Quiet retreat and hobby farm in Bellingham, Pacific Northwest, WA, USA

Details

• 

  Description

  We are a mature couple living in Lummi Nation, in service to our community. We are striving to create art, music and connections. We have trees, gardens, ponds, a treehouse, a sauna, cats and chickens. We work our regular jobs in film and music, then come home to our own personal projects on the property and for our neighborhood. We usually have a housemate or two living with us on the land.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
• 

  Interests

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Nature

  

  Self development

  

  Culture

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Writing

  

  Performing arts

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Books

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We have a film/music studio and there are opportunities to learn, play instruments, jam or maybe record something here. Since we are located within the Lummi Reservation, there may also be opportunities to experience and learn about Lummi culture. Learn about gardening, permaculture and edible plants. Save seeds, learn about food preserving, depending on the season.

• 

  Help

  We would like help with anything from fixing the tree house to landscaping, deck building and gardening. We would like to build a greenhouse and do some remodeling of various spaces on the property. Other work might include baking and delivery for an elderly neighbor, or picking up garbage around the neighborhood. Non-smokers only please.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  The accommodation includes a furnished room, double bed with linens, built in dressers. The house and room are not large, but very cozy, clean and comfortable. A second room has a single bed, chair and armoire. Toilet, shower, kitchen, living room and W/D are shared with the rest of the household. Family meals are breakfast and dinner, lunch will be made in advance and can be eaten at your preference. Let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

• 

  What else ...

  We are located 15 mins from the airport in Bellingham WA. It is 20 mins drive to either Bellingham or Ferndale and about 30 mins to the Canadian border. We are not really near any fast mass transit, but you could eventually get to town on a few buses. You can also use Uber, Lyft or carpool with one of us into Bellingham. Many people come to Bellingham to experience nature, trails, hiking and biking etc...

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  Large shaded driveway for anything 30ft and under+self contained. We do not have hook-ups but can provide electricity and water.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  My animals / pets

  20 chickens

  We have 20 laying hens a variety of breeds ages 1-4 years old. We keep them in a coop at night and let them out into a netted run during the day. The run has a yellow electric wire around it, to keep out predators. This wire is not strong enough to hurt people, animals or chickens, it is just an uncomfortable deterrent.
  
  The chickens are fed once a day, and we gather eggs and close the door to the coop at night. Some of them are able to be held or petted, but in general most do not want a snuggle. We do not have any roosters.

  

  Winifred

  Winifred is a curious, cautious, social and spicy tortie cat. Her favorite game is "belly rub deathtrap" don't fall for it! Let her lead interactions, move slowly and keep hands below her face where she can see them. Always use a toy instead hands for playing games. She will nip or swat of she feels overwhelmed. Do not pick her up. She is sometimes underfoot and blends in with the shadows, so please step carefully. She is supremely food motivated, and eats a calming diet food for urinary crystals. Please do not ever feed "people food" to our cats. Also, our cats are allowed to jump on some counters and tables at our house. We do not use water sprays, yelling, snapping, clapping or hitting to modify any cat behaviors. Please do not use aggressive tactics with our animals. Winifred will do anything or follow you anywhere if she thinks you have a treat in your hand.

  

  Rose

  Rose is a shy, gentle and quiet cat who loves being outside the most. She will sometimes hide if new people are loud and fast, or if there are young children around. She is not food motivated but loves soft guitar music, and will birdwatch for hours at the window or on the porch. Our cats only go outside in a harness and if someone is home, due to predators and neighbor cats who might enter the property.

Website Safety

Feedback (1)