Help me with renovations and restoring my gardens in Oak Bay, Victoria

Canada

Favourited 175 times

Host rating
Feedback
36
Last activity
13/05/2020
Reply rate
77.8 %
Average reply time:
within 8 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

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Description
I live in Oak Bay (a municipality of Victoria, BC) and have a professional background as a scientist and engineer. My current interests include writing, public speaking, climate-change awareness, sustainable living, gardening, green construction, environmental design, yoga, nutrition and outdoor pursuits. Since moving to Oak Bay in 2012, I've been engaged in restoring my older home, where I live full-time. Most of the difficult work on the home is now behind me, but there is a lot of garden work, light carpentry and house-related construction work remaining. I am very open to learning about and creating resilient food gardens on my "deer-owned" property, and delight in making my ample workshop available for any creative projects that fit with a shared vision for the home.
I enjoy outdoor activities of all kinds, particularly kayaking and cycling, which are ideally suited to the Victoria environment. Weather permitting, I enjoy taking my guests for a paddle to nearby islands or on hikes to many trails in the region. I also have bikes available for guests.
Ours is a non-smoking household, and alcohol is enjoyed very rarely. A small and extremely friendly family dog visits for the day, from time to time,
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Language practice
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers could benefit from an exchange of ideas and knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, including cooking, nutrition, food gardening, construction, philosophy, language learning, and outdoor exploration.
Help
I have a very large lot that had been neglected for several years, but thanks to the efforts of many wonderful Workaway guests the property is beginning to show very well. I still need assistance in restoring the gardens in preparation for Spring. My intention is to create a beautiful property that is ecologically sound and environmentally sustainable (it now includes a small deer population).
I am also engaged in other renovation projects that demand a range of skills, including light carpentry, cement and stone work, painting and tiling. I am keenly interested in learning Portuguese.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
The house is located centrally on a very large, private lot. It is wheel-chair accessible with a private bedroom for guests, and two full bathrooms (one will be upgraded soon). A separate ground-level "suite" is nearing completion, and a finished bedroom is available there for accommodation.
What else ...
1. One km distance to ocean for kayaking or boating.
2. Short distance to downtown Victoria for bicycle enthusiasts.
3. Home is on a direct bus route connecting to University of Victoria, Camosun College, downtown Victoria and beyond.
4. Home is a short walk to the Oak Bay shopping district.
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
4-5

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (36)

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)

30/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Trami & Laura)

Trami was a joyful, calm and sage presence during her stay. I was inspired by her dedication to her meditation practice, and also by her self initiative around the kitchen, house and garden; seeing what needed to be done, making thoughtful suggestions and getting down to completing the important tasks in a timely way. I was impressed by her… read more

(Excellent )

13/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Trami & Laura) for host

Doug is the sweetest human you could ever meet. He is truly a caring individual. While I stayed with Doug, he always made sure I had enough food and was comfortable. He took me with him to many events and outings around BC. I also met one of his wife's friends, who is now a very good friend of mine! It was heartbreaking to leave. The work was not… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Martina)

Martina was a very welcome addition to our home, always with a sunny, happy disposition and positive outlook. During her time with us and the other WA guests, Martina truly fit in and added to the enjoyment of our shared experience. We enjoyed many fabulous meals topped with rich exchanges of stories, laughter and ideas. Martina went the extra… read more

(Excellent )

03/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Yves)

Yves was a true joy to have in my home. As Yves is a retired professor, I was very privileged to be able to have a rich exchange of philosophy, knowledge and ideas. Whether work related or otherwise, I always enjoyed conversation with Yves. As Yves is near my own age, we shared many perspectives on life that helped me to feel connected, despite… read more

(Excellent )

29/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Yves) for host

I stayed in Doug 's home for about three weeks: it was my first workaway. I enjoyed working with Doug, very good communication during working hours starting with a friendly breakfast talking many subjects. I must say I appreciate very much the way Doug is working, using many tools, methodically, so I had only to follow him and help him. I like… read more

(Excellent )

06/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Ana Lucia) for host

I can do nothing less than recommend staying at Doug's, he is an incredible person and the best host I've had as a workawayer. All the errands and chores he assigned me were fair, interesting and fun to do. I met lovely people while staying with him and learned a deal while working and living at his home. Umi and I are very thankful for everything… read more

(Excellent )

05/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Veronika) for host

Doug welcomed me with open arms. I felt valued immediately. Doug is such a friendly and generous person. He asked me to join to a family wedding and it was such a pleasure to meet his family and friends. Doug made not only sure that there is everything I needed but also helped me to find my path. He showed me how to work with power tools and we… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)

Veronika was a joy to be with from the moment we met. My spirits were always lifted by her expansive smile and infectious enthusiasm for life, which richly added to our many interesting conversations and shared experiences during her stay. These experiences included gardening, "international dining" with my other house guests, hikes, visits to… read more

(Excellent )

29/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Akiko)

Beyond a genuine and heartfelt friendship that grew during the weeks Akiko stayed in our home, I have nothing but good things to say about Akiko and our shared experience. All the superlatives apply. I truly enjoyed our many conversations, some local trips and sharing meals together each day. I am also very grateful for the real dedication Akiko… read more

(Excellent )

24/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Akiko) for host

I really enjoyed staying at Doug's house. I experienced not only gardening but also preparing Canadian food and hanging out together. After meals, we usually talk about health, food or something like that which both of us were interested in. My English isn't good, but he explained what I couldn't understand. I study English and like walking, so it… read more

(Excellent )

31/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jean guillaume) for host

WHat a great time in Victoria, beautiful place in Canada. Doug is an awesome man full of surprises and wisdom. I learned much from his vast knowledge of how to work wood, and many other awesome things we did in my short stay. His family was very welcoming, and the accomodation and food where very generous. The cultural exchange was rich and very… read more

(Excellent )

27/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Paula) for host

Doug`s home was our last host in Canada and it was the best end for our stay abroad we could ever imagine! We felt so well included and welcomed, it was perfect :)
Doug is really caring for his volunteers and it was always interesting to have a conversation with him, he has much knowledge about really interesting topics. We learned how to work… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Tobias & Danielle )

During various visits with Tobi and Danie we became great friends, slipping into an idyllic, joyful and easy life together. This was "thanks to", in no small measure, their wonderful energy, enthusiasm, dedication, curiosity, interests, knowledge and spirited sense of humour. It is fair to say that we entered into a special kind of relationship… read more

(Excellent )

26/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Tobias & Danielle ) for host

We wish there would be more than just an "excellent" rating for Doug! He is just the perfect host. No wait, brilliant host. There is nothing about a fabulous good-morning-smoothie to start the "work day". The work by the way is not hard and Doug is really flexible with his time. We will miss the daily dinner talks...just great conversations. Oh,… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Gesche) for host

I cannot believe I still haven't gotten around to write a feedback. Staying with Doug was my first workaway experience and I couldn't have gotten any luckier. In fact, I might say my expectations ended up really high from then on. Doug is such a sweet and kind guy, always making sure me, and the other workawayers I got to meet at his place during… read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Gesche)

Gesche was a genuine delight to have as a guest, always cheerful and uplifting. As well, having Gesche in the home, in the face of so many seemingly endless projects and chores made life much easier for everyone. Projects were always undertaken by Gesche with a cheerful and clear understanding of what was needed; always seeking out answers and… read more

(Excellent )

07/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria )

Although Tori stayed for a relatively short visit, she was an easy guest to have in our home. It was clear from the start she is both strong, and an intrepid traveler. Having made good friends with others in the community, not far from the home, was good evidence of her easy sociability and friendliness. The plastering and painting work she… read more

(Excellent )

20/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Victoria ) for host

Very friendly and accomodating host. Made me feel very welcome! I enjoyed the conversations and the work that I was doing!

(Excellent )

02/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Marcela & Guilherme) for host

Our stay in Victoria couldn't have been better and it's so hard to put it into words. We had no idea how grateful we would be after this experience. Since the first minute we met Doug, he was fantastic with us.
We helped in the garden, painting, sanding, cooking and with general house maintenance. The tasks were always fun and we learned a lot… read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marcela & Guilherme)

Marcela and Guilherme (Guigo) have become wonderful friends to our family, to the extent that I feel they are now a PART of my family. Partly this is because they are Brazilian (my wife is Brazilian), but mostly this is because they make the most of love and life; gratefully choosing to focus on what is good and true in others, as well as in… read more

(Excellent )

19/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Suren) for host

I have lived with Doug for 14 days and I thoroughly enjoyed that time. If I had had the time, I would have stayed longer as Doug is a fantastic host and wonderful friend. He made me feel welcome at his house right from the first day on (his smoothies are a blast!). Doug is a very open minded and intelligent man with whom talking about interesting… read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Suren)

Although Suren left Canada for home not long after his stay, I feel compelled to recommend Suren as a Workaway guest, should he wish to continue in this program at a later date. Suren was great company, always cheerful, hard working, strong and eager. It was always great to be around his enthusiastic energy, and I was happy to have his company. … read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannelore & Niels)

Hannelore (Hanne) and Niels were wonderful Workaway guests, and now they are equally wonderful nearby neighbours in Victoria! We look forward to seeing them often as they settle into their new life on the island and our beloved west coast. We are delighted the brown dry-summer colour of Calgary did not deter them from continuing their journey… read more

(Excellent )

13/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Lidia)

Lidia stayed for a full month and we were able to enjoy many good times together, including listening to music, having great "fridge-surprise" meals and sharing some Scottish comedy. Lidia was eager to participate in the many projects we tackled together, and was enthusiastic about learning some new skills, in spite of the curious differences… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Lidia) for host

I spend at Doug's 3,5 weeks and I felt really welcomed for the very first moment. He is a very nice person. I am very thankful to him because he gave me the opportunity to learn a lot of new skills and he was very patient in order to teach me and I was very happy I could challenge myself with things I've never done before. I enjoy all the jobs I… read more

(Excellent )

17/03/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Ivonne & Maria)

There has been an unfortunate delay in writing feedback for Ivonne and Maria. This is partly due to the fact that words cannot adequately express my gratitude for their wonderful month-long visit to my Oak Bay home. Another reason for the delay relates to a personal deficiency of mine, one I asked Ivonne and Maria to help me with: my seeming… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Ivonne & Maria) for host

We stayed four weeks at Dougs and it couldn't have been a better first workaway stay.
Doug did everything to make it comfortable for us. We ate a lot of good meals together and enjoyed the events to which he took us. We will never forget the amazing afternoon kajaking on the pacific ocean. Oak Bay is a very beautiful place to stay and explore the… read more

(Excellent )

27/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (Wolfgang & Teresa) for host

Our short Stay here was defenitly one of the Highlights of our Kanada Trip! Much too late we found this exeptional Host. Within a few hours we discoverd him as the most hospitable, open minded and caring man he is. His enthusiasm for smart Projekts around his House will take over to you and will give you a good workaway experience for sure.… read more

(Excellent )

26/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Wolfgang & Teresa)

Although the Workaway experience with Wolfgang and Teresa only lasted for one weekend, we had a very nice connection and I feel that the relationship we forged can continue into the future. Before their arrival, I was deeply disappointed when I discovered that Wolfgang and Teresa had found it necessary, based on other circumstances beyond our… read more

(Excellent )

26/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Fanny)

Fanny was a hardworking, truly joyful and fun loving addition to our home (aka "project"). I was particularly impressed with Fanny's finesse with a ladder and paintbrush. Our long conversations were always fascinating. Today, we remember Fanny: her infectious, positive spirit continues to inspire.

(Excellent )

26/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Teresa)

I overlooked providing feedback earlier, but better late than never. I want to make sure other potential hosts understand that Teresa is an exceptional person with so much to offer. She was a joy to have in the home; she anticipated and acted on ways to be helpful, was always thoughtful, tidy and considerate and she was always a great… read more

(Excellent )

26/07/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)

Julia was a warm, friendly and joyful addition to the household. She participated fully in the work and it was a pleasure to see her interact and share travel stories and more with our Austrian guests too.

(Excellent )

14/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Max) for host

I stayed at Doug’s place for a short time, but I had a lot of fun. The work was good to manage and my room was great. I met Doug’s family and had some good conversations. He lives in a beautiful neighborhood and you can easily start your Victoria exploring per bike or bus from his house.
I would always recommend his place.

(Excellent )

13/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Max)

We very much enjoyed having Max stay at our home. He fit in nicely with other Workaway guests, was a great companion and conversationalist, and threw himself into the work without hesitation. Even though Max could only stay one week, he made a positive difference for us.

(Excellent )

09/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer & Henning)

Henning and Jenny were a very welcome addition to the home. In spite of our very busy lives, my wife and I were able to enjoy a really nice connection with "Hen and Jen". I was very impressed by their amazing initiative, seeing what needs to be done, offering a plan, and getting down to hard, focussed work. I was particularly impressed with… read more

(Excellent )

29/03/2014

Left by Workawayer (Jennifer & Henning) for host

We've spent a whole month at Dougs place and it was just fun and exciting. Doug has a lot projects going on, so there is work for everyone. And if you have some new ideas you are more than welcome to start it. There are a lot things to do and even one month was too less to see everything. You can grab a bike and drive to downtown Victoria or to… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 285725196837

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