Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
20 Oct 2025
Feedback
46
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Badges (5)
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Details
Description
Matthew is a retired architect who takes a very hands on approach to life, Jane is an experienced gardener with her own style. She loves to cook too.
Workaways become a part of our extended collective community. We tend to have quite a few dinners with friends and family to which you would always be invited.
We like to live well, to enjoy the good things in life, but keep to an economic budget, so we can also have money to travel! We would like to share some of these ideas and our lifestyle.
Jane speaks French and a little Spanish and was an English major, so is happy to correct and help understand grammar and language. She loves to cook so there are lots of chances to learn, from the basics to fancy if you are interested.
We feel it takes only a little more effort to make life more special or attractive, and we enjoy passing these ideas along.
We look forward to connecting you with friends and family while you are with us.
Non-smokers is an essential requirement - we are reformed smokers, therefore very sensitive to any hint of smoke in our home.
We live in a rather eclectic house on a ½ acre just outside Penticton (pop 35,000). Our workaways are welcome to enjoy our hot tub and bikes.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Gardening
Carpentry
Books
Hiking
Dancing
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Matthew is a retired architect who takes a very hands on approach to life and continues to putter with building an expandable tiny house. He’s also quite a philosopher and debater!
Jane is an experienced gardener with her own style. She loves to cook too.
Workaways become a part of our extended collective community, and we enjoy introducing you to some of our friends who can help with the recreational side of your life in Penticton
We tend to have quite a few dinners with friends and family to which you would always be invited.
We make sure that we work schedules around any job that you might find.
Help
Looking for someone for November 1, preferably for at least one month. There is a strong possibility of staying through until the end of December.
Jane really needs help putting the garden to bed - splitting perennials, raking leaves, moving shrubs and planting bulbs. There is a half/acre of intensive planned and used gardens so it is always a challenge to stay ahead of it.
She would also love to have someone help her in the house and look after 3 chickens
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
You would live in a one bedroom apartment in our home with a full kitchen. Our eclectic house is set on a half acre of landscaped gardens. It is a rural property a 10 minute walk into town.
What else ...
Apex is nearby. It is a great ski hill with some good black runs. In ski season there challenging runs, cross-country and snow-shoeing trails. About 40 minutes from our house to the chairlift.
There is an active ultimate frisbee group.
This is a good area to walk, hike, ski, kayak and bike. There is an excellent climbing area at Skaha Bluffs, in addition to the lake and vineyards that make this area so special. We are close to a rail trail -KVR - good to hike or bike - or even snow shoe!.
There are bikes available for your use if you would like. We are out of town a bit, but it is a very easy walk or bike to downtown.
Skaha Bluffs are an exceptional climbing area, plus there is a climbing wall in town for inclement days!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have excellent wifi and a co-work space available with desks, printers, scanners etc.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 877912217891
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+17
Feedback (27)
18 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Niamh & Joe)
Niamh and Joe were a great addition to our family. They were organized, self-starting and great workers.
Niamh is a whizz at cleaning and Joe a thoughtful strong helper. They are not afraid to tackle whatever comes their way.
We hope to see them again in November.
Niamh is a whizz at cleaning and Joe a thoughtful strong helper. They are not afraid to tackle whatever comes their way.
We hope to see them again in November.
(Excellent
)
18 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Niamh & Joe) for host
We initially went to stay with Jane and Matthew with some friends of ours who had previously stayed with them and we're so glad we did! This was our first Workaway experience and the bar has been set very high, they both made us feel welcome and relaxed immediately.
We loved staying in Idle cottage and having the freedom to cook in our own space… read more
We loved staying in Idle cottage and having the freedom to cook in our own space… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Bernardo) for host
Jane and Matt are a lovely couple and they made us feel like we were at home and in family,
They are really good teachers in their fields, always with a smile and kindness. Also Jane is an amazing cook and made us delicious plant based food. Matt is a construction Genius! always with something amazing to create.
We were really happy to work with… read more
They are really good teachers in their fields, always with a smile and kindness. Also Jane is an amazing cook and made us delicious plant based food. Matt is a construction Genius! always with something amazing to create.
We were really happy to work with… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Bernardo)
We had a lot of projects that we hoped to get done when they were with us. Thanks to their hard, and thoughtful, work we were able to accomplish them all. Maria is a fully trained wood sander now! Both of them knew what had to be done and made sure it got done. They could work independently and exercise good judgement. Their command of English was… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rodolphe) for host
I have so many positive things to say about Jane & Matthew.
They are open-minded people who were patient with me and my very average English. They have taught me so much, and given me so much, both intellectually and as a person. I've really been able to do a lot of things that have changed me from my usual environment!
The people around them… read more
They are open-minded people who were patient with me and my very average English. They have taught me so much, and given me so much, both intellectually and as a person. I've really been able to do a lot of things that have changed me from my usual environment!
The people around them… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+17
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.6)
Communication:
(4.6)
18 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Niamh & Joe)
Niamh and Joe were a great addition to our family. They were organized, self-starting and great workers.
Niamh is a whizz at cleaning and Joe a thoughtful strong helper. They are not afraid to tackle whatever comes their way.
We hope to see them again in November.
Niamh is a whizz at cleaning and Joe a thoughtful strong helper. They are not afraid to tackle whatever comes their way.
We hope to see them again in November.
(Excellent)
18 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Niamh & Joe) for host
We initially went to stay with Jane and Matthew with some friends of ours who had previously stayed with them and we're so glad we did! This was our first Workaway experience and the bar has been set very high, they both made us feel welcome and relaxed immediately.
We loved staying in Idle cottage and having the freedom to cook in our own space… read more
We loved staying in Idle cottage and having the freedom to cook in our own space… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Bernardo) for host
Jane and Matt are a lovely couple and they made us feel like we were at home and in family,
They are really good teachers in their fields, always with a smile and kindness. Also Jane is an amazing cook and made us delicious plant based food. Matt is a construction Genius! always with something amazing to create.
We were really happy to work with… read more
They are really good teachers in their fields, always with a smile and kindness. Also Jane is an amazing cook and made us delicious plant based food. Matt is a construction Genius! always with something amazing to create.
We were really happy to work with… read more
14 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Bernardo)
We had a lot of projects that we hoped to get done when they were with us. Thanks to their hard, and thoughtful, work we were able to accomplish them all. Maria is a fully trained wood sander now! Both of them knew what had to be done and made sure it got done. They could work independently and exercise good judgement. Their command of English was… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Rodolphe) for host
I have so many positive things to say about Jane & Matthew.
They are open-minded people who were patient with me and my very average English. They have taught me so much, and given me so much, both intellectually and as a person. I've really been able to do a lot of things that have changed me from my usual environment!
The people around them… read more
They are open-minded people who were patient with me and my very average English. They have taught me so much, and given me so much, both intellectually and as a person. I've really been able to do a lot of things that have changed me from my usual environment!
The people around them… read more
28 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kathia) for host
22 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Debs & Tom)
Tom and Debs were a breath of fresh air coming into our busy summer. Such hard workers and easy guests. They were always ready to work and to socialize with us or our guests. Tom's skill as a gardener will be a legendary part of our workaway history - the first real gardener in our 10 years with workaway, not to mention the most interesting! How… read more
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Debs & Tom) for host
This was our first experience of workaway and Jane and Matt were awesome. So flexible as to when we wanted to work. We felt so welcomed, part of the team, they treated us as friends and we had a fantastic time relaxing after work by their stunning pool and in the wonderful gardens. It was so hard to leave.
31 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Neus) for host
This has been my eighth work away family and it has been the most original and enjoyable experience so far. I wished to have more time to extend my stay because two weeks and a half was too short.
Jane and Matt are great hosts. They really know how to enjoy their life without forgetting to work hard. They are flexible and easy going. They make… read more
Jane and Matt are great hosts. They really know how to enjoy their life without forgetting to work hard. They are flexible and easy going. They make… read more
25 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Neus)
Neus.ha been a part of the family since she arrived. When I told her there was a lot of house cleaning that needed to be done - she looked around and said "a deep clean" . She was so right! It was excellent to have someone understand immediately what was required! She is an amazing cleaner, my house has never been this clean. Not just cleaning… read more
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Joe)
Joe and Claire were only with us for a short time, but the amount of work that was completed was stunning. Some of it was repetitive and boring (sanding!) but they worked without complaint, and really got stuck in to the jobs.
(Excellent)
25 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ophélie & MAXIME)
Just the best! Thanks to Covid, Max and Ophelie spent 10 weeks with us. It was a great time. We got a lot of jobs done and had fun too. Our regular candlelit dinners were a highlight. They both have a great sense of humor and are both good workers. Ophelie was looking for gentle work when she started, by the end she was strong! Max has a great… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ophélie & MAXIME) for host
Like many Workawayers our travel plans have been ruined by Covid. Jane and Matthew accepted to welcome us during this difficult time... We were supposed to stay 2 or 3 weeks but it felt so much like home that we ended up staying 10 weeks. Jane first words to us were "this is your home" :) She is the best cook ever, every dinner felt like family… read more
7 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Stacey & Ram) for host
Matt and Jane are wonderful, experienced and welcoming workaway hosts.
Our time was spent doing a big variety of interesting tasks. We completed gardening and weeding in their beautiful garden. We also completed woodwork in the glamp (such as sanding with power tools and varnishing). We were lucky to also help build a pool deck and learnt some… read more
Our time was spent doing a big variety of interesting tasks. We completed gardening and weeding in their beautiful garden. We also completed woodwork in the glamp (such as sanding with power tools and varnishing). We were lucky to also help build a pool deck and learnt some… read more
17 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Fredrik) for host
Thank you so much Jane and Matthew for the amazing stay I had at your place. I really enjoyed spending time with you and the delicious dinners with the desserts were always lovely. Sunday dinners especially! I got to try many different dishes that I would never have tried myself.
The work was always fun and fair and I learned a lot about having a… read more
The work was always fun and fair and I learned a lot about having a… read more
17 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host
This is such an amazing workaway! Jane and Matthew are very nice and helpful, the work is fair (not more than 5 hours/day and 2 days off!) and the area, not to mention their house and garden, is absolutely beautiful. You’ll also get very spoiled with all the delicious food Jane makes!
Thank you Jane and Matthew for being wonderful hosts!
Thank you Jane and Matthew for being wonderful hosts!
9 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Katharina & Uwe) for host
Our stay with Matt and Jane was absolutly perfect. After a long travel we felt like home and as a part of the family. THANK YOU :) Leaving this wonderful persons and this great place was so hard for us. We hope we see you again! So fellow travellers if you get the chance to stay there take it :)
4 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hana) for host
I stayed in Jane’s and Matthew’s place for 3 weeks and from the beginning I felt more than welcome and comfortable at their home. Those 3 weeks have gone so fast and I had lot of fun! The day is organised really well, with work starting at 8 AM, lasting till 12 (or 1) PM, according to the tasks, which are different every day. After that you have… read more
27 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Roman)
A hard-working, intelligent and willing Catalan chap. Eager to be promoted in the team primarily so he can eat more food - a third helping was always appreciated! Wonderful at after dinner board games where he is quick witted and sarcastic in defeat. He'd be welcome back anytime, even if we don't have any room for him, we'll find it!!
(Excellent)
27 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Roman) for host
Matt and Jane? Oh these two specimens!
I absolutely loved spending just under two weeks with them, which felt like way longer (good for me bad for them). Both are nice, smart and great fun in their own way. Whilst some stays are special because of the location and some stand out for type of work you are doing, this was refreshing because it was… read more
I absolutely loved spending just under two weeks with them, which felt like way longer (good for me bad for them). Both are nice, smart and great fun in their own way. Whilst some stays are special because of the location and some stand out for type of work you are doing, this was refreshing because it was… read more
15 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Susanne)
Susanne fit easily into our home. She was a good worker, able to understand and follow instructions with minimum supervision, a good problem solver but also willing to ask for clarification when needed. She is intelligent and articulate which really added to our dinner time conversations. She enjoyed exploring the area in her off time, and did not… read more
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Susanne) for host
Jane and Matt are an incredibly lovely and generous couple living in a little paradise (all designed by Matt) with a big garden full of immensely beautiful flowers (all seeded and arranged by Jane).
Both gave me from the beginning on the feeling to feel like home (thank you for that!) and I was involved in their very diverse weekly activities: a… read more
Both gave me from the beginning on the feeling to feel like home (thank you for that!) and I was involved in their very diverse weekly activities: a… read more
16 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa meets life full on! Not only was she a great worker for us, she had energy to burn and then some! She was amazingly resourceful (she used couch-surfing to meet people her age in the area) and really discovered and enjoyed all there this area has to offer.
(Excellent)
27 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
Matt and Jane? Oh these two are simply wonderful. I immediately felt welcome and part of the family! Jane is a wonderful and kind woman who has a magical talent for gardening and a great sense for detail. She took me to Yoga, the farmers market and taught me lots about indian food! Matt is a brilliant architect who creates marvellous things and i… read more
16 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Bastian) for host
I spent two weeks at Jane & Matthews place. There should had been some more. I really enjoyed their spot.
I've mowed the lawn, cutted firewood, painted the pool and cleaned up the garden as well as some other stuff. It was fine to work outside for a couple of hours. After work (4-5 hours), you can spend your time in the area around. They provided… read more
I've mowed the lawn, cutted firewood, painted the pool and cleaned up the garden as well as some other stuff. It was fine to work outside for a couple of hours. After work (4-5 hours), you can spend your time in the area around. They provided… read more
30 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)
From the first day we felt Katharina was a part of the family! She is a quiet, calm and peaceful young woman who devours books and rarely misses a day out hiking. It was a joy to have her stay with us.
(Excellent)
30 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host
Jane and Matthew are simply gorgeous. I spent 4 weeks with them, helping with gardening and sometimes indoor works.
Their home is a very beautiful, cozy and somehow unique place not far from town and close enough to very nice hiking and biking trails.
From the first day on I felt home there. They welcomed me like family :). They are very kind,… read more
Their home is a very beautiful, cozy and somehow unique place not far from town and close enough to very nice hiking and biking trails.
From the first day on I felt home there. They welcomed me like family :). They are very kind,… read more
16 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Svenja) for host
I spent my first two weeks of my big Canada trip at Jane and Matt`s place. And it was a great experience! I have so many good memories and i`m so grateful they let me work at their place and be a part of their family for these two weeks. After I`ve left I missed so many things. The beautiful place itself, the conversations with Matt and Jane,… read more
12 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Janine)
Janine was one of our more interesting workaways, as she could hold her own in political debates with Matthew. He really appreciated that. Janine was a conscientious and meticulous worker, even when the tasks were somewhat out of her comfort zone! I think she actually enjoyed those challenges.
(Very good)
12 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Janine) for host
Jane and Matthew were great hosts and they are hardworking but relaxed, very kind, interesting and humorous people! I really enjoyed having good and interesting conversations with them. Jane always cooked amazing food. There was a lot to do - I helped them getting their cabana and swimming pool area ready for summer. Thanks for giving and… read more
6 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Susanne) for host
What an amazing house and garden!! What a big job!! Already now, in spring, it was so beautiful, but in summer this must be even more stunning! And sure, there is always something to do. My job was cleaning up the flower beds, weeding and cleaning the driveway, watering, trying to fix the irrigation, cooking and some housesitting during Jane and… read more
19 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Holly)
Holly was a great workaway - grounded, sensible, thoughtful and willing to give anything a shot. Holly is quiet and happily makes her own entertainment. Her singing brightened our days, and evenings! If she doesn't have her guitar with her, find her one! It will be well worth it!
(Excellent)
19 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Holly) for host
This Workaway experience was really close to my heart. I felt at home as soon as I arrived and by the end, I felt like a part of the family.
The work is mostly outdoors and varies from heavier tasks to lighter tasks from day to day, but I found it all to be quite enjoyable. The location is in beautiful wine country by a lake that provides some… read more
The work is mostly outdoors and varies from heavier tasks to lighter tasks from day to day, but I found it all to be quite enjoyable. The location is in beautiful wine country by a lake that provides some… read more
14 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Cassian) for host
Actually I only can repeat what the others already said. Matt and Jane are super nice and the food is just amazing! They live in a beautiful house and downtown is only a 5 min ride with the bike. All in all I had a great time and absolutely recommend applying!
29 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Cara & Michael)
We feel so lucky to have had Cara and Michael stay with us. We can't believe how much they accomplished during the two weeks they were here. They follow direction, and yet think for themselves, they became quite adept gardeners! Cara is a great weeded, and Michael an awesome digger! They became a part of the household very quickly and were a… read more
(Excellent)
29 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Cara & Michael) for host
We spent two weeks with Jane and Matt and had a great time. They are extremely friendly, welcoming people and really made us feel at home. We had the chance to spend some time with their friends and family aswell, who are all lovely people. It really made our stay feel like a visit with friends.
Their property is beautiful and they were even… read more
Their property is beautiful and they were even… read more
19 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Philipp) for host
I had an amazing time at Matthew and Jane's place. They are a really nice couple and the food was alsways very good. Also I really enjoyed the work in their beautiful garden. The area is perfect for bike rides, swimming or other activities. I would like to see them again one day.
28 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Samuel & Ella-May)
It was fun having Ella and Sam staying with us - very easy to have around, and very helpful in the house. They did an amazing job tiling (actually doing a mosaic with travertine) on a patio for us. An excellent job, thank you both - you are always welcome to come back!
(Very good)
20 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Kalle)
Kalle was a great addition to the house, although it was just for a few days . His english is very good so he is easy to instruct. Very enthusiastic guy.
(Very good)
11 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
Jane and Matthew are a really nice couple, very welcoming. They live in a beautifull place with a nice view on Okanagan lake. Jane is a very good cook and Matthew always gives you advice on gardening. You also have plenty of free time which allows you to do as you please, including going for swim in the the swimming pool.
I only spent 2 weeks in… read more
I only spent 2 weeks in… read more
15 Aug 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)
Eric was only with us for a week, but he certainly made a difference and helped get a lot of projects moving. He was a pleasant addition to the household too.
(Very good)
21 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie)
We would gladly have adopted Charlie at the end of his stay.! He was a hard, conscientious worker with a good sense of humour. He will succeed at whatever he puts his hands and mind to.
(Excellent)
21 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Charlie) for host
I spent one month working for Matt and Jane and absolutely loved it. They were incredibly welcoming and I immediately felt at home. I was well looked after whilst there and had plenty of time to explore the area. I would highly recommend applying!
28 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (sophierobyn)
Sophie added a wonderful new dimension to life here. She and Rachael worked so hard, they seemed to just love being outdoors. They needed little supervision, and were able to see when things needed to be done. Sophie was totally honest when she said she could cook until the cows come home! And it was great food too - think home made pasta!!
(Excellent)
2 May 2013
Left by Workawayer (ENRICO) for host
Matt and Jane are an amazing couple and they live on the west shore of Okanagan Lake in a beautiful place. If you want extend your experience about gardenind, orchard, improving your knoledge about homemade food and meet interesting people this is a place for you. I'm felt like in my house and I think, after this experience, that I've got two… read more
1 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (ENRICO)
Enrico fit into our home quickly and perfectly, he became a member of the family, and quickly developed a routine of helping eith chores. He is a very tidy and clean person, and he helped keep the house clean too without being asked. He is easy to feed, loves everything! His English is very good and he was quite prepared to pitch in with anything… read more
(Excellent)
