Build a Castle in beautiful natural Bushveld, Mokopane, South Africa

Details

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  Description

  A Castle in the Bushveld of South Africa. It is a crazy dream.
  If you are a Builder, Architect or Engineer with a passion for building, please come and joint the crazy dream:
  
  
  While many people are building quick castle illusions, we could not settle for that. It had to be real heavy stone and concrete. Real craftsmen/ women are rare and expensive, so most every brick was laid under direct supervision of Marie, my mom. (a pre-primary school teacher once, artist, potter, cattle farmer, nature lover, and now a builder through apprenticeship.
  
  Today I have been an Architect for 20 years, but when this project was dreamed up I was a boy. Marie has always been the carrier of the dream, and started building one fine day in 2003. Today the building stands 75% done, and we have been helped by people from around the world. People that have crept deep into our hearts, starting long ago with Jean and the loveliest people you will ever meet.
  
  I assist with technical guidance and construction knowledge from 1000 miles away, in Windhoek, Namibia. Marie works with Eunice and Ray, two 'unskilled labourers' but masters at life and people's skills - who have both become quite skilled over the years. She is sometimes assisted by her evenly passionate brother Daan, and long time farmer friend Jannie, who can make and fix anything..
  
  If you are an Architect, Engineer, or Artisan who can add you knowledge in a directly practical way, the physical results of this project will award you, as it does us.
  
  You will not find a better guide to the beauty of the Nature of the Bushveld than Marie. She has a passion for anything the mind can see or the hand can touch: art, craft, nature, education, and upliftment of people.
  
  We are situated right in the heart of the Bushveld, Limpopo Province. Close to a village called Sterkrivier and a town called Mokopane. It is only 3 hours drive from Johannesburg (O.R Thambo) International Airport. Leon, my dad works in Johannesburg and being a couch surfer host and philosopher you will likely be well exposed to South Africa before you reach the farm. Logistically, having and 'ally' in the city makes opportunities for arrival and other local experiences good. While you are in the area you will most likely make a visit to the world renowned Kruger National Park, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum.
  
  Thank you to all Marie's new 'children' and life-long friends. It has been a joy.
  
  
  
  Last month Marie had to slow down building. If you can, please help.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is a living experience in a truly South African 'Bushveld' natural setting. Game farming (basic conservation) is the main business in the area.
  In terms of hands-on artisan building experience, our photo library paints and accurate picture.

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  Help

  Skilled hands at a wide range of construction tasks. Architectural, Engineering and Construction qualifications and experience. The building work is mostly masonry and stone masonry. Skilled work in carpentry, and steel. Steel bending and blacksmith work.

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  Languages spoken

  Afrikaans: Fluent
  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Farm quality buildings with separate room, kitchen, bathroom, lounge and outside area. You have direct access to the most beautiful nature and wildlife. You have electricity, a washing machine and most basic amenities. Internet is reasonably good for Africa.

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  What else ...

  The farm is an exceptionally beautiful piece of natural wilderness in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province, South Africa. Green in the summer rain season, with rust read rocks lining the river below. Hiking, bird watching, discovering natural game, swimming in the river or tubing in the rainy season. Spending time surrounded by Nature. The regional town is a half an hour away, and the city, Pretoria, two and a half hours. This is the heart of what is called the Bushveld, it is the prime game conservation farming and hunting region of South Africa.
  
  Our internet is half decent, but being a born farmer, you will easier get hold of Marie on Whatsapp. However, be sure to initiate all contacts through Workaway.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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