Come to County Down and help with my garden, house and furniture, Ireland

United Kingdom

Favourited 339 times

Host rating
Feedback
62
Last activity
10/08/2020
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 14 days
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Availability

2020

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Description
"This is the type of place where no one knows the time of the month, or what the gold standard is. The type of place where pedlars still come to...." My famous great great aunt once wrote.
My name is Louise and I live in a unique location - a farm which many visitors tell me is always an amazing and sometimes life changing place to visit. It could be the peaceful and tranquil setting in a rural valley in County Down, or it could be the special atmosphere created by my wonderful ancestors who lived in the house before I inherited it from my great aunt. Whatever the reason, I am asking you to be a part of my world. The house I have been restoring for 5 years and the 5 acre garden is always in need of some TLC. The help is varied and satisfying. I am a furniture maker/teacher but spend most of my time on the farm, in the garden or restoring the house and outbuildings.
Because of the variety of tasks, I am very sorry I can not take workaways that do not speak good english.
The closest town, Banbridge is 4 miles away and very easy to get to by bus from Belfast or Dublin.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
Cooking / shopping
General Maintenance
Farmstay
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Animal care
Helping with Tourists
Help with Computers / internet
Help
I have a lot of tasks that I would love to finish like: Planting out poly tunnel. Fencing and tidying up sheds. Ongoing - are keeping the house clean and tidy, firewood processing and tidying up the garden. Hedgerow regeneration.
I have old furniture that needs restoration (revitalising)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
In the house I have a room that is comfortable and warm!
What else ...
I live in a wee bit of paradise 30 minutes south of Belfast and 1 1/2 hours north of Dublin. Half an hour from the Mourne Mountains. If you are a writer, artist or photographer, this place would be ideal.
I am very busy so I would love someone that shows initiative and enthusiasm!
There are several bikes here to explore the countryside with.
I am mostly vegetarian.
It is very important to me that you know how to cook and clean up after yourself.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours day for 5 days of the week

Photos

I'm Hine's sister, Hori.

Hi. I'm Hine!

Snow time.

My new kitchen

Me with my friends children at the pond

Use to roll the tennis court! Tennis court now garden!

Show all photos

The pond

Saba dog.

Feedback left by and about host (62)

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)

07/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie & Jamie)

We had the privilege of having Jamie and Steph stay with us for 2 weeks, over a very busy and chaotic time. Every task they tackled, they did an amazing job.
They are full of initiative, great cooks, very capable, love animals and just got on with it. AND on top of that, they are a really lovely, special couple who I would have back to stay in a… read more

(Excellent )

04/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Stephanie & Jamie) for host

Lou and Sarah kindly welcomed us into their home for a couple of weeks. We had a fantastic stay and enjoyed meeting their family and friends. These ladies were very generous and gave us plenty of wonderful opportunities that we really appreciated. There was a great variety of work which was always made fun and enjoyable, also a well earned… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Victoria & Patrick) for host

We had a wonderful two week's stay at Louise and Sarah's not to forget Sabah and Tilly).
We learned so many new things and the ladies went out of their way to teach us new skills such as the unforgettable wood splitting and quad driving, to make us feel comfortable, to teach us about the history of this exceptional place and surroundings. Thanks… read more

(Excellent )

18/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Tina)

Tina fitted into the crew straight away. She absolutely was the ideal Workaway burying herself in the garden, every day creating beautiful spaces.
Every job she did was filled with love and kindness because that is whoTina is. She is full of positivity and kindness with bundles of initiative and appreciation . We all missed you after you left… read more

(Excellent )

18/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tina) for host

Thank you Louise and Sarah!
This is a refuge in the countryside. I had a great time working side by side with Louise, Sarah and other Workaway volunteers (Vicky and Patrick). This is a great opportunity to help this family. You will get back double what you give!

I learned so much about Ireland’s history. I was taught some useful new skills. I… read more

(Excellent )

19/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Fabio & Gian Marco)

Gian Marco and Fabio are the ultimate Workaway team. Both hard working, very capable and polite, respectful, adorable young men. And great cooks. I became very fond of them both.
They completed every task with care and no fuss doing more if necessary to finish the job. They helped chainsaw, strim, mow the lawns, walk the dogs, power hose the… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Fabio & Gian Marco) for host

I think this it was an fantastic experience, at Louise house's you have everithing you need for your needs. But most important you become a part of family! Sarah and Louise are a very hardworking people and they help you to improve your english if you need, and they don't ask you to do dangerous or too difficult jobs, they are very correct with… read more

(Excellent )

28/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Lisanne)

Lisanne stayed with me for a month in May. She was an absolute pleasure to have to stay from the moment she arrived. She is very motivated, a great cook, very independent and has fascinating stories to tell about her studies and work. The animals adored her too!

During her stay I had a crowd of 35 people visit the garden and house. Lisanne was a… read more

(Excellent )

15/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lisanne) for host

The house felt like a home away from home from day 1. I've stayed with Louise for a month and time went by way too fast! She's such a kind and generous woman and I'm grateful for the way she welcomed me into her home and her life. The house&garden are in a beautiful area, so if you stay here grab one of the bikes and cycle around!

The work was… read more

(Excellent )

09/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Tanya)

David and Tanya stayed for 5 weeks. We were so sad to see them go as they fitted in sooo well. They were great communicators, fantastic workers and Tanya is an amazing chef.
I could rely on them 110% as they are very reliable and honest people completing more than was required each day.
We (pigs, dogs and humans!) would welcome them back in a… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (David & Tanya) for host

PERFECT. It’s not very often that you undertake a Workaway and everything is spot on. Louise and this place was. Louise was an amazing host, friendly, generous and entertaining. We felt comfortable and welcomed from day one. The House is beautiful and the garden is a delight to work in. There is lots of work to do but Louise is very flexible with… read more

(Excellent )

24/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jack & Peta)

Peta and Jack first stayed with me in February 2017 and then returned for 6 weeks in August and I was delighted. I had sooooo much fun with them. We laughed and laughed. They are full of appreciation, positivity and fun. I truly miss them. Jack and Peta are a wonderful couple, very mature and reliable for their age. They are very laid back but… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Jack & Peta) for host

We stayed with Louise for almost a month and it was truely amazing. We found Louise to be a very inspiring and genuine person, who always showed full appreciation for all the efforts we put in each day. She is greatly welcoming and we felt like family from the moment we arrived. The work was very enjoyable and always varied from day to day. We… read more

(Excellent )

13/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host

I stayed at Louise's place for about two weeks and had a superb time! Louise is a great host and I look back at wonderful times filled with laughter, fun and good conversations.
The work I did included strimming the garden, get some firewood and give a helping hand wherever it was needed. The working times were well structured and fair.
Her two… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)

Martin stayed with me for 2 weeks in September. His initial communication was excellent and his english is very good.
I will just start by saying Martin would be welcome back ANYTIME. He is such a great guy, real fun to be around and 110% reliable. On top of that he was a brilliant worker. He helped in the garden strimming, in the house cleaning… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ana)

Ana was faaantaaastic to have as a workaway. She was incredibly diligent helping out whenever and wherever she possibly could. An amazing cook and wonderful at keeping the house clean, Ana was an absolute joy to have stay.
I would totally recommend Ana. And Ana, if youre back in the area, you are always very welcome.
Thanks hugely
love and… read more

(Excellent )

28/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ana) for host

I spent three wonderful weeks at Louise's place. She's a fantastic host and a lovely woman. The house is beautiful and the garden is absolutely gorgeous! She has two cute, well behaved dogs that I'm sure going to miss.
Louise is a super sweet, friendly, welcoming, generous and understanding woman who will make you feel at home. She's also a great… read more

(Excellent )

18/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Rose)

Rose was so dependable and reliable, always up for a task. Faaantastic at keeping the fire going and brilliant making sure the wee piglets had a lovely clean house with lots of straw to nest in. I know they miss you, especially our wee Percy!
Thanks Rose for everything. And of course you are always welcome back. xx

(Excellent )

15/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rose) for host

I've just left this host this morning, and I already miss the beautiful place! Louise is a wonderful host, she made me feel entirely welcome and at home right from the start. After settling in the work was fairly simple, mostly just doing what needs doing, like firewood splitting and stacking, feeding the pigs, mucking out and redressing in their… read more

(Excellent )

11/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Lea)

Lea was wonderful to have here. She was such an enthusiastic and hard worker totally showing initiative to cook or clean or help in what ever way she could. She's a great cook and so so easy to have to stay. Thank you Lea for EVERYTHING.
xxx from us all :)

(Excellent )

18/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host

My stay with Louise way most enjoyable. Work is varied and not hard. The house and the garden are just amazing, it's a beautiful place to stay.
Louise is a very kind, positive and energetic person. She always had stories about Northern Ireland and her family to share, which was very interesting.
Saba and Tilly the two dogs are just adorable.… read more

(Excellent )

11/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Tara)

Tara made me laugh and laugh and laugh. She is very content with just being and taking on what ever needs to be done at the time. She is so low maintenance and this made my life very easy.
Always up for a laugh and willing to help wherever needed.
Thanks Tara, we ALL miss you so much. xx

(Excellent )

14/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Tara) for host

I wish there was a rating above EXCELLENT! Superb, maybe?! 10 stars instead of just 4?!

I stayed with Louise for 2 wonderful and enchanting months! She is so warm and welcoming and took me in and made me feel at home instantly! She's such a beautiful and inspiring woman, I am so lucky to have experienced my time with her at her incredible… read more

(Excellent )

06/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (prati)

Sebastian is a very special, hard working guy. He is so motivated and hard working I did not want him to leave. ):
On top of that he is a great cook, really friendly, has good english, always looking for a job, very motivated and very skilled at lots of things. He was such a pleasure to have in my home, I really found it hard to say… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (prati) for host

this was my first workaway experience and first trip to ireland. thank you louise, you are just amazing! work vas varied, light and not difficult, place fantastic, host more then fantastic :)
i could feel at home from the first second, the warmth and the positive energy of the place and people are unique. i came back home yesterday but miss you… read more

(Excellent )

06/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Erica)

Erica is full of life experiences and so knowledgable about many many things. So, she was very helpful indeed taking great care of the animals, working away at hedgerow weeding and many more tasks.
I thoroughly enjoyed having here around the place. I would trust her with my life!! and hope that you will return one day Erica. Thank you so so much… read more

(Excellent )

08/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Erica) for host

This was my first Workaway experience and after an initial three and a half weeks in July / August, I returned for the last ten days of September. Thank you, Louise! As others say, the work is varied and not difficult, the setting beautiful, the host great. Louise has thoughtfully restored the house with much hard work, welcomes people into her… read more

(Excellent )

19/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Franziska)

Right from the start of our communication I knew I would get on with Fran. And so it was for a month we laughed and laughed, did huge amounts of gardening, ate good food and chatted lots. Fran is so reliable, so honest, a great communicator and very attentive. I did not want to say goodbye. :-(
Every day she looked after the pigs, took the dogs… read more

(Excellent )

17/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Franziska) for host

I had a marvelous month with Louise, the piggies, the dogs and of course with the other workaways who stayed there during my visit. The work varied and was a nice workout sometimes but I learned a lot and it wasn't difficult at all. I always enjoyed our tea breaks, lunch and dinners - just fabulous and pretty yummy! I met wonderful people and saw… read more

(Excellent )

17/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Alejandra)

Ale fitted in straight away at a time I had 3 other WA's here. It was busy!
Ali was hard working, easy to get along with and is a very capable person. She got along really well with the others and was always willing to help out.
I would totally recommend her. She is considerate and very trustworthy.
Thanks so much Ale xx

(Excellent )

18/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Alejandra) for host

I had a great experience, this place is heaven.

Totalmente lo recomiendo, pase una hermosa semana, el trabajo en el jardín es relajante, la comida siempre buena y tiene un jardín padrísimo si en tu tiempo libre quieres estar ahí, también la convivencia es muy buena y Louis Is a great host!!!

Los period son lo Maximo !!!!
Saludos
I remember… read more

(Excellent )

17/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Amanda )

Jonathan and Amanda are a great team and real good fun. From the moment they arrived I thoroughly enjoyed their company.
They were both very considerate and respectful of my space and really hard working. They leapt into projects full of enthusiasm and with a commitment to finish. Amanda is a fantastic cook and was always willing to help out in… read more

(Excellent )

14/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Amanda ) for host

We stayed with Louise for a few weeks this summer and had such a lovely experience. The place itself is a beautiful escape. We enjoyed walking in the gardens, drinking tea in the kitchen and the wonderful conversation and company. Louise is a friendly person filled with fun stories and laughs, as well as the many new friends she introduced us… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2015

Left by Workawayer (Fernando) for host

Louisse is a hardworking, generous, humble, helpful and woman offers it all. The days I spent with her and her family were great. Feeding pigs, painting and helping in his garden. If pensais go to Ireland I recommend this experience. Thanks Louisse.

(Excellent )

01/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jag)

There are many things about Jags I could rave about,. But the few that I am going to mention are her fantastic cooking, incredible efficiency , brilliant office skills, and most importantly her great sense of humour. She made me laugh and laugh and laugh some more. I really missed her after she left. She was an incredible asset around the place… read more

(Excellent )

28/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jag) for host

Oh two weeks is just not enough time to spend with Louise, Saba, little piglets and their greedy cow mother, Hori!!!! It gives me immense pleasure to share with you my experience staying with Louise. She is a wonderful woman whose ideas of life rhyme along the line of laughing, giggling, smiling and enjoying. As a host, she is welcoming, caring… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Elena)

Elena was everything I wish for in a workaway...great discussions, good English, funny , excellent cook, respectful and a hard worker.
I really enjoyed having her in my home and would have her back in a flash. Thanks Elena xx

(Excellent )

06/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Elena) for host

It was my first workaway experience and I am really grateful, that I could work and stay at Louises place! In the 10 days I stayed I could learn a lot about gardening and animal care. Every day was different and diversified, I also helped her cleaning the house and preparing the guestroom. I really really enjoy the stay, Louise you are such a… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Fabien & Antoine)

Fabian and Antionne are young, fit and funny. They really worked hard helping with a hedgerow regeneration and many more tasks. They're keen workers who showed respect and appreciation, very honest and so helpful.
Thanks so much guys and no, have not yet finished breaking Bad! Don't tell me..... Xx

(Excellent )

18/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Fabien & Antoine) for host

We stayed with louise during three weeks and really we enjoyed every minutes of it. We are like home with Louise and Saba, the house is really wonderful ! We appreciated to work for you because we were in a very good condition of work.
We hope to see you another time. We can definitely recommend a workaway experience with Louise.
(Ps: Tell us… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marlen & Robert)

Marlen and Robert where not only great company, they were fantastic cooks and brilliant workers. I could rely on them 100% for getting the job done properly. They had showed initiative, always thinking ahead about how they could help.
I would totally recommend them and hope one day they return.

(Excellent )

08/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Marlen & Robert) for host

We stayed with Louise and her lovely dog Saba for two weeks and after six months travelling we can definitely say, it was the best workaway experience we've ever had! From the very beginning we arrived, we felt like coming home, because Louise welcomed us with great kindness and fabulous hospitality. We are truly grateful for al her warmth and… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marianne)

Marianne was such a kind and genuine person who worked away getting lots of jobs ticked off the list. She made a dramatic difference to my home painting the gates and some windows too.
Marianne, you will always be welcome back xx

(Excellent )

21/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Marianne) for host

In September, I was for 3 weeks at Louise. It was for me the first Workaway experience.
It was a beautiful and fantastic time at Louise. It was super, I could meet so lots nice friends of Louise. The dog Saba and the pigs are so sweet and relaxed. The best I liked the work in the garden and Polytunnel. Thank you so much, I was so happy.

(Excellent )

30/10/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Joy)

Joy has a great variety of skills that she can offer. She helped with painting and prep work, tidying some sheds, tidying and cleaning up some rooms and putting into the rooms her wonderful vibrant energy.
Joy is full of energy and was really into making the most of her stay here.
I really appreciated she could cook and she whipped up some… read more

(Excellent )

28/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Joy) for host

I stayed with Lou for three weeks during the Indian summer of late September. Excited to be staying with a Kiwi host in this part of the world, I think we had that Kiwi's far from home connection and were able to relate easily because of this and the kind of people we are. The beautiful garden setting, the love and restoration that has gone into… read more

(Excellent )

04/09/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Yolanda)

Yolanda stayed with me for 3 weeks. In that time we achieved a lot. She helped clear a big section of the garden where trees had fallen, fuelling a big fire to weeding in the polytunnel and sanding outbuilding windows and gates. Plus much more.
Yolanda was an absolute treat with a magnificent smile and a singing voice to match. She fitted in so… read more

(Excellent )

01/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Yolanda) for host

My experience has been wonderful and I am sure I will never forget it. Louise and all the friends I met there have been always so nice and kind with me. I had so much fun with them and with all the animals at the house. I felt at home since the minute I arrived there. I had the chance to visit lots of interesting places in my free time. Work can… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Amandine & Beatriz) for host

It was great to stay with Louise during 3 weeks. Even if you are far from village walking, the nature and the house are amazing! We slept very well and ate good food. The work was different each day so it was a pleasure to do it. And the most important was that Louise was very kind with us and she had great details. We went to the sea and had very… read more

(Excellent )

25/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)

Marco is a very genuine, 100% special guy with a great heart.
He was very trustworthy with equipment and machinery and worked really hard and sometimes it was hard! He got on very well with the other workaways and worked brilliantly as a team.
I thoroughly enjoyed having Marco stay. He made us all laugh, the pigs included! We all miss him.

(Excellent )

15/05/2014

Left by Workawayer (Marco) for host

This house is a very wonderful place for live the life in peace and enjoy a really good workaway experience. Sometimes the work is very hard, but also good for train your body and your spirit.
Louise is a very kind person, and in really few times a workawayer becomes a good member of the family composed also by the wonderful Saba dog and the funny… read more

(Excellent )

07/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicci)

(No show)

31/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Paco & Marta)

Marta and Paco stayed with me for 4 weeks. We achieved so much in that time from weeding 5100 trees in bogland to planting 1000 hedgerow plants in 1 day for the all Ireland planting of 1 million trees in a day charity.
Marta and Paco are charming and great fun. They are great cooks, very reliable and very keen to give everything a go. They are… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2014

Left by Workawayer (Paco & Marta) for host

Work with Louise and her farm is more than a experience. It is a small paradise where you can learn more than you expect. In one month we worked in the field, spent lovely times in the kitchen, walk trought the lands, drinking the best beers that you can never imagine... But the best of our experience was Louise and her animal family. Thanks… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Austin & Shirlee)

Austen and Shirlee fitted in so well. Very keen to give everything a go from wood splitting and stacking to hedgerow regeneration. The weather was miserable at times but they soldiered on! I loved that they always clarified a task so they knew exactly what to do and always did it fabulously!
Austen and Shirlee are a lovely couple. They were so… read more

(Excellent )

10/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Austin & Shirlee) for host

We stayed with Louise a total of two weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. From the beginning of our stay she was welcoming and even gave us a tour of Belfast giving us many history lessons. Her home is incredible and full of history. She is an amazing cook and is so fun to be around. We would highly recommend her to anyone who is eager to be in… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Amélie)

Amelie was brilliant to have around. Although she was unconfident with her english she was very perceptive and very willing to put 100% into everything she did.
She is a great artist, very independent and has a great heart. Saba misses stealing her socks every morning!!

(Excellent )

11/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Amélie) for host

I have to thank Louise for my first experience in work away and in an English speaking country! I could taste the pleasure of sharing and discovery! I have not been very very talkative but I hope to have spoke a smile that Louise and its universe put me on the lips!

Think you soo much to Louise, Sarah, Saba, Hine, Honi, « chickchik » , garden… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Noah)

Noah was excellent at getting on with the task at hand and keen to pitch in with everything. He is a lovely guy, really respectful and totally honest and trustworthy.
Good luck with your travels Noah.

(Excellent )

10/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Noah) for host

I had an wonderful time living and working for Louise. She has amazing stories and insight on Northern Ireland and from her world travels.

(Excellent )

14/02/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Makiko)

Makiko arrived during our New Year celebrations. She fitted in so well always looking for a job. She did great work clearing leaves, clearing front of house garden and her cooking was absolutely delicous. She got on with everyone socially and was quite the hit with all who visited.
Thanks Makiko

(Excellent )

03/02/2014

Left by Workawayer (Makiko) for host

The house was in a beautiful place with a huge back garden. I could smell history in every corner in and out.
The host and her sister, neighbour and friends were very nice, it was a pleasure sharing time with them.
Work was basic maintenance/organize places depending on the days conditions. we cleaned the drain of the avenue and a… read more

(Excellent )

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