Help on our regenerative family homestead and share your culture with us in Gornji Branetići, Serbia

  • Favourited 10 times
  • Last activity: 10 Apr 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Greetings! We are a young family of three who returned to our family farm four years ago, inspired by the rich heritage of our upbringing in the countryside. Our goal is to offer our son, Vuksan, the same enriching experiences we had growing up.

    I, Nevena, am dedicated to youth and sustainability, collaborating with ecovillages across Europe. My passions include gardening, natural building, community development, facilitation, hospitality, and culinary arts. Marko, an archaeologist and master storyteller, shares my enthusiasm. His interests span from professional pruning to photography, printing patterns, and blacksmithing.

    Our travels and engagement in youth programs across Europe have ignited a vision within us. We aspire not only to create a haven for our family but also to provide a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with nature. We aim to impart the tools and mindset needed to navigate the profound shifts happening in our world, fostering life-altering experiences that endure.

    Our farm boasts a spacious family home with a guest room for your comfort, along with smaller houses crafted from natural materials that we are eager to restore. While our homestead is a work in progress, rest assured, your basic needs will be met.

    Imbued with permaculture and regenerative principles, our garden and orchard are ever-evolving. Each year, we lovingly replant our fruit yard, and from our blackberry field, we produce delightful, healthy blackberry wine.

    Our free-range chickens and ducks roam freely, adding to the charm of our farm. We invite you to pitch a tent beneath the stars or find solace in our meditation spaces, where you can unwind and reconnect with yourself and the Earth.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
  • 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

    We are eager to learn about your adventures and experiences traveling the world, as well as your insights into your country and the life you are creating. Your stories will enrich and enliven the cultural life of our village and community.

    Living close to nature has connected us deeply with its cycles, inspiring us to celebrate small family occasions throughout the year, much like our ancestors did. Marko, with his focus on the prehistoric era, archaeology, numismatics, and human development from ancient times, has a wealth of knowledge to share. I, on the other hand, can offer insights from my journey in youth work and ecovillages, including skills in planning, time management, cooking from scraps, and holistic mind and body care. Together, we can discover even more.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    This year, our primary focus on the homestead is developing camping infrastructure to host youth exchanges and trainings, with our first event scheduled for early July. Depending on when you join us, we will work on building compost toilets, setting up water supply systems (rainwater and well), outdoor showers, washing facilities, and camping areas.

    Another key focus is tending to the garden and preserving food. Additionally, we plan to clean and prepare the main and smaller houses for renovation next year. Marko excels at creating a safe environment for using tools and has a wealth of knowledge to share in this area. We also welcome your ideas and contributions, allowing you to leave your mark for future visitors.

    This year, we anticipate the arrival of friends and family to assist us, promising a more enjoyable and communal creation process.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Serbian: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner

    This 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

    Accommodation

    We offer a double bedroom that you can use privately if there are no other guests, or a solo tent with a mattress and full equipment. During the summer, we spend most of our days outdoors, so the living room with a kitchen upstairs is available for your daily activities, work, or any other needs.

    Breakfast is usually served around 8 am and includes oats with fruits, homemade eggs, salt muffins, and a smoothie. We take a snack break between 11 am and 12 pm, and lunch is typically served around 4 pm to 5 pm. We can create a weekly meal plan based on your preferences and dietary needs.

    Dinner is a flexible affair, with options like leftovers, whatever is in the fridge, or themed nights like pancake or pizza night.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    You have a bus from Belgrade every hour or two to Gornji Milanovac (2 hour ride). From there, there is local bus two times per day. If needed, we can come to pick you up, or offer accomodation in the city for a day.

    During your days off you can explore our municipality, Gornji Milanovac, which is a vibrant and youthful city in Serbia, despite being one of the youngest cities in the country. It boasts a wealth of historical sites, such as the medieval Rudnik mountain and Takovo, the birthplace of the Serbian uprising 200 years ago. Additionally, the city offers numerous exhibitions, music festivals, and opportunities for exploring mountains and forests.

    Just uphill from our homestead, you can embark on the European hiking track E7 and explore the surrounding mountains. The E7 trail offers breathtaking scenery as it winds through the country's diverse terrain. You can explore lush forests, rugged mountains, picturesque villages, and stunning vistas. The trail also passes by historical sites, giving hikers the opportunity to learn about Serbia's rich history and culture.

    Along the E7 trail, hikers can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, the E7 trail has something for everyone.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have Wi-fi which is limited by usage, but we can buy more if needed. I am working from home and it suits my needs.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have big enough parking for your van just beneath our homestead. We are 13km from the highway exit with asphalt to our home.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Yes, we have great dog called Mishka, and she would enjoy company as much as we would. :)

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 559893625218

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