Grow a self-sufficient homestead full of life, animals & ideas in Porsgrunn, Norway

Details

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  Description

  Hello Workawayers !
  
  Please read the entire profile before sending a letter...
  
  This is a private homestead situated in Porsgrunn, in the southern part of Norway, within the county of Telemark. Surrounded by beautiful nature and peaceful landscapes. Here, I have a small kitchen garden where I cultivate a variety of vegetables and fruits for our own use to be a little more self-sufficient. The garden is fully organic, using self-made compost and soil. I have a few free-range sheep and chickens roaming over 2 acres of land. The latest addition to our little homestead is a small cat named Batman. He's curious, playful, and already thinks he runs the place... We are a family of 3: my wife Linn (1988), our daughter Astrid (2019) and myself Johnny (1980). I run this place for the most part on my own, since we also have another house close by, which is our main house.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play

  Help around the house

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Videography

  

  Technology

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Pets

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Winter sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature
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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

  I spend a lot of time working outdoor with clearing the cultural pastures, cutting trees, planting grass, fencing ect. We also have a small kitchen garden we like to work on. Besides that, I take on various initiatives and ongoing upkeep, as this place is over a hundred years old. I'm also into more creative projects and like to create everything from music and videos to wooden sculptures. Some of these things you can see on my youtube channel called Nano Farm Norway...
  
  I am curious and always open to learning new things. I believe that cultural exchange helps me grow as a person by learning about others and gaining new perspectives, not only for me, but also for my family. I am open to suggestions and constantly seek to improve and make the experience as interesting and exciting as possible for all of us.
  
  My wife likes to sew clothes, decorate and spend time in the kitchen garden. But since she had to go through a severe cancer treatment for lymphoma in 2021, she now struggles with fatigue and does things at her own pace. As a result, I am mainly in charge of running this profile and organizing everything.

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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

  There are many different things I do here, so if you are interested in learning about practical work of different sorts, you will have the opportunity to learn something new. The main tasks here are related to maintaining the area for cultural grazing for the animals and growing fruit and vegetables for personal use. Although some of the tasks are simple and easy to learn, I do not accept sloppiness and I expect that you do your best no matter what you do. I spend the necessary time to show you what you need to know. But some practical experience is beneficial.
  
  I’m also into music production, video making, art and DIY projects—and my wife enjoys sewing/knitting clothes. So if you share any of these interests, there might be room to spend time on creative activities too.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Norwegian: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am open to share and teach my language with others if they are studying Norwegian.. My daugther is eager to learn and practice her English. It’s important that you speak good English so we can avoid misunderstandings. This applies to both of you if you’re traveling as a couple.
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  Accommodation

  You will stay in the house and get your own room with a double bed and a cozy upstair living room where you can watch tv and relax. We share bathroom, living room and kitchen when me or my family are there. But you will often have the house for yourself, since we have another house nearby. There's a big garden with a deck, and also a swimming spot by the lake that you can use whenever you want.
  
  You will have access to a fully equipped kitchen to prepare your own meals. The place is very suitable for enjoying outdoor meals and barbecues during the summer. Occasionally, we enjoy sharing a meal together, but this is entirely optional and flexible.
  
  
  ❄️ During the winter months (November throughout March), I offer accommodation only — tasks are mainly house-sitting and general upkeep. I only expect up to 2 hours of engagement per day, making this a perfect opportunity to relax, experience the Norwegian winter, and enjoy quiet surroundings.

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  What else ...

  This place is in a rural area, so if you are travelling alone but like to be close to nature, go hiking, studying, spend time outdoor and doesn't need to go to the city everyday, this might be a good stay for you. Here, the days move gently. You can breathe fresh air, listen to birdsong, and watch animals grazing in the fields. It’s a place to rest, recharge, and simply be. Springtime is busy here, and I can host couples. In September and October things slow down a bit here, so I usually welcome solo travelers only. This also applies to the remaining winter months.
  
  I prefer travelers aged 23 and up, as I value maturity and self-reliance. However, if you're younger and feel that you embody those qualities, you're welcome to reach out.
  
  We do not have an extra car, so having your own is a good thing, but not a requirement as I am often traveling to the city.
  
  And last but not least..
  I’d rather spend my time preparing for a great stay than dealing with last-minute cancellations.
  Every flake means I’ve had to turn down someone else who genuinely wanted to come. You are welcome to send me a letter now, but I usually review candidates around two months before I host. Six weeks before, I select the one I think is the best fit. Then four weeks prior, I require proof-such as a photo of a ticket-as a confirmation that they're actually coming. If not, I will offer the spot to someone else.
  
  Color codes on my calendar:
  GREEN - Available, and open to recieve
  messages from voluteers that would like to come.
  YELLOW - Available, but I offer accommodation only
  RED - Fully booked / Not available
  
  
  To confirm that you've read the full profile, please include the word "NanoFarm" in your message when reaching out.
  
  Thank you for taking the time to read our profile and for your interest!

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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

  Internet connection with 150 Mbit/s upload/download speed, unlimited use.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Large driveway, with parking space for large vehicles.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Batman

  

  Chicken

  

  Sheep

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