Help revive a neglected orchard homestead in the gorgeous Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Details

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  Description

  Hello, Workawayers! :) My name is Dejana, but you can call me Dee. I just purchased the homestead of my dreams, with the vision of turning it into a tiny self-sustainable retreat and gathering place for like-minded individuals--positive, creative-minded people with curious minds and desire to connect with nature and their fellow humans :) It is not a large farm--it is a small property in a secluded part of a village, in the hinterlands of Montenegro's Boka Bay--high up in the hills, but minutes from the coast. The property is defined by its orchards and garden space, which I plan to bring back to life after many years of neglect--and I'd love for you to be a part of it!!
  
  The property is just under 800m2, with a two-storey 30m2 house as well as a large garage and another 30-40m2 structure I plan to convert to a guest house. We can figure out what works best for you for sleeping quarters :) Camping is also always an option--we definitely have the garden space! :) Folks with skills helpful in adapting/renovating such spaces are of course most welcome. Meals can be arranged as it suits each Workawayer. You'd need to be comfortable tending to yourself and being alone some of the time, as I spend time between this property and another in town (Herceg Novi). Happy to accommodate all eating styles / dietary restrictions--however, we do eat sustainably farmed animal products, so it may not be suitable for strict vegans.
  
  Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches and fortified towns such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park, home to bears and wolves, encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes and 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon. You can swim, sail, kayak, hike, explore ancient towns, monasteries, castles, and fortresses... the list is endless! Please google "Bay of Kotor", "Herceg Novi" (closest town), and "Montenegro", in general. Our property is also only 6km from the Croatian border, and less than 30km to the Bosnian border.
  
  I am a professional techie, an avid reader, musician, artist, handicrafter, aspiring writer, filmmaker, storyteller. If you love connecting with others and engaging in positive and creative, stimulating endeavours, then we'll get along!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Technology

  

  Culture

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Writing

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Hiking

  

  Fitness

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Beach
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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

  Montenegro has a rich and storied history and culture. There are endless opportunities!

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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

  I am currently researching permaculture and food forest models... The first order of business would be to design the layouts and come up with a plan of action--there are many existing fruit trees that need to be brought back to their former glory (fig, grape, kiwi, pomegranate, peach, quince, mulberry, orange, olive, the list goes on!) ... some might need to be displaced, while new ones should also be planted. I would love to plant more fruit and some choice vegetables. However, I am new to this--so we'd be learning together/from each other! Activities could include anything from doing the strategic work (designing/planning), to your basic flower and vegetable gardening, fruit care and gathering, to food preparation and preservation, and tending to chickens and bees (which I plan to keep!). The original owner, who built and cared for the property, before he passed away--he produced his own wine, brandy, olives, and did his own hunting in the nearby forests!
  
  The other major thing I need help with is renovation/adaptation of the house and garage and cellar... all the usual reno tasks such as painting, cleaning, carpentry, flooring, etc... whatever you can contribute!
  
  Since I am new to all this myself, I would be better suited to more experienced / skilled Workawayers... who can work independently.
  
  In exchange, I can offer room/board, local guidance regarding exploration, history, activities, language... also, I worked in tech / design / research for almost 30 years, and am happy to mentor in that area... I also have skills as a musician/singer/songwriter, as well as cooking, handicrafts (knitting/crochet), and I am sure we can find even more areas of common interest! :)

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  Languages spoken

  Bosnian: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Croatian: Fluent
  Serbo-Croatian: Fluent
  Serbian: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner
  Portuguese: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Indoors, 30m2 house, two levels... Garage, guest house in progress... outside, camping also possible!

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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