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Last replied
2 Mar 2025
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Description
Hi there,
We are a family of three living in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. A gorgeous area surrounded by countryside, water, beaches, and beautiful hills. We are a short drive from 7-stanes bike trails, one of the best in Scotland, and live next to Scotland’s National book town which has an annual book festival.
We live on a dairy farm (family business) where we also have some pet pygmy goats, and two very playful Labrador dogs, Ness and Brandy.
Colin owns and runs the farm, whilst Rebecca works from home running her own communications, marketing and events business. She is based in the dedicated office on the farm, but also spends time travelling across the UK with work.
Our home is a beautiful farm house, with some new renovations recently completed, and lots of space for our little one to play as well as a big garden, and walks round the farm.
We are big family people, and Colin’s family live just 5 miles away. We are also quite social, and enjoy spending time with friends and family, and introducing and meeting new people.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
Interests
Technology
Movies & TV
Pets
Videography
Events & social
Charity work
Farming
Music
Books
Photography
Gardening
Cooking & food
Animals
Camping
Beach
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You would become part of our family, and can get involved as much or as little as you like. For example, you are welcome to join us for dinner or you can eat on your own. Likewise, you can join us in the evening or you can use your own space to switch off.
There is a strong community of events and groups in the area. If sport is your thing, the local rugby club have good teams, there are cycle and running groups, and a wild swimming network. We have bikes you are welcome to borrow.
If you are 30 years or under, the local Young Farmers network (not just for farmers) is one of the most sociable groups organising events, bowling, craft activities, farm visits, games, etc.
The local book festival is always looking for volunteers, and is another great way to get involved in the community. And through Sophie, if you were comfortable to do so, there are lots of baby and child groups you can attend to meet others in the area including a baby and toddlers weekly play group, a book club and swimming.
Au Pair Help
This host has let us know they’ll be complying with UK regulations for au pair stays.
Help
We are looking for someone to help us look after Sophie, who is just 7-months (as at January 2025) and become a member of our family.
The ideal person would help a minimum of 3-days a week . But the main requirement would be flexibility with hours as when Rebecca is away, we would be looking for someone who can help early morning (from 6.30am) and early evenings (no later than 6.30pm) while Colin is milking. However, this would only be a handful of days each month.
A typical day would involve lots of play and smiles. You would have free rein of the house, plus plenty of space in the garden, and we could arrange access to a car for day trips, if you wanted to go out. Sophie loves a walk and exploring. We are also keen to encourage reading stories, and whilst we are not adverse to a bit of TV time, we try not to have it on all the time.
We would pre-prepare meals, so you would just need to heat them up for her but if you have an interest/passion for cooking, our kitchen is yours!
Whilst the priority would be Sophie, any help with the house such as a quick hoover of the floors, would be very much appreciated, but you wouldn’t be asked to do anything other than childcare and light housework.
Rebecca gets to travel all over the UK with her job, so there would also be the option to take Sophie on her travels, if you would like to also travel and visit some of the areas, looking after Sophie while Rebecca works.
At all times either Colin, Rebecca or Sophie’s Grandparents will be near the house, should you need anything.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You would have your own double bedroom and dedicated bathroom in our house, with a TV and wi-fi access.
However long-term we may convert an area on the farm to a studio bedsit, so depending on when you joined us, and for how long you planned to stay, this might be available but is unlikely in 2025.
Our kitchen would also be available.
We would provide breakfast and lunch, and would be welcome to join us for family dinners, but we also appreciate, some times you might want to enjoy dinner on your own - you can get involved as much or as little as you like. And whilst weekends are your free time, we would love to invite you to join us at the pub or local cafe on occasions.
What else ...
Whilst we are looking for someone to help with Sophie, we would be happy to welcome two people to stay, if you were travelling with someone.
There may be the potential for additional work on the farm (general, relief milking, feeding calves) for them, or if you wanted more hours than those required by Sophie.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There would be plenty of space for you to park a camper van or motorhome, and we could offer an electric hook-up. A toilet and shower would be available in the house, as we don’t have a waste disposal area.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Photos
