We live in southern Scotland and have a daughter and grandchildren here nearly all of the time. We are in the countryside in a 5 bedroom house about 17 miles south of Edinburgh.
We are in good health with a busy lifestyle and so a little help with the pets along with a little assistance in the house is all we need and in return we can provide comfortable food and accommodation. Alongside this there is the opportunity to be close to public transport into Edinburgh for all its varied cultural activities along with the ability to be part of the wonderful Scottish Borders community in beautiful countryside.
We are happy to have workaway guests for up to a year at a time.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
Interests
Pets
Charity work
Performing arts
History
Winter sports
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They can immerse themselves in the varied and extensive culture of Edinburgh while living in the beautiful Borders countryside
Au pair help with the grandchildren and in the house - about 2 hours a day. Help feeding 2 dogs ( 2 terriers) and ponies.
Help in the house (not cleaning) with a little washing and ironing.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
This 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
Own upstairs bedroom and bathroom. Use of separate upstairs sitting room with TV and Wi-Fi.
Shared use of kitchen with us and all food provided. Shared meals, especially in the evening with relaxed lunch to suit. Make own breakfast in kitchen from house provisions.
What else ...
Previously helpers have sometimes studied on line while here along with visiting Edinburgh and a variety of places in Scotland. We are very flexible and although it is quiet countryside here there is also plenty of sights to see within short distance.
I spent 7 weeks at Harriet and David's beautiful home and farmland, and my time there became a peaceful reset in my travels that I really valued. I got to see two snowfalls, care for all the lovely and spirited animals and settle into a truly enjoyable day-to-day lifestyle. My one day off each week typically took me up to explore Edinburgh, but I… read more was also able to see Fife, North Berwick, and several quaint surrounding towns. I met several of their friends and family, and even attended the start of a hunt which was a whole new world.
In the wintertime, the tasks are slightly heftier with horse feeding being a big priority, normally starting at 8:30am, but it was not an issue. Other tasks included ironing, chicken feeding (and herding), and the morning horse mess-picking which took about 45mins-1hr each day. The tasks never dominated the day; there was an abundance of free time to do with as I pleased. Harriet always ensured I was well fed and as comfortable as if I were at home, keeping the freezer stocked with my favourite icecream the entire time (quite something to keep up with!) She even purchased a new pair of gumboots for me to use when the ones i was using were functional but leaking, just because it was a bit uncomfortable.
I would recommend this workaway to anyone, but particularly to people wanting to slow down and take a beat in the open Scottish air and rolling hills, and focus on the animals and people in front of them. Overall, I am really grateful for my time here and their generosity and warmth, and wish them the very best! Thanks again :)
Maya was a joy to have staying with us! She had a great sense of humour and was always smiling.
Brilliant at ironing, very tidy and always remembers instructions, she is a quick learner. She was wonderful with all our pets and eager to absorb culture nearby and in Edinburgh.
We could not recommend her more highly as she was perfect to have as a… read more Workaway.
I spent around 1 month and a half with Harriet and David (and the animals) and it was marvelous.
I got to experience a Scottish Autumn and early Winter, and the weather was not that that bad (cold, but not extreme). Plus the Autumnal scenery was stunning, the hills around the house in general are such a nice scenery. And the house was cozy and… read more nice too, with lots of art around.
My work consisted mainly on feeding the animals (a horse, two ponies, and chicken) twice a day (morning and evening). On the morning I also went through the horses field and cleaned the messes, which was a good workout, but not too tiring.
If Harriet was not home, I also fed the dogs and took them for a walk.
I also did some house light chores, like emptying the washing machine, or ironing the laundry.
Some days were busier than others, but in general I had good spare time to work on my things. I had a cozy bedroom, my own bathroom, and a spacious room with a desk and a TV (among others).
On my rest days, 1 per week, I went to Edinburgh (taking the bus, and David or Harriet would give me a lift to the Bus Stop). Others I just rested in the house.
To sum up, this was such an amazing experience, I learned a lot, and I do recommend it if you like animals, nature, art and tranquility.
😆
I spent one month with Harriet and David, and I can honestly say it was one of the most joyful months of my life.
The house is spacious and comfortable, and I had my own private space (bedroom, bathroom, and even a small living room).
The nature around is just unreal! I went on many hikes, especially with my lovely Harry 🐶.
The mission was pretty… read more simple: cleaning up the horse manure 6 days a week. And you know what? I actually liked it a lot! It felt like my daily meditation and even a bit of sport 😁. It usually took me between 45 minutes and an hour and a half when I took my time. That left me plenty of time to rest, hike, and even work as a digital nomad (the Wi-Fi isn’t very fast and I had to find the best spot to connect, but it worked).
On my days off, I went to Edinburgh and had an amazing time there.
It was sunny almost every day in April (maybe I just got lucky 😂).
I had dinner with David and Harriet almost every day, and I had so much fun with them. They are so kind and generous. I really hope to go back again soon 🙏🏻.
Just a heads-up: the place is really isolated — perfect if you love nature and quiet evenings, but probably not the best fit if you want to go out and socialize every day 😅.
I spent 7 weeks at Harriet and David's beautiful home and farmland, and my time there became a peaceful reset in my travels that I really valued. I got to see two snowfalls, care for all the lovely and spirited animals and settle into a truly enjoyable day-to-day lifestyle. My one day off each week typically took me up to explore Edinburgh, but I… read more was also able to see Fife, North Berwick, and several quaint surrounding towns. I met several of their friends and family, and even attended the start of a hunt which was a whole new world.
In the wintertime, the tasks are slightly heftier with horse feeding being a big priority, normally starting at 8:30am, but it was not an issue. Other tasks included ironing, chicken feeding (and herding), and the morning horse mess-picking which took about 45mins-1hr each day. The tasks never dominated the day; there was an abundance of free time to do with as I pleased. Harriet always ensured I was well fed and as comfortable as if I were at home, keeping the freezer stocked with my favourite icecream the entire time (quite something to keep up with!) She even purchased a new pair of gumboots for me to use when the ones i was using were functional but leaking, just because it was a bit uncomfortable.
I would recommend this workaway to anyone, but particularly to people wanting to slow down and take a beat in the open Scottish air and rolling hills, and focus on the animals and people in front of them. Overall, I am really grateful for my time here and their generosity and warmth, and wish them the very best! Thanks again :)
Maya was a joy to have staying with us! She had a great sense of humour and was always smiling.
Brilliant at ironing, very tidy and always remembers instructions, she is a quick learner. She was wonderful with all our pets and eager to absorb culture nearby and in Edinburgh.
We could not recommend her more highly as she was perfect to have as a… read more Workaway.
I spent around 1 month and a half with Harriet and David (and the animals) and it was marvelous.
I got to experience a Scottish Autumn and early Winter, and the weather was not that that bad (cold, but not extreme). Plus the Autumnal scenery was stunning, the hills around the house in general are such a nice scenery. And the house was cozy and… read more nice too, with lots of art around.
My work consisted mainly on feeding the animals (a horse, two ponies, and chicken) twice a day (morning and evening). On the morning I also went through the horses field and cleaned the messes, which was a good workout, but not too tiring.
If Harriet was not home, I also fed the dogs and took them for a walk.
I also did some house light chores, like emptying the washing machine, or ironing the laundry.
Some days were busier than others, but in general I had good spare time to work on my things. I had a cozy bedroom, my own bathroom, and a spacious room with a desk and a TV (among others).
On my rest days, 1 per week, I went to Edinburgh (taking the bus, and David or Harriet would give me a lift to the Bus Stop). Others I just rested in the house.
To sum up, this was such an amazing experience, I learned a lot, and I do recommend it if you like animals, nature, art and tranquility.
😆
I spent one month with Harriet and David, and I can honestly say it was one of the most joyful months of my life.
The house is spacious and comfortable, and I had my own private space (bedroom, bathroom, and even a small living room).
The nature around is just unreal! I went on many hikes, especially with my lovely Harry 🐶.
The mission was pretty… read more simple: cleaning up the horse manure 6 days a week. And you know what? I actually liked it a lot! It felt like my daily meditation and even a bit of sport 😁. It usually took me between 45 minutes and an hour and a half when I took my time. That left me plenty of time to rest, hike, and even work as a digital nomad (the Wi-Fi isn’t very fast and I had to find the best spot to connect, but it worked).
On my days off, I went to Edinburgh and had an amazing time there.
It was sunny almost every day in April (maybe I just got lucky 😂).
I had dinner with David and Harriet almost every day, and I had so much fun with them. They are so kind and generous. I really hope to go back again soon 🙏🏻.
Just a heads-up: the place is really isolated — perfect if you love nature and quiet evenings, but probably not the best fit if you want to go out and socialize every day 😅.
It's been a week since I left Heriot and I already miss it. Harriet and David are the kindest hosts a helper could have and I wish them all the happiness in the world because they really deserve nothing less. They always made sure I was properly feed (I'm gluten intolerant) and well and took me to nice little gatherings where I could meet the… read more locals and gave me lifts to the station when I had my days off.
Unfortunately I had to leave them a week before I planned but I'd be happy to return one day and see Harry, Nugget (the terriers), Ferdinand and Honeydew (the Shetlands) and my lovely Loui who's the best behaved horse I've ever met. They were my joy every day.
The work load is not big, the accomodation is beyond stunning especially if you're an art and history lover and Harriet's cooking skills are incredible (even though she says otherwise).
My only advice for future workawayers would be to rent a car if they're able to explore the beauty of the borders in your free time since distance between places are too much to walk them.
Overall, I cannot recommend enough staying with Harriet and David and their animals, you'll fall in love with Scotland and its people and you'll never want to leave, I promise. I'll cherish the memories I created there forever.
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Sofia & Lorenzo) for host
I spent three months with Harriet, and it was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She’s an incredible person, and her warmth made me feel like a true part of her wonderful family, especially during the Easter celebrations. The dogs are absolutely adorable, and the horses are stunning. The Scottish Borders offer breathtaking… read more landscapes and endless activities, making the experience even more memorable. I’m so grateful to have gained such amazing lifelong friends!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
27 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabella)
Isabella has been with us for 5 weeks, one week longer than she intended in order to help us out.
She has been an exemplary guest in our house. Nothing has been too much for her and she has been brilliant with all our animals and grandchildren who all adored her!
A very good cook and a very easy personality add to the joy it has been to have had… read more her in our home. We cannot praise her too highly and hope she might return.
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cristina)
Cristina has been with us for a month and has helped look after the horses and in the house. She has been an exemplary guest and an extremely easy workawayer to have staying with us. We wish her every good fortune on her return to Mexico at the end of her stay here. Come again Cristina!
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Chiara) for host
I've stayed 1 month at David and Harriet's house, and I've had such a lovely time.
The work is just 3 hours a day: 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening, with one day off which I used mostly to visit Edinburgh.
It was such a relaxed working atmosphere and because it wasn't long hours I had plenty of time to spend doing other things,… read more which I loved.
Harriet and David were so nice to be around, really kind and interesting people. They made me feel at home from the very first day.
We had the best dinners together and let's not even talk about Harriet's amazing cooking !
I have been one week by myself caring for the animals, but I had no problems at all as the doggies and the horses are so well behaved, and always so cuddly and cute.
I'm going to miss them a lot!
Can't wait to visit again, thank you so much Harriet and David for having me!!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara)
Chaira was a pleasure to have staying with us. She always completes her task diligently and with very good humour. She is a very easy person to have staying in the house and we will miss her being here. We recommend her as a workawayer unequivocally and would love to have her return some day!
(Excellent)
27 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Katy)
Katy has been with us for a month and was a joy to have staying and helping.
We could not recommend her more highly to anyone she is applying to stay with.
We hope to see her back in the future and wish her on her way with many thanks and the best of luck.
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Maguelonne)
Mag was a brilliant Workaway person to have with us for a month or so. Exceptionally good with our animals and her hosts! We could not recommend her more highly.
(Excellent)
11 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Maguelonne) for host
For the first time with workaway, it was just very nice.
I had 5 wonderful weeks with Harriet and David. They are two people very kind.
The work is easy, and it is only 3 hours a day, and we also can choose our day off. They will do everything to help us, or to make us discover the Scottish Borders.
The horses, sheep, and even the chickens are… read more great :) And they have 3 dogs very happy.
I had the pleasure to meet a bit of their family, and that was very nice to feast Easter with them, and discover the Scottish (and English) cooking! Harriet IS AN AMAZING COOK! They eat a lot of delicious fish. :)
So, if you go there, you will be at an amazing place with amazing people :)
Good luck and best wishes Harriet and David
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kim) for host
This was my first workaway and I stayed for 4.5 months with Harriet, David and theire lovely animals (a little extended due to covid restrictions) and I couldn´t have imagined a nicer place to start with. I felt very welcome from the first second and Heriot is a village with a gorgeous scenery in the south of Edinburgh. The people in the village… read more are unbelievably nice and they were always up for a chat! I also spent some great traditional Christmas days here and I am unbelievably thankful for that experience!!
My work was never too hard and Harriet and David always made sure that there is plenty of time to explore the area. I loved helping with the horses (as they are so well behaved and sweet) and in the house. The food was amazing and Harriet is an amazing chef from whom you can learn a lot and I will definitely miss our dinner preperations together ( you should ask her for cauliflower cheese!! I am not sure if I can ever eat something alse again haha!)
I really hope to visit again in June and thank you both so much for everything!!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kim)
Kim has been an excellent workawayer for our family. She is a diligent hard worker who fits in to a family very easily and well. She has been looking after ponies for us as well as helping in the house and we could not recommend her more highly!
(Excellent)
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Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
Pets
Charity work
Performing arts
History
Winter sports
Dancing
Outdoor activities
