Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
29 Jul 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
56
Email verified
Badges (2)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Find your perfect host
Details
Description
We are now empty nesters! Ella and Juno have left us for their own adventures studying at university. I work from home (I am a translator of Swedish to English) and have been a music teacher, and Paul is an acupuncturist practising traditional Chinese medicine. Button our dog half Pomeranian, half Maltese terrier and Frodie our very friendly and lively Burmese cat make up the family. Button had 6 puppies in October 2013, and we have kept one her puppies, Ginger, who looks more like her dad, a lovely Papillion. We have a big home, love visitors and a bigger garden that needs lots of work. We would be happy to provide help with English conversation, and we live close to a number of lovely beaches and national parks/rainforest. Paul is a keen cook, and all our home stay guests love his cooking!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experiencing a very special place in Australia with a strong local community.
Help
We need help with caring for a rather big garden and general maintenance that we are just not getting around to doing. We are hoping to replace some of the garden with an edible garden along the lines of permaculture, but just keeping up with the weeds is a big task!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
Accommodation
Self-contained cottage on the property which doubles as my office during the day, or bedroom in the main house. Would suit couple or single person (one bedroom), but we can adapt to accommodate two singles travelling together. Your own bathroom, which doubles as the house laundry, your own toilet.
What else ...
Bellingen is a small but active town, with many cultural festivals and active environmental and cultural groups. It is also an "unspoilt" country town, retaining much of its old character and buildings.
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
4 hours per day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 715986642666
Feedback (23)
12 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
Ben was a great asset to the household for the 2 weeks he stayed. We were really grateful for his help, and Katherine (despite being away during his stay) managed to have a great conversation with him via WhatsApp. It's such a lovely thing to be able to meet and talk with young people from different places in the world - really great to get to… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
I spent two weeks at Paul's house in the lovely town of Bellingen, and I enjoyed every minute. Paul was an incredibly kind host who always took the trouble to make sure I had everything I needed and to introduce me to everyone around town. In terms of work, I spent most of my time in the garden, digging, weeding, and mowing, which suited me just… read more
19 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (MarineC29) for host
My stay at Katherine and Paul's house was absolutely amazing! They're lovely hosts, we did many activities all together, and they helped me and gave me advices whenever I needed to: they really felt like my Australian family. I had to leave after only 2 weeks for a job, but I would have loved to stay longer.
The work was never too hard and I was… read more
The work was never too hard and I was… read more
13 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (MarineC29)
Marine stayed with us for about 2 weeks and did a lot for us during that time. We were very grateful for her help, and she fitted easily into our home - it was a great pleasure to have her with us - our first workawayer for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her English skills are excellent and communication was never a problem! We hope she… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Chanelle & Kaitlin) for host
There are no words to describe how amazing our experience with Paul and Katherine was. From day one we felt like apart of the family! The work was very reasonable and they did everything they could to make sure we had a great experience. We are truly grateful for the time we spent in Bellingen. It is a very cute town with some amazing cafes. Paul… read more
6 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Chanelle & Kaitlin)
Well, I guess what we can truly say is Wow! Chanelle and Kaitlin are two very mature young women who very quickly became part of the family, did everything they were asked to do thoughtfully and with care, and were really fabulous conversationalists around the dinner table. They were very flexible and adaptable, and really did a great job in our… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
12 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
Ben was a great asset to the household for the 2 weeks he stayed. We were really grateful for his help, and Katherine (despite being away during his stay) managed to have a great conversation with him via WhatsApp. It's such a lovely thing to be able to meet and talk with young people from different places in the world - really great to get to… read more
(Excellent)
12 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
I spent two weeks at Paul's house in the lovely town of Bellingen, and I enjoyed every minute. Paul was an incredibly kind host who always took the trouble to make sure I had everything I needed and to introduce me to everyone around town. In terms of work, I spent most of my time in the garden, digging, weeding, and mowing, which suited me just… read more
19 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (MarineC29) for host
My stay at Katherine and Paul's house was absolutely amazing! They're lovely hosts, we did many activities all together, and they helped me and gave me advices whenever I needed to: they really felt like my Australian family. I had to leave after only 2 weeks for a job, but I would have loved to stay longer.
The work was never too hard and I was… read more
The work was never too hard and I was… read more
13 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (MarineC29)
Marine stayed with us for about 2 weeks and did a lot for us during that time. We were very grateful for her help, and she fitted easily into our home - it was a great pleasure to have her with us - our first workawayer for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her English skills are excellent and communication was never a problem! We hope she… read more
(Excellent)
6 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Chanelle & Kaitlin) for host
There are no words to describe how amazing our experience with Paul and Katherine was. From day one we felt like apart of the family! The work was very reasonable and they did everything they could to make sure we had a great experience. We are truly grateful for the time we spent in Bellingen. It is a very cute town with some amazing cafes. Paul… read more
6 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Chanelle & Kaitlin)
Well, I guess what we can truly say is Wow! Chanelle and Kaitlin are two very mature young women who very quickly became part of the family, did everything they were asked to do thoughtfully and with care, and were really fabulous conversationalists around the dinner table. They were very flexible and adaptable, and really did a great job in our… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Justin & Maryam)
Justin is a very lovely person - and the younger brother of Kirran who stayed with us 4 years ago! We really enjoyed reconnecting with his family through Justin. A keen surfer, we probably didn't give him enough opportunities to do this while with us. Justin was a good worker in everything we asked him to do. We really enjoyed having him as part… read more
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rita & Warren) for host
Katherine and Paul are the nicest hosts in Australia! We really enjoyed the time with this warm family in Bellingen. Pual is funny and good at cooking. We love every dishes he cooked! Katherine always smiling and talk gently. And Juno is really friendly and willing to talk with us although our speaking are not good.
People in Bellingen are… read more
People in Bellingen are… read more
3 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rita & Warren)
Rita and Warren are a delightful young couple - we had such a lot of easy-going fun with him, despite the fact that I had broken my arm and was in pain and had lost my voice to boot! They were so helpful always, did a great deal in our garden in the time they stayed with us. We would highly recommend them to any other host. They quickly became… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathias Deckert)
Mathias is a thoughtful young person, who made beautiful music on our electric piano. He applied himself with intelligence and energy to everything he was asked to do. A thoroughly positive experience for us! Mathias fitted in very well with our family and routines and we think that he also enjoyed his stay in Bellingen. We wish him all the best… read more
(Excellent)
8 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)
Veronika did some excellent detailed cleaning while she was with us, which I desperately needed as I had been unable to do a proper clean of our big house for some time due to illness. It was SO appreciated! She was also fun and interesting to have as part of our family for a short time, and she applied her great intelligence to every task, big or… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Veronika) for host
Paul and Katherine already have so many feedbacks that I cannot think of anything which wouldn't have been mentioned. Bellingen is a very special little town, P&K are amazing hosts, really attentive and giving, if you are lucky you meet even Paul's daughters, which are super fun, work is far from hard, but you'll feel highly appreciated, Paul is… read more
21 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Solyne) for host
Thank you for everything Katherine & Paul! We spent a lovely week with you and were really happy to share moments with your family (and dogs & Monty)! Our week at Bellingen was really special for us, as a part of our roadtrip! That was really generous to let us the whole kitchen to cook whatever we wanted! About the work, it was easy and we really… read more
17 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Solyne)
Solyne contacted us 'out of the blue' with Victor from Spain wanting to stay in the area and work for us for a week. Both described themselves as hard workers but we were truly amazed at what they achieved in our garden in such a short time. Not only were they lovely to have as part of our family for the week, they also applied great intelligence… read more
(Excellent)
18 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Victor)
Solyne contacted us 'out of the blue' with Victor wanting to stay in the area and work for us for a week. Both described themselves as hard workers but we were truly amazed at what they achieved in our garden in such a short time. Not only were they lovely to have as part of our family for the week, they also applied great intelligence and… read more
(Excellent)
17 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Catherine & Tim)
Cat and Tim came to us just when we'd had some difficult news and were getting geared up for some pretty serious changes in our lives. And they were wonderful! Not only did they do a lot to help out practically in the house and the garden, their wonderful humour and sense of fun helped us materially to get through that time. We miss them still.… read more
(Excellent)
25 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Catherine & Tim) for host
Katherine and Paul are possibly the best people in Australia! We had such a wonderful time in Bellingen it was so sad to leave. We wish we stayed far longer. Their house is really well situated, near the town (walking distance) and its gelato bar and monthly markets. Also the comfiest bed!
They welcomed us with open arms, muffins and tea on our… read more
They welcomed us with open arms, muffins and tea on our… read more
11 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Juan Manuel )
Juan is one of the sweetest, nicest people I think we have ever met. Always willing to help with whatever we asked, kind and friendly, respectful - a lovely human being in all respects. He stayed with us for so long that he really did feel like a member of the family. He helped with the pets and in the garden, with some painting and other things… read more
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Juan Manuel ) for host
My time in Bellingen was great. I was with Paul and Katherine for 6 weeks and they treated me like a family member. They are very polite, friendly, respectful and lovely people. They helped me a lot to improve my English.
Paul cooks great, all meals were delicious.
The work was never hard and is very varied, every day you learn new something.
I… read more
Paul cooks great, all meals were delicious.
The work was never hard and is very varied, every day you learn new something.
I… read more
19 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kevin) for host
I had an excellent time in Bellingen. This is a awsome Family and they made me feel like i am a part of the family instantly. It felt really hard to say goodbye and i miss my time in Bellingen.
The work wasn`t to hard and i actually really enjoyed to do some gardening and organiying stuff. They really care about you and want you to feel good. I… read more
The work wasn`t to hard and i actually really enjoyed to do some gardening and organiying stuff. They really care about you and want you to feel good. I… read more
30 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Kevin)
Kevin was an excellent workawayer in all respects. He is friendly and kind and sociable in a gentle way, and helped our other workawayer Juan with English quite voluntarily. We really enjoyed having him stay with us, and he did work very hard in the garden for several hours per day, and then had time to relax and enjoy the beaches and the… read more
(Excellent)
15 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Marie & William) for host
My time in Belligen has been beautiful from the beginning until the very end. Within few days, I felt part of the family and I surprised myself enjoying having my little routine with them. The work was enjoyable and I got more than I needed in exchange.
Katherine, Paul, Ella and Juno offered me a friendly, peaceful and fun environment with an… read more
Katherine, Paul, Ella and Juno offered me a friendly, peaceful and fun environment with an… read more
11 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie & William)
Marie is simply a lovely young woman, so positive and wise beyond her years. We greatly admire her adventurous spirit, and the intelligence and forethought she applies to everything she does. We miss her already! She stayed with us for a few weeks only, but it felt like longer because she became so much a part of our family, almost as if she had… read more
(Excellent)
1 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Teresa & Max) for host
I arrived in Bellingen and didn't leave! Staying at Katherine and Paul's house was such an honour and I'm very grateful that they accepted me so warmly. Each morning Paul would bring in a cup of tea and he was an inspiration to me at the time - he seemed to find intrinsic joy in everything he did - whether it was cooking or walking the dogs or… read more
22 Jun 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Teresa & Max)
Tessie did some magical things in our garden and our small house! She has been a gentle presence in our sometimes chaotic world for quite a number of weeks and we enjoyed having her very much. We wish her all the best on her journey (both internal and external!).
(Excellent)
14 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole & Jeff)
We thoroughly enjoyed hosting Nicole and Jeff! They fitted right in and did a huge amount of work for us in a very small space of time! We really hope we can keep in touch - and wish you both all the best on your travels.
(Excellent)
13 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nicole & Jeff) for host
We really enjoyed our time with Paul, Katherine, Ella, Juno and pets. We felt we made a close connection to them all and had fun working in the garden and on other projects. We enjoyed lively discussions around the dinner table where we feasted on Paul's wonderful and creative cooking. Good luck with everything all of you. We hope to come back… read more
27 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Fleur & Kenny) for host
Our stay in the Bellingen area will be forever connected with the warm welcome by Paul, Katherine, Ella and Juno and their lovely pets Button, Ginger and Monty. Paul is a very good cook who makes very healthy food, the entire family is fun to be around and make for good conservations about all kind of different subjects and the pets like to be… read more
23 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Fleur & Kenny)
Kenny and Fleur stayed with us all too briefly - they did a wonderful job in our garden and we are so grateful for the work they did for us. We loved meeting them too. They made the best of the opportunities for things to do in our area too, which to us means the best possible workaway experience for both parties. We wish them all the best on the… read more
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Charleen & Martin )
Charleen and Martin stayed with us for quite a while and eventually seemed like part of the family. We loved Martin's cooking, and Charleen's too! These two come from long lines of chefs it seems, and we were the grateful beneficiaries. A lovely young couple, we wish them all the best on their travels around Australia - a dream come true for… read more
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelsey)
We really enjoyed having Kelsey stay with us. She is very friendly, positive, happy to help and easy to get on with. Kelsey really enjoyed Bellingen and fitted right in.
(Excellent)
14 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Muskape) for host
Although being in a difficult situation myself, it was an absolute pleasure to stay with Katherine and Paul. I could do some garden work very easy, times flexible to arrange for yourself and depending on the weather.. Thank you two, for the good food, support and advice!
The room and bed are very comfortable and if you want you can share it with… read more
The room and bed are very comfortable and if you want you can share it with… read more
30 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Muskape)
We said a sad goodbye to Marius today - yet another wonderful human being it has been our privilege to get to know through workaway. A very practical and thoughtful young man, he fitted in well with us and became Monty's best friend. We wish him all the best on his onward journey and would welcome him back at any time in the future.
(Excellent)
30 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
We loved having Gina stay with us - I think I have rarely met a young person as smart and lovely as Gina! Not only did she do a great job at everything we asked her to do, she worked many things out for herself. And what a delightfully warm and gentle yet very strong human being Gina is! We had fun crocheting and Gina fitted in so well with us… read more
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
This family was one of the best workaway experice that i had so far!
Kathrine and paul are very very lovly and warm-hearded :)
I felt like a member of the family and really enjoyed it staying witht them in this beautiful house. It was hard foe me to say goodby :(
I esspecialy fell i love with their pets ginger, button and monty.
Often we went… read more
Kathrine and paul are very very lovly and warm-hearded :)
I felt like a member of the family and really enjoyed it staying witht them in this beautiful house. It was hard foe me to say goodby :(
I esspecialy fell i love with their pets ginger, button and monty.
Often we went… read more
8 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Avril)
We so enjoyed having Avril with us - so many great stories to share and she did so much in our garden in a very short time, we were quite amazed. One of those people we wished had stayed much longer, and really do hope to see again in the future.
Many thanks to you too Avril for being part of our lives and our family for the short time you were… read more
Many thanks to you too Avril for being part of our lives and our family for the short time you were… read more
(Excellent)
7 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Avril) for host
Finally I have been able to sit down and write this feedback, so apologies for tardiness. However, I wanted to ensure that I give the best feedback as so enjoyed my short working experience with Katherine and Paul, Ella, Juno, Button, Ginger and Monty.
It was an absolute joy from start to finish staying with them in a beautiful area of NSW.… read more
It was an absolute joy from start to finish staying with them in a beautiful area of NSW.… read more
31 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Frances)
It was lovely to meet Frances - a gentle soul with depth. We had some great conversations and she was very helpful in all ways. We hope that she enjoyed staying with us too during a difficult time when our dog was very ill.
(Excellent)
8 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Richard) for host
Katherine and Paul are some of the nicest people you can come across. They took me into their home and treated me like I was part of the family. Paul is a fantastic cook and a great acupuncture practitioner. For me it sometimes was more like a spa than anything else. Katherine is a very strong person who can always lend you a listening ear. I do… read more
7 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Richard)
Richard stayed with us during some difficult times - including assisting me when I had a severe allergic reaction to contrast medium, holding me upright and driving home. He showed great kindness and empathy, as well as doing a terrific job in the garden. We all really enjoyed getting to know him - had some great conversations and loved listening… read more
(Excellent)
27 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Paul and Katherine were simply wonderful hosts to have. They often went even out of their way to make me enjoy my time staying with them. They're a very caring couple and I'd recommend anyone working for them! :))
6 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna spent quite a bit of time with our family and we greatly enjoyed having her with us. Such an interesting, smart and warm young person! We wish her all the best with the remainder of her travels.
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Jackie)
It was lovely to meet Jackie - she stayed only a short time, but did a great deal!
(Excellent)
27 May 2014
Left by Workawayer (Kirran Sean) for host
My one month in Bellingen went over so quickly! I still can't believe that I left you and not coming back - It was probably the hardest time to say good bye to a host family so far...
It was such a wonderful time with all of you. Thank you so much for all your love, time to show me around your area and you let me felt to be a real member of your… read more
It was such a wonderful time with all of you. Thank you so much for all your love, time to show me around your area and you let me felt to be a real member of your… read more
26 May 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Kirran Sean)
We has such a lovely time with Kirran that we hoped his next host might be so awful he'd have to come back to us! Seriously, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute with Kirran - he fitted in well with us and we think he liked us too. He really became part of the family and was a great worker too. Self-motivated, and always so pleasant and helpful.… read more
(Excellent)
16 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna & Victor)
It was so great to meet Hanna and Victor! And terrible irony that I had no voice to speak to them in Swedish for almost the entire time they were with us as I lost my voice with a flu.
We cannot praise them highly enough. So mature, able to work out things for themselves, very hard workers (!) and such pleasant company. Very reliable and very… read more
We cannot praise them highly enough. So mature, able to work out things for themselves, very hard workers (!) and such pleasant company. Very reliable and very… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jan 2014
Left by Workawayer (Marei & Tristan) for host
We had such a lovely time together with Katherine and Paul and their girls in Bellingen! They live at a very nice place and we liked helping them around the garden, the house and with the puppies :-) next to delicious dinners made by Paul, we spent lots of evenings sitting in the kitchen talking about many different and interesting things what we… read more
21 Nov 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Marei & Tristan)
Linda and Marei stayed with us for around 3 weeks and are still in the area. These girls should go into business making cakes! We have been treated to the most wonderful cakes as well as their lovely selves. Both worked diligently in the garden and around the house, and were a great help with the puppies. We highly recommend them to any other… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2014
Left by Workawayer (Lotte) for host
I loved to be with this great family!! The house and the garden are really beautiful and cosy, and you will feel like you are at home from the first day. I really enjoyed my time there with them. And the puppies are soooo cute! You don´t wanna miss them :) Thank you for everything.
21 Nov 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Lotte)
Lotte was with us for a number of weeks and we felt honoured that she spent so much of her short stay in Australia with us! An absolutely delightful and empathic young woman, we feel sure we will stay in contact. Our only regret is that due to illness in our family, we were unable to show her some of the sights around Bellingen.
(Excellent)
23 Oct 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Elin)
We sadly said goodbye to Elin just over a week ago - what a thoroughly pleasant and lovely young woman she is! We really enjoyed having her with us for 3 weeks, during which time she did some fantastic organising for us in the house and some hard work outside in the garden. We wish her all the best on her travels and thoroughly recommend her to… read more
(Excellent)
28 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille)
Camille and Sophie have done wonders in our garden! We have so much enjoyed having them with us, and cannot believe they are leaving us so soon! They are both very hard-working and smart, and our dog Button has absolutely fallen in love with Camille. I think Sophie is one of the most courageous people I have ever met. She LOVES snakes and lizards!… read more
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (WimandMinke)
We have just said a tearful goodbye to Wim and Minke, who spent about 5 weeks with us. We really enjoyed having them here as part of our family, and they did some great work in the garden - particularly helping us with a big clump of bamboo! They introduced us to some Dutch traditions and food, but most of all, they are two of the sweetest, nicest… read more
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2013
Left by Workawayer (KristinLehmann) for host
I had the most wonderful time staying in this lovely family. Every member made me feel like home and made the stay to an unforgetable time! I´m glad about having the chance to get to know every single one of them (included monty and button) and learn a lot about chinese medicine, sweden, craft, ballet and the relaxing life in Bellingen. Thank you… read more
13 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (juligab) for host
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful stay! They have a lovely house, a nice garden and amazing pets! Paul is an awesome cook. They showed us around and made trips to the national park and the beaches with us. But the best was just having conversations with them and the lovely kids! They are great! Everything was perfect! We hope to come back there… read more
11 Feb 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (juligab)
It has been wonderful having Julius and Julia as part of our family for a few weeks. They worked very hard for us in our big garden! But mostly it was so enjoyable to meet them and get to know them. They fitted in very well with our family and we would recommend them highly to any other host.
(Excellent)
