Help in our retreat lodge and home on a beautiful lake in the Kawarthas near Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Last activity
: 15 Mar 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 38 days
Min stay requested: at least a week
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 627556975527
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Feedback (7)
Left by host for Workawayer (SarahandMark)
Mark and Sarah were wonderful to have around. From our first phone call to our last goodbye they were flexible, considerate hard working and lovely humans. We are amazed at all they did and were able to roll with whatever changes needed to be made. They did a great deal of clean up outside, took care of the dog, hosted guests, took interest in our
… read more lives including the children, were thoughtful and always kind. We appreciated their ability to be independent and also join in with our family when appropriate. We would love for Sarah and Mark to return but we know they will continue to be a blessing wherever their next adventure takes them. Thanks again. We are very grateful.
Left by Workawayer (SarahandMark) for host
We spent 3.5 weeks with Terry, Ben and their daughters Arianna and Sophia and cute dog Sandy and we had a wonderful time. They are friendly, generous and kind people and we were happy to help with whatever work needed doing - in this case a lot of land clearing after a severe storm in May brought down more than a hundred trees on their 27 acre
… read more property. We were surrounded by the beauty of their retreat centre as we worked, with views over Stoney Lake and the amazing forest. Ben took us out on their speedboat to go swimming in the lake which was good fun and we could use the kayaks and hot tub whenever they were available. We enjoyed sitting around the dining table eating delicious food (thank you Renato !) and having good conversations. There was a lot going on for the family while we were there and we were happy that we could get on with the jobs we'd been asked to do. Terry and Ben always checked that we were ok and had everything we needed. We felt that we left as friends and would recommend this Workaway to anyone looking for a beautiful natural setting and wonderful hosts. Thank you guys !This workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private, but can be contacted regarding this feedback by other workawayers.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastien)
We had a wonderful experience with Helene and Sebastian in our home. They were both kind and considerate and willing to do whatever task was given them. They washed dishes, cleaned, played with our girls, volunteered in the school where I teach and the girls attend. They also helped out in the local community meals program. They are both eager to
… read more serve and learn and are positive and energetic people. We enjoyed many things together and also appreciated their respect for our family time and space. We would highly recommend them both to work in your home and business.
Left by Workawayer (Sebastien) for host
We stayed by Terry and her family during three weeks. It were a very good workaway experience for us! Terry, Ben, Arianna and Sophia are very welcome and kind. The work is varied, not difficult and we have had the chance to live with them, in their daily. The house is beautiful and the environment too. We have shared with them lots of good moments
… read more (apéro;), cheese, meals, shows, restaurants). Moreover, we have lots of free time to explore the wood, to hike, to do canoe, to visit the city and to do hot tub in the night! We recommand them! Thank you very much Terry and Ben for your welcome.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Patrizia) for host
I stayed with Terry and Ben for a month .... nothing more fantastic! The place is lovely and has a particular energy that inspires peace and joy. The work is not at all heavy and indeed I felt on vacation because I had a lot of free time at my disposal. Terry, his family and their friends are really loving people. Sophia e Arianna are two lovely
… read more girls that teach me to play piano and dance......at least they tried.. When Terry and her family went on vacation they trusted me completely, leaving me their home and I spent a lot of time with their oldest daughter Rachel who was a great friend. To describe this experience there are only beautiful words to say and an immense thank youYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by host for Workawayer (SarahandMark)
Mark and Sarah were wonderful to have around. From our first phone call to our last goodbye they were flexible, considerate hard working and lovely humans. We are amazed at all they did and were able to roll with whatever changes needed to be made. They did a great deal of clean up outside, took care of the dog, hosted guests, took interest in our
… read more lives including the children, were thoughtful and always kind. We appreciated their ability to be independent and also join in with our family when appropriate. We would love for Sarah and Mark to return but we know they will continue to be a blessing wherever their next adventure takes them. Thanks again. We are very grateful.
Left by Workawayer (SarahandMark) for host
We spent 3.5 weeks with Terry, Ben and their daughters Arianna and Sophia and cute dog Sandy and we had a wonderful time. They are friendly, generous and kind people and we were happy to help with whatever work needed doing - in this case a lot of land clearing after a severe storm in May brought down more than a hundred trees on their 27 acre
… read more property. We were surrounded by the beauty of their retreat centre as we worked, with views over Stoney Lake and the amazing forest. Ben took us out on their speedboat to go swimming in the lake which was good fun and we could use the kayaks and hot tub whenever they were available. We enjoyed sitting around the dining table eating delicious food (thank you Renato !) and having good conversations. There was a lot going on for the family while we were there and we were happy that we could get on with the jobs we'd been asked to do. Terry and Ben always checked that we were ok and had everything we needed. We felt that we left as friends and would recommend this Workaway to anyone looking for a beautiful natural setting and wonderful hosts. Thank you guys !This workawayer has chosen to keep their profile private, but can be contacted regarding this feedback by other workawayers.
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastien)
We had a wonderful experience with Helene and Sebastian in our home. They were both kind and considerate and willing to do whatever task was given them. They washed dishes, cleaned, played with our girls, volunteered in the school where I teach and the girls attend. They also helped out in the local community meals program. They are both eager to
… read more serve and learn and are positive and energetic people. We enjoyed many things together and also appreciated their respect for our family time and space. We would highly recommend them both to work in your home and business.
Left by Workawayer (Sebastien) for host
We stayed by Terry and her family during three weeks. It were a very good workaway experience for us! Terry, Ben, Arianna and Sophia are very welcome and kind. The work is varied, not difficult and we have had the chance to live with them, in their daily. The house is beautiful and the environment too. We have shared with them lots of good moments
… read more (apéro;), cheese, meals, shows, restaurants). Moreover, we have lots of free time to explore the wood, to hike, to do canoe, to visit the city and to do hot tub in the night! We recommand them! Thank you very much Terry and Ben for your welcome.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Patrizia) for host
I stayed with Terry and Ben for a month .... nothing more fantastic! The place is lovely and has a particular energy that inspires peace and joy. The work is not at all heavy and indeed I felt on vacation because I had a lot of free time at my disposal. Terry, his family and their friends are really loving people. Sophia e Arianna are two lovely
… read more girls that teach me to play piano and dance......at least they tried.. When Terry and her family went on vacation they trusted me completely, leaving me their home and I spent a lot of time with their oldest daughter Rachel who was a great friend. To describe this experience there are only beautiful words to say and an immense thank youYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Maeva and Louise spent an incredibly month with us this past July. They could have stayed much longer. We felt immediately comfortable with them in our home. They worked hard and were willing to do all that was asked with a smile. They were fun to be around and our children adored them both. We felt like they became part of our family and actually
… read more had tears when they left. They loved every new challenge and were independent when we were busy and joined in to all the activities with excitement. They contributed so much to our community and we sincerely hope they both will come back again soon. We cannot say enough about these two beautiful young women. They will go far in life with such great energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude.
Left by host for Workawayer (Beth & Phoebe)
We loved having Beth and Phoebe. Wow can they work. Often we were quite busy and they only needed a couple of quick instructions and they were off. The seeds in the greenhouse that were planted are sprouting. They did everything with a smile and with so much energy and enthusiasm. It was great seeing them enjoy nature and getting out to kayak and
… read more just be outside. We very much enjoyed their company and would have them back anytime.
Left by Workawayer (Beth & Phoebe) for host
We loved our stay with Ben, Terry, Sophia & Arianna! The location is beautiful and so is the lodge (add more photos!). We spent our time helping in the gardens, working in the greenhouse & housekeeping in the lodge. We spent the rest of our time kayaking on the lake, wandering the trails & exploring the cabin on-site. We have great conversations
… read more over great gin & tonics (thanks Terry) and enjoyed the entertainment that the talented kids provided. Thank you for having us! :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host
Beautiful family!
I stayed with Ben, Terry and the girls for almost a month and absolutely loved it. They are an energetic, open hearted and open minded family and make you feel welcome right from the first moment. From day one I was welcomed into the family and had the most fun with them. You get to meet their neighbors, friends and family and
… read more you have a lot of opportunities to explore.
I truly believe it's not really important where exactly you go, how beautiful or not the places you visit are, it's always been more relevant to me who you meet on your way. Because they are creating the ambience and make you explore and enjoy much more than you would have ever experienced on your own. Meeting Terry's family is a life transforming experience that inspires me to be more creative and to have more passion toward classical musics, dance and life. I didn't know that you can embrace yourself in the morning and in dinner time with so much fun and imaginations. I'm so happy to find you guys as friends to share music with.
Ariana and Sophia are such sweet kids with an creative /adventurous spirit. They are sweet and curious and easy going. Terry and Ben both have a great sense of humor and is always fun to talk to and to be around.They are very fair when it comes to your work hours and taking breaks, even though I wouldn't want to call it "work". It's more about being a part of the family and doing the tasks that need to be done. Sometimes I help to run errands in the retreat center and the work is not hard.
This place is a hidden gem of beauty and wonder. The surroundings in Stoney lake are breathtaking. The retreat center surrounded by the lake with lots of tiny islands and there are lots of hiking trails and wild life to explore. This little amazing family with their “fairy tale tree fort” and magical bird houses grew to my heart even in this short time. I can't recommend them enough to anyone wanting to visit a lovely family in Canada. Missing them all lots and i'll absolutely be back to visit.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
It was amazing how quickly Anna fit into our family and our retreat. Her request came at a very busy time and she surpassed our expectations. Anna is a gifted young woman with exceptional people skills. She is hard working, adaptable, a great cook, and wonderful with children. She cleaned, cooked, charmed our guests and coworkers, slept in the
… read more tree fort with our girls with excitement, folded laundry and was so pleasant during it all. We were very impressed with you Anna. The week was very short and we hope you will come again please. You will do well in whatever you do.
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
It was amazing to stay with Terry, Ben and the two lovely girls!
The place where they live is stunning and I loved it to be surrounded by nature and a beautiful lake! The guests were amazing and I loved it to help in the kitchen throughout the day. The work was always a lot of fun and I learnt a lot or things and got some wonderful food all the
… read more time!
I felt as a part of the family and enjoyed it to go with them on boat rides, kayaking or sleeping overnight in the tree-house. Thanks so much for everything you have done for me. It was really hard for me to leave and I would always come back! You are an amazing family and it is amazing what you have achieved so far :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Wiebke)
Wiebe and Lukas quickly became part of our family. They worked hard, took instruction graciously and were always willing to do whatever was asked with a smile. Our children loved them and they were great at finding ways to connect playing games, helping with music practice, doing gymnastics, cooking, and just being together. We trusted them
… read more completely and were able to enjoy going out. They were extremely flexible and happy with all the opportunities given to them and yet were willing to do whatever needed doing. We thoroughly enjoyed having Wiebe and Lukas here and look forward to them coming back to visit again.
Left by Workawayer (Wiebke) for host
Ben and Terry are wonderful people and their Kids are awesome! The work wasn't really hard work, however there have been always good chores! We did little Trips together and we enjoyed the time With them playing cards, cooking, playing music, trying to solve the rubiks cube and lots more! We are happy that we found new friends overseas. We will
… read more meet again, for sure! Thank you Kloostermans!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Charity Work
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Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
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General Maintenance
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