Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
1 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We are a newly retired English couple who want to live a more sustainable, close to nature, eco lifestyle. We have a beautiful old Andalusian farm house on the outskirts of Orgiva but within walking distance of town. We have been renovating the house for the last 5 years and pretty much finished it now.
We have less than one acre of land with 40 olive trees and a wide variety of other fruit and nut trees. We also have a vegetable patch, wild flower area, wildlife pond, swimming pool, and several terraces. We try to maintain the land organically, using permaculture principles and garden in line with the moon cycles.
There is also the option of helping with our 2 grandsons (Louie 4 and Luca 2) who live nearby and visit regularly.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Self development
Movies & TV
Music
DIY & crafts
Photography
Gardening
Carpentry
Astronomy
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Sailing / Boating
Mountain
Beach
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Orgiva is an alternative, multi-cultural community located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains (the Alpujarras).
We enjoy meeting new people, sharing and learning for mutual benefit. By staying here, we hope you will learn together with us more about permaculture principles and how to live off-grid.
Help
We would do tasks together on the land, doing whatever projects are ongoing at the time of your stay. Each morning we would look at what needs doing and give you options (wherever possible) on what you would like to get involved with, as we want you to enjoy your time with us.
This could include:
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening using permaculture principles
Watering and Irrigating the land
Food preserving
Pool maintenance
DIY and painting
Preparing family meals
IT support
Child care
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We are both trying hard to learn Spanish and can engage in basic conversations
Accommodation
We have a double room and a twin room, pictures attached.
We would provide your food on your work days and in addition to your 4 hours work on the land, we ask that you get involved in all mealtimes. We either all prepare, cook and clean up together, or we share tasks and take turns.
But on your days off we ask that you provide your own food for your main meals. You are welcome to use the facilities and cook for yourself, or enjoy days out!
Please note this could also be time off for us and we like to have days out and eat out sometimes.
What else ...
We are situated 20 minutes walk from Orgiva town where there are many bars, shops, restaurants, a large variety of wellness classes, activities and community groups.
There are plenty of walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities in the beautiful surroundings of Orgiva.
We are 1 hour from the vibrant, historic city of Granada with regular buses to/from the city.
There are also buses up into the pretty white mountain villages of the Alpujarras.
The beach is 40 mins away by car but currently no public transport unfortunately.
We are mainly vegetarian though we do also eat fish sometimes.
We have four outdoor cats!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a patch of land, where you can park a large campervan, which is next to the vegetable garden and wildlife pond. You would have use of a basic outdoor kitchen, compost toilet, shower, washing machine, electricity for charging etc, swimming pool (when in season), food from the garden when available and a plot to grow your own vegetables (for longer term workawayers). This would be in exchange for 2 hours work a day per person, 5 days a week.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 769276268316
Feedback (21)
16 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anina & Kevin) for host
Phil and Michelle are such kind and lovely people, and arriving at their place felt like a big hug. They were incredibly welcoming and had taken the time to make sure everything was nice for our arrival. This thoughtfulness was much appreciated and created a great first impression for a wonderful workaway experience. We loved it so much that we… read more
14 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Anina & Kevin)
We were ‘extremely’ lucky to find Anina and Kevin, and have them stay with us for 2.5 months. Two months workawaying and then two weeks house sitting. They achieved several projects on the land for us, completing every job thoroughly and with attention to detail. We now have a really long beautiful bamboo fence which they designed and created.… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachael)
We have known Rachael (Rache) for a long time. She has house-sat for us on several occasions and also stayed with us as a workawayer. She is totally trustworthy, conscientious, and a hard worker. She can work independently and has a lot of experience and knowledge with gardening, and also looking after children and animals. Rache has a bubbly… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
We had contacted Anna at a particularly busy time to help look after our two grandsons, as my daughter and family were preparing to move house. We certainly made a good choice as Anna is exactly what we were looking for. A natural with the children, easy going and adaptable, happy with any task we gave her including gardening and helping around… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to spend just over two weeks with Michelle and Phil! It was an absolutely amazing experience that will alway stay with me. Michelle and Phil are wonderful hosts, they are kind, open-minded and thoughtful.They ensured I felt welcomed and included in local activities, such as the walking tour and cultural… read more
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:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
16 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Anina & Kevin) for host
Phil and Michelle are such kind and lovely people, and arriving at their place felt like a big hug. They were incredibly welcoming and had taken the time to make sure everything was nice for our arrival. This thoughtfulness was much appreciated and created a great first impression for a wonderful workaway experience. We loved it so much that we… read more
14 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Anina & Kevin)
We were ‘extremely’ lucky to find Anina and Kevin, and have them stay with us for 2.5 months. Two months workawaying and then two weeks house sitting. They achieved several projects on the land for us, completing every job thoroughly and with attention to detail. We now have a really long beautiful bamboo fence which they designed and created.… read more
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachael)
We have known Rachael (Rache) for a long time. She has house-sat for us on several occasions and also stayed with us as a workawayer. She is totally trustworthy, conscientious, and a hard worker. She can work independently and has a lot of experience and knowledge with gardening, and also looking after children and animals. Rache has a bubbly… read more
(Excellent)
16 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
We had contacted Anna at a particularly busy time to help look after our two grandsons, as my daughter and family were preparing to move house. We certainly made a good choice as Anna is exactly what we were looking for. A natural with the children, easy going and adaptable, happy with any task we gave her including gardening and helping around… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to spend just over two weeks with Michelle and Phil! It was an absolutely amazing experience that will alway stay with me. Michelle and Phil are wonderful hosts, they are kind, open-minded and thoughtful.They ensured I felt welcomed and included in local activities, such as the walking tour and cultural… read more
25 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie is a delightful, fun person to have around. She brings bags of enthusiasm and is happy to work on her own with little supervision. We did lots of things together besides working, such as cooking delicious meals, hiking in the hills and socialising in town. We have kept in touch with Sophie since she left us and hope that she will come back… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
I had a wonderful time at Phil and Michelle's! They are really kind and helpful people and I instantly felt at home with them. I stayed with them for two weeks when I first moved to Orgiva, and am very grateful for our lasting connection. They are passionate about permaculture, and are enthusiastic to share their knowledge, explaining tasks… read more
24 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Eugenio & Rebecca)
Rebecca and Eugenio stayed with us for 2 weeks. They both worked very hard and are quick learners, enthusiastic and thorough workers. They made a big difference in various areas of the garden. We couldn’t be happier with what they achieved during the two weeks with us. They are clean, tidy and helpful and we had lots of interesting conversations.… read more
(Excellent)
22 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Eugenio & Rebecca) for host
We had a very memorable and enjoyable 2 weeks with Michelle and Phil. They made us feel so welcome and a part of their home during our stay, which made us feel very relaxed and immediately at ease.
The work was mainly in the garden, which is based on a permaculture model so we learned new skills in regards to this. We did tasks such as picking… read more
The work was mainly in the garden, which is based on a permaculture model so we learned new skills in regards to this. We did tasks such as picking… read more
5 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Liam) for host
I stayed with Phil and Michelle for just under a week and had a great experience. Phil and Michelle are excellent hosts. They are kind, thoughtful and hospitable, especially given the circumstances I found myself in.
The meals we shared were delicious and the house itself is lovely. The garden was my favourite part of the Cortijo - a really… read more
The meals we shared were delicious and the house itself is lovely. The garden was my favourite part of the Cortijo - a really… read more
24 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Liam)
We were very pleased to have Liam stay with us for a week and help in the garden, it was a shame it couldn’t have been longer. Liam is a polite, thoughtful young man who fitted in well with us and our other Workawayer. He worked well on the tasks given to him, weeding, pruning, fixing fencing, digging holes, chipping wood and tidying the wood… read more
(Excellent)
3 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Helene)
Helene stayed with us for about two weeks and we found her to be a considerate person who worked well on the tasks given to her. We like to share the cooking and Helene cooked us some lovely meals along with another workerawayer. In the garden she followed instructions and worked well. She regularly did weeding, planting, turning the compost and… read more
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Helene) for host
Phil and Michelle were the first host family were I was. They were very nice, helpful (whether for general questions or arrival) and very open minded.
Thank you for this time. Especially I liked the hiking trips to the mountains. Both of them showed us a lot of the surroundings and took us to the markets.
Regarding work, we were always able to… read more
Thank you for this time. Especially I liked the hiking trips to the mountains. Both of them showed us a lot of the surroundings and took us to the markets.
Regarding work, we were always able to… read more
25 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Luzie)
Luzie stayed with us for about two weeks and we found her to be a thoughtful considerate person who worked well on all the tasks given to her. Without being asked she would get up early and prepare breakfast for the group of us (family and workawayers). Which was always much appreciated. We like to share the cooking and Luzie cooked us some lovely… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luzie) for host
Phil and Michelle made the start of our trip so easy. Even though you hosted quite some workawayers already, we didn’t feel like ‘just the next one’ at all. Thank you, for the hiking adventures we experienced with you and the other trips such as going to the local flewmarket or the olive mill. When it comes to jobs, Phil and Michelle give you the… read more
14 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mai) for host
I have been with Phil and Michelle for just over a month and would like to give them my highest recommendations. You can be sure that they will do everything possible to give you the best experience before, during and after your stay. If you want to see and experience Orgiva and the surrounding area, you can also be sure that you will be invited… read more
23 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mai)
Mai was known to us from a permaculture course that we did together in Orgiva last January. When she asked to volunteer with us here for a few weeks, we agreed straight away. Our high expectations for Mai have been more than fulfilled. She works diligently in the garden often without us needing to say what needs to be done and she brings a lot of… read more
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Elisa) for host
I stayed with Michelle and Phil for 2 weeks during September.
My experience with them was amazing! I really enjoyed the tasks in the garden and in the kitchen. I worked with another girl, with whom I really got along! We prepared the soil and planted differents vegetables for the winter, did daily tasks in the garden, helped with the meals,… read more
My experience with them was amazing! I really enjoyed the tasks in the garden and in the kitchen. I worked with another girl, with whom I really got along! We prepared the soil and planted differents vegetables for the winter, did daily tasks in the garden, helped with the meals,… read more
5 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Elisa)
Elisa stayed with us for nearly 2 weeks and very much became part of our family during this time. She is a lovely, bubbly girl, caring and considerate, who worked hard in the garden and helped around the house. She helped prepare meals and clear up afterwards without being asked and bonded very well with another workaway girl we had staying at the… read more
(Excellent)
17 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Moira & John) for host
First of all a big thank you for trusting us with your home and land. it was a such a pleasure! the communication was excellent as was the thorough handover we had in those days we overlapped on the property. We felt supported at all times! Michelle and Phil are lovely people who have now become friends and although we were not there with them, we… read more
15 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Moira & John)
John and Moira looked after our Cortijo with nearly an acre of land in Orgiva Spain for over a month this summer. They were truly amazing and did far more than was asked of them. Not only did they keep the house spotless, the pool crystal clear and regularly weeded and watered all the vegetables and trees, and looked after our two cats, but they… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Adele) for host
Michelle and Phil are wonderful hosts. They are both kind and caring and go above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay. They had other family members staying at the time of my stay and they also welcomed me with open arms into their family. Their profile is accurate and what you read is what you receive. I really felt included in… read more
5 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Adele)
Adele was a hardworking, vivacious and funny girl, who became part of our family during the 2 weeks she stayed with us. She mainly worked in the garden but also painted a large part of our new bathroom with a lot of care and attention. She also worked well with our other Workawayer and together they helped prepare meals and clear up afterwards. We… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (LUCREZIA FATIMA) for host
Until i was organize the travel, Michelle and Phil was very kind, they was avaiable for answer to all my questions and, without asking, they help me a lot for organizing the journey by the airport yo their house, and they also pick up me in the bus stop so i didn't walk with the luggages.
I spend three weeks in their amazing house in which there… read more
I spend three weeks in their amazing house in which there… read more
29 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (LUCREZIA FATIMA)
Lucrezia stayed with us for nearly 3 weeks and also stayed with my daughter and family for a week. She was very conscientious, hard working and willing to learn. She did lots of work in the garden, weeding, turning and bagging up the compost, painting gate posts. Many afternoons she entertained our 2 year old grandson and is amazing at cleaning,… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nao) for host
Michelle and Phil made my first workaway experience amazing. I was nervous on the bus on the way to Ólgiva because it was all new to me, but I didn't need to be nervous because they they treated me as part of the family:) We ate three meals together(vegetables harvested from the home garden were very tasty), played pool and table tennis after work… read more
29 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nao)
Nao stayed with us for two weeks, she was conscientious, hard working and willing to learn. She did lots of work in the garden, weeding, turning and bagging up the compost, and painting the gate posts. Nao spent many afternoons entertaining our 2 year old grandson and got on well with the other Work Awayer staying with us at the same time. We… read more
(Very good)
9 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma Sophie) for host
I spent 4 weeks with Michelle and Phil in March and can only say THANK YOU! It was my first workaway and one of the best experiences of my life.
I felt comfortable and welcome here from the very beginning. Here I not only worked with Michelle and Phil, but also lived with them. For a month, I became part of their wonderful family, and for that I… read more
I felt comfortable and welcome here from the very beginning. Here I not only worked with Michelle and Phil, but also lived with them. For a month, I became part of their wonderful family, and for that I… read more
27 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma Sophie)
Emma is a conscientious, hard worker with a cheerful, easygoing personality. During the 4 weeks she stayed with us, she did a lot of physical work in the garden, painted the gate posts and helped a lot in the kitchen, always with a smile. She is also a very creative person and painted us a lovely new house sign for our gate, as well as several… read more
(Excellent)
10 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Bethany)
Beth stayed with us for 3 weeks and was responsible for a list of daily watering tasks. Other work Beth did in the garden included weeding, turning the compost, fixing the fence, painting the gateposts and painting garden signs. She planted lots of seedlings and one baby avocado tree. She moved many wheelbarrows of dead plant life to different… read more
(Very good)
31 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Bethany) for host
This was such an amazing workaway experience, I spent 3 weeks in Michelle and Phils beauitful farmhouse in Orgiva, a small village in the Alpujarra region. The town of orgiva was beautiful, with a lot going on like markets various events in particular religious celebrations when I stayed. I had a lot of fun exploring the town and getting to feel… read more
5 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie stayed with us for two weeks. She was conscientious and hard-working and keen to learn new things. She mainly worked in the garden, helped in the kitchen and looked after our 2-year-old grandson. We had absolutely no complaints and would recommend her as a workawayer to any host.
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (MonikaMol)
It was a real pleasure to have Monika and Monika stay with us for two weeks. They were both enthusiastic, often working on their own initiative and frequently doing quite physically hard work in the garden. They were very considerate, helpful, pro-active and worked well together. Plus they were great helping with our two little grandchildren!
We… read more
We… read more
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (MonikaMol) for host
It was such a great experience to work in the sunny garden of Michelle and Phil and to live with them for almost two weeks in their cosy spanish house. They are ones of the nicest and most hospitable people I've ever met.
It was my first workaway experience-but it couldn't have been better. I also really enjoyed staying in Orgiva, which is a very… read more
It was my first workaway experience-but it couldn't have been better. I also really enjoyed staying in Orgiva, which is a very… read more
19 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika)
It was a real pleasure to have Monika and Monika stay with us for two weeks. They were both enthusiastic, often working on their own initiative and frequently doing quite physically hard work in the garden. They were very considerate, helpful, pro-active and worked well together. Plus they were great helping with our two little grandchildren.
We… read more
We… read more
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Monika) for host
Staying with Michelle and Phil was my first Workaway experience, and it could not have been better. They are both charming, caring and considerate people, who make people feel welcome in their home and life.
They had clear expectations regarding work, but it was not hard at all. It was a pleasure for me to work in the garden in the sunshine, with… read more
They had clear expectations regarding work, but it was not hard at all. It was a pleasure for me to work in the garden in the sunshine, with… read more
12 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Berenika)
Berenika stayed with us for nearly 3 weeks. She is full of life, funny, quirky and kind.
If you are looking for someone to start work early in the morning, she is perhaps not for you but once she starts, she works very hard, often doing hard physical work, e.g. clearing large cacti and rubble, with great enthusiasm. We often had to tell her to… read more
If you are looking for someone to start work early in the morning, she is perhaps not for you but once she starts, she works very hard, often doing hard physical work, e.g. clearing large cacti and rubble, with great enthusiasm. We often had to tell her to… read more
(Excellent)
7 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Juliet) for host
I had SUCH a lovely two weeks with Michelle and Phil. It was a great opportunity for me to have a reset and break. I wanted to enjoy some physical work and find time/space for myself and this workaway perfectly accommodated for that.
Loved the healthy living doing yoga on the rooftop, drinking spring water and fresh vegetables every day! Cooking… read more
Loved the healthy living doing yoga on the rooftop, drinking spring water and fresh vegetables every day! Cooking… read more
2 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Juliet)
Juliet stayed with us for 2 weeks and we really enjoyed her company and conversations. She is someone who is a hard worker and not afraid to get her hands dirty. She was also capable of working on her own initiative but also worked well with others. We particularly enjoyed the superb lunches and occasional dinners that she prepared.
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Arianna & Catalin) for host
I couldn’t have asked for a better workaway experience.
Michelle and Phil are the most caring, adventurous, fun-loving humans I have ever met. They make sure you feel at home from day 1 and they make you feel part of the family. They encourage you to share ideas, thoughts and opinions, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.
I spent… read more
Michelle and Phil are the most caring, adventurous, fun-loving humans I have ever met. They make sure you feel at home from day 1 and they make you feel part of the family. They encourage you to share ideas, thoughts and opinions, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.
I spent… read more
16 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Arianna & Catalin)
Adrianne stayed with us for several weeks- our longest workawayer to date. She is a delightful, friendly girl who got on with everyone here. She was keen to work in the garden and do household chores and always asked if there was something else she could do. She also cooked us some terrific Italian food. We will miss her tremendously and really… read more
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lili) for host
I stayed with Michelle and Phil for nearly 3 weeks and they really are amazing hosts.
They are very warm and kind people who will make sure that you feel welcome and comfortable trough out your whole stay.
The 3 hours of work which vary between help in the garden or diy projects were always nice and interesting, they always make sure you’re okay… read more
They are very warm and kind people who will make sure that you feel welcome and comfortable trough out your whole stay.
The 3 hours of work which vary between help in the garden or diy projects were always nice and interesting, they always make sure you’re okay… read more
24 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lili)
Lili has been with us a week now and we will be disappointed when she leaves us in just over a weeks time. She is a lovely young lady, very willing and capable, and has not been phased by anything we have asked her to get involved with. She has fitted in well with everything and everyone here, and gets on great with another workawayer that we… read more
(Excellent)
21 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessika )
Jessi is a friendly bubbly person, very easy to get on with and a delight to have as part of the household. She fitted in great with everything and everyone here, and so quickly. Got on great with another workawayer who arrived after her. She works hard and is very capable of doing tasks on her own, but also works very well as part of a group.… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jessika ) for host
Wow Wow Wow!
I don't even know where to start. Maybe with a big THANK YOU!!!!
I spent two insanely great, varied weeks with the two of them and I would have loved to stay longer if I hadn't already had plans. There is still so much to discover and learn!
Michelle and Phil are two very warm, well-organised and generous hosts who have… read more
I don't even know where to start. Maybe with a big THANK YOU!!!!
I spent two insanely great, varied weeks with the two of them and I would have loved to stay longer if I hadn't already had plans. There is still so much to discover and learn!
Michelle and Phil are two very warm, well-organised and generous hosts who have… read more
