Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
22 Oct 2024
Feedback
18
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hello!
We are a young Estonian-Canadian family (Iisak, Maris and our English speaking kids Jaako (8) and Raahel (5)) 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 12 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 or renovated old house(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
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
Interests
Cycling
Events & social
Sustainability
Pets
Farming
Plant care
Music
Books
Cooking & food
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Carpentry
Animals
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Nature
Camping
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
In 2025 we 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/LAND MAINTENANCE and BUILDING PROJECTS
- brush cutting, chopping and stacking firewood
- turning fallen trees into firewood
- yard chores (mowing, trimming etc.)
- DIY and building projects ( stable renos, wood shed etc)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Estonian: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Russian: Beginner
Accommodation
Volunteer accommodation is in our 100-year old log barn or old renovated mini house (both about 25m2) which we have equipped with running water, small cooking stove, a fireplace, table, chairs, sofa and beds. Toilet is outside and washing is 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 ...
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
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
51 Mbps download ja 1.5 Mbps upload is average here on the property.
Space for parking camper vans
Any size caravan fits, we have both normal 220v and three phase outlets
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?
Two
Feedback (13)
Iisak and Maris have many friends in the area. Locals and ex-pats. Open and friendly people. It was interesting for me to communicate with them.
Quite often we attended parties and various events.
There was a cool boat tour of the lake.
There… read more
They are really kind and opened, you'll definitely feel at home. Instruments,… read more
This was my first workaway experience, at least through an official website, too.
After Karthik´s notification, there is really nothing left for me to say.. Everything is 100 % true and
verified by me ;)
Good people attract good people; and it´s kind of crowded over there..
If you want to see a spot which is still wild and free, embedded… read more
Photos
Feedback
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)
Iisak and Maris have many friends in the area. Locals and ex-pats. Open and friendly people. It was interesting for me to communicate with them.
Quite often we attended parties and various events.
There was a cool boat tour of the lake.
There… read more
They are really kind and opened, you'll definitely feel at home. Instruments,… read more
This was my first workaway experience, at least through an official website, too.
After Karthik´s notification, there is really nothing left for me to say.. Everything is 100 % true and
verified by me ;)
Good people attract good people; and it´s kind of crowded over there..
If you want to see a spot which is still wild and free, embedded… read more
And working at Maris and Iisak's place is probably one of the better decisions I've made in my life. :D
They both are uniquely good… read more
I also had the opportunity to meet some members of Maris and Iisak's family, some of their neighbors, learn about the fascinating Seto Culture, and… read more
The Isaak and Maris's farm is definitly a place to stay if you want to see and work on the countryside in the better condition. I had milking goats, cut woods and make a fence and cooking also. Isaak is very patient to explain what we need to do. They is a lot of things to do in this farm so you… read more
Your company, sense of humour and excellent work ethic will be missed. We highly recommend John for anyone - he helped us do roof repairs and install electricity in our goat stable (thanks again!) which shows what an all around skilled worker he is. Hope our paths cross again.
Until then, happy biking!… read more
I have… read more
Yeah. Wishing you… read more
