Help us build a sense of community and learn new skills on our farm in Mpumalanga, Elands Valley, South Africa

Details

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  Description

  Christian and I moved from corporate JHB to the family farm in 2020 with the aim of building a new life for ourselves and to make it possible for Christains mother (Ebba, 83) to retire.
  
  I run the farm and our wholesale nursery where we grow plants for landscaping projects. Christian works remotely from the farm, practicing as an ecologist.
  
  We have tenants on our farm, some of who work around the corner at the Mill and others who work remotely from the farm.
  
  We have 8 paid staff members who are all the most wonderful people and also live on the property.
  
  We are looking for help on the farm and also companionship for Ebba.
  
  We are open to discuss what you wish to achieve from your stay and can tailor a working plan according to your dreams for workaway.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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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

  On our property we have a melting pot of culture.
  
  My husband and I are English speaking South Africans in out 30's. My mother in law is a Danish octogenarian. Our staff are Mozambican and Siswathi speaking South Africans. We also have our staff's children who are all under 16 living close by.
  
  We enjoy sharing our home and making bon fires and braais with our guests. My husband Christian is a freshwater ecologist a published author within his field.
  
  I am trained in interior architecture and project management and in the last 3 years since covid I have shifted my skill and focus across to managing a wholesale nursery and landscaping. We grow ornamental plants for landscapers and nurseries.
  
  We would be glad to share the skills that we have gleaned. Christian often has work in the field and is always happy for the company while he works in the water. Over the years I myself have learnt so much about the fresh water life within our country.
  
  On weekends we like to hike, ride bikes and swim in the river. We like to explore our surroundings and would love your company doing so.
  
  We would love to have help in the following areas, where you too could learn:
  - elderly companionship - hanging out with my mother in law, helping her in her garden or baking bread together
  - in the nursery, growing and caring for plants.
  - in our food forest, developing it further using permaculture principles.
  - help with any manual tasks - renovation and decoration of our new cottages.

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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 is a wide variety of work on the farm, from working in the nursery, gardening and endless building maintenance and new projects arising.
  
  We are very keen to find a workawayer that is keen on the outdoors and doesn't mind getting their hands dirty in the garden. We would love to find someone that can help with general chores, someone that would be happy to keep Ebba company from time to time and perhaps even accompany her to do her groceries. Ebba is a very interesting older lady and can offer great chats over coffee and her home baked carrot cake.
  
  We are open to discuss what you wish to do and achieve over the duration of your stay . We can easily tailor a working plan according to your skills, interests and dreams for workaway.
  
  We are open to accommodating singles, couples or young families depending on your accommodation requirements.
  
  We are looking for someone that enjoys nature and the chaos that comes with it. We have large electric storms and with that comes mud during the summer. We also have insects and the incredible bird life that comes with that. Birdwatchers dream. 
  
  We are located around the corner of Kaapsehoop and 40 minutes from Nelspruit.  The farm has an element of magic with a LOT of maintenance work required..

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  English
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  Accommodation

  1.5 bedroom cottage. Open plan lounge with kitchen and dining / work space. With 1 x Large bedroom, 1 medium sized bathroom and a loft suitable for an additional bedroom.

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  What else ...

  The Elands Valley offers fantastic rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking. We are around the corner from Kaapschehoop, Sabie and the Kruger National Park.

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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

  We have a 10mb per second line.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  4 hours a day, 5 days a week

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