Natural building, house renovation and permaculture forest garden project towards self sufficiency in Åmotfors, Sweden

Sweden

updated

Favourited 391 times

Host rating
Feedback
23
Last activity
29/10/2020
Reply rate
91.3 %
Average reply time:
within 6 days
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Map

Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description
I am Nathan. I am a young guy from Scotland and I live in Sweden. Living here with me is my partner Sophie, from Germany. After 2 years of volunteering around Europe I have decided to settle in the beautiful county of Värmland, Sweden, near the town Åmotfors. In October 2017 I bought a property with one hectare of land and a house. The dream in the long run is to plant a forest garden of perennial food plants. My passion is for wild edible plants, natural building and self sufficiency. I also like to play music, woodwork, primitive living skills, and many other creative outlets. I like to be active by walking, running, cycling, kayaking and climbing. I live an alternative, simple and fulfilling lifestyle and consider myself a freegan, trying to source locally, reclaim and make stuff instead of buying it. I enjoy dumpsterdiving. The project is really from the roots and up. When I first moved in I had nothing and now Ive been having fun making it all. I hope to inspire and to teach and that others will join me on this satisfying journey. No previous experience required.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Language practice
Art Projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will get to experience an alternative way of live which is close to the earth, simple and satisfying. You will learn many crafts and skills about how an off-grid lifestyle works on a practical level. A lot about housebuilding and the tasty wild plants that grow around us. You will get to think out of the box to solve problems. I hope that I can inspire you on your own journey! The beautiful Swedish nature is right on the doorstep, with an abundance of berries and mushrooms and other yummies. Endless forests to explore by foot and by bike and a lake close by with quiet beaches to relax, swim, and fish. There is a bus stop very close with access to towns.
Help
For 2020 I need help starting on the forest garden by laying mulching beds and keeping a tree nursery. Growing vegetables. I am also renovating the house. Which includes building a rocket mass heater, making furniture, painting and artistic decoration. And building a sauna.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Sami: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
Accommodation
There are two guest bedrooms available. Internet is available but limited. There is a sauna and shower. Bathing in the lakes is great in the warmth of summer. Please bring fully biodegradable hygiene products. I can provide toothpowder and soap. And as mentioned above, the food we eat is rescued.
What else ...
Transport to and from my place goes regularly. But not on Sundays. The bus line is 100 and the stop is called Dalen, which doesn't feature on the timetable but its between Fiskevik and Åmotfors.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly acccept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

Nearby lake

The hosts Nathan and Sophie

Everything man-made in Sweden is red and white

Living room

Show all photos

The varanda

Hobbit house I built in Scotland

The local lake has beautiful and quiet places to relax

Newly planted Gunnera by the pond

Rhubarb and part of the site of the future forest garden. The land is overgrown. Its half way there already!

Rocket stove coffee cooker. Very effective!

Feedback left by and about host (23)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)

Cultural exchange:
(4.6)

Communication:
(4.8)

29/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Matthias) for host

I spent 2 weeks at Nathan's place. It was my first Workaway but so wonderful, Nathan knows so many craft things and sustainable ways to live. I learned many things and he opened my mind to an other way of living, close to the earth and far away from the consumption society. We spoke a lot about renewable energy and ways to save our beautiful… read more

(Excellent )

10/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Marco) for host

Nathan and Sophie are two incredible people, I spent a month with my dog at their place and from the very first moment they made me feel like I was at the home of 2 friends. They have always been very kind with me and they loved my dog, they helped me a lot and it has been only a great pleasure to stay with them and help them build their dream in… read more

(Excellent )

13/09/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)

Marco came here with his dog Sköll and it was great having them! Marco is a really fun and sociable guy that learns quickly and that you can trust with many tasks. His dog Sköll is the nicest dog we have ever met, she listens very well and was a pleasure to have around. She is very well socialized and didn't mind waiting until Marco was done… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Lars)

Having Lars as a volunteer is all we could have ever wished for...
He came with his van McMurphy and was very eager to help with whatever he could. He adapted to our lifestyle without any problems and was very interested in the projects. He was motivated and didn't mind any physical work nor frustrating troubleshooting.
His positive and calm… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Lars) for host

Where should I start? I spent 3 weeks at Nathan's place and it felt like staying with old friends to me really quickly. Nathan and Sophie are lovely people who have inspiring views on the world and a great DIY attitude. It was refreshing to meet someone who actually ditched consumerism instead of just rambling about how bad it is. It is a brave… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)

Robert spent almost a month at our place and helped us a lot. He is a very fun guy with a lot of knowledge in History, Politics, fishing, (and good Spotify playlists) and a lot more and surely you'll be able to learn something from him. By now he is a master painter. He was very open and adapted to our lifestyle and didn't mind any physical work… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Ernesto)

We had a great three weeks with Ernesto. He is hardworking and very motivated to learn and help. His good mood and humorous character made him fun to be around. Ernesto is very skillful and able to handle responsibility. We had good conversations and are very thankful for his help!
We are looking forward to seeing you again and wish you all the… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Ernesto) for host

I really enjoyed the three weeks I spent here. Nathan and Sophie are very kind and welcoming people, and we had a lot of fun together. The work isn't too hard and there is plenty of free time to explore the surroundings. The forests in this area are a pleasure to explore, and there is a lake close by where we often went to swim.
Of course, don't… read more

(Excellent )

20/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan)

Dear Andy, it was an honor that you chose us for your first travel!
You are a very kindhearted person that we really enjoyed connecting with. Seeing you becoming more comfortable here everyday and laughing with you filled me with joy! You were very motivated and eager to learn and really just great to work with. Also your cooking skills are great!… read more

(Excellent )

13/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Dylan) for host

Visiting Nathan was my first time going to Sweden, as well as my first time traveling alone, and he helped me a lot to plan my journey the best I could. Nathan, thanks one more time for welcoming me so warmly to your place, I really enjoyed my stay and I'm happy I could join you for this time and try a new way of doing things. It was a short stay… read more

(Excellent )

02/07/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia & Lorenz)

Sophia and Lorenz stayed for a week and we did use the time well. They were hardworking and very eager to learn, get inspiration and help us, thank you guys! :) It felt like having friends over, talking and laughing about all kinds of things in the evening. We are happy to have been part of your journey and can`t wait to see what`s in store for… read more

(Excellent )

14/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Sophia & Lorenz) for host

We stayed 1 week with Nathan and Sophie at their amazing house with its big wild garden (most beautiful construction site all over sweden) ;) we helped with repairing the concrete basement of the house, plants in the garden and saving food from the supermarket. Nathan made sure that we are feeling welcomed the whole time and that we had everything… read more

(Excellent )

25/05/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Romain)

Romain is a super friendly guy that is fun to be around. He helped us a lot here with his motivated attitude and persistent strength. For this we are very thankful. He is no stranger to travel and has lots of funny and inspirational stories. Sophie and I wish him a wild and crazy adventure in Lappland and with his film making path. Keep troopin'!

(Excellent )

24/05/2020

Left by Workawayer (Romain) for host

I stayed there almost a month, during march/april, it was my first workaway experience and i really apreciate it.
Spring was coming slowly slowly.
I felt i was very welcome there and also a great help, i found my place there really quickly.
Mostly i was helping to build a sauna, making some fire wood, and making a path, it was really good, and the… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2020

Left by Workawayer (Victoria) for host

Nathan and Sophie: chapeau! I admire your integrity, how you bravely put in action all the knowledge you have about self sustainability. I am grateful to have had the opportunity of helping you with the house reparations and the forest garden during the three weeks I was there. I did learn a lot and had the chance to do different tasks so I got a… read more

(Good )

03/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Christoph) for host

It was really nice staying with Nathan. It felt more like an adventure holiday with his wild garden and the the house where is still so much to do. But I saw a lot of the renovations being done there this summer and I'm glad I could have been of help with that. I really enjoyed that time. Nathans a cool guy and his place attracted a lot of other… read more

(Excellent )

11/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Christoph)

Christoph was a core member of a dynamic team, we saw the summer come and go together. People too. We had a lot of fun, and a lot of good memories. He is a wealth of knowledge, skilful with all kinds of woodwork and carpentry, funny and communicative. Enjoy the next adventure!

(Excellent )

15/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Roschan & Sebastian) for host

Nathan is great company and the way he sees the world and his DIY attitude are really inspiring. It was fun to help him renovate the house, prepare meals together or hanging out it the evenings, where we listened to music and had interesting discussions. He even took us to visit some of his friends which was great fun.
We‘re excited to see how the… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Maia & Jonathan)

Maia and Juli are fun people and I really valued their help and company. They are knowledgeable, skilled, communicative and dedicated helpers. Not only that, but we have some great memories. All the best girls, I hope we meet again!

(Excellent )

23/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannes)

Hannes and I reunited after volunteering together 2 years ago. It was great to see that hes still going strong on his travels. He is helpful and hardworking, intelligent and questioning and we have great conversations!
All the best, mate!

(Excellent )

21/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Hannes) for host

Nathan is an inspiring mindful individual whom i'm happy to have met on my travels. He was a volunteer with workaway himself not long ago so he knows what's important to make you feel welcomed and comfortable.

Staying at Nathans will make you experience an alternative way of living and enlarge your horizon. He provokes thoughts and lives up to… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sara ) for host

The week I stayed with Nathan was really beautiful. His property is a very natural ecosystem, the room is super cozy, the porch and our music sessions were just perfect!! It is all about allowing nature to do its work, be immersed. I´ve discovered the joy of cutting wood, picking black currant, swimming everyday in the stunning lake and learning… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sara )

Sara and I had great fun during her stay with me. She is a positive and forward thinking, whose energy rubs off on those around. She is dedicated to a project and has many smart ideas. Communication was great the whole time which allowed for a really good flow of understanding and compelling conversations. Come again Sara!

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 757372817984

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