Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
44
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
10 years ago, we retired to this stunning mountain retreat. Our vision is to build a series of Eco-campsites where people from the cities can come to get away from it all, and with the help of many Workawayers we have been gradually realising this. There us still a lot to do, and a great variety of tasks for you to get involved in!
We have built some informal shower and toilet facilities using the available natural materials, and more are planned.
Sadly, my husband passed away suddenly this year (2022) but I am still determined to carry on. We really appreciate the keen volunteers who participate in this rewarding project, as retired folk on their own just cannot keep up with all the schemes they can't help inventing! In return, we as hosts we try to make their experience here as rewarding for them as possible by teaching them new skills and giving them new experiences.
Currently resident here are only myself and my adult son. We both have online jobs which keeps us busy much of the day, so practical help with maintaining everything is really valued.
Summer nights are especially beautiful with little light pollution to diminish the splendour of the Southern Milky Way. We have two largish telescopes which we hope to be setting up so those with an interest in Astronomy can experience and learn.
Wildlife in the area includes Baboons, small Buck, Mongoose, Porcupine, Francolin and Guinea Fowl, Black Eagle and Gymnogene. There have even been a few sitings of Aardwolf, Lynx and Leopard recently.
For those with an interest in botany, the winter and spring rainy season (April through October) Is the most beautiful, after the bush and flowers rejuvenate, though you may be forced to spend many rainy days indoors. Summer, can become very hot and dry, but that has its own more harsh beauty. Our mountain area is one of the few remaining covered by indigenous vegetation, the flatlands below having been fully taken over by wheatlands and vineyards.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
As mentioned above, building (wooden, natural, "eco") facilities for the proposed campsites. There are a lot of trees, both small and large, which need to cleared, and cut into logs for the building project, terracing, firewood, etc. Some rudimentary knowledge of plumbing (bush style) also welcome!
Some building work is also needed on the existing old farmhouse, barn and cottage. Skills such as plumbing, tiling, electrical work will be appreciated!
Help with cooking will also be valued, especially if there are a few volunteers at any one time.
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
If one or two or three people, there are two spare rooms with beds in our house. If more, some would have to sleep in tents (provided).
What else ...
Piketberg is a small town in the wheat and grape farming area known as the "Swartland". We are only two hours from Cape Town. There is a bus Service which runs between Cape Town and Piketberg. Our farm is about 20 mins from the town by car, and we do go there most days.
To the west are the unspoilt beaches of the West coast, about an hour away.
In Springtime ( August-September) the area a little further north produces amazing displays of wildflowers, a great tourist attraction.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
All time given gratefully accepted! max 25 hours a week
Host ref number: 497683863146
Feedback (27)
12/12/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Bradley)
Bradley was with us a few months, and during that time, made himself indispensable with his skill in painting, woodwork, plumbing , tiling, and also gardening and general helpfulness. It was a pleasure having him with us as part of our small team as he did his best to get on with every one, even those who may have been not so easy to interact… read more
(Excellent
)
31/10/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandy & Ken)
Sandy and Ken were with us in August and September 2020. It was a great pleasure to have them here, both in their company and in the help they gave us.
Sandy was a great help in the house, with cooking, sewing, painting and fixing things. Always cheerful and willing, we really became friends in the time they were here.
Ken is a self-starting… read more
Sandy was a great help in the house, with cooking, sewing, painting and fixing things. Always cheerful and willing, we really became friends in the time they were here.
Ken is a self-starting… read more
(Excellent
)
09/10/2020
We have just spent 2 months with Tony, Enid and Joe on Januariesfontein. They were amazing hosts and we were taken very good care of. Enid is a great cook and baker and we enjoyed all the effort she put into the meals. We had a room in the house with an onsuite bathroom and were very comfortable. We could choose our tasks and ken did lots of… read more
24/01/2019
I spent four wonderful weeks in januariesfontein. Enid and Tony are very kind and friendly, welcoming and relaxed.
I could chose which work I’d like to do, there was no pressure. Together with my brother i raked a lot of wood, sticks and leaves together, cut sticks, we worked with concrete, watered the garden and cleaned the water tank.
In our… read more
I could chose which work I’d like to do, there was no pressure. Together with my brother i raked a lot of wood, sticks and leaves together, cut sticks, we worked with concrete, watered the garden and cleaned the water tank.
In our… read more
Feedback
12/12/2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Bradley)
Bradley was with us a few months, and during that time, made himself indispensable with his skill in painting, woodwork, plumbing , tiling, and also gardening and general helpfulness. It was a pleasure having him with us as part of our small team as he did his best to get on with every one, even those who may have been not so easy to interact… read more
(Excellent
)
31/10/2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandy & Ken)
Sandy and Ken were with us in August and September 2020. It was a great pleasure to have them here, both in their company and in the help they gave us.
Sandy was a great help in the house, with cooking, sewing, painting and fixing things. Always cheerful and willing, we really became friends in the time they were here.
Ken is a self-starting… read more
Sandy was a great help in the house, with cooking, sewing, painting and fixing things. Always cheerful and willing, we really became friends in the time they were here.
Ken is a self-starting… read more
(Excellent
)
09/10/2020
Left by Workawayer (Sandy & Ken) for host
We have just spent 2 months with Tony, Enid and Joe on Januariesfontein. They were amazing hosts and we were taken very good care of. Enid is a great cook and baker and we enjoyed all the effort she put into the meals. We had a room in the house with an onsuite bathroom and were very comfortable. We could choose our tasks and ken did lots of… read more
24/01/2019
Left by Workawayer (Smilla) for host
I spent four wonderful weeks in januariesfontein. Enid and Tony are very kind and friendly, welcoming and relaxed.
I could chose which work I’d like to do, there was no pressure. Together with my brother i raked a lot of wood, sticks and leaves together, cut sticks, we worked with concrete, watered the garden and cleaned the water tank.
In our… read more
I could chose which work I’d like to do, there was no pressure. Together with my brother i raked a lot of wood, sticks and leaves together, cut sticks, we worked with concrete, watered the garden and cleaned the water tank.
In our… read more
03/12/2018
Left by Workawayer (Tomás & Gabriela ) for host
Our stay there was very good. We learned to build with cement, to cut trees, to wash dishes in the South African way. We camped, learned to cook with Enid who always prepared delicious lunches, while the slight Tony instructed us in the field.
Thank you very much for everything, it was very fruitful, we still hope to return.
Great hug, Tomás &… read more
Thank you very much for everything, it was very fruitful, we still hope to return.
Great hug, Tomás &… read more
07/04/2018
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
Enid, Tony, and Joe are wonderful ambassadors for the slice of South African life not available in any tourist locale. I had a truly memorable time helping with some building, running an Alaskan mill, and learning the history, wildlife, and astronomy of southern Africa from a brilliantly practical source. A kind and restful place to enjoy the more… read more
14/02/2018
Left by Workawayer (Akosua Mélanie) for host
Hello to everyone! JanuaryFontein is a magical place, out of time. The beauty around reminds us to be humble, thankful and generous about what you have. Eventhough, I haven't told them. I had considered Enid & Tony as adoptive grandparents for the time I stayed there. They have contributed in a way or an other to what I am proud to be, today. I… read more
25/12/2017
Left by Workawayer (Marthinus) for host
Sorry for late reply guys. Picketberg mountains is where Enid and Tony have made a home for them selfs, it is a absolutely breathtaking part of the country where the weather can change in the blink of an eye. I spent 4 weeks with this couple who made me feel at home with their warm and friendly personalitys, Enid makes mouth watering meals to… read more
14/09/2017
Left by Workawayer (Jon) for host
I spent almost three weeks with Tony and Enid and it was a wonderful experience!!! I learned a lot about building, especially mixing mortar. The food was amazing and I enjoyed with the activities that we made like go to farmers fair and Paternoster. Thank you very much for letting me stay with you!!!
27/08/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jon)
Jon was great help while he was here. We particularly liked his willingness to learning new skills such as mixing mortar and building!
(Very good
)
21/08/2017
Left by Workawayer (Wendy) for host
Sorry for the late feedback. Enid and Tony took me at very short notice due to a previous hosting not being suitable. I stayed with them for 2 weeks during which time I pruned and cut back the very overgrown lemon trees in an orchard. I worked around 7 hours a day split between morning and late afternoon. The location is simply stunning, high up… read more
27/01/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Wendy)
Because of visa issues, Wendy was with us for somewhat shorter time than originally planned, which was a pity, because we could have happily had her excellent help up for longer. She did not mind, even enjoyed, long hours in the sun pruning the lemon trees, and enjoyed seeing the difference she made. She was also very helpful in the house -it's… read more
(Excellent
)
02/03/2017
Left by Workawayer (Vanessa & Reto) for host
Enid & Tony were great hosts! We got a nice doubleroom with our own bathroom, fresh&lovely cooked meals as well as a perfect area to discover at the weekend. During our month of stay at Januariesfontain Tony let us do several things of his to do list and instructed us very well because we were comletely new in manual work like this. P.ex.… read more
27/01/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Vanessa & Reto)
Thank you, Vanessa and Reto for your great contribution to the developing campsite. The grass which you so faithfully watered every day is starting to cover nicely, and the campsite bath you installed is causing a lot of interest. The large amount of clearing and cutting you did is also looking good. We enjoyed watching Vanessa doing her… read more
(Excellent
)
01/03/2017
Left by Workawayer (Susana) for host
I stayed with Enid and Tony during a month they were my first workaway in my African journey and what a pleasure to be with them. The farm is in a beautiful place surrounded by mountains. We always have the company of the birds, the neighbor cows and goats, and we can hear the baboons shouting at us from the top of the mountain :).
I enjoy how… read more
I enjoy how… read more
27/01/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Dario Valerio)
Dario and Giovanna were a last minute addition to our Workaway scheme, and how happy we were to be able to welcome them here. Dario has excellent organisational skills, and we were able to just issue general directives, and next thing he and the other workaways were all in it together, and the job was done - whether creating a new raised… read more
(Excellent
)
21/11/2016
Left by Workawayer (Dario Valerio) for host
We spended one month in their house and was a great time!
Work is not hard, is relaxed and your ideas about the campsites are welcome.
they are really relaxed people, never push in stress situation, view from their veranda is stunning and start in the morning with this breakfast view make you on peace with the world.
Raining days were....simply… read more
Work is not hard, is relaxed and your ideas about the campsites are welcome.
they are really relaxed people, never push in stress situation, view from their veranda is stunning and start in the morning with this breakfast view make you on peace with the world.
Raining days were....simply… read more
27/01/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)
We have been blessed with the most wonderful workaways lately, and Jess and Simon top the lot! Not put of by our long list of jobs presented to them on arrival, they tackled each new project with enthusiasm and a will to do their best - from fixing quad bikes, cars and the generator, building rock sides of the pond or cutting down nasty blister… read more
(Excellent
)
27/01/2017
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
We have had a fabulous 3 weeks with Enid and Tony, we learnt so much as they were very willing to teach us new skills. It was our first workaway stay and we can say nothing but positive things, the house and scenery is beautiful, Enid is an amazing cook and Tony is full of wisdom and we hope to possibly stay with them again in the future. Thank… read more
17/01/2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marta & Ariadna)
It was such a pleasure hosting Ariadna and Marta! They entered into all the activities with enthusiasm and energy, whether helping in the kitchen, creating new compost heaps, or assisting with building Shelters at the campsite. We were particularly impressed with their daily discipline of doing their English lesson exercises. Cheerful and… read more
(Excellent
)
17/11/2016
Left by Workawayer (Marta & Ariadna) for host
We had our first workaway experience in this beautiful area of South Africa! It was great because we had the opportunity to learn new knowledges and explore new skills. Also, we met very special people and we could practice a little English. Enid and Tony are very wise. Enid is a very good chef, we think she MUST open a restaurant!!! ;)
Thank you… read more
Thank you… read more
19/09/2016
Left by Workawayer (Andreas) for host
Enid and Tony are great personnes. They are really funny and really took care about me! They showed me the work around the farm and I could choose what I want to do. There were always this cosy evenings with Tony and Enid with a cup of tea and good discussions. It was such a great time. Thank you.
26/05/2016
Left by Workawayer (Anne-Sophie) for host
I'm glad to have spent one month at Tony and Enid. The house is situated in the mountain. These place is wonderful for those who like the peace, the nature, hiking and to look at the stars. There is always something to do. It's pleasant to work with Tony. He encourages to enjoy what we do about is the result. And he helped me to learn new words in… read more
07/05/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne-Sophie)
It was great having Anne-Sophie with us. She is very ready to learn new skills and approached everything with care and dedication, from making a wooden box for catching snakes in (as yet untested because we haven't had any snakes near the house since), to watering the newly planted grass on the campsite every day. It's quite a brave action to… read more
(Excellent
)
07/05/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tudal)
Thank you, Tudal for all you did here. I especially remember you every time I put anything away on my new kitchen shelves, as does Tony when he uses his shiny newly painted tractor. You were always game for anything, whether heavy labour with breaking down and then building up foundations to restore the little house, or whether getting waist… read more
(Excellent
)
29/04/2016
Left by Workawayer (Tudal) for host
I spent one awesome month with Tony and Enid. It was a very pleasant introduction to South Africa with a nice weather, tasty food and plenty of hiking trails for those who like it ! I recommend it !
07/05/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia & Rayk)
Julia and Ryk were wonderful workawayers. The list of things they got involved in seems endless!
Ryk's engineering skills, his analytical and dedicated approach to a challenge means we had the machinery of our honey spinner fixed, our tractor re-sprayed, the porch roof extended, the braai areas excavated. etc etc. Every morning he got up very… read more
Ryk's engineering skills, his analytical and dedicated approach to a challenge means we had the machinery of our honey spinner fixed, our tractor re-sprayed, the porch roof extended, the braai areas excavated. etc etc. Every morning he got up very… read more
(Excellent
)
07/05/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie)
What a pleasure it was to have Jamie working with us! He put his heart and soul into everything and enjoyed learning new skills like welding (we remember him every time we make winter fire in the grate he built), mixing a poring concrete floors, cutting fallen trees, plastering and painting. After he left we really missed his good nature (he took… read more
(Excellent
)
30/08/2015
Left by Workawayer (Jamie) for host
All feedback left so far is spot on. I can add to that positive vibes also. The description of the work and place matches what it is like there. Tony and Enid are wonderful people, full of energy and always coming up with ideas and projects. Always good company and fun to be around. Enid is a great cook also, and she does appreciate help in the… read more
07/05/2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma & Ricky)
It was a pleasure having Emma with us. Friendly and helpful, she was also a very quick leaner, getting involved in all the activities, from cooking to making signboards, pruning lemon trees and helping with the kid's club at the neighbouring farm.
(Excellent
)
26/04/2016
Left by Workawayer (Maria Clara & Alain) for host
Enid and Tony are amazing people, very kind and always open to talk and help in any way! Like everyone else has mentioned in their feedbacks, we felt like part of the family! Our jobs varied in many ways, like welding, leveling the soil, painting windows. We loved every minute of it! Enid and Tony: obrigado!!!!
01/04/2016
Left by Workawayer (Sery) for host
The best work away on earth, you dont feel like a volunteer but more like a member of the family,
everything is super cool there, i don't want to let a long post with everything explained in details cause i really want you guys who read this post to go and experience this adventure by yourself JUST GO!!!!!
Thanks Enid and Tony… read more
everything is super cool there, i don't want to let a long post with everything explained in details cause i really want you guys who read this post to go and experience this adventure by yourself JUST GO!!!!!
Thanks Enid and Tony… read more
16/12/2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Greg)
It was a real pleasure getting to know Greg. He was always ready for any challenge we gave him;, and he kept us entertained and cheerful!
(Excellent
)
03/09/2015
Left by Workawayer (Patricia & Francisco) for host
Well, where to start, from the beginning communication was great, Enid always thoughtful giving us tips about the cheapest way to get there, time tables, bus companies, etc. This carried on during our stay, sharing information on where and how to go next in our trip around South Africa, we are very greatful for this... Oh and talking about… read more
23/06/2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Clinton)
Clinton was a pleasure to have with us; always pleasant and keen to put his hand to anything! We were very sad to see him leave, especially as his employer in Cape Town needed him sooner than he originally thought, and we'd be very glad to welcome him back later in his South African trip
(Excellent
)
21/06/2015
Left by Workawayer (Clinton) for host
This is the gold standard for how workawayers should be treated. Toni and Enid are two of the nicest people I have ever met and were incredibly fun to be with. What makes this such a rich stay was the deep knowledge they both had on the political and social structure of the country which helps one fully understand the culture and setting. The food… read more
24/05/2015
Left by Workawayer (Marije & Jan) for host
We stayed for three weeks with Tony and Enid. Great place, beautiful scenery! Eagles hanging in sky and birds landing on your head. Tony and Enid are both very relaxed and the house feels like being at home. We learned about their family-history, planted some grass at the campsite and helped Tony pouring concrete. It was even possible to borrow… read more
01/04/2015
Left by Workawayer (Ole) for host
I´m so glad that I had my first Workaway-experience at Enid and Tony's place- it couldn't have started better :) Staying with this welcoming and generous people on their beautiful property was so much fun and I would have loved to stay longer! For me the perfect mix of interesting jobs, learn and relax, good food and cozy evenings with good talks,… read more
27/02/2015
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I stayed 4 weeks with this family and I had a great time. It's such a beautiful place with great views and a nice star filled Sky! I had great time learning the art of moving big rocks;) Did a lot of hiking exploring the mountain.
They actually made a big part of my 3 month trip true South Africa happen! For which I'm very grateful and I hope I… read more
They actually made a big part of my 3 month trip true South Africa happen! For which I'm very grateful and I hope I… read more
18/07/2014
Left by Workawayer (GUILLAUME) for host
I had a very nice stay with this family.
They are very nice and interesting people.
The works for building the eco-campsites were great.
I learn a lot of things about the history, not only of South africa, special thank to Tony ;)
The landscapes are breathtaking.
I had the chance to go visiting others places thanks to them during our… read more
They are very nice and interesting people.
The works for building the eco-campsites were great.
I learn a lot of things about the history, not only of South africa, special thank to Tony ;)
The landscapes are breathtaking.
I had the chance to go visiting others places thanks to them during our… read more
09/06/2014
Left by Workawayer (Koen) for host
I just spent a couple of weeks with this family and it was a wonderfull experience! I had a great time with them. The landscape surrounding the place is absolutely stunning, with some great views and hiking possibilities. They also were kind enough to take me to some other amazing places and meet some of their friends. I'd really like to come back… read more
13/05/2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Shira)
Shira was a lovely addition to the family while she was here! She was ready to put her hand to all of the variety of jobs we gave her, and evenings we all had many interesting discussions and debates. We wish her well in her new position back in the USA, but would love to see her back here one day.
(Excellent
)
13/03/2014
Left by Workawayer (Shira) for host
It's beautiful out here, and perfect for someone looking for some quiet respite. They are great and will regale you with fascinating tales of the area and of days gone by. I've really enjoyed spending time with the family, learning about the history and cultures of South Africa, and exploring the area.
13/05/2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Saga)
We really enjoyed having Saga here, especially her cooking! Easy going and friendly, but also hardworking, she fitted in well with the family and we were sorry to see her go! We wish her well whatever she moves on to.
(Excellent
)
