The image depicts a serene lakeside scene with a white building featuring a green roof, surrounded by lush trees and fields, set against a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a serene scene featuring a gray deck overlooking a tranquil body of water, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a bright sky.
The image depicts a large house with a gable roof, featuring a spacious yard and a driveway. The house is situated in a rural area, surrounded by trees and greenery.
The image depicts a garden plot with dark soil, divided into sections by straw, situated near a serene body of water and surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a cozy living room with a brown couch, coffee table, and three windows offering a serene view of a lake and trees.
The image depicts a large house with a long driveway and a large yard, featuring a swimming pool and a fence, surrounded by trees and bushes in a suburban neighborhood.
The image depicts a cozy bedroom with a bed, built-in shelving, and a window, featuring a blue wall, white ceiling, and brown floor, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort.
The image depicts a serene lake scene at sunset, with a tree silhouette on the right and a vibrant orange sky reflected in the water\'s calm surface.
The image depicts a light-colored wooden staircase with a railing, situated in a room with white walls and a brown floor, featuring cabinets underneath the stairs.
The image depicts a kitchen with light wood cabinets, a central island, and a blue accent wall, featuring a sink, countertops, and hanging pots and pans.

Experience off grid living in Sandy Lake, Manitoba, Canada

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    8 Jul 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 2 days

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    17

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    Email verified

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello , We are Ken & Michelle.
    The property was developed by Ken and his late wife, Darlene starting back in 1997. Over the course of 25 years, the land was cleared, a road was put in, trails developed and buildings were erected.

    This location offers a great opportunity to learn about sustainable living and to contribute to ecological sustainability. It is an 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 workaway folks over the years.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    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

    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 ourselves, 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

    Help

    For the winter we are looking for a house sitter , who would care for the home until April/May. The stay can begin anytime between August 15-November 1st


    We would need the home to stay warm by building and maintaining a fire in the woodstove on a daily or semi daily basis. (that would begin sometime in October)Enough firewood would be provided to get through the winter.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate
    Spanish: Beginner
    Ukrainian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The home has 3 bedrooms, a huge country kitchen with a woodstove that heats and bakes food, as well as heats 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. Starlink provides the internet service. There is also living quarters above the woodworking shop which has a large family room and two bedrooms.

  • What else ...

    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

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have recently subscribed to Starlink after years with Xplornet. The internet has always been great, with many working remotely from this location.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Unlimited space for parking RV's or campers.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    House trained pets are welcome.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 861785476935

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Photos

The image depicts a serene scene featuring a gray deck overlooking a tranquil body of water, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a bright sky.
The image depicts a large house with a gable roof, featuring a spacious yard and a driveway. The house is situated in a rural area, surrounded by trees and greenery.
The image depicts a garden plot with dark soil, divided into sections by straw, situated near a serene body of water and surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a cozy living room with a brown couch, coffee table, and three windows offering a serene view of a lake and trees.
The image depicts a large house with a long driveway and a large yard, featuring a swimming pool and a fence, surrounded by trees and bushes in a suburban neighborhood.
The image depicts a cozy bedroom with a bed, built-in shelving, and a window, featuring a blue wall, white ceiling, and brown floor, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort.
The image depicts a serene lake scene at sunset, with a tree silhouette on the right and a vibrant orange sky reflected in the water\'s calm surface.
Show all photos
The image depicts a light-colored wooden staircase with a railing, situated in a room with white walls and a brown floor, featuring cabinets underneath the stairs.
The image depicts a kitchen with light wood cabinets, a central island, and a blue accent wall, featuring a sink, countertops, and hanging pots and pans.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+3

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