Important information about visiting: United States
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
Welcome to our 10 acres in the Piedmont region of North Carolina! We are looking for a person or couple to stay in the beautifully renovated solar powered, off grid cabin on our property and help maintain the land while we are here (at the main house) and while we are away on vacation. The workload averages about 2 hours per day. Typically, you will be responsible for mowing, weed whacking, watering plants, caring for our dog, barn cat & bees, maintaining the swimming pool, and picking fruits and vegetables as they ripen. This could be an opportunity for couple looking to have a relaxing summer, or a Duke or UNC graduate student(s) to do summer session or work on a dissertation or a curious digital nomad. Vehicle provided if needed. Reach out with questions!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Get to the beach in 3 hours or the Appalachian Mountains 2 hours of the farm!
We are 15 minutes from Historic Hillsborough, a charming & artistic haven; Durham, a hip, cool small city is only a 30-minute drive; and Chapel Hill – a lovely college town – is about 40 minutes. In other words, we are not far from nationally acclaimed restaurants, art-house movies, outdoor concerts, farm-to-table restaurants, farmers markets, yoga studios and art museums. This is a community rich in local artists, small farms and craftspeople. Hiking, swimming, and boating are accessible within 30-40 mins.
On the property a beautiful, private, meditation space is available to explore the vastness of your mind. If you want to plant a vegetable garden of your own, I will prep as much space for your own garden as you like.
Help
Types of help and learning opportunities:
On our modest farm, we have a small apiary, one dog and a seldom seen barn cat. A few robust blueberry bushes ripen in mid-June, blackberry bushes produce in July, and three fig trees ripen in August (Yum!), as well as vegetables from our modest kitchen garden require harvesting.
While here at the farm, you will learn how to use a zero-turn mower, become familiar with basic pool chemistry. If you are interested, there is a fully equipped woodworking shop on the property. The woodworking projects you make are yours to keep. We will organize the training offered based on your interest and curiosity.
We would expect about two person- hours a day, 5 days a week helping around the property including mowing, trimming trees, weeding and, in our absence, taking care of our dog, and barn cat as well as the pool. (1 person=10 hours a week, 2 people =20 hours a week). Days and times vary based on weather conditions.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have private accommodations in a cabin on the property. Full kitchen, HVAC, fully furnished two bedroom, recently refurbished cabin. Includes: WiFi, TV, screened in porch, recently updated bathroom. We provide accommodations, but not meals.
What else ...
We welcome trans, cis, gay, transitioning or any other identities at our home. We also would love to host international people from anywhere in the world. All are welcome here however no tobacco is allowed anywhere on our property. Prefer open, cheerful, and curious people.
After living 5 months over the summer at this beautiful homestead; I would summarize the experience as “Learning to Live and Loving to Learn.”
If you love to learn and would like to learn, I mean truly learn, how to maintain a homestead in an inviting, comfortable, and stress-free environment, Workaway with Tim and Jayne is your place. Here we… read more completed a variety of meaningful projects related to maintaining a multi-structure homestead, with gardening, construction, bee-work, tool care and maintenance, machine work, and a multitude of other learning opportunities available. You’ll be apart of a multi-year project to create a native pollination forest (yes we got to see it in it’s first season), and help further their endeavors leveraging solar to reduce the carbon footprint. You’ll learn to work farm and landscape machinery and become accustomed to using hand tools. You’ll learn to build structures and maintain ones already in place. You’ll have your own space for a garden and get to pick figs fresh from the trees (environment permitting). There are a plethora of amazing experiences waiting here.
Regarding our “hosts” (aka. friends) Tim and Jayne (and Miso); Tim was very patient, kind, and understanding. He was instructional and attendant when completing projects together, and to be honest, he’s just a cool ass guy. I learned a lot about trusting others during projects, simply because Tim trusted us so fully. At times you will have the space and freedom to complete projects on your own, but also more complex projects will be completed working together as a team. Tim does not coddle you or hover as you learn but neither does he leave you stranded in ignorance. As for Jayne, she was so much fun and such a delight to be around. There were several occasions that simply by exchanging pleasantries with Jayne we ended up talking for an hour. I swear I could spend the evening just chatting and hearing her funny take on life and her hilarious anecdotes. She was always very gregarious, honest, and welcoming. It really does feel like such a safe environment to live and learn. Lastly, Miso, the sweet, affectionate, and vigilant pup. Miso was such a pleasure to be around and brought such a joyous and playful attitude to every moment. We felt very grateful to spend the summer with this family.
In summation, if you’re looking to spend a relaxed but meaningful and enriching summer in North Carolina around chill and welcoming friends then please consider our friends, Tim, Jayne, and Miso.
Josh and Lauren stayed on our small farm from May 1 through September. During this time, they demonstrated a strong willingness to learn, a positive work ethic, and a steady progression in their skills and confidence with a wide range of farm and maintenance tasks.
When they arrived, Josh and Lauren had only a small amount of prior hands-on… read more experience. Through guided instruction and their own dedication, they became capable and reliable contributors to our operations. We often worked in tandem. Over the summer, they successfully completed projects such as:
• Pressure washing the pool deck and surrounding concrete area
• Repairing the barn door and performing other small carpentry tasks
• Cleaning out the woodshed and barn
• Constructing a protective roof for our bush hog rotary mower
• Learning to use tools such as the skill saw, square, drill, and Sawzall
• Building a pool pump shield using plastic fencing
• Safely burning brush piles
• Staining the cabin stairs
• Watering and tending new plants, as well as extensive weeding in our newly planted one-acre wildflower meadow
• Installing floor joists and plywood for a new barn floor
• Operating a zero-turn mower for extensive mowing and using a weed wacker for trimming
• Mulching trees and preparing a new area for fall shrub planting
• Planting and caring for 10 blueberry bushes throughout the summer
• Performing routine maintenance such as changing oil on farm equipment
• Learning to operate a tractor
• Cutting downed trees with a chainsaw and splitting firewood with a maul
• Replacing plank fence boards and rotting deck boards
• Replacing fence post and wire fencing
• Grew their own watermelon, tomatoes, basil and various flowers
• Using a BCS tractor with sickle bar mower and tiller attachments
• Introduced to driving a skid steer loader.
Josh and Lauren consistently approached their work with care, attention to safety, and a readiness to follow instructions. When given clear demonstrations, they were able to complete even unfamiliar tasks. Their adaptability and determination made them valuable members of our team during their stay.
Both Josh and Lauren were excellent with our dog. They are true dog whisperers!
I believe they would be an asset in any setting requiring hands-on skills, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic.
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
We had a wonderful experience having Stephanie as our summer workaway. Steph is easy-going, curious, gentle, low impact and above all, kind. She cheerfully tackled assigned tasks, whether it was learning to drive a zero-turn mower, weeding overgrown gardens or mastering the fussy art of pool care. She routinely sought feedback on how she could… read more improve her contributions and is a quick learner, always incorporating all feedback immediately into action.
Other tasks Steph took on included replacing fence posts, hauling felled trees to the burn pile, shoveling mulch, harvesting blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and figs, hanging 2x6 floor joists, weeding and watering various gardens, tending chickens, our barn cat and our dog. She cheerfully undertook tedious tasks like removing mold from a plastic fence and porch ceiling.
Our 5-year-old granddaughter met Steph when we went together to a local art show. Within a few minutes of meeting her, our granddaughter was completely smitten with Steph. Steph answered her endless questions patiently, asked engaging questions of our granddaughter and gently redirected her when she started to get antsy.
It's safe to say, our dog "fell" for Steph, routinely visiting Steph in her accommodations on our property. We felt completely comfortable taking trips while Steph was here, minding our property and pets.
Steph is cheerful without being false, willing to pitch in and takes care with any and all assignments. In short, we highly recommend her for Work Away and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Tim and Jayne
(Excellent
)
20 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
Tim and Jayne were wonderful hosts. This was my first workaway. I fell in love with the land. The cabin where you stay is beautifully renovated. I enjoyed the 3 month commitment and learning about how the farm changed across the season. There is a lot of peace, and I found the space great for my art-making. I am actually local to the area and… read more happy to answer any questions about the area. I think a curious, motivated, and friendly person would be happy on this workaway.
The description is an accurate description of your duties. My tasks were varied across the summer. I mowed on a riding lawn mower, watered plants and weeded, and helped with fencing and landscaping maintenance and projects. Tim is patient and a good communicator working together on projects. It was okay that I had not done the tasks before. Tim was also very sensitive to the heat and we did not over-labor if there was a heat wave.
When they were out of town, I was responsible for pool care, dog care, and daily feeding of the barn cat. The dog is great! The dog listened to me and is treat-motivated. When Tim is out of town, I still had a local contact who could come help for any emergency or difficult situation. I never had any problems, but it was great to know I had someone nearby available who knew the farm well.
If you are more advanced in your skills, I'm confident you would learn plenty. There is plenty of space to plant your own garden, which I enjoyed doing. Tim has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I learned about electricity, wood working craftsmanship, and beekeeping.
I am so grateful to have connected with Tim and Jayne. We enjoyed talks about family, careers, art, and of course, the farm! I have told them I will come back and take care of their dog whenever I can!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
After living 5 months over the summer at this beautiful homestead; I would summarize the experience as “Learning to Live and Loving to Learn.”
If you love to learn and would like to learn, I mean truly learn, how to maintain a homestead in an inviting, comfortable, and stress-free environment, Workaway with Tim and Jayne is your place. Here we… read more completed a variety of meaningful projects related to maintaining a multi-structure homestead, with gardening, construction, bee-work, tool care and maintenance, machine work, and a multitude of other learning opportunities available. You’ll be apart of a multi-year project to create a native pollination forest (yes we got to see it in it’s first season), and help further their endeavors leveraging solar to reduce the carbon footprint. You’ll learn to work farm and landscape machinery and become accustomed to using hand tools. You’ll learn to build structures and maintain ones already in place. You’ll have your own space for a garden and get to pick figs fresh from the trees (environment permitting). There are a plethora of amazing experiences waiting here.
Regarding our “hosts” (aka. friends) Tim and Jayne (and Miso); Tim was very patient, kind, and understanding. He was instructional and attendant when completing projects together, and to be honest, he’s just a cool ass guy. I learned a lot about trusting others during projects, simply because Tim trusted us so fully. At times you will have the space and freedom to complete projects on your own, but also more complex projects will be completed working together as a team. Tim does not coddle you or hover as you learn but neither does he leave you stranded in ignorance. As for Jayne, she was so much fun and such a delight to be around. There were several occasions that simply by exchanging pleasantries with Jayne we ended up talking for an hour. I swear I could spend the evening just chatting and hearing her funny take on life and her hilarious anecdotes. She was always very gregarious, honest, and welcoming. It really does feel like such a safe environment to live and learn. Lastly, Miso, the sweet, affectionate, and vigilant pup. Miso was such a pleasure to be around and brought such a joyous and playful attitude to every moment. We felt very grateful to spend the summer with this family.
In summation, if you’re looking to spend a relaxed but meaningful and enriching summer in North Carolina around chill and welcoming friends then please consider our friends, Tim, Jayne, and Miso.
Josh and Lauren stayed on our small farm from May 1 through September. During this time, they demonstrated a strong willingness to learn, a positive work ethic, and a steady progression in their skills and confidence with a wide range of farm and maintenance tasks.
When they arrived, Josh and Lauren had only a small amount of prior hands-on… read more experience. Through guided instruction and their own dedication, they became capable and reliable contributors to our operations. We often worked in tandem. Over the summer, they successfully completed projects such as:
• Pressure washing the pool deck and surrounding concrete area
• Repairing the barn door and performing other small carpentry tasks
• Cleaning out the woodshed and barn
• Constructing a protective roof for our bush hog rotary mower
• Learning to use tools such as the skill saw, square, drill, and Sawzall
• Building a pool pump shield using plastic fencing
• Safely burning brush piles
• Staining the cabin stairs
• Watering and tending new plants, as well as extensive weeding in our newly planted one-acre wildflower meadow
• Installing floor joists and plywood for a new barn floor
• Operating a zero-turn mower for extensive mowing and using a weed wacker for trimming
• Mulching trees and preparing a new area for fall shrub planting
• Planting and caring for 10 blueberry bushes throughout the summer
• Performing routine maintenance such as changing oil on farm equipment
• Learning to operate a tractor
• Cutting downed trees with a chainsaw and splitting firewood with a maul
• Replacing plank fence boards and rotting deck boards
• Replacing fence post and wire fencing
• Grew their own watermelon, tomatoes, basil and various flowers
• Using a BCS tractor with sickle bar mower and tiller attachments
• Introduced to driving a skid steer loader.
Josh and Lauren consistently approached their work with care, attention to safety, and a readiness to follow instructions. When given clear demonstrations, they were able to complete even unfamiliar tasks. Their adaptability and determination made them valuable members of our team during their stay.
Both Josh and Lauren were excellent with our dog. They are true dog whisperers!
I believe they would be an asset in any setting requiring hands-on skills, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic.
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
We had a wonderful experience having Stephanie as our summer workaway. Steph is easy-going, curious, gentle, low impact and above all, kind. She cheerfully tackled assigned tasks, whether it was learning to drive a zero-turn mower, weeding overgrown gardens or mastering the fussy art of pool care. She routinely sought feedback on how she could… read more improve her contributions and is a quick learner, always incorporating all feedback immediately into action.
Other tasks Steph took on included replacing fence posts, hauling felled trees to the burn pile, shoveling mulch, harvesting blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and figs, hanging 2x6 floor joists, weeding and watering various gardens, tending chickens, our barn cat and our dog. She cheerfully undertook tedious tasks like removing mold from a plastic fence and porch ceiling.
Our 5-year-old granddaughter met Steph when we went together to a local art show. Within a few minutes of meeting her, our granddaughter was completely smitten with Steph. Steph answered her endless questions patiently, asked engaging questions of our granddaughter and gently redirected her when she started to get antsy.
It's safe to say, our dog "fell" for Steph, routinely visiting Steph in her accommodations on our property. We felt completely comfortable taking trips while Steph was here, minding our property and pets.
Steph is cheerful without being false, willing to pitch in and takes care with any and all assignments. In short, we highly recommend her for Work Away and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Tim and Jayne
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
Tim and Jayne were wonderful hosts. This was my first workaway. I fell in love with the land. The cabin where you stay is beautifully renovated. I enjoyed the 3 month commitment and learning about how the farm changed across the season. There is a lot of peace, and I found the space great for my art-making. I am actually local to the area and… read more happy to answer any questions about the area. I think a curious, motivated, and friendly person would be happy on this workaway.
The description is an accurate description of your duties. My tasks were varied across the summer. I mowed on a riding lawn mower, watered plants and weeded, and helped with fencing and landscaping maintenance and projects. Tim is patient and a good communicator working together on projects. It was okay that I had not done the tasks before. Tim was also very sensitive to the heat and we did not over-labor if there was a heat wave.
When they were out of town, I was responsible for pool care, dog care, and daily feeding of the barn cat. The dog is great! The dog listened to me and is treat-motivated. When Tim is out of town, I still had a local contact who could come help for any emergency or difficult situation. I never had any problems, but it was great to know I had someone nearby available who knew the farm well.
If you are more advanced in your skills, I'm confident you would learn plenty. There is plenty of space to plant your own garden, which I enjoyed doing. Tim has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I learned about electricity, wood working craftsmanship, and beekeeping.
I am so grateful to have connected with Tim and Jayne. We enjoyed talks about family, careers, art, and of course, the farm! I have told them I will come back and take care of their dog whenever I can!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
