. He is very intelligent and sincere. We had some good talks and got some work done as well. He operated a weedeater, aka string trimmer. He cooks really good. I really enjoyed the meals he made. Perhaps he could do a bit better with kitchen cleanup that was likely my fault for lack of instruction. He was easygoing,… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Walter Itzcoatl) for host
Unfortunately, Lorraine had to go back to the States when I got to the house, but I worked with her son Leonard and it was a very good experience.
He is a very direct, smart, honest and generous person; we talked for house about different topics and also was very comprehensive and willing to teach.
My experience in Greece and the house was very… read more
He is a very direct, smart, honest and generous person; we talked for house about different topics and also was very comprehensive and willing to teach.
My experience in Greece and the house was very… read more
7 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Sylwester) for host
I was so lucky to be staying with that amazing family! I spent three weeks at Lorraine’s that felt almost like three days- time flies when you’re having a good time!
The house and property suffered some damage in a forest fire couple of months ago and most tasks were related to fixing that; cleaning, sanding, painting, clearing fields of felled… read more
The house and property suffered some damage in a forest fire couple of months ago and most tasks were related to fixing that; cleaning, sanding, painting, clearing fields of felled… read more
1 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Landon)
Such a pleasant young man. Always helpful, did things without being told and with a smile. I hated to see him go. We were in a real mess after the forest fire and sometimes did not know what to do next. He was a patient man and his quiet demeanor was
just what we needed. He can come back any time. I recommend him for anyone. He has skills as an… read more
just what we needed. He can come back any time. I recommend him for anyone. He has skills as an… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Alessandro) for host
I couldn't have chosen a better place to be during lockdown. I just left and I really miss all those wonderful people who are part of my family.
I ended up staying 4 months there and I felt at home since the first moment with such kind reception.
It's very cozy and nice place close by Athens but very quiet. The task were more outside such like… read more
I ended up staying 4 months there and I felt at home since the first moment with such kind reception.
It's very cozy and nice place close by Athens but very quiet. The task were more outside such like… read more
1 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)
He came two days before Covid 19 lock down in March. We could not have experienced a better person to be with us until July 1. We will miss him terribly and wish him continued safe traveling and good health. He is a quiet, helpful, hard working, neat and kind person. He sees what has to be done and does it without having to be told. We do not have… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Max) for host
Lorraine and Leonard were my second host in Greece. An American couple who lived in a small city near Athens for many years. They were so kind and generous and I felt like home while I was there.
Actually they never asked me to do a job, I just picked up anything I thought I could help with. I felt totally free to do what I wanted to do and I even… read more
Actually they never asked me to do a job, I just picked up anything I thought I could help with. I felt totally free to do what I wanted to do and I even… read more
26 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Chiharu & Sen) for host
The experience we had in Lorraine and Leonardo’s house was wonderful!! They and Ariana are an amazing and lovely people! We were so grateful to stay with them. Since we’ve been traveling so long, we were a bit tired to being moving and traveling all the time. They really understanded our situation and cared us a lot like a real family. It was… read more
5 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Charles & Andréa)
A very nice couple, very co operative, hard working and easy to be around. They can come back any time. I wish them many happy experiences in their travels. I only wish they could have stayed longer.
(Excellent
)
10 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Fernando & Diana) for host
Lorraine and Leonard's place is so cozy and charming, they have a beautiful house in the countryside with a huge garden where you can pick fresh vegetables and fruits. You will never get bored because they have so many fun stories and so many advices to tell. We have a wonderful time with them, the work was easy and fun to do and they are so… read more
10 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Fernando & Diana)
Fernando & Diana are a lovely couple. They work hard, are easy to be around. Fernando fixed a new bottom for the cabinet holding our kitchen sink. He did neat, accurate work and I am so pleased with the results. They cooked us a wonderful Mexican dinner which all of us enjoyed. We were sorry to see them go.
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastian & Lena)
Lovely couple, They do careful work, are neat, quiet and a pleasure to have around. They painted my large kitchen that had a lot of details and did very careful prep work. I am so grateful for their neat and beautiful painting job that they completed. They can come back anytime. I wish them a safe and fun trip as they continue to travel.
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sean & Enel)
Sean and Enel McFatridge
A very nice couple, quiet, helpful and easy to have around. Enel carefully weeded my very weedie garden and . flower garden even in the hot sun. Sean used his carpenter skills to repair a cupboard for which I am very greatful. We wish them well.
A very nice couple, quiet, helpful and easy to have around. Enel carefully weeded my very weedie garden and . flower garden even in the hot sun. Sean used his carpenter skills to repair a cupboard for which I am very greatful. We wish them well.
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sean & Enel) for host
When my wife and I arrived, Leonard told me that we are family as long as we're at the house. That was exactly how we felt. Lorraine, Leonard, and Ariana were wonderful hosts that were so kind to us. They gave us rides, amazing food, and wonderful stories. I highly recommend their home if you are looking for a family like connection.
20 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Andreas) for host
My first Workaway experience was a success. I had planned to stay two weeks but I ended up staying four. There were lots of varied tasks to do. I have helped in the garden, tried to fix various machines and made a website. Leonard and Lorraine are open and make sure you are comfortable and do what you are comfortable with.
I have had a lot of… read more
I have had a lot of… read more
18 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Andreas)
If Workaway had a ranking system for the most enjoyable participant Andreas would be in the top of the list. He is easy to have around, works hard, is willing to try anything and we miss him already.
(Excellent
)
29 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Juan David & Hiromi )
This was our first experience with a workaway couple and it could not have been better. They can come back to us any time. They were a hard working, quiet couple. We enjoyed having them in our home.
(Excellent
)
13 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Juan David & Hiromi ) for host
Leonard and Lorraine are great hosts. My wife and I really enjoyed the two weeks we spent with them. Food was excellent. This place is very close to Athens and other sightseeing places. So, if you are in or around Athens, or would like to spend some time somewhere not too far from Athens for sightseeing, or if you really like scones with… read more
