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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Nov 2024
Reply rate
89.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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58
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Description
We are both retired and are looking for help with our building project, looking after a large garden and revamping a small cottage in the highlands of Scotland. We live in the magical Glens of West Argyll on the scenic shores of Loch Awe.
You would have your own room and meals provided. We prefer people able to commit for at least one month but are flexible.
We have 3 grown up children who mostly live away now in differant parts of the world but come home at regular intervals.
We are situated in a sleepy village, quite isolated, with a bus going in-out to the next village and around the area. This is not the right place for a very urban person. However, our workawayers never seem to get bored and still manage to get around the area on their days and afternoons off. The scenery is absolutely wonderful and if you're an outdoorsy person, this is a beautiful base to start exploring the West of Scotland from. Make sure to bring some waterproof gear, wellies are an essential. along with some walking boots.
I always like to skype, too, so that we are able to see each other before arrival, and would like a couple of references from previous employees, teachers or someone professional who has known you for at least two years.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsGeneral MaintenanceCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp with Eco ProjectsHelp around the houseAnimal CareCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learning new skills. How to be more organised and learn the benefits of time management.
Discover the regional history. Enjoy living in a small Highland Community. Appreciate good food and chat around the table. Lots of healthy and organic produce.Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the UK minimum hourly wage for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided inline with UK guidance. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
Gardening, building, and decorating.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentAccommodation
Own room and fantastic food.
What else ...
Ideal for hiking, walking, climbing, photography and nature enthusiasts. Plenty of castles and historic monuments to visit. Lovely local towns of Oban and Inveraray not far away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours per day (max 25 hours/ week)
Feedback (29)
Hayley was a delight with the… read more
Photos
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Hayley was a delight with the… read more
Maria is a great chef and she really does an amazing breakfast for there guest and always a very nice dinner for the workaways too.
During my stay we… read more
During her stay Roger and I managed to take a 10 day holiday. We left Ronja in charge of the house , MacDuff ( our large but gentle Spinone) and the garden. She took on all three responsibilities, and I came back to an immaculate house and garden. The dog was fit and healthy too.
Ronja was a whizz with the… read more
She also enjoyed the outdoor life and although the Scottish weather wasn't the kindest to her… read more
There… read more
Her talent in cooking was a huge bonus too and it was lovely to sometimes get an… read more
Her days off were never wasted… read more
For everybody else reading this and thinking about spending time at Maria’s beautiful BnB: if you are up for… read more
Each chore they were asked to do was carried out to perfection and needed little or no… read more
We were extremely busy during this time. Apart from paying guests we had so many friends and relatives staying and for the first part of Kate's stay every night seemed to be a party.
Kate managed to keep up the high standard in the house and also was a willing gardener.… read more
Apart from all the hard work Lisa and Sandra had a lot of fun together and spent there free time visiting the local sights whenever they could.
Lisa's English accent did improve as time went on. Although German born she had spent 12 months in the… read more
Me and the other workawayer, Sandra, were welcome to stay in the snug to watch TV with them or to read a book.
Scrabble evenings and… read more
Apart from all the usual housekeeping chores in the bed and breakfast she was also a very willing worker in the garden and walked MacDuff our large but gentle Spinone most days.
She was always cheerful and energetic and was a complete joy to have… read more
It was my first Workaway experience and I have to say I couldn't expect it would be so wonderful. Maria & Roger are great hosts. They are really welcoming and will make you feel part of the family: you'll love to watch movies (or tennis) on TV with… read more
We had a lot of fun and laughs through all the rain. I hope her… read more
The work was simple, but must take into mind all the details: the table must be… read more
She fitted in with us as a family and managed to get about on her days off traveling to different parts of Argyll.… read more
She and Lane fitted in so well and worked as a team. The vegetable garden this year has flourished due to a lot of their hard work.
Apart from being a hard worker Miriam was always cheerful and conscientious.
She would be… read more
Hope you enjoy your… read more
I already miss swimming in the loch every morning, Marias food, walking in the nature etc.
Walking the dog and feeding the animals was never a problem to her despite the weather.
Apart… read more
I think she was a little disappointed with the location, missed the buzz of town life but fell in love with the animals and enjoyed meeting the… read more
It was a quiet time of the year which enabled her to see more of the area and join into some of our personal activities.
We enjoyed having her stay and wish her every success in whatever… read more
The guesthouse is a gorgeous place: a very beautiful country house in the middle of a fantastic landscape. You can hear and see the river in the garden while sitting in the living room next to the… read more
Apart from being fun company, she was so thoughtful and conscientious and always helped out in extra ways, far beyond our expectations. She was a hard worker and loved the countryside. It certainly lightened my load having Lilli stay during my busy season.… read more
Apart from helping out in the guest rooms I had the most relaxing walks with Mac Duff (the sweetest dog ever) enjoying the incredible nature. I have never seen as many green tones in my entire life. On my days off I made trips in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland... so if you… read more
They loved walking MacDuff and appreciated our wonderful countryside.
Francesca provided us with home made pasta and baked a wonderful chocolate cake.
We were so sad to see them go and hope it wont be too long… read more
the place is absolutely beautiful, we have done a lot of long walk in the countryside with McDuff, there is always some new place to discover!
Maria and Roger are so warming and nice, they make you feel at home, and always… read more
She has a very kind and generous nature and showed such understanding with everyone she met.
Mandy also took full advantage of being in this area and managed day trips here and there… read more
couldn´t have been a better place to start.
Roger and Maria are warmhearted, caring people with lots of humor and experience. You learn a lot about housekeeping, about cooking (if you´re interested), about gardening and about working together and maybe even about yourself.
The area is just… read more
Energetic
Inspirational
Awesome:)
This was not only a comfortable place to stay, but also beautiful, safe and clean with a warm, friendly atmosphere. I will never forget my time here and Roger and Maria really made me feel important and cared for.
Marias cooking was always impressive. I remember one time… read more
Marias cooking is… read more
I'll really miss this beautiful… read more
Take care Reg and be good. Hope you enjoy your trip through the States.
You can expect amazing food, great trails, waterfalls and forest walks, working on… read more
-Roger and Maria and the pets, Conan and MacDuff are fabulous, warm, welcoming and fun
-the guest house is situated in a beautiful place, we went hiking almost everyday we… read more
We hear from them from time to time and would welcome them back whenever they want to stay.