Help with DIY project on our ancestral home on the gorgeous Adriatic in Betina, Croatia

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I am a Croatian-Australian renovating my ancestral home in the island village of Betina. The house is over 300 years old and one of the original houses of the village.

    Betina, otok Murter (the island of Murter), is ideally situated between the two major cities of Zadar and Split, with busses coming and going several times a day. There is a closer city, Šibenik, that lies half an hour away by car. Otok Murter lies at the entry to the Kornati, a national park that contains over 120 protected islands. The island of Murter is surrounded by clear waters, turquoise bays, and gorgeous views. We have pushbikes available for you to explore and to visit the other three towns on the island. There are also historical sites showcasing the rich Roman history located around the island. The main square in Betina opens up unto the only free harbour in the Adriatic which is home to traditional wooden boats, the Gajeta and the Leut. Both these boats display historical Roman sails and rigging, also known as Latinski Idro (Latin sail). I own a Gajeta and there will be opportunities to go on sailing trips to nearby islands. Betina boasts a Wooden Boat Museum which has previously won Best Community Museum in the EU. All of the villages on the island have an extensive selection of cafes, restaurants, and beaches.

    The house is a two-storey stone building located at the top of the village, near the church. It was the seventh house built in the village and has had some major structural work done while all the original stonework still needs to be rendered.

    I am offering an opportunity for a solo traveller or a couple to participate in this project with us. If you possess any of the skills required for the above-mentioned work then that is a bonus. If you have no previous experience, that is not a problem and on-the-job training will be provided. You will be provided with fully furnished sleeping quarters and will have your own kitchen and stocked food staples for meals for the duration of your stay. We will share marenda (lunch) on working days. You will be required to work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, and will have weekends off.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    DIY and building projects
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Culture
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Gardening
    Carpentry
    Drawing & painting
    Art & design
    Beach
    Sailing / Boating
    Cycling
    Nature
    Camping
    Hiking
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I am Croatian and my wife is German. We live in Australia for the other half of the year and are happy to share our stories and experiences with you. I am a multimedia Artist with a focus on stonework, and my wife teaches languages, sport, and biology.

    We welcome discussions about a variety of topics and are interested to hear about your culture and your experiences.

  • Help

    Help

    Internal walls need to be plastered and some feature walls need rendering. There is a lot of carpentry work still to be completed including kitchen cupboards, handrails, and banisters. The wet areas and kitchen need to be tiled as well as floors which will be also covered with a wood laminate or ceramic tiles.

    Able-bodied people, strong enough to push a wheelbarrow. Previous experience is encouraged but not required and you will have the opportunity to learn new skills such as tiling, rendering, and plastering.

    You will be working alongside me and not required to work alone for long periods of time.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Croatian: Fluent

    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

    Accommodation

    A fully furnished apartment to yourself, short walking distance from the building site. Includes kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

    Food stuff (ingredients) will be stocked in the kitchen for breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be a shared prepared meal during the working days.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    You should bring work clothes, including sturdy shoes. Gloves will be provided.

    Free parking is available.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 329549131574

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