Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
12
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a small family living on 10 acres of lush bush, well-established gardens, and rolling fields at Bethells Beach, Waitakere, Auckland. There are other houses on the land also. I live with my son (Jakob age almost 11) in a little cottage. I work from a small studio at home (as a photographer and filmmaker) and love living in our paradise only 30 mins from town. I'm Kiwi born to an Italian mother. I speak basic German (my son is half German) however I don't speak Italian, I love the Italian culture.
The land is owned by a group of friends, of which only two live on it. I love the Bethells community and have good connections with people and the resources at Bethells.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are an artistic family with great connections to the land and community. I am a media artist so going to an exhibition or music gig is something I like to do. We love making big Italian meals and eating alfesco style on our sunny deck, with friends and family. Jakob is a fun loving child with a big heart and loves his trampoline, the fig tree, his best mate Tilly, drawing and singing.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Well maintained, we need help with lawn moving, weed eating, gardening, driving, and small domestic tasks like repair work, cleaning and painting. We will provide a private bedroom sleepout accommodation, and food for two meals a day, no meat. Feel free to help yourself from the garden too. We are not vegetarian and are happy if you would like to buy your own meat. We try to limit our plastic usage, and we grow and buy fresh produce. NB: we don't need babysitting help, and can only accommodate one person if we have other work awayers here :)
PLEASE NOTE: Driving is the most frequent help we need, so you must be a confident driver and okay with driving on busy Auckland roads. :))
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Beginner
Accommodation
We have a lovely 2 bedroom beach cottage. With surround deck. Clean and tidy, cosy and sunny.
Our home is very warm, cosy, and comfortable with a sleepout in a sunny spot over looks the Bethells Valley. The cottage is our loved home so please take care of it as your own. We also have a fully equipt campervan if you'd like a different space to make while staying. There is no cell phone reception at Bethells but we have wifi.
What else ...
Set in the Waitakere Ranges, only 5 minutes drive from the Bethells Beach and lake. and 30 Minutes from the inner Auckland City. The Swanson train station is 10 minute drive, if you don't have transport we can pick you up and drop you off at the station between 10am-3pm).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
You can park your car or van just outside the back of our house.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (8)
Our stay with you was fantastic! Your warm hospitality and commitment to sustainable living created a memorable experience. Working on your property was a joy, surrounded by nature. Jakob's enthusiasm added an extra layer of delight. Thanks for making us feel like part of your family.
Best,
Rouven and Neo
Serena is an extraordinary person, very kind and caring. The work is simple and well explained.
I loved living this experience with Jakob (his son) who is adorable and very funny. Just like the cat Giovanni who never stops talking. I even came back for the second time for 2 weeks.
In… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Our stay with you was fantastic! Your warm hospitality and commitment to sustainable living created a memorable experience. Working on your property was a joy, surrounded by nature. Jakob's enthusiasm added an extra layer of delight. Thanks for making us feel like part of your family.
Best,
Rouven and Neo
Serena is an extraordinary person, very kind and caring. The work is simple and well explained.
I loved living this experience with Jakob (his son) who is adorable and very funny. Just like the cat Giovanni who never stops talking. I even came back for the second time for 2 weeks.
In… read more
The house is in a pretty calm and bushy area. So you can enjoy… read more
It was beautiful, and an amazing piece of land
I enjoyed every minute i was there, we had so much fun and alot of great talks :)
Serena was good at telling what needed to be done around the house and helped when she had time
And then there is Jakob, her… read more
We were living in our own seperate house, which was awesome, but also, we were always… read more
My work was mostly gardening, it was nice and I learnt a lot !
I would recommend this workaway for sure !
Thank you again for everything :blush:
Best… read more
