Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
13 Mar 2026
Feedback
47
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
We are empty nesters, living in a spacious house in beautiful Nanaimo (85000 people) on Vancouver Island. I teach at the local University and my wife runs a cake business. If you are looking for a place in Canada where the winters do not get too cold, this is us!
This year we'd like to kick our small log cabin into overdrive which we are building near Sayward - so be ready to be enchanted and spend time in a more remote place surrounded by nature. Some DIY / constructions skills and own transport would be beneficial but are not a must.
Also, we need help with general maintenance in and around the house, some renovations, gardening, landscaping, help in the kitchen, shopping, supporting some events, beekeeping etc.
Some experience & drivers license would be great and if you can come as a couple, even better.
We love having people around and will try to make you feel home away from home.
We can pick you up from the ferry or airport.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a good landing pad to explore or settle into Canada as we happily provide start up advice.
As a little side benefit, we are beekeepers, so if you are interested you can learn about that as well.
We also have four very well behaved cats.
Help
We need help with general maintenance, gardening in and around the house. Unless we have time critical tasks, we tend to offer some flexibility on the hours.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: FluentThis 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
We offer a very modern and comfortable room with a Queen bed plus a bathroom (see pictures).
What else ...
Lots to do and to suggest! We want to make sure you enjoy yourself here!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have glass fibre internet from Telus and work from home as well..
Space for parking camper vans
Our property can easily provide parking for multiple cars and motor homes up to 40 feet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 372373244935
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+19
Feedback (26)
21 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (CarinaJasper) for host
We spent almost 6 wonderful weeks in Mai-July with Peter, Brigitte and Helga who welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home after many months on the road. We enjoyed the delicious meals (and cookies!), fun evenings playing darts or Azul and the variety of tasks: from gardening to staining and chinking the cabin in Sayward, building frames or… read more
15 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Leonie)
Leonie was such a joy to have with us. Along with her exceptional communication and social skills, she’s a doer who was never shy about trying something new. We’d be happy to welcome her again if she comes this way.
(Excellent
)
26 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Leonie) for host
The time at Peter's place was amazing! While I did some smaller tasks at the house in Nanaimo, like painting boards and do some tasks in the garden, we spent some days at the cabin in Sayward. Peter was always up to show and explain all tasks well, also for a construction side beginner like me, I appreciate that a lot! Even though I had to push… read more
10 Jul 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Liam)
Liam was a joy to have around: reliable, attentive, and a strong one-on-one communicator with a passion for cars and life. Although construction was relatively new to him, he worked hard and showed a great willingness to learn. We wish him all the best on his journey!
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+19
Feedback
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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
21 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (CarinaJasper) for host
We spent almost 6 wonderful weeks in Mai-July with Peter, Brigitte and Helga who welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home after many months on the road. We enjoyed the delicious meals (and cookies!), fun evenings playing darts or Azul and the variety of tasks: from gardening to staining and chinking the cabin in Sayward, building frames or… read more
15 Sep 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Leonie)
Leonie was such a joy to have with us. Along with her exceptional communication and social skills, she’s a doer who was never shy about trying something new. We’d be happy to welcome her again if she comes this way.
(Excellent)
26 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Leonie) for host
The time at Peter's place was amazing! While I did some smaller tasks at the house in Nanaimo, like painting boards and do some tasks in the garden, we spent some days at the cabin in Sayward. Peter was always up to show and explain all tasks well, also for a construction side beginner like me, I appreciate that a lot! Even though I had to push… read more
10 Jul 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Liam)
Liam was a joy to have around: reliable, attentive, and a strong one-on-one communicator with a passion for cars and life. Although construction was relatively new to him, he worked hard and showed a great willingness to learn. We wish him all the best on his journey!
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2025
Left by Workawayer (Becky) for host
We had a fantastic time staying with Peter, Brigitte, and Helga! They are very kind and generous hosts. We did some great work for them that was super interesting, and got lots of amazing recommendations of things to do in the area. We felt very welcomed and included for the week that we stayed with them, including lots of wonderful meals and… read more
25 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Leo) for host
Thanks to Peter, Brigitte and Helga,
It was my first Workaway and I had a great time. You can expect really good food, cakes, cookies and so on. I helped them renovating a house and learned a lot about that. We played a lot of darts and board games. So don’t hesitate to contact them for a stay, they are really welcoming.
Cheers,
Leo
It was my first Workaway and I had a great time. You can expect really good food, cakes, cookies and so on. I helped them renovating a house and learned a lot about that. We played a lot of darts and board games. So don’t hesitate to contact them for a stay, they are really welcoming.
Cheers,
Leo
23 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lukas & Patricia)
Patrizia and Lukas stayed with us for 5 weeks and we had a great Time together. They are very friendly, reliable and caring people who helped us in and around the house, and preparing and running a Christmas market. We had long conversations, played board games, had dart competitions and cat cuddles after the day’s work was done. it was a pleasure… read more
(Excellent)
11 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lukas & Patricia) for host
Dear Brigitte, Helga and Peter,
It was our second stop in Canada and we couldn't wish for a better one.
It really felt like we were a part of your family.
We learned many new things (cleaning a bee hive, cooking Gulasch-soup, helping with baking) and it never got boring or frustrating. Peter always pushed us to think on our own and just try… read more
It was our second stop in Canada and we couldn't wish for a better one.
It really felt like we were a part of your family.
We learned many new things (cleaning a bee hive, cooking Gulasch-soup, helping with baking) and it never got boring or frustrating. Peter always pushed us to think on our own and just try… read more
22 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tamara)
It was a joy to have Tamara stay with us, twice! She is such an energetic and sunny person, we had a great time together. She works independently and contributes her ideas,. She helped us with many different projects. Thank you again Tamara!!! You are always welcome when you are in this corner of the world
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tamara) for host
The family is a super nice and hospitable and I highly appreciated that they even hosted me a second time!
I did many different tasks e.g. preparing things for the christmas market, cleaning, working in the garden etc. and I got the freedom to learn and try new craft-things.
They integrated me in their social life and were always helpful to… read more
I did many different tasks e.g. preparing things for the christmas market, cleaning, working in the garden etc. and I got the freedom to learn and try new craft-things.
They integrated me in their social life and were always helpful to… read more
21 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Abeille84)
Melissa was a great joy to have with us! She was very respectful, diligent, and resourceful in her work and a great person to get to know!
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Peter Brigitte and Helga are great! I had my first workaway with them and I felt right at home. They have a beautiful property with a large garden that always attracts lots of animals, much to my delight. I had my own room as well as my own bathroom. After all the hostels and camping experiences, this was pure luxury for me!
When I arrived, I got… read more
When I arrived, I got… read more
26 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Eva) for host
It was my first workaway and it couldn't have been better i guess. Peter, Brigitte, Helga and the 4 lovely cats are one of the most heartwarming and open people i met during my last decade of travels. They helped me so much to have a good start and let me doing my 14 days quarantine at their place, which was hard to find at all in those times. The… read more
4 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joanna & Georgie) for host
I feel so very lucky to have had the chance to be welcomed in to the family. I really felt so at home and comfortable, they are some of the kindest, warmest and most thoughtful people I've met! I loved all aspects of my stay, Brigitte's incredible cooking being one of the highlights! Getting ready for the Christmas markets was so exciting and the… read more
10 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver)
Oliver stayed with us for 4 weeks and he became a part of the family. We were very sad to see him leave. He helped us in and around the house and also with some renovation work and got a whole lot done. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
All the best for the rest of your stay in Canada and we hope you will come visiting before you leave.
All the best for the rest of your stay in Canada and we hope you will come visiting before you leave.
(Excellent)
5 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Oliver) for host
Choosing to stay with Brigitte, Peter and Helga as my first workaway experience was the best choice I could have made. We worked on fun projects and I had a great time while being served some incredible food. I highly recommend staying with them to explore this great area of the island.
10 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe & Ken)
Ken and Cloe stayed with us for 10 and we had lots of fun with them. They were very helpful with all our projects, and got a lot of work done. Thank you so much. We wish you a wonderful time here in Canada and hope we will see you before you are leaving.
(Excellent)
30 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Chloe & Ken) for host
Staying with Peter, Bridgette and Helga for a week and a half was short but sweet. They are very friendly family that were very helpful in answering the many questions we had when we first arrived in Canada. We mainly helped Peter with renovating other properties around Nanaimo, as well as other housework and even got the chance to help Helga with… read more
3 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Peter and Brigitte have a very beautiful home and location in Nanaimo; they are smart, humorous, welcoming, and the food you'll have is unrivaled, seriously. I worked on building a deck in their backyard, fixing the pool filtration system, plus many small chores (painting, weeding, tool repair, taking junk to the dump, etc.) They are organized and… read more
30 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
Marco stayed with us for two weeks and we had a fun time together. He did all kinds of yard work for us and was not afraid to try new tasks, like using the ride on mower. He is very communicative, so dinner times were always fun and very social. Thank you for all the help and work you did.
All the best for your travels, and maybe we see you again,… read more
All the best for your travels, and maybe we see you again,… read more
(Very good)
14 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lizzie) for host
I spent 2 weeks at the beautiful house of Brigitte, Peter Helga and the furry friends :) They're such a welcoming and funny family that I enjoyed each day and time just flew by. Next to my tasks, which were mainly to help around the house, clean, tidy or repair things, I admired their amazing view across the coastal mountains, snuggled with the… read more
13 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lizzie)
Lizzie stayed with us for about 2 weeks and it we had a fun time together. She helped us with various chores in the house. Her speciality is sorting and organizing and she did a wonderful job organizing many of our rooms. She is a very diligent person who likes to join in with family life.Thank you so much for all your help. We hope you will have… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Finja) for host
It was a pleasure to meet you family and stay for three weeks. We had a very fun time while we helped to prepare the Christmas fair. We felt very welcome and spend the evenings with board games, a lot of tea and laughing. We were able to borrow a car to explore the island which was very cool for us. Thanks for this great experiences and your nice… read more
29 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Finja)
Finja and her friend Kendra stayed with us for 3 weeks and helped us tremendously in and around the house. We loved their open personality, their humour, the ability of problem solving and their working independently. We had fun times playing board games, cooking, sampling cookies and watching movies.
Thank you so much again, it was an absolute… read more
Thank you so much again, it was an absolute… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kendra) for host
Dear family, Finja and I want to thank you for the great 3 weeks we spent with you. We had lots of fun, especially because of various and new tasks. Both of us learned a lot and always had fun while working. We had lots of free time, did some trips, worked by ourselves or with you in the kitchen. We enjoyed our time together, the funny talks and… read more
29 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Kendra)
Kendra and her friend Finja stayed with us for 3 weeks and helped us with all sorts of chores in and around the house. We got on really well, they are fun girls who work hard and are excellent in problem solving. Dinner conversations were fun, also our game nights or hockey evenings.
Thank you you two, we could not have done without you!!! WE… read more
Thank you you two, we could not have done without you!!! WE… read more
(Excellent)
29 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
We had a lot of fun with Sarah. She fit right into our family. We enjoyed her company, her help and her input. She is easy going, hard working, responsible and works independently. Sarah helped us in house and garden and with preparing for the Christmas market. It's only a shame that she could not stay until the fair to see all the hard work come… read more
(Excellent)
28 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
Staying at Peter and Brigitte's place was an amazing workaway experience! They open up their home and family for you and make sure you're having a good time and feeling comfortable. I especially enjoyed sampling Brigitte's baked goods at coffee breaks in the afternoon ;) The jobs were diverse, interesting and fun. I loved cleaning the bee boxes… read more
2 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kane) for host
Staying with Peter, Brigitte and Helga for two and a half weeks was brilliant. They are an extremely friendly and welcoming family. From the moment I arrived I felt at home. The work was perfect, a good variety of tasks and rewarding results. Brigitte is an unbelievable cook, every meal was amazing. I’ll have to time my next visit around one of… read more
2 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Kane)
Kane stayed with us for two and a half weeks and we really enjoyed his company. He is a very friendly, uncomplicated, humorous, and open minded person who fit right in our family.
Thank you so much for your help Kane, you did a great job building a stone wall, doing all sorts of repairs in our mobile home, cutting the grass and not to forget doing… read more
Thank you so much for your help Kane, you did a great job building a stone wall, doing all sorts of repairs in our mobile home, cutting the grass and not to forget doing… read more
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
It was a pleasure to have Ben stay with us for about two weeks. He is a very friendly, caring and hard working guy. Ben did all sorts of different little projects, from painting to building a footpath in the forest, clearing blackberries to installing a wood paneled wall. We had lots of fun with Ben and wish him all the best. Thank you for your… read more
(Very good)
26 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
Brigette and Peter are a calm and caring couple. I am grateful for them welcoming me into their relaxing home. Tasks were completed with little input which worked both for them and myself. Highlights included building a pathway through woods and making a wood off-cut feature wall. The food was good; I especially enjoyed the international dinner… read more
28 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Nikola) for host
We stayed with Peter and Bridgette for nearly three weeks. We came in the middle of one of the hockey evenings(unfortunately canucks lost against Calgary). Next day Peter gave us a list of tasks to do. They were more less small things (such as cleaning, organising, small repairs or preparing garden for winter). We tried to do our best but… read more
4 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Nikola)
Nicola and Michal stayed with us for almost 3 weeks. They helped us will all kinds of work in the garden and around the house, from turning the compost to cleaning, cooking, computer stuff, organizing a garage sale, tidying up, installing shelves ...... They are fun and open people who like to laugh!
Thank you for your help and good luck with… read more
Thank you for your help and good luck with… read more
(Very good)
10 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Moritz) for host
I had an amazing time staying at Peter's and Brigitte's house for the last four weeks. From the moment I arrived in Nanaimo I just felt like being part of your family! It was great fun, having conversations in the evening - also with your international students. Also you always gave recommendations for outings on the weekends, which was really… read more
9 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Moritz)
Thank you so much for all your help Moritz. It was an absolute pleasure to have you stay for 4 weeks. Good company, lots of laughter, great help, reliable, independent and thorough. You became a part of our family and we are very sad to see you leave.
All the best and we hope to meet again!
All the best and we hope to meet again!
(Excellent)
30 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Rahel) for host
I had a very nice first week in Canada at Brigitte and Peters place. They are very friendly and funny. We had some good evenings and amusing conversations. Especially when some of their friends came by.
I beautified a table with wooden planks and built a little 'bring and take' library. I got a lot of freedom how to make these things. Sometimes I… read more
I beautified a table with wooden planks and built a little 'bring and take' library. I got a lot of freedom how to make these things. Sometimes I… read more
30 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Agata & Krzysztof)
Thank you so much for your help. It was a pleasure meeting and hosting you. We had fun times, interesting dinner talks and a delicious three course Polish dinner.
Good luck with your travels and your Canadian adventure! Hope to see you again.
Good luck with your travels and your Canadian adventure! Hope to see you again.
(Very good)
29 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Agata & Krzysztof) for host
Staying at Brigitte's and Peter's beautiful house was an amazing experience. It was our first workaway and it could not have been better. Brigitte, Helga and Peter (and the cats) welcomed us warmly.
We learned a lot and did a lot of interesting things - mowed a lawn, layed a carpet, extarcted honey. Every day was an adventure
We miss the delicious… read more
We learned a lot and did a lot of interesting things - mowed a lawn, layed a carpet, extarcted honey. Every day was an adventure
We miss the delicious… read more
5 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Gail & Randy) for host
Peter and Brigitte welcomed us into their home on short notice when another workaway did not turn out as planned.
From the moment we arrived, we felt part of their family, and what a family it was; not only them and two of their adult children, but two international students - one from Spain and the other from Japan. We enjoyed the very… read more
From the moment we arrived, we felt part of their family, and what a family it was; not only them and two of their adult children, but two international students - one from Spain and the other from Japan. We enjoyed the very… read more
2 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Gail & Randy)
Gail and Randy spent 10 days with us and we enjoyed their company and help tremendously. They fit right in to our family, saw jobs that we did not even tell them had to be done, and tackled all the other stuff that where on our list. We enjoyed lovely dinners and bbqs with them, had great conversations and actually got inspired by their way of… read more
(Excellent)
7 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Timo & Jakob)
Hi Timo and Jakob, we enjoyed having you with us. Thanks for all the work you did for us, the interesting dinner conversations and your easy going attitude.
Wishing you good luck on your road trip, drive safely! You are welcome any time!
Wishing you good luck on your road trip, drive safely! You are welcome any time!
(Very good)
15 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Timo & Jakob) for host
We had a very nice time with Brigitte, Peter and the rest of their family! We felt very welcome! Also we had a beautiful room and the work we had to do was nice and we learned a lot ( for example pruning.)
One of the best experiences we had in Canada!
Thank you!
One of the best experiences we had in Canada!
Thank you!
30 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Erin & Daithí) for host
We had the most amazing stay with Peter, Brigitte et al! We were made feel so welcome and their generosity was incredible. The tasks were always interesting and varied and we learned so much during the process. Brigitte is the most amazing cook and baker and we were spoilt with her culinary talents. They have a beautiful home and are beautiful… read more
19 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastian)
We had a very positive experience with Sebastian, friendly, funny, working hard and smart!
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Zoltan) for host
Nanaimo is a beautiful island for workawayers.
It was very much memorable to meet Brigitte, Peter and Helga and I learned a lot during my stay. Their home is a very friendly place; also friendly to deer as well. :)
I most enjoyed watching all the hockey games with you and thank you very much for helping to drive to the ocean which was my… read more
It was very much memorable to meet Brigitte, Peter and Helga and I learned a lot during my stay. Their home is a very friendly place; also friendly to deer as well. :)
I most enjoyed watching all the hockey games with you and thank you very much for helping to drive to the ocean which was my… read more
23 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Zoltan)
Zoltan was a joy to have! He did an excellent job in helping us with our renovation during his 2 weeks with us. Always friendly, open minded, ready to help and to make a positive contribution to the team. Hint: Provide him with a coffee in the morning :-).
(Excellent)
