Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
29 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (1)
Details
Description
Hello beautiful people!
We live off the grid on a 100ha piece of mountain land in the Montseny Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve 45km North of Barcelona in Central Catalonia Spain. We are a family of four. Me, Sean 58, Myriam 52, Ana 25 and Awen 11, plus three dogs a donkey and some hens.
We´ve been working really hard for the past 10 years on this project and we welcome support from hard working people that have a vision for the world that is respectful and in service for the well-being of all.
Our location is within a holm oak and heather forest wild land that was abandoned in 1918 and has not been inhabited nor cultivated since. Quite pristine, south facing with no neighbors in sight, though they are not far away. Nearest neighbor is 1.5km away and town with public transport connections including train is 7km by dirt track. We bought the land in 2011 because of its pristine organic nature, abundant spring water, firewood and a few fields on which to grow food.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have a small sawmill, carpentry shop, a manual forge, a ceramics studio with a kiln, chainsaws, brush cutters, a small pay loader with attachments and loads of hand and power tools to do just about anything. Both of us are constantly involved in artistic crafts and enjoy teaching skills to those who wish to learn when applicable.
Help
There is always lots to do. Cleaning the abandoned forest, fixing roads, building with stone, wood and metal, caring for the hen house, building sheds, starting a vegetable garden, drystack stonewalls, path work, preparing firewood, sanding, brush clearing. Loads of skilled and some unskilled work. Some heavy (most), some light, some requiring experience, others not. Experienced skills are always a plus (foresters, carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, welders, gardeners etc., but general help around the land is helpful too. Legal driving abilities with experience is a plus.
We feel that 5 hours of work (usually 8-9am to 1- 2pm) 5 days a week in exchange for food and lodging is reasonable but it can be flexible depending on what you are actually coming here to do, though some things need to be taken care of at any time of day or sometimes even night. In general, weekends are free time but occasionally things need to be done then as well (a storm is coming and the firewood needs to be brought in, for example).
Though not as a rule, you may often be given tasks on the land to carry out on your own or as a couple (if the job is suitable for you), with adequate tools, instruction and support. There are also jobs that require teamwork with one or all of us, or sometimes, just a present and observant helping hand. It depends on the seasons, the weather, our immediate needs and your skills or abilities.
We want people who are strong and flexible both in character and body. Openness, attentiveness to collaborative existence, taking care of oneself and being responsible for oneself. No complainers. Solution seekers yes. Positive attitude, observation and openness are best.
We prefer people that will come for a minimum for two weeks, ideally one month, and if things roll, longer stays are welcome. We require that you have your own health insurance and your own cash at hand.
As mentioned before, there are many different kinds of things to do. Once we begin contact with each other we can together define a specific project or set of tasks depending on your interests but we will consider your skills and/or ability to learn to be the defining factor of what you can help us with.
And finally, we want anyone who comes to have a positive attitude towards life and wants to enjoy it!!
Languages spoken
Catalan: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
Your own room with a twin size or double bed in a separate stone cabin with plenty of hot water for showers and baths, a small wood fired kitchen/living area and a private bathroom.
Satellite Internet with Wi-Fi, though not unlimited, is abundant but we must be careful with heavy downloads or uploads. WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom etc, normaly OK through internet. Streaming at medium resolution is usually good.
No TV. No dependable cellphone network coverage.
Food of the house is omnivorous. No picky eaters please.
Lunch will usually be served around 2pm by us in the main house but breakfast and dinner and weekend meals are on your own (you will find basic pantry supplies in your kitchen upon your arrival and we will gladly accommodate for your nutritional preferences when shopping.
Moderate alcohol, tobacco, particular personal care items such as soaps and shampoos etc you must supply for your self and we do request that the later be biodegradable please since our waste management system (a reed pond) relies on sensitive bacteria to work properly.
Smokers are welcome (Sean smokes as well) but out of doors only and no synthetic filters left on the property please!
Please do not bring pets.
What else ...
Skiing in the nearby Pyrenees and beaches are only an hour away by car (public transport a little longer), as is Cosmopolitan Barcelona (by train) full of cultural agenda, world heritage and shopping. Lots of local hiking trails, rock climbing nearby, weekend markets, open terrace cafés. Lots of peace and quiet (except for the birds in spring) in nature on the land.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Small campervans like Volkswagen transporters or such that can handle the hilly dirt track are usually fine. Motorhomes or large trailer campers will not make it up the hill.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (3)
The house and location are amazing and living in the separate, self contained casita, managing its wood burning stove and enjoying the fabulous views, just completed the picture.
Sean and his family ae very welcoming. You can look… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.3)
Cultural exchange:
(4.3)
Communication:
(3.3)
The house and location are amazing and living in the separate, self contained casita, managing its wood burning stove and enjoying the fabulous views, just completed the picture.
Sean and his family ae very welcoming. You can look… read more
