Help in a beautiful 'off-grid' arts-led field research centre

Spain

Favourited 2205 times

Host rating
Feedback
33
Last activity
17/01/2021
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2021

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Description
We are a not for profit arts organisation / residency called: arte + ecología based ‘off-grid’ in a sustainable destination in the heart of the Parque Natural Sierra María-Los Vélez in the north of the Provincia de Almería, Andalucía.

It was founded in 2009 by us, Simon and Donna Beckmann, with the intention of making a strong cultural destination within a Spanish rural context. We believe that dynamic and sustainable creative activity is the backbone to regenerating land that has been slowly abandoned over the last fifty years.

Arid zones such as southern Spain have anthropogenically become increasingly vulnerable as a consequence of climate change and land usage. arte + ecología, as an arts led field research centre, aims to be an exemplar to sustainable land use, creativity and invention.

We use the power from the sun and wind, cooking and heating with wood and recycling everything. As an arts residency we ask for help with resident artists, guests and working on the land.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Language practice
Art Projects
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Help
NOTE: as winter approaches we are looking for strong folk who can cut and chop wood for the house. People who are physical and able to move rocks, dig holes, build roads, clear overgrown areas of land and dig soil. If that's you (genuinely) then you will have a good time in the fresh air in the mountains.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
At our place, please ask
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
5 hrs 5 days a week or 6 hrs 4 days a week

Photos

Show all photos

Our solar system

Comedor

Installation by NYC artist Melissa

The studio which hosts artists residencies

The view of the Cortijada

Feedback left by and about host (33)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

16/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jette & Georg) for host

After reading their discription on workaway we weren't really sure what we would find, but this place exceeded all our expectations. We decided to stay for five weeks (instead of the planned two) and really enjoyed that time.
Every day was a little different - allways incredible dinner, interesting conversations, varied tasks to help with,… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host

I am truely impressed by this place and extremely grateful to have been apart of it, even if it was only for a few weeks. I would recomend this to anyone looking for some stunning views, sunshine, rewarding physical labor, and wonderful meals with even more wonderful and creative people. The only part of this workaway I really did not enjoy was… read more

(Excellent )

25/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Reece) for host

I got to be a part of something really special there. I’ve never had a workaway that effected me more, even though my stay got cut short. Simon and Donna are amazing hosts and amazing cooks! The work is physically strenuous but you’re never pushed beyond what you’re capable of and always feels really meaningful and important. You have total… read more

(Excellent )

26/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Francesco) for host

Thank you for the special experience! These 3 weeks helped me to think about me, working and meeting a lot of great people that I wish to meet again. Moreover, Simon and Donna had a lot of patience with my italian/english and they helped me to learn!
It is a amazing project and you have a beautiful family...

Thanks again... see you soon!

(Excellent )

13/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Fionnuala) for host

I had an absolutely fantastic time with Donna and Simon, the twins and Fu Fu the goat. It's a year on and I still think of my experience very fondly and look forward to going back some day. Donna and Simon are just great! I felt part of the family, met some amazing artists, picked up great cooking tips and trotted around a national park with a… read more

(Excellent )

27/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

I have been there for one month and came back one month later for a few days just to visit Simon and Donna, who have been amazing hosts for my whole staying there. If you come here you can expect to learn about sustainable living, to eat delicious food, and to learn while working. Working hours are flexible, and Simon and Donna are always very… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Aurélia) for host

Hi Donna, Simon & the kids !! We are drinking a tea chaï and thinking of you. We just wanted to say that we had a wonderful time with you and fufu ! Thank you for everything, your nice food, nice home, your kindness... we miss our walks with fufu and our dinners with everyone and of course, the weeding ! We hope we will come back one day to help… read more

(Excellent )

22/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Natasha) for host

My 12 days there were my first workaway experience and I feel so lucky. Donna and Simon are amazing people, wonderful sense of humor, sensitives, generous and very brave. I felt more than welcome and them (and their lovely kids, Sesi and Sal) make us feel integrated very easily. The house is a brilliant space that uses ecological resources and… read more

(Excellent )

15/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Hanley)

Hanley is awesome. Keen to get involved, hard working, intelligent and fun to be around. It has been a pleasure having him with us and he is missed as he moves on to new experiences. As hosts for many, many volunteers from all over the world during the last few years he is in the top five special people. We could not recommend him highly enough.

(Excellent )

12/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Hanley) for host

Simon and Donna are amazing people - very genuine and big-hearted! I spent about a month in Los Gázquez learning about the residency, the land, different permaculture and sustainable living techniques, landscaping and working with and getting to know the resident artists and writers. The property is beautiful and they've done an outstanding job… read more

(Excellent )

28/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Viktoria & Aiste)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

28/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Abbie)

Abbie is awesome. She is a fantastic cook and great entertainer, hard working and extremely diligent. We would have no hesitation in recommending her to any host. She would be an asset to your home or business.
She has been with us for two months in in that time she has helped garden (she is not afraid of hard physical work), housekeeping… read more

(Excellent )

22/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Alejandro)

Alejandro is an excellent young Spanish man who has shown great initiative in deciding to volunteer in order to learn English. He works hard and enthusiastically and during his time off he doesn't sit around idly, he revises his English or takes himself off on an epic bike ride. We have enjoyed his company over the last few weeks and he has been… read more

(Excellent )

18/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David is a fantastic volunteer. He is possession of a lot of skills and would be a godsend to any host. He is hard working and a lot of fun. We highly recommend him.

(Excellent )

17/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

What an amazing place, I had such a great time there. Simon and Donna's hospitality was matched by their warmth, humour and FOOOOD :) Their home is set in an magical alpine desert, its a very special place. There is plenty to explore including mountain hikes, neolithic caves and the local town for tapas. The work is fun and fair and Simon and… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Joseph) for host

Simon and Donna are wonderful people! They were really welcoming and loving. I felt like a temporary family member. They've both got this awesome English sarcastic streak, and they have a lot to teach you about Spain, agriculture, art, music, rugby and probably lots more. I hope to return someday!

(Excellent )

30/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host

I want to come back!!!

For three weeks I stayed in this beautiful environment with this lovely family and the charming Maxi. I worked fair, ate good, had interesting conversations and laughed a lot.
It is amazing how much work and love Donna and Simon are putting in this very interesting project, and still make everyone feel truely welcomed.… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Marcin) for host

I cant tell enough how much i loved it there! even though it was my first workaway experience, i felt almost like home since the very first moment. Simon and Donna are so frendly and helpfull, And it was for me completely interesting when we are ate dinner together all (guests and familly). I spent there around 3 weeks and I m realy happy. If… read more

(Excellent )

23/02/2015

Left by Workawayer (Karl & Adam) for host

It's very hard to put in words how overwhelming and fulfilling this experience was for both of us. Let's just say: We wouldn't have thought that the shortest and darkest time in the year could be so bright (in both a mental and ecological way)! :-) Simon and Donna are the most generous and interesting hosts as it comes to the working and the… read more

(Excellent )

18/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Isabel) for host

I enjoyed one and a half months in this place of breathtaking nature, tranquility and fun. The work is various and Donna and Simon know how to explain your tasks very good. The atmosphere is warm and gracious, thanks to the amazing people living in this place. Thanks Donna, Simon and everyone else for making this time so precious.

(Excellent )

15/01/2015

Left by Workawayer (Victor & Alexander) for host

It was two weeks, extended to two great mounths. Lot of various work in restoration of the greatness of this place. Wonderful sightseeng places around. Kind and merry, but serious in intentions, Simon and Donna provide nice conditions for living and exploring surroundings. It was our first and awesome experience in workaway. Thank you, there's not… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (Gokcen) for host

i cannot tell enough how much i loved it there! even though it was my first workaway experience, i felt home since the very first moment. simon and donna are so warm and hospitable, and they genuinely share their life with all of their guests. i did various tasks including gardening, painting, washing dishes while there was the food course and… read more

(Excellent )

08/10/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Rosalyn & Jeff )

Roz and Jeff were (are) the most diligent, hard working, conscientious, delightful, interesting, good company etc. There are not enough superlatives we can use to describe how fab they are. Not only as volunteers but also as people. If you choose to ask these two to come and volunteer for you consider yourself lucky.
If they ever chose to come… read more

(Excellent )

28/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Rosalyn & Jeff ) for host

It's difficult to put into words just how fantastic an experience working with Simon, Donna and Gonzago was. We stayed in our own part of the house but were also made to feel as part of the family, and even given time to use the wonderful art studio, alongside landscaping work outside. We really enjoyed spending time with them all as they were so… read more

(Excellent )

02/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Cormac) for host

We had a great two week stay with Simon Donna and the kids. They were warm, friendly, funny, and welcoming.
They were running a food course whilst we were there so the work was mostly washing up punctuated by the most incredible meals. Apart from that we did weeding, building walls, cleaning the guest rooms and firing the boiler. The work was… read more

(Excellent )

29/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Cormac)

Cormac and Lea are great. They are self contained but don't let that fool you. They just get on with work without prompting and they are very effective in getting things done. We have been hosting volunteers for nearly six years here and many have been coming back to us becoming friends. We would put these two in the top ten. Highly recommended by… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Laura & Nicola ) for host

We had a fabulous time here. Donna and Simon are great hosts and we really enjoyed our month spending time with their family and the other volunteers.

We volunteered during two of the creative cooking courses, so much of our work included washing dishes, and helping prepare the guesthouse. The work is varied and we did spend time outside weeding… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2014

Left by Workawayer (Jeroen) for host

Thank you Donna and Simon for this oppertunity. I learned some more skills on permaculture and basic building. Together with some other Workaway'ers I pruned almond trees, helped building a dam to prevent erosion, landscaping and creating swales, cutting and gathering firewood in the forest, working on an ancient irrigation system, dry stone rock… read more

(Very good )

09/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (Michael & Margaret) for host

We had an excellent experience here! Simon and Donna have created a beautiful space in a beautiful part of Spain. It's rural, which we were looking for as it's a great place to getaway and explore the natural surroundings. They were very easy and welcoming hosts with great kids. We felt as if we were a part of the family right away. The work was… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Austin)

For any hosts out there these two, David and Austin, were really great. They are hard working, diligent, enthusiastic and great fun. We have no hesitation in giving them a 'top notch' reference. Hopefully they are coming back soon.

(Excellent )

12/05/2013

Left by Workawayer (David & Austin) for host

We spent 2 1/2 months at this guest house and had an amazing time. The work was interesting, the people were great, the place is incredibly beautiful...it was just what we had hoped and wanted. We feel so lucky to have been there.

They encouraged us to do work tasks that we were interested in. We also liked that they were skilled at asking for… read more

(Excellent )

18/10/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Hut)

(Excellent )

07/06/2010

Left by Workawayer (Hut) for host

Amazing hosts, artists, food, place, concept, nature, you are the best, thanks so much I have learnt and gained a lot ! I love you all. = )

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 16779328484a

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