Help out at an old German farmer’s cottage in western Mecklenburg, Germany

Details

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  Description

  In a tiny village in northern Germany, a man has spent the last eight years restoring an old farmer‘s cottage. It almost sounds like a fairytale – but that’s me, Gernot. And of course, there’s my dog Gino, a six-year-old mixed-breed rescue from the streets of Romania (definitely with a lot of Border Collie in him).
  
  I planned and carried out most of the restoration myself, and I’m quite proud of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly home using mainly clay and wood.
  
  There are still a few finishing touches to complete inside the house, such as building some wardrobes and cupboards. Outside, my natural garden is slowly taking shape and, hopefully, will one day be full of flowers, herbs and vegetables. My long-term goal is to create a permaculture garden.
  
  During summer 2026, I’d like to finish my guest house, “Rasmus, the Walnut Wagon.” The interior still needs some work to make it cosy and comfortable for future Workawayers. I’m also planning to build an outdoor shower and a small composting toilet.
  
  I’m an open-minded, friendly, caring and easy-going person who enjoys good food (mostly vegetarian), a nice glass of wine or a bottle of beer by the fireplace, and good conversations.
  
  Besides working on my restoration project and my part-time job in business administration, I love cooking, practising yoga and meditating.
  
  For almost 13 years, I volunteered by cooking at a hospice in Hamburg twice a month. Unfortunately, I had to stop last year because the long commute became too time-consuming.
  
  If you enjoy working with wood, gardening, sharing good meals and spending evenings around a campfire under the stars, you’ll probably feel at home here. Hammocks and hanging chairs are waiting for you to slow down, relax and enjoy peaceful moments in the garden.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Charity work

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling

  

  Camping
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I used to travel abroad kid often and would love to share experiences - yours and mine with different cultures. In my younger age I did an exchange myself by working as an au-pair for one year in Maryland, USA. It was a great experience I don’t wanna miss in my life.
  I’m very connected with my neighborhood with very open minded and diverse neighbors. You will meet and connect with some of them for sure.
  You are able to learn a lot about sustainable construction work/ craftwork and I am happy to share my cooking experiences also - or we will exchange our cooking experiences…

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  Help

  I’m looking for people who enjoy working with their hands and appreciate a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. If you like restoration projects, woodworking and gardening, your help would be very welcome.
  
  There are many different projects waiting to be done. Some are about building and creating things with wood, such as small outdoor structures, furniture or improvements around the guest house.
  
  My natural garden is still a work in progress and needs some helping hands to slowly become the place I envision. Some areas need to be cleared and reorganised, materials need to be sorted and moved, and in some places overgrown blackberry and raspberry bushes need to be removed to make space for flowers, herbs and vegetables – and maybe some chickens one day…

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Rasmus, the Walnut Wagon, will be your private place to stay during your time here.
  
  I choose to eat organic food mainly for health reasons, but especially because of my ecological and environmental values. I am mostly vegetarian for ethical reasons.
  
  Since I love cooking, a warm homemade meal will be provided every day. For breakfast and supper, typical German-style foods will be available, such as homemade sourdough bread, butter, eggs, cheese, jam, honey and seasonal fruits. Cereals can be provided on request.
  
  Tea, coffee and milk will always be available. Other special drinks can be arranged if requested.

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  What else ...

  The little cottage is situated in a very rural area 77 km east of the City of Hamburg. Geographically it’s right in the middle between Lübeck and Schwerin.
  A bus on demand is available every hour (must be booked one hour in advance) that takes you to the regular bus or train stops (Ratzeburg via Roggendorf 45 Min or Rehna 10 Min).

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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

  Fiber Glas Internet in the house.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Another dog in the house should not be a problem. A cat would be a little challenging but not impossible.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Gino (6 years)

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