Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
31 Aug 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
My husband and I moved from the big city of Toronto eleven summers ago to pursue a quieter, moderately self-sustaining lifestyle. On our 12 acres we have meadow and hardwood forest. As the soil is sandy, from thousands of years of being part of a large sea, we are working hard to augment the soil for farming. Using methods such as Hugel kultur and digging in composted material; building raised beds and planting native species, we endeavour to bring the land to a state of growing ability.
Some of our large projects includelbuilding a wood burning pizza and bread oven and establishing a mixed fruit orchard with trees and bushes native and hardy to our area. The pizza oven is on hold as we have a severe fire ban in all of Northumberland County. We are also intending to dig a pond but this too is on hold as we need to conserve water. We live with a well as our water source so conservation is key.
Our fruit trees and vegetables are chemical-free with hand picking of pests being our primary method of damage control. As you can imagine, this is very labour-intensive during the growing season. Another task that takes considerable time is the removal of invasive plant species on our property. By doing this we are able to maintain the natural habitats required for birds, frogs and snakes. Weeding is a big part of our day-to-day activity.
We live in beautiful Northumberland County, Ontario, east of Toronto and west of Kingston.
We have a beautiful Provincial Park 10 minutes away which has beaches and camp sites
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Interests
Politics / Social justice
LGBTQ
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Van life
Charity work
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Photography
Languages
Gardening
Beach
Camping
Nature
Outdoor activities
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have travelled extensively and welcomed students learning English to our home in Toronto. We speak several languages ourselves including: Dutch, French, Armenian, Spanish and German. We have facilities that will accommodate someone with a physical disability as we wish to be as inclusive as possible.
Art projects are encouraged!
Help
Chores now consist of weeding mostly as well as pest control. We are currently repairing and staining decks and fences around the house.
We also have some orchard maintenance. Much of our work will be dirty but not overly taxing. Any and all are welcome to help!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Armenian: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: Intermediate
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Our house has a big open plan encouraging communal living. There is a self-contained bedroom with bathroom and shower for Workawayers. Alternatively, you may camp on the property. Food preparation and eating together is what we do. We are non-meat eaters.
What else ...
The beautiful Provincial park of Presqu'ile is nearby and we have a year pass. There are bike trails, walking trails and beaches. Toronto is two hours away by car. Kingston is a little over 1 hour east and Ottawa is 3 hours away by car. We have a swimming pool which is a welcome splash at the end of a hot day! We belong to a dragon boating club which you may join a few times as a guest.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is room for a small camper van/motor home.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chai
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (3)
Throughout my stay, they provided… read more
Their house is juste stunning, the field and the forest around are… read more
Firstly, when I arrived, they told me that I should go to an hostel and leave their house. They did not show their house, the different parts and their garden.
Then, they were unhappy to receive me and they were not comfortable with me. May did not want to eat… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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:
(3.0)
Communication:
(3.0)
Throughout my stay, they provided… read more
Their house is juste stunning, the field and the forest around are… read more
Firstly, when I arrived, they told me that I should go to an hostel and leave their house. They did not show their house, the different parts and their garden.
Then, they were unhappy to receive me and they were not comfortable with me. May did not want to eat… read more
