Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 36 days
Feedback
14
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
If you love spending time in nature, hiking mountain trails, and exploring small town New England, I invite you to stay here with me for a week or two in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
I live in a sweet farmhouse bordering a wetland 2 miles outside of Great Barrington, Massachusetts. My eco-friendly home was built by an environmentalist and master gardener 40-odd years ago. She and her partner spent hours every day, spring through fall, building and working in their exquisite gardens which I endeavor to maintain to their standards.
I’m looking to host domestic and international folks who are as curious as I am to share their own cultural traditions and travel experiences, as well as fascinating conversations over delicious meals we cook and share. I'm also studying French, so would love a chance to share conversation and show you around my world as well.
I’m in the garden hours a day spring thru fall, and would love to share my knowledge as we work together if you would like to develop your own skills. I'll have 500 daffodils that brighten up the garden by April, irises and tulips in May, then dozens of peonies blooming in every direction the eye can see in mid-June, lilies all through July, and zinnias and dahlias making crazy spectacles of themselves until the first frost. Every bed is beautiful and will love our attention.
I’m always curious to travel locally and internationally, and work from home and on line as a counselor. I’m also a proud grandma and mom to 3 children, now adults and living busy lives elsewhere. When I'm not working or in the garden, I'm laughing with friends, visiting with my partner, dancing, hiking, or doing yoga. I have a smoke-free home.
I'd love to have you get in touch if you're curious about cultural exchange, might enjoy working on the earth in my garden with me, and would like to hike the surrounding trails!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Culture
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Music
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Cycling
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Should you be interested, my home is one of 17 others in a land trust community (meaning we share the open space that surrounds our properties). You will have interesting and friendly neighbors who will wave “hi” or loan you a few eggs if we’ve run out, but won’t bother you otherwise.
Great Barrington and the Berkshires is a cultural mecca for fascinating people. We have a vibrant farming and socially conscious community of all ages, a fabulous weekly farmers market, nationally recognized organic co-op market, and enough music, theatre, and movie options to fill your craving for arts and entertainment. And our little town was voted "Best Small Town in America" in 2012 by Smithsonian Magazine.
I'm also a continual learner, always curious about those I meet and excited to expand my knowledge of Spanish and French, should you speak those languages.
Help
I spend time mulching, edging, weeding, cutting back, dividing beds, and tending my garden between mid-April and mid-November. If this is an interest of yours,I’d love to share my skills with you.We could also share some cooking/shopping/meal prep as you adventure on the trails and local sights.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I’ve began studying French about several years ago, doing Duolingo every day and now also Pimsleur. I’d love to get more practice in my French.
Accommodation
I live with a housemate in a simple 4-bedroom farmhouse. The first floor is an open plan with a beautiful granite countertop kitchen and gas stove, great if you like to cook.
I’m happy to provide healthy organic food; internet, a sweet and comfortable private bedroom with a twin bed, closet, and desk (and a loft with another twin bed); a shared bath (with shower and deep tub); and a bike for riding in and out of our lively small town 2 miles away.
What else ...
There’s a groomed 20-minute walk through the woods around the perimeter of our community should you desire an easy walk. Or should you like more challenge you might bike a few miles to the Appalachian Trail that crosses Rt 7 just south of town or to the many other hiking trails nearby. Also there are great country roads for biking.
We also have 4 yoga studios in town, a number of great cafés and coffee shops, fabulous library, shopping and dining, and a few great nightspots for fun.
I eat a healthy diet and love to cook great protein-rich breakfasts. I'm gluten-free and non-dairy, but have no problem stocking the kitchen with other healthy options if you're not.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have pretty decent Wi-Fi here. Sometimes spotty phone service
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (9)
Mary always had goals for me to accomplish and she thanked me everyday for helping her freshen and tend her gardens. The food we shared was amazing and… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Mary always had goals for me to accomplish and she thanked me everyday for helping her freshen and tend her gardens. The food we shared was amazing and… read more
Perhaps the greatest gift Clara brought was her lovely and sweet manner, willingness to jump… read more
On her free time Janice was courageous to make connections with young people in our area. Our time together was a… read more
So she didn’t have much gardening experience when she arrived, but she was eager to learn and happy to contribute with determination and great follow through.
I’d love to have her back… read more
