Learn about sustainable agriculture and vernacular DIY in Black Mountain, NC, USA

United States

Favourited 553 times

Host rating
Feedback
33
Last activity
08/08/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
351
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
I live in an Eco-village near Asheville NC, USA. I live in the Hobbit House on one acre. I am 83 years old and am looking for people for two week stays who have some expertise in construction, gardening, or alternative systems and who would like to learn about vernacular construction, intentional communities, agriculture, and more. Extension of the two week period is possible under guidance.
Location: Private room in the Hobbit House that is located in the Eco-village near Asheville, North Carolina. It is in the mountains so must be physically fit and able to transverse steep slopes.
Room and board for about 25 hours of help each week. Work may include construction, terrace construction, plastering with native materials, firewood cutting and processing, infrastructure development, gardening in greenhouses and outside, orchard development, etc.
Activities, you may participate in EH activities such as pot luck suppers, dances, etc.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can learn by living in an intentional community and on an old fashion farmstead. They can learn about vernacular building, Permaculture, natural plastering, terrace gardening, fence building, etc. I have lived in villages in 8 developing countries so we can share our experiences.
Help
I heat with wood so it would be nice if you can use a chain and hand splitter. We have plastering with natural plaster. orchard, flower beds, and green houses to take care of, terraces to be built, house to maintain, and more.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
private room with private entrance on the third floor or tent. Compost toilets.
What else ...
I am located on 320 acres of forested mountains and streams and close by are national forests with hiking trails, waterfalls, etc. Asheville is an exciting and unique town. If you don't have a car, transportation off the site is problematic.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a space by the creek for 30 foot camper.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
won't exceed maximum of 25/week

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (33)

12/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mélanie & Jean) for host

We had a great time in this little jungle garden. Mr Rod is an inspiring person, but we were a little bit sad not to spend more time with him. To get to the farm we took the bus with him, he gave us a tour of his farm with interesting informations about the different trees, fruits and vegetables that grow in it. And then we waited Cynthia, the… read more

(Very good )

27/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Delphine)

No show

(No show)

02/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)

Linda is very responsible and eager to help and learn. I trusted her fully to take care of the diversity farm while I was in the states. I am looking forward to her return.

(Excellent )

01/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host

I enjoyed my time staying at this farm; Mr. Rod was very welcoming and I learned a great deal about the local medicinal herbs. The boat house where Mr. Rod lives has been moved to the farm. I enjoyed working on the land with Mr. Rod and I had the opportunity to interact with a portion of the local community. I learned about gardening in the… read more

(Excellent )

28/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Andreas & Erika) for host

My stay at Mr. Rods Diversity Farm was great! During my stay I was able to see and learn a lot about self sufficiency in the tropical climate. The tasks of work were interesting and diverse.
Rod has a big life experience and he was willing to share a lot of it!
I got to know the surroundings as well some of the nice village people around.
Thanks… read more

(Excellent )

11/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Mauricio) for host

I spent around 2 weeks on Mr Rod's farm and it's been a great experience. Rod is a very knowledgeable man and I enjoyed the long conversations we had about permaculture, cultural diversity and much more.
Unfortunately I visit this place in the middle of a long dry period so the farm wasn't that productive since we had not enough water for watering… read more

(Very good )

11/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Larry)

Larry came after contacting some medical problems on the coast so he recuperated but still did as much as he could under the circumstances. He did house wiring and plumbing and did a lot for me here. He is also a good horticulturist who keeps tabs on details. He increased the production of the tree nursery and figured out problems we had with… read more

(Very good )

08/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Larry) for host

Mr. Rod allowed me to volunteer for him over many, many, months of my six month visa in belize. Of which I deeply appreciate. If you do not come with any pre-conceived notions then you should be just fine. I volunteered as a handyman MacGyver; so to speak. From plumbing to electrical to gardening. I attempted to increase my skills and learning so… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Helen)

I thought I gave her a lot of one on one information about permaculture. She also had the horticulturist Larry to inform her of the details of horticulture. She was a good worker and am sorry that she came mainly to get an education We were constructing the new quarters where she could stay but she stayed in the bus. The bus has fans and cross… read more

(Good )

04/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Helen) for host

I think my expectations may have been too high for this exchange having read the glowing reviews. I went to Diversity farm specifically to learn about self sufficiency, permaculture and organic farming. Whilst it has great potential it seems to be very early days and feels more experimental than anything else. I expected to be harvesting produce… read more

(Neutral )

18/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)

Rob could be pointed in the right direction and he would complete the task without supervision. He is a great worker and friend.

(Excellent )

18/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host

Rod has a lot of great projects going on that everyone can led their knowledge and help to. His outreach and involvement in the community is very special and he will happily share it with you. I look forward to seeing how the place continues to develop.

(Excellent )

24/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Michal)

He was probably the most conscientious and hard working workawayer I have had. He is also a very interesting and cordial person. Glad to have him.

(Excellent )

24/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Michal) for host

It's been only 3 weeks that I've spent on the farm, but it's been a great experience. Rod is a amazing host and his knowledge is huge in all fields, so I loved the long conversations we had about all possible topics. During my stay we made few patches where we planted corn, beans, sunflowers...
Repairing of a roof above nursery.
Other project was… read more

(Excellent )

08/07/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Joshua)

He was very nice to have around. He is very knowledgeable in many fields. His time here was too short. He was a great teacher of music.

(Very good )

07/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host

I stayed with Rod for a bit more than a week but was able in that time to get a decent feel of what the situation in the village was. Had I stayed longer I think the experience might have grown into something "excellent" :)

Me and Rod spoke extensively about ideology and methods of change and for me it was good to hear a perspective from… read more

(Very good )

03/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Susannah)

Susie is very conscientious and talented in many areas. When given a project, she can progress through it without supervision. She is a wonderful woman to work with and be friends with. She is always welcomed back. Rod

(Excellent )

25/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Susannah) for host

Rod is a great host who wants everyone to get the best from the Workaway experience. He is very open minded and accommodating. San Antonio is a great little village to spend time in and get to know people. I spent a month volunteering with Rod and then an extra 2 weeks stayin in the village. If you get the opportunity to volunteer with Rod in San… read more

(Excellent )

10/10/2013

Left by Workawayer (Wladyslaw) for host

I had a great expierence working in here with Rod. I spent about one month volunteering. The place was incredibly beautiful and there are so many things to see. Be sure to bring a good book and clothes for rain. I will never forget it.
Thanks for all Rod.
Wladyslaw

(Excellent )

07/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Wladyslaw)

Wlad was a wonderful man who jumped to volunteer at every beat. He was very conscientious helping on the farm and making a wonderful professional video on the community. He has a beautiful personality and is wonderful to be around. I hope he returns. Rod

(Excellent )

29/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (stefano) for host

Rod is a very good person, he helps a lot the community of San Antonio in many different ways. Unfortunately cause the rainy season and river flooding there wasn't too much things to do during my 10 days staying, only basic helping on the garden and cooking.
It was a positive experience and thanks again to Rod for all his help!
wish him and… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Tammy)

It was wonderful having Tammy here. She integrated into the community really well and was able to transfer her skills including sewing to the village women. I look forward to her return. Rod

(Excellent )

10/03/2013

Left by Workawayer (Tammy) for host

Rod was an amazing host and San Antonio was a welcoming warm community! It was wonderful to experience a different aspect of Belize. I was able to use my skills of sewing and working with children, enjoy the beautiful river, check out Lamani, and hang with some goats! This is only a few of the treats in store. Great place to get connected with… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Heike & Gabriel )

They had a terrific positive impact on the community and their expertise in computers fixed the computers and software. They are excellent cooks too. Hope they will return someday. rod

(Excellent )

05/08/2012

Left by Workawayer (Heike & Gabriel ) for host

Meeting Rod and being in San Antonio gave us the great opportunity to share and enjoy the authentic, original and warm-hearted life in this very romantic, little village. The villagers are super-friendly and we learned a lot about the Belizean culture, nature and the way of sustainable living. We met a plenty of friendly and interesting people.… read more

(Excellent )

25/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Lars & Liane) for host

We stayed in San Antonio for one week and had an amazing time. Rod is a great host and you can learn a lot from him. It was an adventure to live in his bus. We planted some vegetables, feeded the geese and helped Rod with his webpage. We enjoyed the time with him and hope to see him and San Antonio again one day. .
Thanks Rod for a great time!

(Excellent )

19/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Lars & Liane)

I really enjoyed Lars Decker & Liane Pilch helping out with various tasks such as preparting and planting garden beds and making a webpage. They are always welcomed back. Rod

(Excellent )

25/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Chiara)

I really enjoyed their expertise and help in many areas. Wish they could have stayed longer. I am hoping they will return. Rod

(Excellent )

12/09/2012

Left by Workawayer (Chiara) for host

Rod is an excellent host, and the environment he has created in Belize is a great thing to be a part of. San Antonio is off the beaten path and its residents are very friendly and welcoming. We spent our time maintaining the library, and taking care of the farm, as well as painting a mural in the library and teaching some of the village women how… read more

(Excellent )

31/12/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Philip & Gina)

I loved having Phil and Ariel. If you want a professional artist, Ariel is one. She painted a beautiful mural of a jungle scene in the library. Hope they find their way back here. Rod Rylander

(Excellent )

08/11/2012

Left by Workawayer (Philip & Gina) for host

Being in the village of San Antonio with Rod is a one of a kind experience. He facilitates an excellent immersion expereince, allowing you to take a look into villagers lives. He is kind , generous, hospititable and loving; always willing to go out of his way. We taught the village women how to sew, we helped with his livestock and planted some… read more

(Excellent )

31/12/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Evelyn)

I highly recommend Evelyn. Point her in the direction you want and she goes without supervision. She works to complete projects without thinking of the time. She is exceptionally good at teaching sewing and knitting to women and kids. I will welcome her back at any time.

(Excellent )

16/05/2012

Left by Workawayer (Rita) for host

Rod is an AMAZING host! I had so much fun here that I stayed much longer than I planned. He has a great little set up for volunteers to stay, the villagers are friendly and it's nice to have the river for a bit of a refresher when it gets hot. And it does get hot.
I helped out on the "mini farm" with the goats, pigs and geese. Now he has more… read more

(Excellent )

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