Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Sep 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
17
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
This location offers a great opportunity to learn about sustainable living and to contribute to ecological sustainability. It is off grid property in rural Manitoba that creates a living space that is both eco friendly and energy efficient. Solar energy is used for the electrical needs and rainwater for washing. An organic garden was established and a greenhouse was constructed to get an early start on some of the vegetables that were grown. There is a woodworking shop attached to the garage with private living quarters above. A 2600 sq. ft energy efficient home overlooks a private lake perfect for canoeing or kayaking. The property consists of a quarter section of land (160 acres) which is mostly bush and lake. There is an abundance of wildlife around including deer, moose, beavers and migratory birds. Many people find it to be a very peaceful and beautiful setting. We had very positive experiences with work away folks over the years.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
Interests
Movies & TV
Self development
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Events & social
Politics / Social justice
Performing arts
Writing
Plant care
Music
Gardening
Cooking & food
Cycling
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travelers will experience and learn about living off grid, using solar energy, using rainwater as the primary source of water supply, and building with raw materials. We have an organic garden and greenhouse. We practice regenerative/ permaculture growing techniques to provide food for myself, the birds and bees and for the soil.
When the property was developed, the goal was to live as lightly on the land as possible, reducing our carbon footprint and embracing sustainable living principles. If this is something that interests you for your future plans, this will be an ideal property to live the experience, learning what works and what doesn't and benefit from the knowledge that we have gained over the years.
Help
We are looking for help in garden planting, trail maintenance, landscaping and general household chores. Help in the kitchen, preparing plant based meals, would also be welcomed.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Ukrainian: Beginner
Accommodation
The home has 3 bedrooms, a huge country kitchen with a woodstove that heats and bakes food, as well as heating the water that is stored in a hot water tank. The media room has a large screened T.V. with Shaw cable as the provider. Xplornet provides the internet service. There is also living quarters above the woodworking shop which has a large family room and two bedrooms.
What else ...
We live in picturesque rural Manitoba, approximately 30 minutes from Riding Mountain National Park which offers horseback riding, nature trails, and a beautiful lake. We are 10 minutes from the small town of Sandy Lake which has swimming, boating, restaurant, bar, golf course, grocery store and a museum. Sandy Lake is also located right on the Cross Canada trail. Lake Audy, about 30 minutes away, has an enclosure where bison can be seen roaming free in their natural habitat. Our own property offers hiking trails and a lake, guests will have access to a canoe, kayaks and bikes. We do not allow smoking on the property.
The property is rather secluded, so best suited for those who want a retreat-like atmosphere.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
House trained pets are welcome.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (9)
We strongly recommend to you to stay… read more
I was housesitting on my own for just over two weeks, and there was plenty to keep me occupied. Getting the fire going in the morning, taking advantage of Darlene’s… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
We strongly recommend to you to stay… read more
I was housesitting on my own for just over two weeks, and there was plenty to keep me occupied. Getting the fire going in the morning, taking advantage of Darlene’s… read more
About us :
We stayed at Ken and Darlene's property a month. We were 3 French: Emilie, Maxime (both 28) and Sandra (25 = Me). We all had an amazing time there and would do it again without a doubt ! It was our first workaway and we were a bit anxious… read more
I took the ViaRail from Vancouver to Rivers. It had 15 hours late. So Ken drove all the way from his place to the station and spend the night in the parking lot waiting for me!
If you love being lost in the bushes, learning about self-sufficiency in an off the grid area, this is the place! You'll have the possibility to see… read more
