Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
21 Apr 2024
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
We are a friendly and fun family of 4 (5 if you include the dog) based in Northumberland/ Scottish Borders - we are actually on the border of Scotland/ England so it is an ideal spot for exploring north and south of UK. We run a busy Estate Agency in Berwick-upon-Tweed and have two boys who are 3yrs and 5 yrs old.
We are looking for someone to help with looking after the boys/ dog during the school holidays (July & August) this mainly includes having fun as they love to be busy and active outdoors- visiting the beach/ the park/ play dates with friends/ making dens in the garden- they just love to play! They do love being creative too and don't worry- they require some downtime in front of the TV occasionally too :) I need to be able to do a minimum of 3 days in the office a week, 10am-3pm is fine, and we can be flexible as to days. On top of this we are sociable so there will be some babysitting but this would be booked in with you in advance, and we would always ensure you have plenty time to escape and explore- I have been an au pair so know this is important. You would very much become part of the family - we would ask you to muck in with household jobs like stacking the dishwasher or doing the washing up after a meal. But you will have your own space to relax in the evenings (a room with a TV) and a double bedroom on your own floor of the house, however unless we can install and ensuite between now and then you will have to share a bathroom with the kids.
We have a holiday home on the west coast of Scotland nr Oban so we would intend to perhaps go there at some point during the holidays and we may well go to the Speyside to see family- a great opportunity for you to see different parts of the country!
Where we live is 10 min from the main East Coast Train line - so it is 45min on a train to Edinburgh city centre and same in the other direction to Newcastle, London is 3hrs 30min so again very easy and we have lived in Edinburgh and London so can point you in the right direction should you wish to visit these places. However where we live is more rural- miles of beautiful beaches and walks. Our village has a shop, two pubs, a baker and it is just idyllic! There is a bus that runs through the village across the area but we hope you will be able to drive and we have a golf that you would be able to use during your stay, So a driving licence is required as whilst out lovely village (Norham) you will want to be able to venture further afield for beach days and exploring!
We would consider having someone start earlier/ stay longer but July and August are our must have months!
I am 38, my husband 45 and we would like to think we are honest, approachable and fun to be around. Our kids are lovely- as long as they have been fed and have had a good run around! Jokes aside they are really kind and nice boys who will love having some one to kick a ball around with, playing in the paddling pool in the garden etc etc. And the dog- well he thinks he is a person and just loves anyone who gives him affection.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live in the perfect spot for exploring Scotland and England- we can help with where to go and can even take you with us when we go on various trips as a family!
If you wanted to you could even have a day or two work experience in the Estate Agency office so you can see what that side of life is like- depends what sort of person you are and what you want to get out of your experience with us. Our previous au pair came from France and she was very keen to travel and practice English so these are the two things she focused on during her time with us, she was great as she was proactive and really made the most of her time with us. We didn't find her on here, we were put in touch with her by a friend. She has since been back to visit with her family- she really did become part of our family. And as I mentioned I have been an au pair which I think helps in my understanding of what it is like to be the 'workaway' as well as having previous experience as the 'host'.
10 min drive to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and from here you can jump on a train to basically anywhere in UK! We are very well connected for being in a peaceful spot with such an amazing coastline- the beaches really are lovely nr us.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for someone fun and friendly who has some experience with looking after children and who has a driving licence. We are also looking for someone who can do some basic cooking- although the boys do love a picnic lunch! Someone who is going to be respectful of our home and our space yet muck in and become part of the family. We would ask you to tidy up after yourself and do your own washing, and to help with stacking the dishwasher and other tasks you would normally do in your own home. This occasionally might include popping on a load of washing for the kids or nipping to the shops to pick up bits and bobs for supper etc. We would also ask for help with walking the dog - we have lots of lovely walks from the house.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
We have a lovely home over 3 floors and the top floor would be yours. We could include a TV in your room or you can have a room to yourself to relax in the evening. The bathroom currently would be shared with the children- but we are having some works done early next year and there is the possibility and en suite might be in place by the time you come. We moved into our home fairly recently so we are still sorting out a few bits and pieces. We have a wonderful big garden so you can enjoy the sunshine from there! We also have a large family kitchen which is the heart of the home and we always have a full fridge. you can choose to eat what we eat or we can accommodate your requirements. We cook from scratch and my husband in particular is a great cook. In the summer we love to BBQ- so fingers crossed the weather is lovely and its a summer or yummy salads and bbq foods. There is always a fruit bowl and snacks to pick at too. You could just help yourself! It would be your home too whilst you are with us.
What else ...
My husband lived in Australia for 7 years (playing rugby) and I worked abroad for a couple of years two, some time in France and some time in Australia- as well as some time travelling. We love to travel and think this is am wonderful way for someone to earn some money as well as have a base to explore a new area. I have always worked in marketing, first in London then Edinburgh- and after returning from Australia my husband has always worked in property. We launched our own property business in 3 years ago and it is going really well and growing quickly. Last summer I took the summer off to enjoy with the children but this summer I do just need to be in the office a bit to support the team- hence looking for some help! We love to see friends and get out and about when we aren't working. And when we get to the holiday house on the west coast we have paddle boards/ kayaks etc that we like to get out and play on. I would say we are a healthy/ active family but we do also love to put out feet up and relax!
We would help you tailor your trip to whatever you want it to be, we just need someone who is going to be helpful and respectful- someone positive and proactive! When you have time off we would love to see you out and about enjoying it and we can help you make your plans to explore and enjoy the area and we really do know Northumberland, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Inverness, Elgin, Oban and London all really well- and we can certainly help with planning trips elsewhere!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
