Experience community living, sustainable farming, and cooperative learning on 80 acres of scenic Virginia woodlands! USA

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome to our community farm!

    We’re a vibrant group of around 20 to 25 people located on 80 acres of beautiful, rolling woodlands in Louisa, Virginia. We invite Workawayers to join us in exchange for room and board, as well as the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our community life.

    *We are able to pick people up from Richmond or Charlottesville. We try to accommodate international travelers and others without vehicles.*

    Our organic farm embraces sustainable practices, and we’re looking for motivated Workawayers to help with a variety of seasonal tasks. The work here varies greatly depending on the time of year:

    In the summer, our pace is more relaxed, with most of the focus on garden and construction work.
    In the winter, we’re busier with our business, so we especially appreciate help with domestic tasks or special projects.

    What We can Teach:

    Seed Business: We invite Workawayers to observe both the inner workings and outward impact of our seed business, offering a unique opportunity to learn how a seed company operates within a cooperative model. Through guided observation, volunteers can gain insight into the entire life cycle of seeds—from cultivation and sorting to packaging and distribution. They’ll also see firsthand how our cooperative model shapes the way we make decisions, share responsibilities, and support each other. This experience is ideal for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, community-based business models, or learning how a cooperative can thrive while serving both its members and customers.

    Gardening: Our community includes members with a wide range of farming expertise. We have individuals skilled in operating heavy equipment like tractors, others with extensive knowledge in permaculture design and principles, and those with well-rounded experience in growing diverse crops suited to the Southeastern climate. Workawayers will have the chance to observe and learn from this collective knowledge, offering a rich learning environment for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, permaculture, or general crop cultivation in our region. Ira Wallace, a great inspiration in the seed movement has Worked and made their home here for 30+ years.

    Our community is home to members with a wide array of construction skills and expertise. We have individuals knowledgeable in plumbing, electrical work, general construction, and both fine and finish carpentry. Collectively, our experience spans small to large-scale building projects, and we also have members with skills in green building practices and sustainable construction methods. Additionally, we have novice welders who are continually honing their craft. For Workawayers interested in observing diverse construction techniques and sustainable building practices, our community provides a unique and enriching learning environment.

    If you're excited to connect with nature, learn new skills, and be part of a dynamic community, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Farming
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Politics / Social justice
    LGBTQ
    Pets
    Culture
    Charity work
    Yoga / Wellness
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Nature
    Cycling
    Fitness
    Camping
    Dancing
    Music
    Photography
    Writing
    Performing arts
    Plant care
    Drawing & painting
    Gardening
    Books
    DIY & crafts
    Cooking & food
    Carpentry
    Animals
    Art & design
    Architecture
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience focused on sustainability, homesteading, communal living, organic gardening, and cooperatively run business practices. Here, you'll build valuable skills and gain insight into the rhythms of community life. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone curious about communal living or looking to deepen their knowledge of sustainable and cooperative practices.

    Workawayers are welcome to join open meetings and participate in various community events and social gatherings, including parties, hiking trips, and outings into town. Throughout the year, we host activities like reading and writing groups, board game nights, art nights, parlor games, and other fun events that everyone is invited to join.

    Our farm is located near Richmond, a historic city known for its vibrant art scene, beautiful parks, unique eateries, and rich history. Whether you’re exploring the community or adventuring into Richmond, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for connection, exploration, and learning!

  • Help

    Help

    Gardening: Harvesting, weeding, using organic and permaculture techniques, greenhouse setup and maintenance, seedling preparation, Perennial Fruiting Plant Care, Cover Cropping, Combine Harvesting.

    Seed Saving and Processing: Harvesting Crops for Seed Saving, Winnowing, Wet Seed Processing, Drying, Seed Cleaning.

    Domestic Care: Community members live in private rooms but share common areas and kitchens, where we gather for community dinners most evenings. Domestic care tasks include preparing lunches and dinners, cleaning up after meals, washing dishes, food preservation, cleaning and maintaining shared living areas, outdoor area upkeep, gathering and storing firewood, recycling and composting.

    Building and Construction Projects: We have various open projects throughout the year, often involving small improvements and maintenance across the farm. Sometimes we have larger projects happening. If you have skills in trades like construction, carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing, that’s a plus! However, anyone interested can learn these skills on-site.

    Workawayers have full flexibility over their schedules during their stay, so we're looking for independent and self-motivated individuals. The length of stay is negotiable, and both indoor and outdoor work opportunities are available. Our only expectation is a commitment of 25 hours of work per week.

    Workawayers are expected to contribute 25 hours per week, or about four hours a day. The length of stay is flexible and can be negotiated. Please be prepared for some basic manual and physical work.

    If you’re excited to be part of our community, connect with nature, and learn new skills, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Sleeping options are based on availability and include the following: private rooms with full-size mattresses. We provide sheets and towels for all guests. Please note that our community is home to various cats and dogs who live in some of the shared buildings.

    All areas of the farm have access to electricity, internet, and potable water. Most spaces are equipped with AC and heating. We offer community washers and dryers, as well as shared-use kitchens, showers, and bathrooms. Workawayers have free access to community food and are invited to join a community dinner each evening. If you have specific dietary needs, we’re happy to provide any necessary food for your personal meals.

    Additionally, Workawayers are welcome to enjoy our community’s common amenities, including a gym, art room, music room, libraries, and entertainment areas. Our land also features scenic wooded trails and a river for you to explore and enjoy.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Our community consists of around twenty individuals from diverse backgrounds, and we ask that Workawayers be mindful and respectful of this when they join us. The community has shared vehicles, and Workawayers are welcome to request rides with community members if they need to go into town. Most days, at least one community member is headed into town, making rides generally accessible. We also have bicycles available for Workawayers to use.

    We’re located about a 30-minute drive from both Charlottesville and Richmond, offering easy access to the amenities and cultural attractions of these cities. As we are in a rural, wooded area, you can expect some natural wildlife, including mosquitoes, ticks, lizards, and snakes, so please prepare accordingly!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 513281158255

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