Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
30 Jan 2024
Reply rate
85.7 %
Usually responds within 18 days
Feedback
74
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
This Workaway is for ONE WEEK ONLY, LAST MINUTE POSSIBLE.
I am Ian, a retired psychologist from the UK, age 64. I have been hosting on Workaday since 2017 previously on an olive farm near Granada, Spain (the feedback which you can read below is all from the six years that I lived there up to 2023).
I have now moved on and have been renovating a small studio apartment with an even smaller garden in a naturist resort on the Almeria coast, not far from the town of Vera. Most of the renovation work is now finished but I need help with some remaining jobs..... painting exterior walls, grouting tiles, and above all, moving furniture from another apartment nearby.
I am not living there full time so to fit in with my schedule I only need someone to help for ONE WEEK ONLY on the dates when I am there (to be arranged).
Only one person can be accepted, male preferred, and unfortunately no pets. It's a naturist resort so you should not be uncomfortable with this, but participation is not obligatory, apart from in the swimming pool where nudity is the rule.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The resort of Vera Playa itself is very touristic, and offers little in the way of authentic cultural experience other than perhaps the experience of naturist culture for those who aren't familiar with it. However there are several attractive and very Spanish towns nearby, particularly Garrucha and Villaricos, both with weekly markets.
Help
The working arrangement would be an average of around 3 hours work each day (18 hours over one week), but probably will be arranged flexibly.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in your own private space in an apartment within the naturist zone. Meals are not provided but cooking facilities are available. There are supermarkets and many bars and restaurants within walking distance as well as buses to local towns (Garrucha and Vera).
There is a small private terrace and the beach is just two minutes away. There is also access to a swimming pool.
What else ...
Almeria province is one of the least developed and unspoiled regions of Spain, and also one of the driest. The narrow coastal strip around the Vera area is very built up all the way down to Mojacar Playa, with many new housing urbanisations and holiday apartments, but a short distance inland the countryside is wild and open, with mountains in the background in all directions. The unspoiled natural park of Cabo de Gata is only around one hour's drive away, with many remote beaches and natural landscapes for hiking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
3 hours every day (with flexibility)
Host ref number: 229275658667
Feedback (33)
6 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gerard & Lucy) for host
I had a really great experience with Ian. He was such a great host and so easy to get on with. The accommodation was great and i enjoyed getting back to nature.
Thank you Ian for such a great opportunity. Take care . .
Regards Ger
Thank you Ian for such a great opportunity. Take care . .
Regards Ger
27 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dalma & Didier) for host
We spend four wonderful months in this great place at the begining of an awsome valley, taking care of Tiger and the two smart chickens. The small time that we share with Ian it was really nice times making big fires and having some good food.
It was our longest workaway till now and that really means that the experience was amazing!!! Thank you… read more
It was our longest workaway till now and that really means that the experience was amazing!!! Thank you… read more
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Dalma & Didier)
Dalma and Didier are two of the nicest and most helpful people I have met during my Workaway experience. They stayed at my place to housesit during a period when I was away a lot, and did a really great job.... they looked after the place so well and were often one step ahead of me in finding tasks that needed doing and carrying out small repairs,… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Greer)
It was a pleasure to host Greer and Danny for six weeks in the early summer this year, and I regretted that I wasn't around for more or their stay to get to know them better. They looked after my place so well though, and really got stuck into planting and caring for the vegetables and looking after the garden, keeping on top of all the weeding… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Greer) for host
Hi Ian! Thank you for being such a great part of our very special Spanish adventure. My partner Danny and I feel lucky to have found Ian and his perfect haven in the Spanish mountains, with both the great old hippie town of Orgiva close by, and the special serenity of a rural Spanish mountain home all around. We spent just one of our six weeks… read more
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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
6 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gerard & Lucy) for host
I had a really great experience with Ian. He was such a great host and so easy to get on with. The accommodation was great and i enjoyed getting back to nature.
Thank you Ian for such a great opportunity. Take care . .
Regards Ger
Thank you Ian for such a great opportunity. Take care . .
Regards Ger
27 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dalma & Didier) for host
We spend four wonderful months in this great place at the begining of an awsome valley, taking care of Tiger and the two smart chickens. The small time that we share with Ian it was really nice times making big fires and having some good food.
It was our longest workaway till now and that really means that the experience was amazing!!! Thank you… read more
It was our longest workaway till now and that really means that the experience was amazing!!! Thank you… read more
21 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Dalma & Didier)
Dalma and Didier are two of the nicest and most helpful people I have met during my Workaway experience. They stayed at my place to housesit during a period when I was away a lot, and did a really great job.... they looked after the place so well and were often one step ahead of me in finding tasks that needed doing and carrying out small repairs,… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Greer)
It was a pleasure to host Greer and Danny for six weeks in the early summer this year, and I regretted that I wasn't around for more or their stay to get to know them better. They looked after my place so well though, and really got stuck into planting and caring for the vegetables and looking after the garden, keeping on top of all the weeding… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Greer) for host
Hi Ian! Thank you for being such a great part of our very special Spanish adventure. My partner Danny and I feel lucky to have found Ian and his perfect haven in the Spanish mountains, with both the great old hippie town of Orgiva close by, and the special serenity of a rural Spanish mountain home all around. We spent just one of our six weeks… read more
24 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Theo)
Theo was my first long-stay volunteer after the quiet Covid years, and I was lucky to have somebody so helpful, pleasant and hardworking to join me as I started to catch up. There was plenty of work that I needed help with... weeding and clearing, mending fences and repairing water channels, as well well as preparing the vegetable areas ready for… read more
(Excellent
)
3 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Theo) for host
I spent about 5 and a half weeks on the property, which is beautiful and peaceful, and a place I'll remember fondly.
Ian has been really kind, hospitable, and he's very knowledgeable about the area and its history. He showed me around a bit and introduced me to the fascinating system of the acequia, he brought me to the Thursday market, showed me… read more
Ian has been really kind, hospitable, and he's very knowledgeable about the area and its history. He showed me around a bit and introduced me to the fascinating system of the acequia, he brought me to the Thursday market, showed me… read more
21 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Abbie )
It was a pleasure to host Abbey at my cortijo during the last weeks before the coronavirus crisis came along and disrupted life. Because of this her stay was cut short but she made a very useful contribution to maintaining the garden and land, and along with the other volunteers there at the time we created some nice memories. I fully recommend… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Abbie ) for host
It was an absolute pleasure to stay at Ians little paradise. The place is stunning and Ian is a kind and giving soul. I was welcomed into a warm and open home with 5 other workawayers staying there at the time. Everyone was super social, yet with plenty of space to retrieve and be alone. Thanks for this wonderful experience Ian!
29 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Cesar) for host
The two weeks I spent at Órgiva on Ian's property was my third experience as a Workaway, but it was just as exciting as the first.
Ian is a fantastic person! Dedicated so that volunteers are well, know the local culture, his way of life, the way of life of the region and develop the skills necessary to maintain the beautiful property he has chosen… read more
Ian is a fantastic person! Dedicated so that volunteers are well, know the local culture, his way of life, the way of life of the region and develop the skills necessary to maintain the beautiful property he has chosen… read more
14 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Cesar)
It was a complete pleasure to host Cesar, who was so helpful and contributed so much during his stay at my place. He is knowledgeable and trustworthy, and I was able to rely on him to care for my house and garden while I was away. He is also humorous and good company as well as very helpful, all in all an ideal Workawayer. I fully recommend him to… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre & Wanissa)
It was a pleasure to host Alex for a few weeks in autumn this year. He was part of a small team that worked hard together with great results on a number of big jobs (one of my most productive months in the whole year), and his enthusiasm, skills and good company were very much appreciated by all. He was always interested to learn, and particularly… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alexandre & Wanissa) for host
I stayed 3 weeks at Ian's house, the work was varied from gardening, construction, land cleaning and a big project that was to install pipes to get a new water supply for the garden.
I have often worked with Lars, I really enjoyed working with him because I learned about gardening, construction, the region, and cooking.
Thank you for all your… read more
I have often worked with Lars, I really enjoyed working with him because I learned about gardening, construction, the region, and cooking.
Thank you for all your… read more
28 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David stayed at my place for 5 weeks this winter, and was one of the most helpful, positive, calm and good-natured volunteers who have visited so far. He worked on landscaping and wall-building, constructing fences using cane from the land, harvesting many olive trees, as well as being willing to help out on whatever other tasks were needed. He is… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
What to say - lovely place, amazing area at all and Ian's farm and garden in particular. We did a lot of interesting stuff at finca such as olive harvesting, it was nice) Either you are naturist or not, you will fell free about doing or not doing this stuff. There is a lot of things you can do in this place, especially if you are enthusiastic… read more
25 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it has given me more than I expected.
Ian is very kind and open-minded, he welcomed me at the first place even though I was pretty new to work. There was a lot of flexibility and freedom in terms of the work and how you want to contribute. The whole experience is not just about work but a way of living. I… read more
Ian is very kind and open-minded, he welcomed me at the first place even though I was pretty new to work. There was a lot of flexibility and freedom in terms of the work and how you want to contribute. The whole experience is not just about work but a way of living. I… read more
14 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen)
Karen spent a couple of weeks at my place towards the end of this summer and was very helpful, particularly looking after the place with a couple of other Workaway visitors also there while I was away. In the days I spent at the cortijo during her visit it was interesting to get to know her, and to find out more about the situation in Hong Kong.… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (vidigal4) for host
Ian fue muy gentil y ospitable.
Su finca esta en un paraiso de montana, me encanto' coger vegetales de la tierra y cocinar para todos.
En el trabajo es muy tranquillo y respectoso y le gusta compartir viviendas y opiniones.
Es un hombre intelligernte y muy libre, amante del Naturismo,
fuimos a la playa juntos, a 40min hay playas… read more
Su finca esta en un paraiso de montana, me encanto' coger vegetales de la tierra y cocinar para todos.
En el trabajo es muy tranquillo y respectoso y le gusta compartir viviendas y opiniones.
Es un hombre intelligernte y muy libre, amante del Naturismo,
fuimos a la playa juntos, a 40min hay playas… read more
30 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (vidigal4)
Marco visited for nearly two weeks this summer, joining a small group of volunteers and becoming the Workaway chef for much of his stay. He is a very organised and capable guy, particularly concerning his passion for vegan cooking and healthy living, and made a great contribution here, not just in the kitchen but by becoming part of the team too.… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas ) for host
Ian est très accueillant dans son petit paradis. Il est très bienveillant et explique très bien les actions à effectuer. Les missions sont variés. Les horaires de travail sont flexibles et agréables. Les repas étaient vraiment excellents et se prenaient vraiment dans une ambiance conviviale
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas )
Nicolas spent a couple of weeks helping out at my place in August this year, and was a reliable pair of hands to have around. I appreciated his help with the watering routine and various garden maintenance tasks, and his company was enjoyed by the group of Workaday visitors who were staying. I recommended Nico as a reliable and helpful worker,… read more
(Very good
)
14 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Leah)
Leah came to stay during a very busy period at my cortijo this summer, with a fairly large group of volunteers staying at one time. She fitted in well with the group, and worked well on various projects, including taking charge in the kitchen some of the time, and I appreciated her initiative and desire to contribute. She was also part of a… read more
(Very good
)
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
There's not much I can add that hasn't been said in David's feedback so far...all I could add is that in my opinion you won't regret inviting him for a stay. Enthusiastic, energetic, inspiring, spiritually interested and knowledgeable, humorous, likeable, good company, and wise beyond his 20 years. Grrrrr, yes only 20, but certainly not a typical… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
Finding Ian along with his beautiful homestead and ongoing project was some what of a climax to my traveling experiences thus far. With total freedom of expression and an open and loving environment, I found myself almost too comfortable during my stay ;)
Ian is open to new ideas and practices being brought to his haven, for the people and for… read more
Ian is open to new ideas and practices being brought to his haven, for the people and for… read more
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Karina & Matías)
I cannot rate this couple highly enough, and if you do get a chance to meet and host them, I suggest that you don't miss the opportunity! Kari and Mati stayed two months and were part of at least four groups of Workaway volunteers who passed through my cortijo over the summer months, and I don't think I would have managed it all without their… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Asi & Raya) for host
Ian Ian dear Ian... Words can not describe how grateful we are for this beautiful summer we spent at your cortijo and with you.
First of all Ian is one of the most sweet and generous people we met. He really enjoys company and is very friendly, chilled and intelligent. We had a lot of amazing conversations and fun times. He helped us a a lot and… read more
First of all Ian is one of the most sweet and generous people we met. He really enjoys company and is very friendly, chilled and intelligent. We had a lot of amazing conversations and fun times. He helped us a a lot and… read more
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Asi & Raya)
It was such a pleasure to host this totally charming couple, and for me their stay was one of the highlights of the summer here. Asi is super practical and full of ideas and energy to help out, and Raya is a delight have around the house, helping to oversee the harvesting and use of our vegetable produce, and contributing various creative ideas,… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Oskar)
Oskar was part of a diverse group of Workawayers who came together at my place in the early part of summer, and his company and energy were much appreciated both by me and by the rest of the group. As part of a team Oskar joined in with various fencing and landscaping tasks and was very motivated to complete tasks to a good standard. He is also a… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Oskar) for host
I had a nice time at Ian's place. I learned a lot about working with natural materials (landscaping, gardening, fencing..) and enjoyed the atmosphair of his place very much. It is a green naturist oasis in the middle of a dry, rough nature. The area around Orgiva is full of hippies and alternative lifestyles, for me it was very interesting to dive… read more
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hedya)
Hedya was part of a very diverse group of Workaday volunteers who joined me during June this year, and I appreciated her help and energy very much. She was one of the most motivated and responsible members of the group, and although it may take time to get to know her, her ideas and skills helped to make it one of the more memorable as well as… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Aitor)
I enjoyed hosting Aithor who was part of a very diverse group of visitors and work exchange volunteers who were at my place over the summer. He is interesting company, often with an unconventional perspective in conversations , but he also worked well as part of the team, and his energy in various work tasks was much appreciated. I would fully… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Anthony & Gergo)
Anthony and Gergo stayed for a couple of weeks in August this year and were very helpful work volunteers, getting stuck into garden maintenance tasks and frequently finding ways to be useful around my land.... for example, Anthony did a great job rebuilding my chicken run with very little supervision needed from me. They are both good company and… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Cole) for host
Amazing experience at Ian's place. The tasks were varied (I especially enjoyed building a bamboo fence) and enjoyable. Taking it in turns to cook communal meals was fun as was the star-gazing of an evening. Tigre the cat added to the family vibe and there were chances to visit the beach together on the odd weekend (though that was summer time).… read more
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Cole)
It was a pleasure to host Cole at my place, during a period where a number of volunteers arrived and departed, and as a fellow Londoner I valued his perspective on my project. His input was very useful, working independently on several jobs including fence building, and he was very helpful in the house too, we all appreciated some very nice meals.… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jocelyn) for host
Wow, even though I'm writing this review several months after leaving the cortigo, I still have such vivid memories of my stay at Ian's place. First of all, the location is beautiful, in a valley that leads up to the the sierra nevada mountains, and it's only a short walk to Orgiva where there are many shops, cafes and a market. The area is also… read more
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jocelyn)
Jocelyn arrived at a quiet time but quickly became part of the small team who were around, and over 3 weeks she was so helpful in overseeing various essential tasks, and welcoming a series of new volunteers who then arrived. Together we managed to make a lot of progress with cortijo work, particularly the vegetable areas, whilst managing to live… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
I spent a great 2 and a half weeks on Ian's farm, doing lots of gardening and also clearing a section of the acequia and then monitoring it as the water flowed (magical !) and then building fencing using the caña which grows around in abundance, and also making loquat jam with a solar cooker !
It was a really fun and social time, with 4 other… read more
It was a really fun and social time, with 4 other… read more
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
It was a pleasure to host David during his travels in Spain this summer. He is a very enthusiastic and motivated volunteer, always seeing ways to be helpful, and I really appreciated his ideas and support in various ways. He worked independently much of the time, and was conscientious about completing tasks to a good standard. He was also good… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Malte)
Malte's stay at my place was quite short and I was away for half of his visit, but in the short time I got to know him I found Malte to be one of the most pleasant, motivated and skilled volunteers who I have hosted. He is very independent, living in his van, but also very sociable, making good company and working well with his co-workers :-). For… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeffrey)
Jeff visited for just one week on his European trip but it was quickly clear that the environment here was just what he was looking for, and he fitted in well with the small group of volunteers who were around and joined in the household routine, working together and forming some lasting friendships even the short time he was here. He is very good… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jeffrey) for host
Ian's place is Paradise on Earth. He has a vision and he is fulfilling it beautifully. If I didn't have prior commitments, I'd easily have stayed for months and been happy. Ian is welcoming and open and affectionate, and he fosters a Workaway environment that is equally as open and warm. I made friends here that I intend to remain connected to for… read more
20 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jörg) for host
It was my first experience as a volunteer and it could not have been a better place for it. I felt welcome and part of the group from the beginning. There were several volunteers in their early twenties to over seventy years, this combination was just awesome. Every evening we had a social get-together with great talks, games and movies. I helped… read more
5 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jörg)
Jorg stayed for a couple of weeks in February, with a great group of volunteers who were around at the time. He more usually is a host on Workaday himself, and I really appreciated that he knew exactly how to contribute best to make my project run smoothly, as well as being a very enthusiastic and hard worker, and a great cook! It was hard work,… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
After a four month visit by Marco (my longest Workaway so far), it's going to be hard to say goodbye to him. Looking around my cortijo, so many aspects have at some stage benefitted from Marco's hard work, ideas and positive attitude... from building walls and chicken houses to making morning smoothies! He is enthusiastic, independent, a great… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mateo) for host
I was stunned by how beautiful the whole experience of staying with Ian was, I have to be honest it caught me by surprise. He has an amazing energy that makes everyone feel welcomed, is so enthusiastic and open to new ways of looking at things that in turn you are bound to open up alongside with him which is exactly what happened to me. There is… read more
1 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mateo)
Mateo volunteered at my place for 10 days in May this year, and had a very successful stay, getting on well with the rest of the group who were around and working hard on various projects which were underway. For his age he is very practical and worldly, as well as a good conversationalist and free thinker, so I enjoyed his company very much. His… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Carneiro_07)
Marcos volunteered at my place for several weeks in the spring this year, and had a very successful visit, his personality and willingness to help being very much valued by the group who were around at the time. He joined me in working on a major job, clearing the agricultural water channels which irrigate my land, ready for the summer, and… read more
(Very good
)
1 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
Sophia stayed at my place for just a week during May this year, but it was such a pleasure to have her company that I wished it could have been longer. She fitted right in with the group of three other volunteers who were already around and as her feedback makes clear, we had a great time together, getting lots of work done as well as sharing a… read more
(Excellent
)
27 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
I found my happiness and energy in this place again!
I'm still speechless about my experience in Ians place. Unfortunately, I've only been there for a week, but I can say it was one of the best weeks in my life. For a long time I have not laughed as much as with the people there, have not felt so comfortable for a long time since day one. I had a… read more
I'm still speechless about my experience in Ians place. Unfortunately, I've only been there for a week, but I can say it was one of the best weeks in my life. For a long time I have not laughed as much as with the people there, have not felt so comfortable for a long time since day one. I had a… read more
26 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
It was a pleasure to host Michael over the early part of this year, and as he says in his feedback, he was here for much longer than intended and was part of what became a 'family' of volunteers who were around when I got some bad news about planned environmental destruction affecting my place, and the series of protests that have followed that… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
Wow! What a great experience!
My plan originally was to stay only for 2 weeks and continue my travel afterwards but it was such a pleasure being there that I stayed 3 months instead. I think that alone should say it all.
During that time, I have seen several workawayers and how the group dynamic changed with every new influence. Some of them… read more
My plan originally was to stay only for 2 weeks and continue my travel afterwards but it was such a pleasure being there that I stayed 3 months instead. I think that alone should say it all.
During that time, I have seen several workawayers and how the group dynamic changed with every new influence. Some of them… read more
6 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
Where to Start?...I had an incredibly stay at Ians place feeling from the beginning as part of a warmhearted family. We went to fiestas and teatros in the nearby village, did some hikes and had beautiful evenings next to the warm chimney. Ian also has a huge amount of psychology and self-help books in case you are in a part of your life like this.… read more
5 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
I really enjoyed meeting and hosting Simon, even though he arrived during a particularly busy period when my place was at full capacity with visitors, and I had very little time available. He brought so much energy and enthusiasm to my project, and his morning yoga sessions were a wonderful start to my day, as well as great music in the evenings.… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sivan) for host
I had a good feeling about this workaway even before i arrived.
But it still exceeded all expectations!
Not only because of the beautiful nature and the charming small town Orgiva, but the people!
I was lucky enough to arrive when we were a big group of very mixed cultures of crazy lovely spirits, the infamous "Tutti Frutti Gang" :D
Very fast we… read more
But it still exceeded all expectations!
Not only because of the beautiful nature and the charming small town Orgiva, but the people!
I was lucky enough to arrive when we were a big group of very mixed cultures of crazy lovely spirits, the infamous "Tutti Frutti Gang" :D
Very fast we… read more
5 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sivan)
Sivan stayed for a month during a particularly challenging period in the development of my project, and I appreciated his input and support very much indeed. He is an enthusiastic, flexible and capable worker, as well as a mature and interesting character to talk to, and he made a great contribution in the team of volunteers who were around at the… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike)
It was a pleasure to host Mike and Jin, who were my first Workaday visitors in 2019. They were part of a small group who made fantastic progress on various landscaping and construction jobs, and both of them worked so hard and with such enthusiasm and creativity. They were also very good company, and helped out in the running of the cortijo over… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mike) for host
We loved staying at Ians little paradise. Its set on a nice and quiet mountain side surrounded by olive and fruit trees. Ian is a very hospitable guy, who will treat you like family and share anything he can with you. There is always plenty of delicious food, and you will never go hungry. The rooms are spacious and comfy, and the facilities are… read more
4 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Almerino & Tommaso)
Alme and Tom were such great Workaway volunteers, and a pleasure to host for several months this winter. From a work perspective they are super-organised, highly motivated and enthusiastic learners (they love to take on big tasks and even film progress on a time-lapse video!), and are able to work creatively and independently. As well as that they… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Almerino & Tommaso) for host
This was the most beautiful experience! Ian is incredible, he knows how to welcome every kind of people and he accepts everyone very openly! You can talk to him about everything you want because he listens you and he loves dialog. We are very happy to met him and always we felt like at home! It was fantastic to spend nights with you playing or… read more
8 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Zsombor)
Zsombor was a great person to share the cortijo with for a month, when I and a few other volunteers were coming and going. He is a very responsible and highly motivated volunteer, and it was so helpful to have his input and practical skills on many small jobs that I hadn't got round to, as well as his huge energy for the bigger projects.
I, and… read more
I, and… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Zsombor) for host
This was my first workaway experience. And it was great! Ian is a very nice person, and everybody were very kind there at the cortijo! It's a very calm place near the nature, peaceful and beautiful. The advancement in the last year, which was made by Ian and his workawayers is incredible, they created a paradise!
When I was there, we start to… read more
When I was there, we start to… read more
15 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathalie)
Hanna (Nathalie) stayed at my place with another volunteer while I was on a trip so there was only one day to get to know her, but I really appreciated her help around the garden and land. We had some interesting conversations about gardening, and she quickly fitted in with the other volunteers who were here when she arrived. I would recommend her… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nathalie) for host
Ians place is one of the most peaceful areas I have ever been. Not just his place but also the history around it and the next village Orgiva, made this experience so wonderful and interesting. Ian is a very calm and emphatic person. He tried to creat a good atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. Beeing naked in nature, the first time in my… read more
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Iris & Kalyan)
Iris came to stay for 3 weeks in June in Orgiva, with other volunteers around too, and it was such a pleasure to have her company and her enthusiasm and energy for helping out on my project. She really threw herself into the work, and we achieved so much while she was here, clearing land and opening up the agricultural water channels ready for… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Iris & Kalyan) for host
I was three weeks at Ians place and in these three weeks I had an amazing time at his place, him and other workawayers (Toby, Giorgio, George and Joao). I was mostly doing maintenance work as cleaning the Acequia or strimming the whole place. It was also possible to help the guy who was working for Ian (he was doing the piscina at that time). It… read more
26 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lily & Holly)
Lily and Holly contacted me when they were already in Orgiva, and the timing was perfect as they were then able to stay and take care of the cortijo while I was away for a week. After that we shared a very pleasant week there together, along with others who were around, working together and often sharing meals and good conversation in the evening.… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lily & Holly) for host
We stayed here with Ian for two weeks and had a wonderful time. Ian is a kind and giving soul and we truly had a great experience here ! There is a nice communal energy and although we were taking care of the house a lot of the time, when Ian and others were there, we shared good food, conversation and moments. Definitely would recommend to anyone… read more
24 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (George)
George spent nearly two weeks at my place, although the timing was such that I was away on a trip and we only really got to know each other at the beginning and end of his stay. I really appreciated his extremely hard work and dedication in helping to improve the watering system for the olive trees here, and his contribution to looking after the… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Giorgio)
Giorgio was part of my first group of Workaday volunteers, and it was a wonderful experience for all of us to share the preparations for my first summer here. I really appreciated his help around the house and garden, and it was great that he took the initiative with many useful jobs and improvements, and put so much energy into the landscaping… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Giorgio) for host
My time here has been a bliss. The place is absolutely amazing, right in the middle of nature but not far from the village in case you need to buy something. The surroundings are wild and beautiful and I had the chance to do what I like most that is to work with plants and in a real garden. The time I spent at Ian's place with Iris, Tobi and… read more
18 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Tobias)
It was an absolute pleasure to host Tobi this month, along with a couple of other volunteers who arrived during his stay, and I am delighted that he fitted right in and enjoyed his time here so much too. He is a fun and interesting guy to be around, as well as extremely hardworking, enthusiastic and self-directed. I really appreciated his help and… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Tobias) for host
I stayed at Ian’s place for only 2 weeks but I had a absolutely fantastic time with a lot of interesting conversations and came close to both Ian and the other workers. The place is located between the small charming towns Órgiva and Bayacas and has a amazing scenery. I’m really exited to see the progress of all the projects and hope to come back… read more
5 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ashton)
Ashton came to stay at the end of Semana Santa this year, and contributed significantly to a very enjoyable and productive working weekend, along with a few other friends who were around. He is great company with an interesting background and a real sense of adventure and enthusiasm to explore different places and experiences, and he quickly… read more
(Excellent
)
5 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ashton) for host
I had the pleasure of staying with Ian at his property in Orgiva, Spain during Semana Santa of 2017.
I couldn't have wished for a better "first-workaway-experience".
We shared wonderful, thought-provoking conversations while we gardened, cleaned and burned dead wood around the property.
The views are spectacular and I really enjoyed the short… read more
I couldn't have wished for a better "first-workaway-experience".
We shared wonderful, thought-provoking conversations while we gardened, cleaned and burned dead wood around the property.
The views are spectacular and I really enjoyed the short… read more
