Join our small organic household in culturally unique Setomaa, Estonia

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello!

    We are a young Estonian-Canadian family (Iisak, Maris and our kids Jaako and Raahel) cats and the friendliest dog ever, Skalli. We live in an old farm property in the deep south of Estonia, surrounded by forests which we share with deer, moose, wild boar, foxes and endless species of birds. We ourselves enjoy fruit and veggies from our organic garden.

    We are optimistic, driven and welcoming people who enjoy having good conversations but also value our private family time. Iisak plays bass in the local village band (Nedsaja Küla Bänd) and Maris sings with other village women in the traditional Seto Leelo choir (Lummo Kati leelokoor).

    We moved down here 11 years ago when the property had been forsaken for years. By today, we have slowly cleaned up the place, took apart and rebuilt numerous buildings, (and built a brand new one) cleared a lot of land for pasture etc but there is still a lot to do. '

    We have both had extensive volunteering experience ourselves here in Estonia, in Canada, Iceland, Ecuador & Australia and are looking for ~5hrs work/day 5days/week in exchange for food and accommodation. Volunteer accommodation is simple - we have created a basic living space in our 100-year old barn (details below). We eat simple food, often vegetarian . We will have lunches all together in our house while breakfast and dinner we will do separately (ingredients are of course provided by us).

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We live in a very unique area of Estonia called Setomaa where the ancient Seto culture is still very much alive. The Seto people have lived between two worlds, the East and the West, for centuries and have developed a unique and inspiring culture. The most remarkable part of it is definitely the UNESCO-listed "Seto Leelo" - the ancient polyphonic singing tradition. There are lots of traditional Seto village parties which you might be able to attend during your stay, also 3 museums and some restaurants to try out local cuisine.
    Check out the short tourist video called "Tere tulemast Setomaale ja Seto Külävüüle!" in Youtube to learn more about the culture - at the beginning you can also see our horse Semu and our village!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    In 2024 ee are looking for help in following fields:

    *️️️️help with the VEGETABLE GARDEN and FOOD
    - tend to (planting, weeding, harvesting, watering) our organic vegetable garden and greenhouse
    - gather wild foods (berries, mushrooms, herbs for tea and medicine)

    *️️️️help with GENERAL FARM MAINTENANCE and BUILDING PROJECTS
    - yard chores (mowing, trimming etc.)
    - DIY and building projects ( stable renos, wood shed etc)
    - brush cutting, chopping and stacking firewood

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Estonian: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Russian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Volunteer accommodation is in our 100-year old log barn which we have equipped with running water, small cooking stove, a fireplace, table, chairs, sofa and beds. Toilet is outside and washing is next door (hot shower) or in our wood-heated sauna by the pond. If preferred, sleeping in a tent or a hammock under the stars is also possible. There´s also a small fire pit and wifi for volunteer use.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    During your free time, we have bicycles for exploring the forests (including the Mustoja nature park just 2km away), visiting lakes, caves and other swimming holes, and instruments for playing (guitar, djembe, ukulele, kalimba, clarinet and more). We are also rather social so you can expect to meet some of our friends and family while you are here too.
    There are daily buses and trains to and from local towns so it is possible (though not the most convenient) to go explore nearby towns (Võru, Põlva, Räpina, Tartu). Some of our neighbours also accept helpers so you will most likely meet other travellers who are located just a few kilometers away.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Maybe. Let´s talk it over and see if we can make it work considering our dog, cats and small kids.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    roughly 5 hours/day, 5 days/week

Host ref number: 168156476844

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