Enjoy some quiet time in contact with nature and learn about permaculture in Gibaja, Cantabria, Spain

  • Favourited 441 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a couple with two daugthers, trying to establish a sustainable farm, based on permaculture and natural agriculture principles, in a 12 acres farm we have in Cantabria, in the north of Spain.

    I'm a 54 years old business consultant, though I spend most of my time working in the farm (@5 days a week). My wife, 50, has also a management background and works in a factory near Bilbao, where she stays 4 to 5 days a week, spending the weekend, along with our daugthers, in the farm.

    We are both fluent in Spanish and English and she also speaks German.

    We bought the farm 15 years ago, completely refurbished the house and are now working on designing and building the infrastructure (barns, chicken coops, green houses, fences, well, swales, ponds, tanks, terraces, raise beds...) and planting trees, shrubs and herbs to create a forest garden and sustainable farm.

    We had little previous experience on farming or manual works, but are reading a lot on the subjects and are not scared of learning by doing (though we would really appreciate some help from someone with hands on experience on those areas).

    We have four cats, two dogs, beehives, hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, five ponies and expanding...

    The house is in a quiet place in the mountains, 1,2 km. from a small village and 18 km. from the coast (Laredo beach).

    There are many nice places around for sightseeing, with gorgeous mountains, caves and beautiful beaches. You can relax around the place, or borrow our mountain bicycles to move around.

    We think this can be a wonderful place for a couple interested in permaculture and/or willing to enjoy some quiet time in contact with nature, as well as an excellent base camp to explore the north of Spain.

    The place can be lonely for some volunteers, as there is rarely more than one person/couple volunteering, and the host is not particularly extroverted.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    They can learn about permaculture and other sustainable agricultural practices, better understand life and culture in the north of Spain and raise their awareness on the global systemic crisis we are facing globally.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    We expect you to work @ 5 hours/day, 5 days/week, keep your area clean and neat, and share cooking/clean up tasks. The work is physical and rather tough. This would include diverse tasks involving light construction, gardening and farming. All land is in a steep slope, so just moving around can be tiring for some people.

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accomodation is in an old caravan (in fair condition), located in a lovely spot within our land, @ 150 m. from the house, with an outdoor shower and compost toilet beside. There is no electricity nor wifi in the caravan, though you may charge your gear and have internet connection at the house.

  • 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

    The approach road is in a steep slope, all concreted or tarred, but quite wasted at the beginning, so it is rather slippery when wet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 223451987226

Feedback (17)



Feedback

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Accuracy of profile: (4.8)

Cultural exchange: (3.8)

Communication: (4.0)