Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
29 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
101
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We live in Portland, Oregon in an 1884 Victorian house that we restored ourselves. We've taken on a new challenge saving and restoring an 1890 Victorian cottage. We love Portland and the Pacific Northwest and try to enjoy it all - the people, the places, the events. We absolutely love living here. Among the things we like to do are hiking, cycling (short to century), canoeing, going to festivals in big and little towns, taking in movies and plays, touring gardens, hanging out in the hammock, gardening, being part of the distilled spirits scene. And, of course, we like old house restoration.
We also love to travel and to meet people from around the world. In the last several years we've hosted over 100 people. We've had such a good time with all these helpers and couchsurfers. In fact, it was a couchsurfer who told us about their experiences with Workaway and convinced us that being a Workaway host would be another good way of opening up our home and connecting with other travelers in an even deeper way.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We hope to introduce you to life in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and its many dimensions.
Help
For 2025 we will have projects both on our own home, the 1884 home shown in our profile picture as well as the 1890 house we moved. We are looking for those who like to do exterior and interior paint preparation and painting. In addition, someone with experience or interest in designing and installing a drip irrigation system for our garden would be appreciated.
We are restoring an 1890 Victorian cottage. The house was moved 2 miles from its original location in order to save it from demolition. There are many things we must do to restore the house. These include interior framing of the second floor to create bedrooms and a bath; recreating an 1890's kitchen; recreating an open back porch and restoring the front porch including stairs and railings; refinishing woodwork; plastering and repairing plaster; general carpentry and finish woodworking; interior and exterior paint prep work and application; and landscaping. We also would like to chronicle the restoration. We have a bit of video to work with that captures the house move and the beginnings of the restoration.
We also have ongoing maintenance on our 1884 home. This included painting, fence repair, landscaping and the like.
With this range of work to do, we can probably find something for nearly anyone to do. It would be best if you have some carpentry or building maintenance skills. But more than anything, come with a willingness to help, have fun with us, and enjoy helping to preserve part of Portland's history.
Languages
Languages spoken
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
In exchange for helping with this restoration, you will stay with us in our already restored 1884 Victorian. 1-2 helpers will share their own room with one comfortable full size bed. There is a bath that, for the most part, is yours, but shared if we have other guests. We are a nonsmoking household - no smoking in or around either house. We remove our shoes when in the house. We share meals. Kim is an omnivore, Roy is a vegan so most meals are vegan. It is best if you either are vegan or are interested in exploring veganism. You can expect a clean and neat house, but we're not neat freaks; just don't be a slob yourself. There is WiFi you can use and a TV if you want to watch something. We do have an indoor cat who will want to check you out. We are not able to host other pets.
What else ...
We are 3-5 minutes from public transportation, on lots of bike routes and near the Alberta Arts District and the Mississippi Avenue area. Portland is a great home base for just about anything there is to do in the Pacific Northwest - cool neighborhoods, coffee, skiing, windsurfing, wilderness backpacking, winery touring, hiking, drinking beer, music. And you are more than welcome to take day trips with us or maybe we even plan a longer trip somewhere. But even if you want to enjoy the Pacific Northwest on your own, just get out there and enjoy!
We're happy to help others learn or sharpen their English, but we'd also like to learn or sharpen our skills in other languages - Spanish, Japanese, German, French.....
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 486427337617
Feedback (48)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Oldschooler)
We had a major, critical path project that Arthur tackled. There is much plaster repair needed in our 1890 Victorian cottage. But prior to the repair there are layers of wall paper to be removed, including painted layers making removal more difficult and time consuming. Arthur took on the stairway. This is messy work but he got it done and cleaned… read more
(Very good
)
23 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Guillaume) for host
I was hosted by Roy and Kim for a little over a month and a half and it was a great adventure. Roy is an outstanding host. I learned a lot and enjoyed being in his company. We carried out various projects (handwork, decoration, garden, survey) and explored Portland and its surroundings each time as a unique adventure. Thank you so much for this… read more
29 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume)
We were happy to extend Guillaume's stay from what we first planned. That’s because Guillaume is such a pleasure to be around. And when that inevitable day came when his journey had to carry him on from Portland, well there was a bit of sadness for us all.
Guillaume is the kind of helper who brightens up the room no matter what he is working on.… read more
Guillaume is the kind of helper who brightens up the room no matter what he is working on.… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Sam was truly a pleasant person to host. He just fit right in. On the first night he joined in with us at a neighbor’s party and quickly was in many conversations. He found a volunteer opportunity nearby and became a much appreciated helper. He walked all over the city seeing the sights. He is a very independent traveler. But he never lost his… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Thank you Roy and Kim for an amazing stay. I stayed with Roy and Kim in their inspiring home for three weeks. I had such a good time. Roy and I worked to repair a rotting deck rail. Roy was a pleasure to work with, sharing stories, music, and tips about how to use tools properly. I was very proud of the work we accomplished and came away with a… read more
Photos
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Oldschooler)
We had a major, critical path project that Arthur tackled. There is much plaster repair needed in our 1890 Victorian cottage. But prior to the repair there are layers of wall paper to be removed, including painted layers making removal more difficult and time consuming. Arthur took on the stairway. This is messy work but he got it done and cleaned… read more
(Very good)
23 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Guillaume) for host
I was hosted by Roy and Kim for a little over a month and a half and it was a great adventure. Roy is an outstanding host. I learned a lot and enjoyed being in his company. We carried out various projects (handwork, decoration, garden, survey) and explored Portland and its surroundings each time as a unique adventure. Thank you so much for this… read more
29 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume)
We were happy to extend Guillaume's stay from what we first planned. That’s because Guillaume is such a pleasure to be around. And when that inevitable day came when his journey had to carry him on from Portland, well there was a bit of sadness for us all.
Guillaume is the kind of helper who brightens up the room no matter what he is working on.… read more
Guillaume is the kind of helper who brightens up the room no matter what he is working on.… read more
(Excellent)
15 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Sam was truly a pleasant person to host. He just fit right in. On the first night he joined in with us at a neighbor’s party and quickly was in many conversations. He found a volunteer opportunity nearby and became a much appreciated helper. He walked all over the city seeing the sights. He is a very independent traveler. But he never lost his… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Thank you Roy and Kim for an amazing stay. I stayed with Roy and Kim in their inspiring home for three weeks. I had such a good time. Roy and I worked to repair a rotting deck rail. Roy was a pleasure to work with, sharing stories, music, and tips about how to use tools properly. I was very proud of the work we accomplished and came away with a… read more
2 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anuj) for host
Roy and Kim were absolutely wonderful hosts for the 10 days I stayed with them. They went above and beyond to ensure that my first Workaway experience would be one to remember. I really enjoyed biking around Portland, visiting the Japanese Garden, and of course, going on excursions to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Oregon Coast. As… read more
6 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anuj)
We truly enjoyed being Anuj’s first workaway hosts. How can you beat someone who’s always smiling, willing to learn, jumps on a variety of projects from landscape maintenance, to stone path installation, to pond cleaning, to potting up hanging baskets and completes them all well. What Anuj lacks in experience right now is more than made up for by… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sergio) for host
It's really hard to describe my experience with Roy and Kim in words and I'm not able to write down all of it but I gave it a try:
I arrived at their house a bit tired, a bit out of energy. A week later I left fully energized and with a feeling of pure gratitude...
The house is just stunning, the food is delicious, the work was very diverse and I… read more
I arrived at their house a bit tired, a bit out of energy. A week later I left fully energized and with a feeling of pure gratitude...
The house is just stunning, the food is delicious, the work was very diverse and I… read more
6 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sergio)
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when providing feedback for others to read. This is especially true for Sergio. Somehow our time together neither began nor ended. It simply was. There are all the typical things. Sergio was respectful of our home. He was always there to help with cooking, clean up and other chores. He is a person who… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathon)
So Jono was not our usual workawayer. He was only able to stay a very few days - and we enjoyed every single one of them. Given his short time in Portland we decided to make the best of it by seeing the sights. Gardens, hiking, trivia contests, fish viewing; it was all good. I can’t observe on his work skills (just read the other reviews for that-… read more
(Excellent)
30 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jonathon) for host
I had an incredible time in Portland with Kim and Roy. I unfortunately already had a flight booked out of the US and so was only going to be there for a short time; even so Kim and Roy were beyond accommodating and welcomed me into their home. The home itself is a gorgeous heritage house full of interesting and fascinating antiques and artefacts… read more
13 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gary) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I couldn't have hoped for more.
I was very well received and quickly put in confidence when I arrived. I spent a lot of time with roy because kim was working during the day, we were busy with various tasks like making a frame for the house numbers or restoring a window for example.
Thanks to them I was… read more
I was very well received and quickly put in confidence when I arrived. I spent a lot of time with roy because kim was working during the day, we were busy with various tasks like making a frame for the house numbers or restoring a window for example.
Thanks to them I was… read more
12 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Gary)
We had the pleasure of hosting Gary for about 1 month. He had to be a flexible helper for sure. We had wet days, dry days, cold days, slightly less cold days, record snow days, record cold days. Through it all Gary went with the flow. From doing a major pruning of our really big wisteria, to installing a hanging Victorian ceiling clothes airer, to… read more
(Excellent)
1 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lore & Hazel) for host
Roy and Kim have a very lovely home with a very lovely pet. All accommodations promised were followed through on, the profile was 100% accurate. We spent about a month with them and experienced quite a lot of Portland in that time. We went in the gorge with Roy and went on some small hikes to sightsee waterfalls, we also visited the Japanese… read more
19 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host
Our stay here was everything we were hoping for. As our first workaway experience, it was relaxed and comfortable, with Roy going above and beyond to ensure that we felt at home. His home, an old victorian townhouse, is beautiful, and makes you feel connected to Portland's fascinating history. Roy himself knows tons about the area, and is always… read more
20 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)
It really wasn’t possible to say no to Aaron’s request to stay with us. When someone says they aspire to be your perfect outdoor companion, who’s going to say no?? Well not me anyway. Aaron wasn’t only the perfect outdoor companion, he was a joy to have in our lives. And the 6 weeks he stayed with us ended all too soon. In the very best of ways,… read more
(Excellent)
16 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Don)
What started as a request to host a first time workawayer - Madalyn - ended up being a monthlong stay by two generations of her family - Madalyn and her grandfather Don. And it couldn’t have been better. What a combination they are. Both are very attentive to their work, willing to deal with details and do the grunt work when necessary. But they… read more
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Don) for host
My granddaughter and I did our very first Workaway for 4 weeks with Roy and Kim in their amazing Victorian home on a pretty tree lined street in Portland- a vibrant and fun city in the Pacific Northwest. Upon our arrival during the time of COVID, we were warmly greeted and after introductions, discussed each other's safety procedures and… read more
16 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Madalyn)
What started as a request to host a first time workawayer - Madalyn - ended up being a monthlong stay by two generations of her family - Madalyn and her grandfather Don. And it couldn’t have been better. What a combination they are. Both are very attentive to their work, willing to deal with details and do the grunt work when necessary. But they… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Madalyn) for host
I couldn't have asked for a better first-time Workaway experience than the one I had with Roy and Kim. My grandad and I made the trip together from Virginia to Portland, OR where we stayed for 4 weeks. Their Victorian home is beautiful, the guest bedroom and bath are comfortable, and Roy and Kim are very generous, friendly, and experienced hosts.… read more
1 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sean & Sarah)
Sean and Sarah basically spent the month of June with us. They tackled anything and everything from major pruning of overgrown shrubs, yard clean up, paint prep, painting, brick laying, and more. They even managed to get in some berry picking, meal prep, and down time. Any host can count on these two to be focused on their work, thorough in what… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sean & Sarah) for host
The Fantastic Mr. Roy & Mrs. Kim
My wife and I stayed with Roy and Kim for just over a month in June of 2020 during Covid-19. Roy and Kim could have very easily rejected our request since Covid-19 was and is still currently making the world around us a less than safe place to live, but by their grace, they did anyway. We made sure to wear masks… read more
My wife and I stayed with Roy and Kim for just over a month in June of 2020 during Covid-19. Roy and Kim could have very easily rejected our request since Covid-19 was and is still currently making the world around us a less than safe place to live, but by their grace, they did anyway. We made sure to wear masks… read more
17 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
See that smile on Sam’s profile picture? Well you won’t see that very often. He has a way bigger smile all over him all the time. Sam is quite the guy to be around. Sam stayed with us for just two weeks. And we’d have been happy if he could stay even longer.
Sam jumped right in on the toughest of the tasks he and I discussed. He had to dig out… read more
Sam jumped right in on the toughest of the tasks he and I discussed. He had to dig out… read more
(Excellent)
5 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Karlene)
We don’t normally host someone for less than 2 weeks. But due to travel plans, we could only host Karlene for 10 days. Boy, what a mistake that was. We should have hosted her for 10 months!!
First off, Karlene is an enjoyable person to get to know. She is friendly, open, caring, helpful, cheerful, curious, independent, courteous, mindful, timely,… read more
First off, Karlene is an enjoyable person to get to know. She is friendly, open, caring, helpful, cheerful, curious, independent, courteous, mindful, timely,… read more
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Karlene) for host
ALL THE REVIEWS ARE TRUE! Really, all the wonderful things people have to say about Roy and Kim are in fact true :)
I had a short 10 day stay with Roy & Kim in February, 2020. I spent most of my time with Roy, as Kim's schedule was different than ours. I worked with Roy to make fence posts for their home, which was a task he chose for me based… read more
I had a short 10 day stay with Roy & Kim in February, 2020. I spent most of my time with Roy, as Kim's schedule was different than ours. I worked with Roy to make fence posts for their home, which was a task he chose for me based… read more
31 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Isabella & Zachary) for host
My partner Zach and I stayed with Roy & Kim for the month of July (2019) and helped mostly with house restoration and gardening. Roy is nothing if not generous and communicative with his guests-- we were able to experience so many new things and learn some new skills: painting and paint scraping, power-washing, drywall demolition, electrical work,… read more
7 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Bastiaan) for host
I stayed with Roy and Kim for 6 weeks. Which of course is a long stay for a first time with workaway but I had a fantastic time. We did all kinds of chores around the house like rebuilding a fence and a wall, repairing some old rotten steps and replacing a downspout for the water drainage. I had a lot of fun doing all of these chores with Roy. We… read more
30 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bastiaan)
Is 6 weeks too long of a stay? Well, not when it’s with Bas. Bas is a pretty easy going guy. He’s willing and able to work long and hard, to be flexible with schedules and tasks, to relax with a good book or movie, to not be picky about what he eats (from vegan to Popeye’s fried chicken) and to swim in ice cold water. Well that last one may not be… read more
(Excellent)
23 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Miroslav) for host
Dear Kim and Roy,
Thank you for your hospitality and for making my first Workaway experience incredible and memorable. I felt like a member of your family form the first moment I met you. Your kindness and generosity was beyond something I can describe in this feedback and review form.
By staying with you I got to see uber-cool Portland, do day… read more
Thank you for your hospitality and for making my first Workaway experience incredible and memorable. I felt like a member of your family form the first moment I met you. Your kindness and generosity was beyond something I can describe in this feedback and review form.
By staying with you I got to see uber-cool Portland, do day… read more
22 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Miroslav)
Miro says there are no coincidences, and he may be right. Following a helper cancelling at the last minuteI, I sent an invitation to Miro because of the smile on his face on his profile picture. Miro graciously accepted. What happened from that point forward was exactly what we needed, maybe for both him and us. Miro arrived during a very… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Etienne) for host
What a review !
It was for sure a great surprise for both Roy and I to realise how much the connection was good between us and how many tastes we have in commun.
What he wrote is true for me as well : I arrived in a stranger’s house and I left a very good friend when I left Portland.
Working with him was really enjoyable as he is very handy and… read more
It was for sure a great surprise for both Roy and I to realise how much the connection was good between us and how many tastes we have in commun.
What he wrote is true for me as well : I arrived in a stranger’s house and I left a very good friend when I left Portland.
Working with him was really enjoyable as he is very handy and… read more
25 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Etienne)
What started as a request from a stranger for a 2-3 week stay ended up being 7 weeks with a friend. Etienne lives life fully. He tackled any task we had with curiosity and gusto. And he’s not one to leave things undone or incomplete. What tools or techniques he isn’t familiar with, he quickly picks up on. And for sure you can turn him loose on… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel & Caroline)
Because I am so late in writing this review, I’m going to get right to the bottom line. If you want great workers, adventurous souls, a wicked sense of humor and a great interpersonal dynamic in your helpers, then you will want to host Caroline and Dan. Because we were just settling my mother-in-law in our home after her cross-country move, I was… read more
(Excellent)
20 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Caroline) for host
There is too much to say about Roy and Kim, but I will make a poetic attempt. They are unique souls who actually care about the people who wander into their lives and they add value to the life of anyone who shares some time with them. I can't prove that of course, but I'm willing to make a large, objectively-irresponsible bet on it.
We enjoyed… read more
We enjoyed… read more
8 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jim) for host
This was my first workaday experience and was definitely a great choice. Roy and Kim have a very beautiful and comfortable home in which to stay, and provide for everything you need whilst you are there. As someone who is interested in historic architecture, it was a great joy to see the enthusiasm that Roy and Kim have in saving and restoring… read more
4 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jim)
I am definitely late in providing this feedback, in part because everyday I get to see some of the work Jim did on the house making it seem like he just left yesterday! Jim stayed with us for about 6 weeks, a welcomed extension of what we originally planned. He took on a variety of projects that ranged from the mundane (yard maintenance) to the… read more
(Excellent)
28 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mar & Tomas) for host
(ROY SORRY FOR THE DELAY!!)
This was our first experience in workaway and couldn't be better!!
Roy and his family are excellent people, extremely generous and very friendly and easy going people!
We had a lot of fun in Portland, we went for a road trip with Roy where we saw the most spectacular parts of Oregon.
Work in that amazing victorian… read more
This was our first experience in workaway and couldn't be better!!
Roy and his family are excellent people, extremely generous and very friendly and easy going people!
We had a lot of fun in Portland, we went for a road trip with Roy where we saw the most spectacular parts of Oregon.
Work in that amazing victorian… read more
9 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mar & Tomas)
We are honored to be Mar and Tomás's first Workaway hosts. For all those who come after us, rest assured that you will be very glad you hosted this charming couple. They are fun to be around, are dedicated to tackling projects, posses many skills between them that translate directly to getting work done on projects, are easy to have in the house… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie)
Hosting Charlie was a very last minute decision on my part. Seeing that he had considerable experience with carpentry and cabinetry, this made me think he'd be a good fit for our project. Well, I was right that he'd be a good fit for the project, just not in the way I was thinking. Charlie is a multi-talented person and the "some general building… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Avi)
Avi's a pretty crazy guy, in a really fun way. Lots of interests and experiences to share with a host and others around him. And he is pretty much up for anything - including working hard. Avi is no slacker when it comes to projects. He likes to jump on a project and get it done. And he is happy to suggest things that he thinks can be… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Avi) for host
Roy is one heck of a guy :)
There were many projects to choose from and Roy always made sure I'll work on a project I'll be interested in. That's how we ended up working on both the restoration project and his sons and wife's liquor store remodeling project. Roy's standard is high, but not to worry he'll accompany you and teach you all the tricks… read more
There were many projects to choose from and Roy always made sure I'll work on a project I'll be interested in. That's how we ended up working on both the restoration project and his sons and wife's liquor store remodeling project. Roy's standard is high, but not to worry he'll accompany you and teach you all the tricks… read more
24 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Amandine) for host
I spent 3 weeks with Kim and Roy and enjoyed every minutes of it.
The work is really easy and Roy is a pleasure to work with. He is always making sure that you enjoy what you are doing and that you are doing it the safest way possible. I feel that I learned a lot with him: about gardening, about how to build a house, painting, cooking, the… read more
The work is really easy and Roy is a pleasure to work with. He is always making sure that you enjoy what you are doing and that you are doing it the safest way possible. I feel that I learned a lot with him: about gardening, about how to build a house, painting, cooking, the… read more
10 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Amandine)
We had the pleasure of hosting Amandine for 3 weeks. Amandine proved to be a very easy person to host. She is truly an independent traveler, as you would guess from her profile. We appreciated her respect for the environment and the places she inhabits. Because we are both vegan, we had good times with our common diet. She makes a mean batch of… read more
(Excellent)
22 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-christophe)
Hosting Jean-Christophe, Jean or just JC was a real last minute decision for us. We could only host for a few days, but we are glad that we got to meet JC. He is a very creative individual, motivated to work and play hard. In just 4 too-short days he unloaded and spread bark mulch around the garden, removed a patch of nasty weeds, edged the lawn,… read more
(Excellent)
24 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ernesto) for host
I was with Roy for two weeks in October in his beautiful Victorian house and it was an amazing experience, at all times I felt at home since Roy and his wife Kim are the most hospitable and kind people that could exist, I really felt part of the family the whole time I was with them, from the moments of breakfast with Roy and talking in the… read more
18 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ernesto)
We only were able to host Ernesto for 2 weeks, but what a productive and enjoyable 2 weeks they were. Ernesto jumped right in to Portland with his first meal at the Grilled Cheese Grill and ending up at Voodoo Doughnuts (shall we say that his friends in Mexico got quite the treat on his return home). And then there was everything in between. He… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Elliott)
Elliott is a pretty special guy. What was originally going to be a one month stay turned into a nearly 2 month stay. And longer would have been just fine. Elliott says he is a happy guy, and he is. He can see good in everything around him. And there is also good in everything he does. This is a truly compassionate man, one who makes those around… read more
(Excellent)
16 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Elliott) for host
I left Roy yesterday, and truth be told I'm still pretty cut up about it. I spent the best part of two fantastic months in his very close company and have not a bad word to say about him, which is quite frankly ridiculous because there's always something. A truly magical bloke. Charming, disarming and nothing but a joy to be around, I already miss… read more
18 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume)
Guillaume, quite the guy. And quite a lot of fun to be around. He takes his work seriously, he takes his play seriously. And I had fun doing both with him. Seriously. We pretty much worked mornings due to the heat. Guillaume was up on a ladder most of the time doing all the fun stuff of painting, meaning prepping for days before the first top coat… read more
(Excellent)
25 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Guillaume) for host
"I'm a nice host !" Yes you are ! I spent a month with Roy working on the victorian house and it was truly a great experience. During my stay the job was mainly painting the exterior of the house. I worked in the morning and I was free for the rest of the day, something I appreciated a lot. Roy is a friendly host who is trying to share his time… read more
18 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
Laura is a no nonsense, let's get it done kind of helper who also just happens to be lots of fun to be around. She took on some of the least glamorous work there has been on the restoration project - all the prep before the exterior painting. This meant scraping, puttying, caulking, sanding, priming and finally top coating. And almost all of this… read more
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
Roy and Kim are excellent hosts who have undertaken a formidable project that has ties to the rich history of Portland and the community. The house has received so much care already, and the continued restoration is being executed with an impressive degree of planning, historical accuracy, and passion. If you are at all interested in home projects… read more
24 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kurt) for host
Roy and Kim are awesome! Very generous and open. I really enjoyed painting the old Victorian house and getting to know these two very nice people. We even went camping and did an eastern Oregon excursion and had plenty of time for intellectually stimulating conversion. I would highly recommend this place and wish I could have stayed longer!
19 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kurt)
Kurt was a last minute helper for us. He wasn't able to stay but a few days, but in that time he jumped right into the tasks at hand. The main task was exterior painting, usually on a ladder in a high and/or cramped place. Kurt took this on with skill and safety - and definitely moved the house closer to having all the small details painted in… read more
(Excellent)
1 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Lucas) for host
I put only 5 stars because I cannot put more. I stayed a little less than 2 month with them in this beautiful city and it was just awesome. I was welcome as a family member very quickly and I could share a lot of activities with them. If you like manual job, this is for you. I am a French student and the main purpose of this trip was to improve my… read more
30 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucas)
Lucas was suppose to stay with another host family while in the US. Fortunately for me, that didn’t work out. Lucas later told me he was pretty worried that he’d be left high and dry having purchased his ticket for Portland just before the family cancelled on him.
But things all worked out in the end. We got to host Lucas for a about 5 weeks and… read more
But things all worked out in the end. We got to host Lucas for a about 5 weeks and… read more
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stefan)
Stefan did not arrive when he said he would nor did he contact me or respond to my emails and messages to indicate that he would not be coming. My first experience with a no show :-(
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
19 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kaito) for host
Roy's family is really good family. i stayed there for 1 month.
I mainly helped him restore his old house in morning and sometimes did gardening afternoon.
All activities for restoring(e.g. staining ) were new and looked difficult but Roy explained me closely so that I could do well.
After I finished the work, I could have free time and go… read more
I mainly helped him restore his old house in morning and sometimes did gardening afternoon.
All activities for restoring(e.g. staining ) were new and looked difficult but Roy explained me closely so that I could do well.
After I finished the work, I could have free time and go… read more
10 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kaito)
Kaito brings a big smile to any project he tackles. And he will tackle anything and stay with it until finished. We had a variety of small and big tasks to get done and Kaito did them all - working in the garden with manual and electric edgers, removing turf, staining a major set of cabinets, stripping paint from woodwork, using a gas powered… read more
(Excellent)
20 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)
Stephen is definitely the handyman helper. From using a blow torch to set an epoxy finish on countertops to repairing 120 year old plaster using a technique that was new to both of us to applying lacquer and installing kitchen wainscot for our reproduction 1890-era kitchen, Stephen can take on anything. He works safely and finishes his work… read more
(Excellent)
4 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Stephen) for host
I recently spent a month with Roy and Kim and can say with confidence it has been one of my best workaway experiences. The family was incredibly hospitable, accommodating and I immediately felt welcomed. Roy took the time to show me sites inside and outside of the city, including a hike through the Columbia River Gorge where I saw numerous… read more
19 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sequoia & Max) for host
Roy and Kim were great hosts! Our three week stay with them was more than we had hoped for. They were so generous and welcoming towards us and it was lovely to stay in their beautiful home. Working with Roy on the house was a great experience, he made sure we were comfortable with everything we were doing, and we learned a lot. Roy took us hiking… read more
9 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Remi)
Remi the Curious. That would be one name for him. But you could also call him witty, sarcastic, happy or just Remi. Because no matter what you call him, you are going to enjoy having him around. He's pretty much game for anything around work and play. A most respectful helper and guest. Though if you go for a bike ride with him, don't make it too… read more
(Excellent)
4 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Remi) for host
That was O.K,.. Tot really more,.. I am joking, this couple is very friendly, Roy is a very cool guy, know a lot of staff, but just for info, if you are not curious, forget this place, but if you are, go, do not wait!!!
3 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie Lynn)
Jamie, there's no slowing her down. Jamie was in a bit of a transition period while staying with us. She managed to balance seeking and starting a new job, housesitting, and applying for school all while helping around the house. Jamie is good at prioritizing her work, setting and adhering to a schedule, communicating with the host (and… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Aaron and Anna were very good to host. How so? Well, first they are pleasant folks to be around, easy to talk with, share stories with, ride bikes with - just hang out with. Second, they take on their projects with a get-it-done attitude - even if that means finishing something up in the pouring down rain! They are both careful workers, never… read more
(Excellent)
17 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Without a doubt, staying with Roy and Kim has been one of my top workaway experiences so far. Roy and Kim opened up their beautiful home to Aaron and I during our two week stay, and we had a blast the entire time. Ranging anywhere from 4-6 hours a day, we worked on the restoration project. Roy is a great teacher, he's patient and takes everything… read more
2 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)
Aaron and Anna were very good to host. How so? Well, first they are pleasant folks to be around, easy to talk with, share stories with, ride bikes with - just hang out with. Second, they take on their projects with a get-it-done attitude - even if that means finishing something up in the pouring down rain! They are both careful workers, never… read more
(Excellent)
24 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Aaron) for host
We had an amazing workaway experience here!
Anna and I stayed with Roy and Kim in Portland for two weeks and had an absolute blast (wish we could have stayed longer but we had to leave early for a seasonal job). The work was fun and informative, on a beautiful old Victorian doing restoration work. Roy was friendly and intelligent and flexible.… read more
Anna and I stayed with Roy and Kim in Portland for two weeks and had an absolute blast (wish we could have stayed longer but we had to leave early for a seasonal job). The work was fun and informative, on a beautiful old Victorian doing restoration work. Roy was friendly and intelligent and flexible.… read more
2 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Qiu)
Qiu arrived in Portland expecting to spend several days working on the house. And that is what we expected too. What we didn't expect was the weather we got. Cold, snow, ice - all the things Portland is NOT known for. And that slowed us down a lot on the house. But Qiu is a trooper and pitched right in on all kinds of other things we could do… read more
(Excellent)
29 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Qiu) for host
For a first Workaway experience, I had a really great time staying with Roy and Kim. Despite weather conditions which made us unable to work on the house for the first week, I had a lot of fun just helping out with things around the house! Thank you for patiently teaching and explaining everything, and will love to be able to come back a second… read more
29 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Brendon & Zuzana)
If you want to get heaps of work done and have fun while doing it, host Brendon and Zuzana. Oh my, what a collection of stuff they did - installing insulation and drywall, painting exterior walls and porch posts, pulling low voltage wire, beginning the restoration of double hung windows. And that was just some of the things at the house. They… read more
(Excellent)
17 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Brendon & Zuzana) for host
The two weeks we spent with Roy and Kim was like taking part in an educational and historical introduction to Portland and Victorian houses. Roy is so full of knowledge and experience, and was more than happy to share it with us. Anything from local tips and Oregon history to using tools and advise on the next part of our travels. We were also… read more
19 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
William Wallace. No, not that one. A present day one from England. If you like helpers who are cheerful, handy, skilled, safe, engaging - then Will’s your guy. And if you want someone who is gracious in the face of mini disasters, Will’s definitely your man. Unbelievably Will had much of his gear stolen on his second day in Portland. He sure… read more
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
My second workaway experience, I could not have asked for kinder or more generous hosts. Roy and Kim live in an awesome house in an awesome city. It was a privilege to contribute to the renovation of the House, my only regret is that I couldn't stay longer and contribute more. As a civil engineer I also found the whole backstory of saving the… read more
20 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Quentin & Melanie) for host
If you are looking to go to Portland or Oregon, you would be a fool not to stop by Kim and Roy’s place. Our time with them was amazing.
Roy knows the wonders of Oregon better than anybody else; we got to experience some amazing hikes and our best camping experience ever (and basically one of the best experiences of our lives).
We are very… read more
Roy knows the wonders of Oregon better than anybody else; we got to experience some amazing hikes and our best camping experience ever (and basically one of the best experiences of our lives).
We are very… read more
18 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Quentin & Melanie)
We had the good fortune to host Melanie and Quentin as they ended their adventure in the US. We wish they could have extended their stay longer (well, so did they, but that is another story……). They are truly a fun and engaging couple to spend time with and to work with. It was great fun to help Melanie, a native French speaker, build her… read more
(Excellent)
11 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Gail & Randy)
You’ve undoubtedly heard about the sale where you buy 2 and get the third one free. Well, that kind of what it’s like to host Gail and Randy. You get Gail, you get Randy and you get Gail and Randy. The only problem anyone will have with this duo is not having enough for them to do. They are energetic workers on their own – Gail excels at… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Gail & Randy) for host
We applied to Workaway with Roy and Kim because we were interested in learning about restoring an old(er) home. Our time with them was far more than we had ever envisioned.
The adventure began as soon as we stepped into their restored Victorian home and were shown the quiet museum that was to be our bedroom. From that moment on, life was a medley… read more
The adventure began as soon as we stepped into their restored Victorian home and were shown the quiet museum that was to be our bedroom. From that moment on, life was a medley… read more
7 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (pthonney) for host
I learned so much working with Roy on the beautiful house he is renovating. Roy is a really thorough and patient teacher. I've had electrical stuff explained to me before, but this time it really stuck. He believed in me and encouraged me to take the time I needed and to actually try stuff.
I learned how to install electrical outlets and… read more
I learned how to install electrical outlets and… read more
3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (pthonney)
Like many hosts, we are faced with requests from potential helpers with no feedback. So we read their profile, read their request and look at their pictures. Paula just seemed right to host - I especially fell for the pictures of the van and woodworking :-) We are, after all, restoring a Victorian cottage. Well, the decision to host was even… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Connor)
I thought about not writing a review for Connor. You know, maybe he’d come back to check out why we didn’t say anything. Then maybe he’d stay for a while longer. But in reality, that wasn’t a very good plan on my part, just wishful thinking. So instead, let me tell you why you should have no hesitation hosting Connor.
Connor has more energy… read more
Connor has more energy… read more
(Excellent)
2 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Connor) for host
From the moment you meet Roy and Kim they welcome you into their home and you really feel like a part of the family. Their house is incredible down to the last detail, they're very proud of their house and rightly so. It's very much a "what's mine is yours" deal, which, for myself being a first time Workawayer made me feel incredibly welcome and… read more
3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Harumi)
All you have to do is look at their picture to know what kind of experience you are going to have. The smile on their faces is genuine. Harumi and Masa light up the space all around them. Host this couple and be prepared to laugh, talk and get work done. Given the time of year, we had a variety of outdoor and indoor work to do. They tackled… read more
(Excellent)
16 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Harumi) for host
We were so lucky to have chance for staying with Roy and Kim.
They are truly beautiful people.
We did vairous works such as de-decorating big big Christmas tree,pruning wisteria,taking care of garden,and of course restoration of old victorian house.
We really enjoyed all of these works.
Roy is a person who we respect the most,the master of… read more
They are truly beautiful people.
We did vairous works such as de-decorating big big Christmas tree,pruning wisteria,taking care of garden,and of course restoration of old victorian house.
We really enjoyed all of these works.
Roy is a person who we respect the most,the master of… read more
3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Dougal)
I still smile every time I think about Dougal. This is a man of few written words. You won't get long emails or texts from him. Nor will he write much about himself. That short description in his profile, the part about seeing something he's made with his own hands being one of his favorite feelings - that's true in the best possible way. It… read more
(Excellent)
6 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Dougal) for host
Literally the nicest people in the world. If you like old homes, dams, kraft mac n cheese, debating the purpose of the EU, hiking, movies, cycling, wieners or woodwork then you will love it here. If not it doesn't matter because Roy and Kim are keen for whatever.
31 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
First off, talk about a flexible, good natured helper. Rachel graciously dealt with our own schedule hiccups and our attempts to help her find additional places to stay while she was in Portland :-) Rachel is also a curious and diligent helper. She learned the how and why of things and then executed the task with care balanced with a "let's get… read more
(Excellent)
24 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
Roy and Kim are true diamonds.
I stayed less than a week with them, but felt welcomed from the moment I stepped in the house. They are gracious, kind, funny, interesting hosts and all round lovely people. They keep the kitchen well stocked with healthy food, provide towels and linens, and make sure that you're comfortable.
The work on the… read more
I stayed less than a week with them, but felt welcomed from the moment I stepped in the house. They are gracious, kind, funny, interesting hosts and all round lovely people. They keep the kitchen well stocked with healthy food, provide towels and linens, and make sure that you're comfortable.
The work on the… read more
1 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Kevin)
(Negative)
28 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tyler) for host
This is such a giving and welcoming family. It is hard to think of a way my stay at their place could have been better. Roy is a gem of a man and he was not only wonderful to work with - he showed me how to do many new things such as trimming and installing lights and was so patient with my lack of hands on skills - but he also showed me around… read more
28 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Tyler)
Well, we started out agreeing to host Ezra for 2 weeks and ended up hosting him for nearly 2 months! While he may not be able to claim expertise in working many things with his hands, he sure has gained experience. Here’s some of the things he worked on: cutting and installing window and door trim; installing light fixtures; laying patio pavers;… read more
(Very good)
3 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa & Richard)
We were in a bit of a bind. Our own house was being used for a fundraising event. And we were not ready. Enter Lisa and Rich. Talk about flexibility and execution. They traded working on the Victorian cottage for helping us our on our own house. And they good naturally accommodated driving over 200 miles roundtrip to pick me up from a one… read more
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Joel) for host
I, for one appreciate unique people like Roy, for example.
He is a super easy going man, always with an earnest smile. Super conciderate and generous.
I felt so well welcomed from the moment I stepped in to his house, until the very day that I left.
It has been a few very giving weeks for me, working and spending time with his family.
Thank you… read more
He is a super easy going man, always with an earnest smile. Super conciderate and generous.
I felt so well welcomed from the moment I stepped in to his house, until the very day that I left.
It has been a few very giving weeks for me, working and spending time with his family.
Thank you… read more
25 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Joel)
First off, we are so glad Matt and Kathryn, our mystery neighbors who we have not yet met, happened to run into Joel in Brazil and tell him about our project in Portland. But for them, we might never have gotten together. Joel came as the guy with the big Swedish smile and left as the guy who had us all smiling. He is a practical, hard worker… read more
(Excellent)
28 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Hidenobu) for host
I spent a wonderful time with very generous and friendly hosts in a beautifully restored house.
They always tried to make sure i was having a good time during the stay. Though it usually takes a few weeks for me to get used to new environment, I felt being home a few DAYs after I arrived!! AS a work, I painted doors and trims inside the house,… read more
They always tried to make sure i was having a good time during the stay. Though it usually takes a few weeks for me to get used to new environment, I felt being home a few DAYs after I arrived!! AS a work, I painted doors and trims inside the house,… read more
27 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Hidenobu)
We almost didn't get to host Hide. That would have been our loss. In the week that Hide stayed with us, we came to know an interesting and articulate traveler. While we weren't able to take on any major new projects in his short time with us, his attention to detail allowed us to make significant progress on the installation and painting of… read more
(Excellent)
25 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Bob) for host
Yet another wonderful Workaway experience. Roy and Kim are a pleasure to be around and work with. They were kind enough to take me on driving tour around Portland, visits to the beautiful Japanese Gardens and treating me to Portland's world famous Voodoo Donuts. Roy knows so much about the city and the state of Oregon and it was a delight to learn… read more
15 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Johan)
First off, it was a real pleasure to work with Johan. He is a dedicated and hard worker who wants to get his projects done and done well. He is happy to take on tasks that require him to use tools he’s not used before and to learn proper techniques. Just as important, he brings “common sense” to his work and is able to think things through to… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (HappyNicole)
Nicole was the first person who stayed with us for more than a couple of weeks. We worried a bit about having someone here for 3.5 weeks. Well, not to worry. The time went by so fast and was so enjoyable. She is much as her profile describes, except that now she has painted window sashes, helped with electrical wiring, prepped a foundation for… read more
(Excellent)
27 May 2014
Left by Workawayer (HappyNicole) for host
This family was my first host family and I couldn't have had a better family - They treated my like a family member. I have learned a lot about the American culture (American habits, food, ...) and they were never tired of answering all of my questions about it (e.g. about door locks ^^). I gathered so many experiences in their homes (e.g. about… read more
