Join me in bringing an old house back to life in peaceful Crete, Greece

Details

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  Description

  I live in Crete in a quiet, nature-rich area close to both the mountains and the sea.
  I live a simple, nature-oriented life and value presence, kindness, and a calm rhythm. I work in the field of body awareness and healing, and I appreciate environments that are peaceful, respectful, and grounded.
  
  During the summer months I sometimes host small solo retreats for people who seek inner peace and reconnection with themselves. My home reflects this rhythm – it is a place of care, gentleness, and connection to the land.
  
  I enjoy simple daily rituals, nourishing food, meaningful conversation when it naturally arises, and plenty of silence too. I value people who are self-responsible, emotionally mature, and able to move through life with sensitivity and common sense.
  
  For me, this exchange is not just about “help”, but about sharing a small chapter of life together in a respectful and easeful way. The exchange is around 3–4 hours of help per day, 5 days a week. I provide accommodation, and volunteers usually prepare their own meals. Occasionally we may share a meal or cook together when it feels natural.
  
  At the moment, my main project is bringing an old house next door slowly back to life. The house has been empty for about ten years and needs care, cleaning, and some practical hands to help clear and organize the space. The intention is not a full renovation, but rather to make the place tidy, breathable, and gradually usable again.
  
  Some tasks may include sorting through old items, cleaning spaces that have been unused for a long time, moving things between houses, and helping create a simple, functional environment. In time, the place may become a very simple off-grid or semi-self-sufficient living space, but for now the focus is simply restoring order and life to a quiet, forgotten house.
  Next to that, I also love help with walking my dog Naomi, as I don't have yet the energy for this, as I'm recovering from surgery. So that would be a plus if someone could do that.
  
  The help is practical but not rushed. I value a steady rhythm, mutual respect, and people who enjoy working with their hands while being in nature.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Pets

  

  Photography

  

  Writing

  

  Music

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Beach

  

  Dancing
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The cultural exchange here is centered around a slower, more grounded way of life. Rather than a busy social schedule, the exchange is found in daily rhythms, shared presence, and simple human connection.
  
  You may naturally connect with the local area through nearby villages, small shops, tavernas, beaches, and the surrounding landscape. Crete has a strong sense of community and a deep relationship to land, food, and tradition, which can be felt in everyday life, from conversations with locals to seasonal produce and simple village rhythms.
  
  I’m happy to share my experience and knowledge around body awareness, mindful living, and listening to the body’s natural intelligence. When it feels right, I enjoy conversations about healing, nature, life transitions, and what it means to live with more presence and care.
  
  By hosting people from different cultures, I hope to meet humans who bring curiosity, kindness, and openness. I value learning from different perspectives, ways of living, and personal stories, and I see hosting as an opportunity for mutual enrichment rather than a one-sided exchange.
  
  This home suits people who appreciate depth, simplicity, and authentic connection, whether through conversation, shared silence, or time spent in nature.

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  Help

  Most of the help at the moment is focused on a small house next door that has been empty for about ten years. Before anything else can happen there, the first stage is a deep cleaning and clearing process. Over the years animals have been living inside the house, so some areas need proper cleaning to make the space fresh and usable again.
  
  This means the beginning of the project is quite practical and sometimes a bit dusty or dirty. If you enjoy transforming neglected places and seeing visible progress, this can actually be very satisfying work.
  
  Once the space is cleared and clean, the idea is to slowly bring the house back to life and explore creating a simple eco-oriented, semi off-grid living space. People who enjoy thinking creatively about practical solutions, simple systems, and sustainable living may enjoy contributing ideas and skills to this process.
  
  Depending on your skills and interests, tasks may include:
  
  Deep cleaning and clearing the old house
  
  Sorting and organizing items that have accumulated over the years
  
  Moving materials between the houses
  
  Small repairs and practical fixes
  
  Painting or improving parts of the space
  
  Gardening or outdoor clearing around the house
  
  Helping think along about simple, eco-friendly solutions for the space
  
  In addition, there are a few small daily things around my home, such as walking my dog Naomi for about 30 minutes and occasionally helping keep the house tidy with light tasks like sweeping.
  
  The help is around 3–4 hours per day, five days per week.
  
  I’m especially happy to welcome someone who:
  - enjoys practical work and using their hands
  - can take initiative and think along with projects
  - has some basic repair, DIY, or gardening skills
  - is interested in simple living or sustainable/off-grid ideas
  - appreciates a quiet environment and nature
  
  Accommodation:
  Your own private bedroom with ensuite bathroom (in the main house)
  Or downstairs apartment with own bathroom ( but needs clearing stuff out to the other house)
  Access to shared spaces, kitchen, garden, and swimming pool
  
  The house is located near Tavronitis, in a peaceful area with wide mountain and sea views. It’s quiet and spacious, yet not isolated.
  
  Food & practical notes
  I’m not able to provide food, but shops are nearby and having access to a car makes groceries easy and flexible.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

  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.
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  Accommodation

  A comfortable bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Single bed, closet space.

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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

  Digital Nomads will be able to work comfortably here with stable internet.

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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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  My animals / pets

  

  Poa (6 months)

  Poa is a young rescued kitten with a big personality in a tiny body. He’s in that playful, curious stage of life where everything is an adventure. He loves to explore, climb, chase, and then suddenly fall asleep in the cutest positions.
  Because he was rescued very young, he’s still learning about the world and routines, so patience and kindness are important. He’s full of life and joy, and being around him is honestly heart-melting and entertaining.
  He’s also in a development phase, so consistency with feeding, litter habits, and gentle guidance really helps him feel secure.
  His vibe: playful, curious, affectionate, a little cheeky, very lovable.

  

  Naomi (14 years)

  Naomi is a sweet, sensitive dog with a calm presence and a soft heart. She loves being near people and feels safest when someone is home, even if you’re just reading or working quietly. She isn’t demanding, she just enjoys companionship and a peaceful rhythm.
  She loves her walks, sniffing adventures, and relaxing in the garden. She’s more of a soulful observer than a high-energy dog, so this is a lovely match for someone who enjoys slow mornings, nature, and a gentle pace. Loud environments or chaotic energy can overwhelm her a bit, so a calm and grounded sitter suits her best.
  She’s affectionate in a quiet way, bonds deeply, and will likely choose one or two favorite resting spots near you.
  Every day she has a burst of playful energy coming out of her, for 5 minutes not longer ;) she runs I'm the garden, dig in the ground and she loves you run after her. It's always a fun little moment before she goes back to slow gentle mode.
  Her vibe: gentle, intuitive, loyal, emotionally aware.

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