Become part of our family and enjoy winter outing in Nova Scotia, Canada

Details

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  Description

  We’re so excited that you’re considering joining us for a Workaway adventure at our peaceful, sunny waterfront home. Workaway isn’t just about lending a hand. It’s about learning, laughing, sharing stories, and growing alongside each other. If you’re someone who enjoys meaningful conversations, homemade baking, and the simple joys of rural living, we would truly love to welcome you.
  
  Our home sits on a beautiful, quiet 5.5-acre waterfront property. Fresh breezes, birdsong, and the sparkle of the water make each day feel gently magical. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or simply soaking in the view, there is something here for anyone who loves nature. You’ll have your own cozy, sunlit room in our comfortable single-floor house, where we live with our four beloved pets: Jigger, Polly, Bella, and Lucia, along with our delightfully mischievous foster puppy, Barbarity.
  We’re a retired couple living on limited resources, so we keep things simple, practical, and heartfelt. We provide two nourishing, home-cooked meals a day, usually enjoyed together at the table. The first meal is served between 11 AM and 1 PM. The second is between 4 and 6 PM. If you would like a third meal, snacks, or drinks like pop, we ask that you provide those yourself. We are happy to share what we have, but we simply cannot include extras in our food budget. You are welcome to store your own items in the kitchen.
  
  Due to health reasons, chips and certain processed snacks are not allowed inside the house. We also ask that meals be enjoyed in the kitchen or living room only. This helps keep everything clean and prevents any visits from unwanted critters. We do not run on a strict schedule, but we follow a gentle daily rhythm. Our home gets moving by 9 AM and winds down peacefully by 10 PM. This helps keep both our bodies and minds balanced.
  
  This summer, we are focusing on meaningful, hands-on projects that make a lasting difference. You might help with tidying and organizing our outdoor areas, including the shed and garden tools. We’ll be building and decorating a cozy patio space for enjoying evening tea and conversation. We’re also planting a cheerful summer garden with wildflowers to support bees, birds, and other pollinators. Watering, weeding, and caring for the plants will be part of daily life. You may also help with light household tasks like sweeping the deck, folding laundry, or keeping shared spaces tidy.
  
  Maria uses a wheelchair but is very independent. Carl is a lively senior who enjoys small projects and working outside. He is happy to show you what he’s working on or simply enjoy a bit of company. You will also learn how small gestures, offered with respect and kindness, can make daily life easier for others.
  
  Our days are filled with natural light, music, fresh air, and the comforting rhythm of shared routines. The scent of baking often drifts through the house. In the evenings, we enjoy TV shows, quiet games, or relaxed conversations over tea. Carl loves a good mystery show and is happy to teach basic guitar. Maria enjoys baking and sharing her knowledge of herbs and home remedies. She would be delighted to have a baking partner or someone curious about natural living.
  
  Our home is guided by open and honest communication. Sometimes conversations get lively, but they are always grounded in mutual respect. We welcome feedback and encourage everyone to share ideas and thoughts. We live by the motto, “Go with the flow, but always be ready to adapt.” Sometimes plans change or things unfold differently than expected. That is part of life here, and it often brings unexpected opportunities for creativity and connection.
  
  This Workaway experience is more than just volunteering. It is a chance to grow, learn, and enjoy a meaningful summer in a welcoming and peaceful setting. You might spend time baking in the kitchen with Maria, helping with small projects outdoors, or simply sharing daily life in a calm, natural environment. You’ll gain confidence in practical skills and build connections that last longer than your stay.
  
  This is not just a place to stay. It is a home where you are invited to become part of a caring and thoughtful household. We cook together, share stories, and create an environment where everyone is appreciated for who they are. If you enjoy the outdoors, like learning new things, and want a summer filled with purpose, calm, and kindness, we would be happy to welcome you. We are looking forward to meeting you and sharing a joyful, meaningful experience.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Writing

  

  Gardening

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  History

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  What You’ll Experience Here
  
  Hands-On Learning and Practical Skills
  
  You’ll have the chance to pick up real-life skills that stay with you. From helping with light DIY projects to organizing outdoor spaces, caring for the garden, or learning how to cook a few hearty meals, this is the kind of experience that teaches through doing. Whether you’re folding laundry with music in the background or building something with Carl, every task becomes a small moment of growth.
  
  Meaningful Companionship and Connection
  
  This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a chance to build genuine relationships. Spending time with Carl, hearing his stories, and sharing meals with us isn’t just kind it’s life changing. You’ll learn how little things, like a shared joke or a reminder, can make a big difference in someone’s day. This is the kind of connection that sticks with you.
  
  Skill Development Through Daily Life
  
  Think of this as a hands-on life workshop. Carl might teach you the basics of guitar if you’re curious, and Maria would love to bake something with you or show you how to make one of her family’s traditional recipes. You’ll get experience in daily home care and routine tasks, and those small things often turn out to be surprisingly useful wherever life takes you.
  
  Working with a Senior and Supporting Someone in a Wheelchair
  
  One of the most meaningful parts of your stay will be learning how to support both a senior and someone who uses a wheelchair. Maria is very independent but also appreciates thoughtful help when it’s offered respectfully. You’ll gain insight into how to assist without overstepping, how to offer presence without pressure, and how to recognize that dignity and autonomy matter deeply. These are rare and valuable life skills rooted in empathy, patience, and communication.
  
  Time in Nature and Peaceful Activity
  
  Our home is surrounded by nature and fresh air, with space to move, stretch, and breathe. You might walk the dog along a wooded path, water the flowers, or help create a peaceful patio space to enjoy a sunset. Activity here is gentle and fulfilling, not rushed or overwhelming. It’s part of a rhythm that keeps body and spirit connected.
  
  Cultural Exchange and Conversation
  
  We love sharing stories, ideas, and traditions, and we welcome yours too. Our table is often where good conversations begin — about life, history, culture, food, or whatever we’re all curious about that day. This is a place where perspectives are exchanged with kindness and curiosity.
  
  Personal Growth in a Supportive Home
  
  Living here gives you a glimpse into daily life in a multigenerational, pet-loving, small-town setting. You’ll grow in confidence, learn how to adapt to new routines, and find joy in doing ordinary things in a new way. You’ll also gain first-hand experience in supporting senior living, disability awareness, and building community through shared care. You’ll be part of a real household, not just observing from the sidelines.
  
  Balance Between Helping and Resting
  
  It’s not all work and we wouldn’t want it to be. After a day of helping and connecting, you’ll have time to rest. Whether it’s sitting quietly with a book, playing a board game, watching a cozy mystery with Carl, or just enjoying the garden, you’ll find the space to recharge.
  
  A Broader View of Life
  
  This is the kind of place that opens your mind while calming your heart. You’ll learn new things, meet new people, and experience the slower pace of rural life. And when it’s time to go, you may find you’re carrying more than you came with — not just skills, but memories and a deeper sense of what matters.
  
  Improve Your English, One Laugh at a Time
  
  If you're hoping to practice or improve your English, you've come to the right house — because Maria loves to talk. A lot. About everything. Whether it’s while baking, planting, folding laundry, or just sitting with a cup of tea, there’s always a story, a joke, or a new word coming your way.
  We speak clearly, we’re patient, and we genuinely enjoy helping others learn. You won’t just hear English you’ll live it. And don’t worry about mistakes. Around here, we celebrate them, laugh a little, and learn together.
  
  You’ll leave with better language skills, new phrases, and possibly a few of Maria’s catchphrases too. Just don’t blame us if you start dreaming in Nova Scotian.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We’re reaching out because, to be honest, an extra set of hands around here could make all the difference. This is your chance to become a key part of our home and maybe even feel like an unofficial member of the family.
  
  Be a Companion for Carl
  We’re not just looking for someone to do chores or check off tasks. What we really need is someone to spend time with Carl, share a few laughs, tell stories, and offer gentle reminders when he insists cookies count as a full meal. If you’re up for the occasional town errand, that’s a bonus. Maria can’t always go, and your help means Carl gets out and about. Carl is the heart of this home. We understand you may be traveling with a partner or friend, but it’s important to balance that with time spent connecting with him. A good conversation or shared activity can brighten his whole day.
  
  Help Us with Summer Projects
  Summer here is a time to freshen things up and get creative. We’re working on tidying outdoor spaces, cleaning and organizing the shed, sorting out garden tools, and creating a relaxing patio area. We’re also planting wildflowers to support bees, birds, and other pollinators. Your help in watering, weeding, folding laundry, or prepping meals makes a big difference. The work is shared, casual, and always appreciated. This is about contributing to a peaceful, lived-in home, not running a tight ship.
  
  Expect Some Lively Conversations
  We’re a talkative household that believes in honest, respectful communication. Sometimes conversations get animated, especially when we’re choosing what to cook or discussing who walked the dog last. If you enjoy exploring ideas, learning something new, or experimenting in the kitchen, this is the place for you. On the other hand, if you prefer quiet independence and little interaction, this might not be the best fit.
  
  Couples Are Welcome
  We’re happy to host couples and enjoy the dynamic they can bring. We ask that you speak English when you're with us so that everyone feels included and comfortable. While we respect the need for personal time, this is not meant to be a private getaway. We are looking for people who want to be involved, not just with chores but with conversation, shared meals, and everyday life. This experience is about connection and participation. We hope both of you will take part in the social side of the household, spend time with Carl, and truly become part of the rhythm of our family.
  
  Your time here is about more than helping with tasks. It is about sharing small joys, adding a bit of lightness to each day, and being part of a welcoming home. We are not just looking for an extra set of hands. We are hoping to meet someone who will feel right at home and who brings their own warmth and humour into our daily rhythm.
  
  If that sounds like your kind of summer experience, we would love to hear from you. Let’s chat and see if this could be a good fit for all of us.
  
  P.S. We’ll gladly pick you up from the Antigonish bus stop. It is a scenic ride from Halifax or the airport, and we promise not to leave you on the side of the road.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  We have a spare room in the house with shared kitchen and bathroom

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  What else ...

  We’re reaching out with a hopeful heart, because an extra set of hands and a kind spirit could make all the difference here. But more than that, we’re looking to welcome someone who wants to share space, stories, laughter, and the gentle rhythm of life in a real home.
  
  A Place to Belong, Not Just Stay
  
  This isn’t a job or a list of tasks to check off. This is about living alongside us, being part of something honest and human, and finding meaning in the small things we do together. You might help prepare a meal, tidy up after dinner, do some light housework like sweeping or washing dishes, or help fold laundry while we chat in the kitchen. It’s about presence, not perfection, and about being part of a home that functions best when shared.
  
  Carl, the Pets, and Everyday Companionship
  
  Carl is the centre of our world, and so are our animals. We live with a small pack of loving pets who bring daily joy and a little chaos. Walking the dog, feeding the animals, giving them a bit of love and attention — it’s all part of the flow. Carl enjoys the company of both people and pets, and your presence adds comfort and companionship to his day. Whether it’s a walk together, a cup of tea, or a shared story, these are the moments that matter most. If you’re traveling with a partner, we simply ask that both of you take part in connecting, not only with us but with the daily rhythm of our household.
  We Had a Volunteer Ask Us Why We Don’t Just Hire Someone
  
  And it’s a fair question. The truth is, we can’t afford to. We’re retired, and we live simply. We open our home, share our food, and give what we can but we can’t offer wages. More importantly, we’re not looking for workers. We’re looking for kind souls who want to share their time, learn something new, and be part of a home where every person matters. This is about dignity, mutual respect, and being human together.
  
  Life Happens in the Little Moments
  
  We’re a chatty household. Conversations flow easily, especially around the dinner table. Mealtimes are when we reconnect, swap stories, talk about the day, and sometimes laugh until the tea goes cold. We welcome curiosity and kindness. If you enjoy sharing meals, talking about life, and being part of a home that thrives on communication, you’ll feel right at home. And if you like helping cook or set the table, even better.
  
  Couples Are Welcome, With Open Arms
  
  We love hosting couples, especially those who enjoy spending time with others. We ask that English be spoken around the house, so everyone can be included in the conversation. And while we understand the need for downtime and privacy, we hope you’ll see this as a shared space to engage in a place where connection, not retreat, is what brings everything together.
  
  What You'll Do and Learn
  
  You might help plant flowers to welcome the bees, clean out the shed to make space for something new, help prep dinner while music plays in the background, or join in with organizing outdoor spaces and building a new patio corner. We also feed a few stray cats who rely on us and would love help keeping up with that care. Walking the dog, giving the pets some attention, or helping Carl with little daily things are all part of the day. You might learn a family recipe from Maria or a guitar chord from Carl. You might discover that a simple walk or a moment of laughter can feel like the most important part of the day. We’ll share what we know, and we’ll learn from you too.
  
  Time Off: Simple Joys and Summer Adventures
  
  During your free time, there’s plenty to enjoy, whether you're looking for relaxation or a bit of local exploring.
  You can go hiking along nearby trails, take the dog out for a stroll, or just enjoy the breeze and birdsong around the property. While our own shore has a steep drop, there are nearby beaches and quiet waterfronts where you can walk, wade, or simply sit and breathe in the salt air.
  
  You’re also welcome to explore some of the charming small towns nearby. Local shops, cafés, and farmers’ markets offer a relaxed way to enjoy the area, meet friendly folks, and discover handmade goods or fresh produce. If you’d like to go into town, we’re happy to give you a ride when we’re running errands.
  
  Back at home, there's space to relax with a good book, enjoy the garden, or take in a summer sunset with a cup of tea. You’ll have time to recharge and just be, surrounded by nature and kindness.
  
  A Quick Note
  We kindly ask that volunteers not smoke weed during their stay.
  
  You’ll Leave With Something That Stays
  
  Maybe it’s a new skill, a memory, or a different way of seeing the world. Maybe it’s a recipe, a story, or a feeling that you were truly part of something. Whatever it is, we hope you leave feeling like this was more than a place to visit. We hope it feels like you were part of a family, if only for a little while.
  
  If this sounds like the kind of summer you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk and see if our paths are meant to cross.
  
  P.S. We’ll gladly pick you up from the Antigonish bus stop. It’s a beautiful drive from Halifax or the airport, and no, we won’t make you walk the rest of the way.

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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

  Yes fiberoptic speed

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  Space for parking camper vans

  You can hook up into our power water is way on the other side but welcome to take shower in our home Check our previous guest video in their rv

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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