Join us on the enchanting sustainable family lands in Vorden, the Netherlands

Details

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  Description

  Our Place
  We live in an old farm in one of the most beautiful areas of the Netherlands, where the landscape is a dance between forest, farms and paddocks, old land houses, castles, and quaint villages. We are in love with our place, and bought it four years ago, not because of the house, but because of something the land exudes. We cannot put a finger on it. But the cranes fly over each year, it is home to many bird species, including owls, pheasant and bullfinch. Deer trails can be found traversing our garden in winter (we have yet to see it in summer!) and almost anything that we plant, seems to grow. Our small property (at the moment) consists of a house and barns to fix up, a beautiful veggie garden and an empty paddock where we are starting to co-create a food forest garden meets biodiversity meets enchantment.
  
  We are lucky to have inherited an old fruit orchard from the previous owners, chickens roam and cats hang lazily about. We also have two (enthusiastic) kids who go to school and have their own programs, and one who has already flown the coop. We speak fluent English. Of course, you will be able to use one of our bikes. In colder times, we love making hot chocolate and where possible, look at the stars, make a small fire outside, and roast marshmallows. We eat from our veggie garden when possible.
  
  The Project
  We strive to work together with the surrounding farms and local council to not only build sustainable living but also create enduring relationships and community. We intend to build something that will outlast us - a place where the magic of nature feels tangible. For 2025/2026 we focus on on the basics now that our youngest has turned five and our sleep has returned.
  We welcome help with maintenance of our one acre land (think gardening, weeding, mowing, pruning). The big barn needs a tool and workspace, and some further cleaning out. We also welcome help in cooking.
  There is, of course, much to do, but we take it as it comes as building something that lasts takes time and both of us also have jobs. Because we both work, we look for people who can function autonomously and are OK with spending some time alone when needed.
  
  The Surrounding area
  We have lovely neighbours and one grandfather lives nearby. There are two old port cities close to us (reached by train or car) that epitomize Dutch architectural beauty. There are plenty of mountainbike trails and walking routes from the house or nearby.
  
  
  Your Accommodation
  We mostly look for couples to join us, but if you are travelling solo, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have a room for you on the ground floor equipped with own shower and bathroom at our grandfather's which is a small walk or two min bike ride away. Ask us for photos, as we do not put those online. All of our places are smoke free.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Charity work

  

  Farming

  

  Pets

  

  Cycling

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping

  

  Team sports

  

  Fitness

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Sustainability

  

  Photography

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Writing

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We speak English (and one of us speaks German), we have both either worked, lived and/or travelled internationally extensively. Suzanne works a Jungian psychoanalyst, and Jeroen works as a consultant. We work from home, or nearby home, when not travelling. You will meet our kids, and Suzanne’s father lives nearby.
  We can help you develop knowledge and skills in seasonal gardening, and are curious about what you may wish to learn. We also appreciate it if you wish to spend time by yourself.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are always on the look out for independent, honest people who thrive in a relaxed but efficient work flow. There will be plenty opportunity for cultural exchange with us and our kids, but you are welome to retreat into your own space.
  
  Let us know what skills you bring- Can you garden? Do you enjoy cooking? Depending on your skill set, and what you wish to learn, we will look at what is most suitable for you to do. In 2026 we will focus on the barn and the garden.
  
  We consider your preferences and input when creating the schedules together so you will have the flexibility to enjoy the surrounding areas, and of course we will fix you up with a bicycle!
  
  What we find most important is a positive outlook. You should be able to self manage, prioritise, and keep track of what you have done. It would be good if you can manage your schedule and keep track of your hours without reminders, and we are also here to help. Suzanne tries to be in the garden and do tasks around the barns and house as much as her part time work schedule allows, but if all is planned correctly, you should have company from other workawayers.
  
  If you have a driver's license, that's great as we sometimes need help driving when one of us is away for work, but please if you do not fall into this category but you'd still like to apply, don't hesitate.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  You can have your own room in a studio at a property nearby - please ask us for photos as we do not post them online and there is no charge for workawayers.
  
  We enjoy cooking, and we usually have dinner with the whole family together. Lunch will also be at the house - which depending on our schedule will include us too :)
  
  Breakfast will be at your sleeping quarters, which is in a different place - you will have access to a fridge and cooking space, and we will give you the ingredients you need.

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  What else ...

  We are a private family farm and are only producing for our own consumption

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Electrical hook up available

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Kees, Klaas, Babette, Goudvink, Minnie & Merie

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