Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Mar 2024
Reply rate
83.7 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi, we live on a smallholding just 25 minutes from Ayr and the beach in the south west of Scotland. It’s very rural and our place backs on to forestry. The house dates back to 1880! We have 4 acres with sheep, chickens, two horses, three dogs, three children: Lily 14, Iris 12 who is at boarding school so away most of the time, Buck 9, Georges and me (Liv).
There is lots to do keeping on top of the veg patch and animals but we are also working on the house. Everything we produce is just for us. We try to be as self sufficient as possible.
We are looking for someone who can help out with the animals and garden and ride the horses at least 3 times a week and be able to look after the kids if we are away. I am going on a courses so will be away Mon-Friday and Georges is working from home with occasional travel down to London. Lily and Buck are at school all day so it would be topping and tailing the day, and preparing a meal.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will experience a real glimps of rural Scottish life. (But without the accent! Both Georges and I sound English) It’s a very small village with a strong community spirit. We have travelled and lived overseas and love to share our culture. We live near where the famous poet Robert Burns was born and there are lots of castles to visit including sites that were filmed in the tv show Outlander. We are a train ride from Glasgow and just 2 hours from Edinburgh too so there is lots to go out and see and do. I love to cook and we share family meals every night. And what better way to work up an appetite than a good walk up the hill?
We would hope you would feel part of the family and share your culture with us. Especially if you want to teach me different recipes! We have had 9 au pairs in the past, many are still in regular contact. Now the kids are older this has been such a rewarding experience that we’d love to invite other young people to come and stay and share with us.
Registered non-profit
This host is a registered CIC in the UK and is looking for help with their non-profit project. Please check directly with them if they can provide sponsorship. More info can be found here.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
G and I are both working so although the kids are older now it’s great to have a hand with entertaining them.
As mentioned above, I am going on a courses for 3 months from end of September and will be away Mon-Friday. Georges is working from home with occasional travel down to London. Lily and Buck are at school all day so it would be topping and tailing the day, and preparing a meal.
The two ponies need exercising at least 3 times a week. So a perfect opportunity for a keen rider. There are miles of off road hacking straight from the house.
Then there is the garden which needs some TLC so if you are green fingered that’s a great help.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We lived in Germany for 6 years so we all speak some Germany but love to learn more. Plus Georges speaks french very well and the kids and I want to improve our french to keep up.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be inside the house or in a glamming style Bell tent which we put up in the field. Allows you a bit more space and privacy. We put in a full size king bed and lots of cozy rugs and chairs etc. (only suitable for the summer months)
There is a spare room in the house (it’s a bungalow), and two bathrooms that we all share. We always eat our evening meals together but you are free to help your self to food for breakfast and lunch and there will be a pot of porridge on the stove most mornings. I like to bake bread so there’s lots of lovely fresh bread every day. We aren’t vegetarian but we don’t mind if you are. We are trying to grow as much of our own food as we can. Working towards self sufficiency.
What else ...
There is a bus in the village that goes into Ayr and there is so much space to explore on foot or mountain bike. Maybe you like to take the dogs for a walk or hang out with the sheep. There is loads to do in your time off.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
It would be perfect for a digital nomad or someone studying or writing a thesis as you'd have good wifi and from 9am until 3.30pm every day to work or study.
Space for parking camper vans
There is parking space next to the forest which isn’t on our land but very close to it.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (3)
Feedback
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She has been happy to turn her hand to anything we have asked be it looking after animals, painting, gardening. She is a kind and funny person who is a pleasure to have around. She has helped out with the kids and looked after the property independently… read more
Ségolène was just a marvel in the garden and weeded the beds beautifully. Mathieu was equally… read more
