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Help our Buddhist community renovate an historic house in an ecologically sensitive way in Somerset, UK

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a Buddhist Community that is renovating a historic Manor House.

    Our aim is to transform the house and grounds into a meditation retreat and cultural centre with an emphasis on ecological values. The house is set in 52 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of the Quantock Hills - an area of outstanding natural beauty - It is a magical land with ancient trees and wild red deer that graze on the front lawn. There is an extensive walled garden that we wish to restore and turn into a permaculture garden.

    As a community, we meditate together each morning and dine together for lunch and dinner. The food is vegan and is mostly organic.

    We are at the stage now of having secured planning permission for the main house. The scale of the project is huge, and whilst we need help with hands-on building work on some of the out buildings around the main house, and with on-going gardening, we also need urgently to raise funds for the next stage of the renovation of the main property. To this end, we are seeking fund raisers with a proven track record to help raise the necessary funds to renovate the main building.

    We are looking for practical people who enjoy community living.

    At the moment the community comprises of many dedicated and hard working individuals with a range of practical skills and extensive training in mindfulness and community building... These 'soft' skills ensure that when you come and stay here you will feel welcomed and well taken care of, and immediately part of a circle, a community and a team. The experience is disarming, and will invite you to open yourself to trusting the process of being part of something larger than you, and being in service to a vision that promotes balance and well-being for all.



    More information about us is on our website. Please ask for details.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • 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

    There will be daily opportunities to learn and practice meditation as well as explore the principles and philosophy of Buddhism. We have a big library of Buddhist books, poetry, and psychology. But the opportunity to see buddhist principles brought to life in everyday situations is what you will truly carry with you after your time here.

    We are a thriving community and really enjoy the chance to share our way of life. The size of the community ranges between 12-30 people depending on the season - during the summer months, we run arts and meditation retreats that are inspirational and stimulating. The core community is around 18 and we have a wide range of talents; musical, scientific, pedagogic, nature based...

    We have a plethora of community events during the week as an opportunity to form more and stronger connections with core community members and volunteers alike. For example, buddhism study, rituals, morning meditations, movie nights, community nights and more.

    Learning to be in touch with your emotions, and undergoing the vulnerable experience of communicating them with others can be a really transformative opportunity. It can teach you a lot about yourself.

  • UK chairty

    Registered charity

    This host is a registered charity in the UK and is looking for help with their charity project. Guidance on charity worker sponsorship by a UK registered charity, can be found here.

  • Help

    Help

    We are working to a high standard, as the building is Grade II listed. There will be opportunities to extend your carpentry and joinery skills during your stay, as well as painting and decorating. We need people who are able to assist building tasks, ideally who have skills or experience in these areas.

    We also welcome people who have experience working on the land i.e. tree planting, permaculture, garden design, as we will be transforming the walled garden.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Most members of the core community are either in rooms in the cottage and coach house or living in caravans.

    Volunteers will mainly stay in the dormitory, in caravans or in tents during the summer.

    Camping is available in many areas of the grounds near the main house, if you wish to truly connect with the lands while having access to washing facilities.

    We have a beautiful sauna.

    We have good wifi and the phone signal is reasonably strong.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There will be plenty of opportunities to explore this beautiful area of the Quantock hills. There are numerous magical walks up onto the hills and into the valleys. It is an enchanted place with many viewpoints and hidden wonders to discover. We are two miles from the sea that hosts an interesting beach and is walking distance from a small village with a delightful garden cafe. In the evenings you can expect to participate in a range of activities such as movies, dance, music, meditation and discussion groups.

    For anyone interested in the Buddhism, arts and poetry it will be an inspiration.

  • 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 a few 'digital nomad' in our community and our relationship is excellent. We are open to exploring a mutually beneficial relationship.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have ample space for most live-in vehicles. There is a tennis court on the grounds - a short walk from the main house - which has been transformed into a car park. There are no immediate electricity points or washing facilities present, these are accessible in the main house.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 629563257382

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