Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2023
Feedback
32
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We have a 20 acre smallholding in north Northumberland, about an hour north of Newcastle and an hour and a half to Edinburgh.
I am a retired primary school teacher and my husband, Dave, is a retired high school teacher and together we have done a lot of building/renovation work on the cottage where we now live. It had not been lived in for 40 years but now we have a lovely home here .We have some sheep and hens , geese as well as 2 cats. The lambs are born in April and May. We have a polytunnel where we grow lots of our vegetables and fruit bushes and more vegetable areas outside. We have been making a garden as when we came here there was no garden at all but obviously plenty of space for one.
We Spend most of our time outside in the summer working on the garden, fields and woodland but we also enjoy cycling, mountain biking, walking and going to the local beaches. I work in a charity shop for one day a week and am also learning Spanish and trying to improve my French.
Our garden has flowers, vegetables, fruit bushes, a polytunnel and a greenhouse. We have planted about 3000 trees since we have been here.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Exploring the area or using our bikes, going by bus/train to Newcastle, Edinburgh. We have a piano too.
Help
We would like house sitters to come and stay while we are away on holiday. The main tasks would be to feed the hens and collect the eggs; feed the sheep once a day; give the geese fresh water and feed our 2 cats. We would like you to keep the cottage tidy and water our plants in the polytunnel and greenhouse.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
A double bedroom in the cottage
What else ...
Shielhope is about 2km from the village of Chatton where there is a small shop/ post office and a pub.The countryside around here is very beautiful and quite wild. The Cheviots are about 5 miles away to the west and the coast with its long sandy beaches and castles about 10 miles to the east. It is ideal country for cycling, walking, mountain biking and climbing (there are several crags nearby) so if you like the outdoors and don't mind being away from the city this is the ideal spot. The nearest towns with more shops, swimming pools etc are Alnwick (14 miles) or Berwick (16 miles). There is public transport from the village to Wooler and then on to Alnwick and Newcastle.
We have bikes that you can use too.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of space for motor home/campervan
Can possibly accept pets
Well trained pets only. We have sheep and hens. Pets shouldn’t sleep in bedrooms.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 565296757518
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+6
Feedback (13)
24 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel and Zoe only stayed with us for a week but we loved having them and wished that they could have stayed for longer. They were hardworking, happy and appreciative girls and brilliant with our grandchildren, especially our grandson who can be quite difficult at times. It was a pleasure to have Zoe and Rachel around, they were very helpful and… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louis)
Louis stayed with us for 2 weeks. He travelled by bus all the way from the Alps and although his English was not too good, he was very resourceful and confident. Louis worked very hard and became an expert at splitting wood with an axe! He also was very helpful in the kitchen and enthusiastic and happy. He loves climbing and spent a couple of days… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Victoire) for host
We really enjoyed staying at Jules and Dave ´s cottage which is very well located in Northumberland (English most beautiful region by the way). They run a huge land where there ´s always to do. We were pleased to help them as they host us 3 weeks long being always kind and helpful with us. We never missed of something. They eating local and… read more
9 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoire)
Victoire and Pierre were brilliant workawayers. They worked really hard and we could only stop them working with difficulty! They were very enthusiastic , helpful and keen to try out new things. Pierre spent hours scything and Victoire helped in the garden, scything and even painting windows( which she was very good at) and they got on well with… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+6
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)
24 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel and Zoe only stayed with us for a week but we loved having them and wished that they could have stayed for longer. They were hardworking, happy and appreciative girls and brilliant with our grandchildren, especially our grandson who can be quite difficult at times. It was a pleasure to have Zoe and Rachel around, they were very helpful and… read more
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louis)
Louis stayed with us for 2 weeks. He travelled by bus all the way from the Alps and although his English was not too good, he was very resourceful and confident. Louis worked very hard and became an expert at splitting wood with an axe! He also was very helpful in the kitchen and enthusiastic and happy. He loves climbing and spent a couple of days… read more
(Excellent)
30 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Victoire) for host
We really enjoyed staying at Jules and Dave ´s cottage which is very well located in Northumberland (English most beautiful region by the way). They run a huge land where there ´s always to do. We were pleased to help them as they host us 3 weeks long being always kind and helpful with us. We never missed of something. They eating local and… read more
9 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoire)
Victoire and Pierre were brilliant workawayers. They worked really hard and we could only stop them working with difficulty! They were very enthusiastic , helpful and keen to try out new things. Pierre spent hours scything and Victoire helped in the garden, scything and even painting windows( which she was very good at) and they got on well with… read more
(Excellent)
27 Apr 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jisk) for host
When things don't go as planned, you only hope everything will turn out right. And it did! The initial plan was to stay with Dave and Julia for two weeks, after which I would continue my travels through Britain. However, after a lovely week Covid-19 struck, and everything from pubs to museums closed around us. I thought this would be the end of my… read more
26 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jisk)
Jisk stayed with us for 5 weeks and we really enjoyed having him here. He is a very likeable, confident and adults intelligent young man and has a passion for history. We managed to visit a few castles while he was here but due to the lockdown and Covid 19 it was difficult to explore the surrounding area as much as we or he would have liked. Jisk… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Colin)
We have really enjoyed having Colin to stay with us and were very sad to say goodbye to him today. Colin is very hard working, kind , polite and a pleasure to have around. He is good at everything, from putting in fence posts to playing with the children and gets on well with everybody.
Thank you Colin and you are always welcome here!
Thank you Colin and you are always welcome here!
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Colin) for host
I was supposed to go to another family that cancelled at the last minute, and this amazing family answered me the same day and hosted me the next day, and I couldn’t have hoped a better place to be (appart from the hay fiver and the flies haha)!
The work was quite hard sometimes, but very interesting and rewarded with amazing food (do expect to… read more
The work was quite hard sometimes, but very interesting and rewarded with amazing food (do expect to… read more
27 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathanaël)
Nathanael stayed with us for 2 weeks. He helped out very hard and always volunteered to help us rather than having free time. Not only was Nathanael hard working but he was very popular with our grandchildren and also a good cyclist and runner. He joined us on several cycle rides, went swimming in a freezing North Sea and got up at 3.30am one… read more
(Excellent)
28 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Radhika)
Radhika was a great workawayer and we loved having her to stay. She was very friendly, hardworking, confident and interesting to talk to and got on so well with everyone, adults and children alike. Radhika also made some amazing curries for us using veg from the garden and gave me lots of useful tips for making them. We hope that Radhika will come… read more
(Excellent)
22 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Radhika) for host
I had a wonderful stay with Julia and Dave. It was lovely to work with them and get to know them and the extended family. It was great fun to be included in family activities and outings during my time with them. Thank you for having me - I hope to see you again :)
27 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ànnia)
We loved having Annia to stay with us and were very sad when she left. She was like one of our family and got on well with everyone. Annia is a very happy, vivacious and sensible young person and also very hard working. She was good at everything she did and did not mind pulling out thousands of thistles, also baking, making a basket, playing with… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ànnia) for host
I stayed with Julia, Dave and Nicola only two weeks and even though it was my first work away it was amazing! Since the day I arrive I felt like part of a family helping them in anything I could. I helped in the garden, pulling out thistles, picking up blueberries and Julia teach me how to made bread, baskets, and cakes!!
I also made water fights… read more
I also made water fights… read more
15 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Marta )
We all enjoyed having Marta here to stay with us. She is a very happy, confident, vivacious girl who gets on well with everyone. She joined in as part of our family and was a great help with gardening, painting, and everything else. Marta is a very fast worker and also plays the guitar, sings and made a very good basket while she was here. We are… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Marta ) for host
I have spent a wonderful three weeks with this family, It was really amazing! I was a bit nervous because it was my first workaway experience, but they were so kind and welcoming that I had almost felt part of the family! I enjoyed going to different parts of the countryside with their wolsvagen van. Their family is also so nice, the parents of… read more
11 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronica)
We really liked having Veronica to stay with us. She is a very kind, thoughtful and hard working girl and always smiling and willing to help. Veronica made us delicious pizzas and real pasta using our machine which was made near to where she lives. It would be lovely to see Veronica again, either in Italy or here. Veronica you are always welcome… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Veronica) for host
I have spent three wonderful weeks with this family and I had a great time with them. Dave, Julia and Nicola made me feel almost part of their family and were always ready to help me with my English. They are excellent cookers, as well! During my short stay I had the opportunity to learn to cook some delicious English cakes and the family made… read more
4 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I had a great time staying with this family. I almost felt part of the family. Especially playing music together in the evenings was really enjoyable. I miss that so much! We did also run together which was very nice.
It was a great experience to take care and play with Finn and Jess and also to work outside in the garden. There is a fantastic… read more
It was a great experience to take care and play with Finn and Jess and also to work outside in the garden. There is a fantastic… read more
22 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
Julia is a lovely girl. She got on very well with all of us here, from 18 month old Jessica to us older ones. Julia worked hard and carefully at all tasks and also was fun to have around. She is an excellent pianist and we enjoyed hearing her play our old piano( and the local church organ) and also loved playing ceilidh music with her in the… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (MegAnn) for host
This is ridiculously late feedback, but I just want to say thank you again to Julia and family and that I had a lovely time with you all. They were all so friendly and welcoming to me, and let me stay an extra week when I didn't know where to go. Their house and Northumberland in general are beautiful, and they took me on lots of day trips around… read more
10 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (MegAnn)
We really enjoyed having Meg to stay. She was lovely to have around and very helpful too. Meg helped us indoors and outside with anything that we asked and also played with the children, made delicious cinnamon buns and did some decorating in the cottage. We were very pleased when Meg decided to spend an extra week with us and wish her all the… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)
We loved having Claudia here too. It was a shame that she was only here for a week but we got to know her very quickly and enjoyed every minute of her stay. Claudia was a great help with my report writing and also did some gardening and made some delicious cakes. She was willing to try anything and was very good at following instructions and… read more
(Excellent)
24 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host
I only stayed with this amazing family for a week, and it truly was too short a stay. I worked around the garden a bit and also helped Julia with some school work. I loved just spending some time with the family (and the adorable children!). And despite my very short stay, they still made sure I could visit some nice places. They're a lovely… read more
10 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos )
Carlos was an extremely hard worker and did not mind doing anything that we asked, in fact it was difficult to stop him from working at meal times! He was up early every day to feed the animal and did lots of work outside as well as helping with washing up and meals inside. He was a very pleasant person to have to stay and we all enjoyed having… read more
(Excellent)
25 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Anja & Nicole)
Anya and Nicole were fantastic workawayers. They not only worked very hard and very efficiently but they were fun to have around and we really enjoyed having them here.
(Excellent)
30 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Paula) for host
It has been one of the best summers of my life thanks to the Duggan’s family. They are a really nice family, always disposed to help you with your English. Moreover, I had the opportunity to go for a trip with them, and it was awesome! Finn and Jessica are lovely kids, and I fancied the time playing with them and helping Julia, Dave and Nicola… read more
30 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Paula)
We were very lucky to have Paula to stay with us for 2 months. She is a lovely girl; always happy, helpful and a pleasure to have around. Paula got on well with everyone and was always willing to do anything. She worked very hard and did loads of things without having to be asked. It would be great to have Paula here again - amazing in fact!
(Excellent)
14 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (KATIA)
Katia was a fantastic workawayer. She had a go at everything from clearing out the pond to scything and playing with the children and had endless amounts of enthusiasm and initiative. We all enjoyed her being here and hope she will come and see us again.
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
Excellent, this word is perfect to describe my stay with you, I stayed with you during a month, but it seemed to me as one week.
I really hope to see you again and it will always be a pleasure to work for you :)
I really hope to see you again and it will always be a pleasure to work for you :)
4 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Charles)
Charles came to stay with us for 4 weeks. It was a real pleasure to have him, he worked very hard and was brilliant with my daughter's 2 year old and 3 month old baby. We were very sorry to see him go and would love to have him stay with us again sometime.
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Candice & Kevin)
We loved having Candice to stay with us. She helped us a lot with gardening and playing with the children and was always happy, enthusiastic and a willing worker. We enjoyed showing Candice local places and would welcome her back again.
(Excellent)
26 May 2014
Left by Workawayer (Candice & Kevin) for host
I spent two weeks with this family and I really loved my stay with them. A nice sporty family with very lovely children! Moreover, they were nice cooks. Thanks to them I could visited a lot of places it was very nice.
Thank you too much for everything I have a really enjoy time with you and I'd love to come back next time! And if you come in… read more
Thank you too much for everything I have a really enjoy time with you and I'd love to come back next time! And if you come in… read more
