Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
5 Nov 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
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Details
Description
Hi, I'm Lisa. I grew up in the country, and have finally made my return!
Before becoming a host, I became a workawayer as I believe in fairness, equality, mutual benefit and transparency.
I have travelled through most of Europe and Asia much of Central America and the Caribbean, North Africa so meeting new people is very interesting to me and I have a great respect for different cultures. You will find influences from my travels throughout my place.
I live a pretty simple lifestyle, I had a bad accident a few years ago and that is when I decided to move to the country and live a quiet life after 25 years in Toronto. Being on the farm is part of my recovery however I ended up here alone three years ago and have realized that the vision will take an entire community to build.
I have lived here for three seasons, tending to the land, building up the soil, and creating a paradise for my rescue horses.
There is always work to do, from building garden best to painting the house, and of course working with the horses. Your experience with horses will depend on how you work with them, but there is always grooming, changing pastures, cleaning tack, stables, feeding to do.
I recently had a pond dug, so it also needs maintenance and landscaping, there is always so much to do!
This is definitely a labour intensive position, but the weather is good, I'm a great cook, and the environment is peaceful. It is a quiet place... not completely in the forest but it is not very populated here. Workawayers have been surprised by the amount of insects, especially in May and June. I do make excellent bug spray.
Also, it is not easy to get public transportation in the area so it will have to be arranged unless you have a vehicle.
If these are the kinds of activities that you enjoy, and you have gardening or carpentry knowledge or even general understanding of 'how things work' I would love to have you on board to help out. It also helps if you are a bit self-guided...
I hope to see you soon!
Lisa
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can see how a Canadian farm works - especially one that is on the Canadian shield - which is challenging farm land or simply have a real experience working on a working/semi-working farm. You can learn about sustainable gardening practices ( we are pesticide and chemical free) and we are working toward permaculture and on being completely self sufficient (its expensive and a lot of work... or you live very simply)
My belief is that you should leave things better than you found them.
I am always happy to do a language exchange as well as share some of the indiginenous culture of the area.
Help
in 2018 I purchased an old abandoned farm on a beautiful piece of hilly land that I have been rehabilitating. Last year I mended fences and got horses, soon I may add a few sheep and ducks but there is so much to prepare. I take campers and guests in my house. There is quite a lot of work to do such as preparing wood, clearing trails, mending fences, weeding the garden, and caring for the animals ... all honest work!
I have a canoe that is docked just up the road so you can paddle in your free time. You will be able to work with the horses and depending on your ability you may be able to ride.
It's a beautiful part of the country and I go to the beach or jump in the lake as often as possible when the weather is good... its all about living an honest life of hard work and simple pleasures.
There are often outdoor festivals and events in the summer, so we like to go and see the offerings in the area from time to time.
This is a remote area, so there is not a lot to do without a vehicle so you should be prepared to be spending most of your time on the property.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I'm happy to practice French, Spanish or any other language really... and I will help you with your English
Accommodation
There is one small bedroom, as well as a trailer and bunkie. Depending on how long you will stay and what time of the year you could be staying in either of these spaces.
Basic food will be provided, there is ample fresh produce in the garden and pasta, rice and other essentials will be available. You will be expected to purchase any special foods that you would like and I can take you into the village to shop for that.
Occasionally I will cook a steak or burgers. I respect your choices if you are a vegetarian or vegan however I do eat some meat and do my best to keep it natural/organic.
You may be required to do your own cooking, often times we cook over the campfire or bbq in the summer.
You will be provided with your own bin for any specialty food items that you wish to purchase.
What else ...
There is no local transportation, but as I mentioned before I usually go to the beach or the lake regularly. The canoe is located nearby. The village is 5 km away so an easy bike ride and I usually go into town at least 4 times a week. There is a larger town 20 km away and we will do a larger shopping trip there usually once a week.
There are lakes, rivers, beaches, hills to hike, and lots of other activities nearby. I also host events like a fire walking ceremony, qi gong and yoga retreat and with campers and visitors an the weekends there are usually opportunities to get out and about.
If you are coming in, the easiest pickup is Ottawa (2 hours) or Peterborough (2 hours)
If you stay one week, I will give you a one way drive from Peterborough or Ottawa. If you stay for a month I will cover your return journey.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I can set you up with a desk space of you work online... I work online, internet is quite good.
Space for parking camper vans
Yes we have space for a camper or your own accommodation no problem!
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (3)
On the first day, I didn't think I'd be able to do all that, but Lisa is very helpful and kind. She helped me… read more
The work was mostly gardening tasks like weeding or sowing. Also some maintenance tasks like painting and pressure cleaning the patio. Her rescue horses Giselle and Striker are very sweet and I am going to miss them.
In our freetime we would all go… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
On the first day, I didn't think I'd be able to do all that, but Lisa is very helpful and kind. She helped me… read more
The work was mostly gardening tasks like weeding or sowing. Also some maintenance tasks like painting and pressure cleaning the patio. Her rescue horses Giselle and Striker are very sweet and I am going to miss them.
In our freetime we would all go… read more
