Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
54
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We have a small cottage in the mid Blue Mountains, walking distance to the train to see the many beautiful sites including the 3 Sisters. You can also easily get a train to the City of Sydney. We love music and having a jam with our piano, drums and guitars. If you would like to be part of our family of mum and young adult daughter and help out with some cleaning and home maintenance, we would love to have you. We do lots of home cooking and love spicy food. There are also great walks close by if you want to keep fit. We have a cat who lives mostly inside and have a young and quite large flatcoat retriever who loves cuddles and playing soccer.
We would love to host non-smokers who are happy to eat a variety of healthy meals with us including meat and seafood and lots of vegies as we see sharing meals as an important part of the experience. We respect that some travellers may be vegan but this is difficult for us as we really want to cook and share all types of foods together.
We have a small inside room with single bed for individual travellers. During March and April however my daughter will be travelling giving another single bed for a second traveller.
We are happy to just give one small project per week to each of our workawayers to give time to explore the Blue Mountains. We really enjoy the sharing of cultures and travel stories. Normally we ask our guests to work 4 out of 7 days or the equivalent spread out over the week.
We are really keen to have travellers stay again now travel to Australia has opened up. We miss having people stay and share their stories and having meals together.
Please consider us if you'd like a welcoming place to stay. Our retriever is still only 4 years and loves to play and have endless cuddles so you will need to love dogs as well as our cat who tends to break into rooms and sneak on the bed.
We look forward to meeting you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Great site seeing in the Blue Mountains. Patient host if wanting to practise English. Happy to share cultural recipes.
Help
Help with housework and dog sitting. Some maintenance around the house would be great help. Need to love animals as we have a cat, large dog and lots of wild birds which can be hand fed. If you can play an instrument for jamming or can teach some cool riffs on guitar to a teenager that would be great volunteer work as well.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Small room inside for single traveller. 3 bedroom house with outside deck looking on to large backyard and reserve. We have a variety of beautiful birdlife who come to visit daily and like being hand fed. 20 minute walk to train station or 5 minute walk to bus stop for bus to Katoomba. Great multicultural home cooked meals.
What else ...
Visitors can access train by 20 minute walk or bus by 5 minute walk. Trains and buses to Katoomba tourist sites including 3 Sisters and various tours. Trains to City to see Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Many festival activities run in the city during the Summer season. The Blue Mountains is also known for its art galleries and art exhibitions. Sydney Bondi Beach can be accessed via train and bus.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 4 days a week
Host ref number: 183313158859
Feedback (25)
5 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Libby)
It was such a pleasure to host Libby. She was always cheerful and willing to help and was especially amazing with Aloy our retriever who will really miss the attention! We would thoroughly recommend her to any other hosts and wish her all the best in her continued travels.
(Excellent
)
24 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie was so lovely to have stay with us, really easy to have around and did a great job cleaning our windows inside and out. She was also really patient with our animals. We would thoroughly recommend her to any future hosts.
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2020
Hello dear Lisa ! We spent 2 weeks in your wonderful place, our 2 last weeks in Australia ( that's a big thing ).
We really enjoyed your sympathy, we felt immediatly like home.
We had our own little cabin in the backyard, very convinient if you want sleep late in the morning or wake up early without disturbing.
Lisa is an excellent cook, it was… read more
We really enjoyed your sympathy, we felt immediatly like home.
We had our own little cabin in the backyard, very convinient if you want sleep late in the morning or wake up early without disturbing.
Lisa is an excellent cook, it was… read more
30 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Rabouin & Germain)
How lovely to have this fantastic couple come and stay with us. They did a great job re-varnishing our deck, organising our kitchen, putting up our Christmas tree and lights and giving lots of attention to our animals. They were a lot of fun and we will miss them lots. We also loved their cooking especially the baguettes and the real French… read more
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
5 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Libby)
It was such a pleasure to host Libby. She was always cheerful and willing to help and was especially amazing with Aloy our retriever who will really miss the attention! We would thoroughly recommend her to any other hosts and wish her all the best in her continued travels.
(Excellent
)
24 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie was so lovely to have stay with us, really easy to have around and did a great job cleaning our windows inside and out. She was also really patient with our animals. We would thoroughly recommend her to any future hosts.
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rabouin & Germain) for host
Hello dear Lisa ! We spent 2 weeks in your wonderful place, our 2 last weeks in Australia ( that's a big thing ).
We really enjoyed your sympathy, we felt immediatly like home.
We had our own little cabin in the backyard, very convinient if you want sleep late in the morning or wake up early without disturbing.
Lisa is an excellent cook, it was… read more
We really enjoyed your sympathy, we felt immediatly like home.
We had our own little cabin in the backyard, very convinient if you want sleep late in the morning or wake up early without disturbing.
Lisa is an excellent cook, it was… read more
30 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Rabouin & Germain)
How lovely to have this fantastic couple come and stay with us. They did a great job re-varnishing our deck, organising our kitchen, putting up our Christmas tree and lights and giving lots of attention to our animals. They were a lot of fun and we will miss them lots. We also loved their cooking especially the baguettes and the real French… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Apr 2020
Left by Workawayer (Christine) for host
It was a great pleasure staying at Lisas house. Lisa is an awesome woman and host. She and her daughter Medkes made me feel like part of the Family from the first day. The bit work I had to do was very easy and did not really feel like working. I enjoyed helping them, especially with their lovely dog Aloy, she is just adorable and very clever.… read more
31 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Christine)
Christine was such a great help during a stressful time knowing about the covid19 situation and knowing her family was so far away. She was amazing with our retriever, doing lessons with her and keeping her occupied.
We would definitely recommend her to any future hosts.
We would definitely recommend her to any future hosts.
(Excellent
)
9 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
It was lovely having Maria stay with us. She is a very mature and happy girl who did a great job in helping out with the housework, being really quick and even asking for more! We were very confident to leave Maria to look after our dog and cat and housesit whilst we went interstate for 3 days. We came back to very content animals and a spotless… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rory & Charlotte) for host
We stayed a week with Lisa, Mekdes and Aloy and had a great time! Lisa even helped us organise staying with a neighbour as well.
Our work was mainly dog sitting (Aloy is full of beans and we loved her!), helping around the house and a bit of party preparation. The party was after we left and Lisa kindly invited us back for it where we had a great… read more
Our work was mainly dog sitting (Aloy is full of beans and we loved her!), helping around the house and a bit of party preparation. The party was after we left and Lisa kindly invited us back for it where we had a great… read more
22 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Rory & Charlotte)
These workawayers are amazing! They were fabulous with our large retriever and take lots of initiative to help as needed. They are happy and easy going and cook a great pasta :). We really appreciate how calm they were with the Blue Mountains fires around and willing to help if needed.
We thoroughly recommend them to other hosts.
We thoroughly recommend them to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
31 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Christine)
Christine was a lovely easygoing guest to have despite having to experience our stress around the bush fires. She helped us a lot with cooking and cleaning up. We would definitely recommend her to other hosts
(Excellent
)
31 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Christine) for host
Staying with Lisa and her daughter Mekdes for a week over Christmas was a joy! Despite the anxiety over the severe bushfires at the time, I was enormously welcomed by them and felt instantly at home. I met Lisa and Mekdes' friends at a fabulous Christmas/Birthday party they hosted, so much fun! And I had a wonderful Christmas day at their friends'… read more
28 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Esther) for host
Lisa and Mekdes were wonderful to stay with. They are very laid back and their home is a beautiful haven of travel, art and culture. Their pets were also a joy to be with and I loved dog sitting. It was really easy going being with these ladies sharing stories and the work was nothing strenuous. It was such a joy I wish I could have stayed longer.… read more
15 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Esther)
Esther was a fantastic person to host. She was positive and great to talk to. She helped a lot dog sitting as well as doing some sewing jobs, housekeeping, raking of leaves and branches and is also a great cook. it was fun sharing recipes. We hope to catch up with her again and share more stories.
(Excellent
)
24 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ada) for host
My stay with Lisa and Mekdes was amazing ! I got to do sooo many things even though I only spent a week there. The work was very light and not much at all (some housework and playing with Aloy, which can’t even be considered as work as she is just THE friendliest cuddliest dog ever !) In my freetime I did lots of beautiful walks (some are only 5… read more
23 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ada)
Ada was a great guest to have stay with us. She was so thorough with any cleaning jobs and took lots of initiative to do extra around the house. She also took great care of our dog Aloy who was very content to sleep in the evening after lots of play. A positive person to have around and we very much recommend her as a workaway to other… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Gayani) for host
Gayani and I stayed with Lisa and Mekdes for 17 days. We enjoyed the work, painting and taking care of the animals, and had plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas. The food was delicious and healthy and Lisa was generous and kind. We played catch with Aloy everyday and miss her a lot. We hope that Lisa will text us when she brings her to… read more
2 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Gayani)
Rebecca and Gayani did a great job in painting our laundry. They had it done whilst I was at work at had cleaned up before I got home which was amazing. They also helped a lot in cleaning out our pantry and fridge. Our retriever, Aloy, loved playing with them and still looks for them outside the cabin. They are both quiet and easy to have around,… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alexandre) for host
It was such a delight to be part of Lisa's family! It's a shame I had such a short stay but it was enough to enjoy Lisa's cooking skills, play some riff at the guitar and have passionate discussion with Mekdes (who has a spark in her eyes when you're talking about certain topics, I'll let you guess which ones ;)) , have some good times playing… read more
15 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre)
Alx was such an amazing guest to have. We really enjoyed his company including the stories about his travels and especially his chocolate mousse! Yes you did win the mousse cook off! (along with some other culinary treats). Alx did a great job trimming our trees and playing with our retriever. He also patiently taught my daughter some guitar… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
Lisa was extremely welcoming, considerate and kind! She always did her best to make me feel right at home! Her animals Aloy and Oscar are really fun to play with and her daugher Mekdes was really fun to chat with. One of my favourite parts about staying with Lisa was cooking a new recipe from a cookbook almost every night. She is such a passionate… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
It was great having Jennifer stay with us. She took really good care of our animals and did a thorough job with the house duties we gave her. Jen was very easy to have around. We also enjoyed sharing stories about food and cooking together. We would really recommend having Jennifer stay with other hosts.
(Excellent
)
29 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Katherine) for host
It was lovely to stay with Lisa and her daughter. They welcomed me into their home, complete with a warm fire and comfy blankets to fight the cold streak that came in at the beginning of the week. Just a bit of light housekeeping and playing with the dog and cat (can that even be called work?!) before I adventured into the mountains. They offered… read more
28 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Katherine)
Katherine was a pleasure to have stay with us. She was a great help with the housework and also taking great care of our retriever and cat, giving them lots of cuddles and play. Thanks Katherine and we hope to keep in touch!
(Excellent
)
8 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Cora) for host
It was a real pleasure staying at Lisa's house. It was my first workaway experience and I couldn't have asked for more. Lisa and Mekdes are lovely and welcoming people and I felt like part of the family right from the start. I had a lot of fun playing with Aloy (dog) and cuddling with Oscar (cat). The work was easy and fun and I had a lot of… read more
6 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Cora)
Cora was so great to have staying with us. She was great company for our dog and was such a help with the household jobs. She also did a great job learning how to light our log fire! We are looking forward to keeping in touch with her as she continues her travels and would thoroughly recommend her to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
2 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi)
Naomi was so easy to have around. She was friendly and happy to do the gardening jobs we gave her. She also was great with our animals. We would really recommend her to other hosts and are hoping to keep in touch as she continues her travels.
(Excellent
)
1 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host
I had such a brilliant week staying with Lisa and Mekdes! They made me feel very welcome straight away, Lisa’s cooking was just amazing and she was incredibly thoughtful and kind. I had a lot of time to explore the mountains which really are beautiful. It was also so nice to meet Lisa’s friends who also host people through work away – it was nice… read more
23 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (MOHEN & Depierre) for host
We spent 2 fabulous weeks with Lisa and Mekdes. We felt at home from the first day, Lisa is so welcoming and kind. If you don't speak English very well, she will do anything to help you and is really understandable!
For the tasks done, we painted part of the living room and help Lisa in usual daily tasks.
Lisa will give you all the advice you need… read more
For the tasks done, we painted part of the living room and help Lisa in usual daily tasks.
Lisa will give you all the advice you need… read more
21 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (MOHEN & Depierre)
Margot and Valentin were such a lovely couple to have stay with us. They did a great job painting in our loungeroom and were amazing how neat and tidy they were each day both with the job and around the house. We enjoyed their smiles and would thoroughly recommend them to any future host.
(Excellent
)
26 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Laurie)
It was a pleasure to have Laurie stay with us. She worked hard painting the main bedroom and we appreciated how well she took care of our animals. It was also great she and her boyfriend Artur did extra for us painting the laundry. Thanks Laurie and Artur!
(Excellent
)
26 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laurie) for host
It was a pleasure to share moments with Lisa and Mekdes (her daughter). I stayed with them during ten days. Lisa is really Nice Cooker and I loved to Cook With her. Lisa is kind and she does her best to integrate us as good as possible. For the Work, I'm painting the laundry area, the bed room and a little part of dinner room, it was funny. Lisa's… read more
19 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy)
It was great having Lucy and her friend Jess stay with us. They were always happy and fun to have around and did a great job starting painting in our loungeroom and taking care of our dog and cat. Would absolutely recommend them for future hosts. Thanks girls!
(Excellent
)
4 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
Lisa and Mekdes were absolutely incredible hosts- we felt welcome from the moment we walked in! The work asked of us was very simple and Lisa always made sure we knew to take time to enjoy the amazing mountain ranges around us. I fell in love with the area, and I won't forget the lovely dinners we spent together, or the ice cream sundae nights… read more
1 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jenn was such a great person to have stay with us. She worked really hard and did a great job painting my bedroom, doing gardening, housework and helping to look after our animals. She was always happy and positive and very easy to have around. We would thoroughly recommend her to other hosts and we really hope she comes back to see us again!
(Excellent
)
31 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
10 wonderful days with Lisa and Mekdes. Lisa's home was my first workaway. I am very lucky ! Lisa is very kind, funy and caring for your comfort. And also an excellent cook!
I don’t feel like I have worked once, I did simple things, like we would do at home, a real family life.
Lisa explained everything there was to see at Blue Montains and was… read more
I don’t feel like I have worked once, I did simple things, like we would do at home, a real family life.
Lisa explained everything there was to see at Blue Montains and was… read more
3 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Farina & Sofea) for host
Lisa, Mekdes & Rino makes our stay remarkable & wonderful with their warmth, generosity and thoughtfulness.. we cooked a lot over a few days in preparation for a big Christmas party... didn't even feel like work because Sofea & I were busy tasting food as we go.. we definitely overdosed on chocolate and desserts! Lisa herself is an awesome cook… read more
3 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Farina & Sofea)
We enjoyed having Farina and her very bubbly daughter Sofea stay with us and help us prepare for our Christmas party. Farina also did an amazing job sorting out my linen cupboard and I can now find everything easily! We would very much recommend them to any future hosts.
(Excellent
)
9 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Cécilia)
It was great to meet Cecilia and have her stay with us. She is a lovely person and very easy to have around. She did a great job painting our laundry shelf and helping with the housework and playing with our young retriever. We would absolutely recommend Cecilia to other hosts and we hope she comes back to stay with us one day.
(Excellent
)
3 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nina & Eric ) for host
We had such a lovely time staying with Lisa and Mekdes, and they went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We loved staying with them and getting to know them, and Lisa was great at showing us the local sites. Couldn't have asked for a better hosts to introduce us to Australia, and we'll definitely be keeping in touch.
2 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nina & Eric )
Nina and Eric were such a lovely couple who stayed with us for 2 weeks. They were a pleasure to have around and we loved their funny and bubbly personalities. They did a great job painting our inside doors, helping around the house and helping take care of our pets. We would thoroughly recommend them to other hosts.
(Excellent
)
31 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Stina) for host
I had such a wonderful time staying with Lisa and Mekdes! Only stayed for 6 nights and would have loved to stay longer. Lisa and Mekdes made me feel so welcome and I really enjoyed getting to know them. The puppy Aloy is gorgeous and I loved spending time with her! The cat Oscar is also very cute, sleeping on my bed most of the time. Helped out… read more
31 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Stina)
We were very fortunate to have Stina stay with us. She was so easy to have around and we loved her stories of the Swedish Sami people. She took great care of our pup and baked some amazing Swedish cinnamon buns. We would happily have her stay again.
(Excellent
)
21 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hayley & David) for host
We had an amazing time staying with Lisa and Mekdes. They were so kind, friendly and caring. It was an experience that we will always remember and I hope that we will stay in touch. Lisa did everything possible to make us feel comfortable and she is a very special person. We loved taking care of their puppy. She is adorable and so fun to be… read more
16 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Hayley & David)
Hayley and David were a fantastic couple to have stay with us. They were patient and gentle with our new puppy and did some great training with her. They also were such a great help doing housework-it was so nice coming home to a spotless house! They also taught us some fun card games and were very patient teaching some ukelele riffs. We would… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Laura & Darren) for host
Staying at Lisa’s home was one of the true highlights of our trip. She’s one of the kindest and welcoming people we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. The lovely homemade food was a much welcomed break from the food you typically eat as a backpacker. Her daughter was also a joy to spend time with and is also very intelligent and interesting.
6 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Darren)
Laura and Darren were such a lovely couple to have stay with us. They were always laughing and happy and did an amazing job clearing sections of our garden. We would happily host them again.
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Weronika)
Weronika and Artur were such a lovely couple and we wish we could have had their company longer. Great to chat to and very happy and funny to have around. We also loved their Polish presentation they prepared after dinner one night. tThey worked so very hard and did so much more both inside and outside than we asked. They were also great house… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Weronika) for host
Thank you for having us in your lovely house!
We spent here only one week (3 days with Lisa & Mekdes and 4 days as housesitters) but we enjoyed it a lot. Lisa and Mekdes are lovely people, very warm, friendly and welcoming, they both made us feel like home. Lisa cooked delicious meals, we enjoyed dinners together and playing cool games in the… read more
We spent here only one week (3 days with Lisa & Mekdes and 4 days as housesitters) but we enjoyed it a lot. Lisa and Mekdes are lovely people, very warm, friendly and welcoming, they both made us feel like home. Lisa cooked delicious meals, we enjoyed dinners together and playing cool games in the… read more
26 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabine)
How lucky were we to have Sabine stay with us and spend Christmas time as part of our family. She worked so hard helping cook for our party and doing the cleanup after was amazing . She also did a great job cutting back hedges in our garden. We hope she comes back again soon as she is also a lovely person to have around.
(Excellent
)
26 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sabine) for host
My stay at Lisas place was just wonderful. From the first moment on i felt as a part of the family.
I was so lucky spending Christmastime with Lisa, Mekdes and their friends. Thank you for this beautiful time!!
The main part of my work was helping with preperations for the Christmas Party, which contained some light cooking and baking tasks.
In… read more
I was so lucky spending Christmastime with Lisa, Mekdes and their friends. Thank you for this beautiful time!!
The main part of my work was helping with preperations for the Christmas Party, which contained some light cooking and baking tasks.
In… read more
6 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Queenie & Mark)
We were so fortunate to have Queenie and Mark stay with us. They worked so hard painting our kitchen, dining room and hallway and always with a smile and a laugh. We totally recommend them as workawayers and now consider them as part of our family.
(Excellent
)
6 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Queenie & Mark) for host
Where do I start? The month we stayed with Lisa and Mekdes was absolutely wonderful. It’s such a warm and welcoming house we found it hard to leave. Lisa is the kindest, most caring and thoughtful person I have come across.
We painted the kitchen/dining room and hall while we were there. Work days were very flexible as we were job hunting in… read more
We painted the kitchen/dining room and hall while we were there. Work days were very flexible as we were job hunting in… read more
21 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stefan & Heike)
Stefan and Heike were a lovely couple to stay with us. They worked so hard renovating our kitchen! We also really enjoyed the games nights and being introduced to Qwirkle. Highly recommend.
(Excellent
)
20 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Stefan & Heike) for host
It was a real pleasure staying at Lisa's house in the Blue Mountains. She spoiled us with amazing food (especially that ethopian dinners).
We stayed there for two weeks and renovated her kitchen. That was a nice project. Lisa took us to several special places in the Blue Mountains and invited us to a nice Ukulele evening and an easter party with… read more
We stayed there for two weeks and renovated her kitchen. That was a nice project. Lisa took us to several special places in the Blue Mountains and invited us to a nice Ukulele evening and an easter party with… read more
