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Cultural exchange at our warm family home in New Lebanon, NY, USA
Last activity
: 20 Oct 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 1 day
Min stay requested: at least a week
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 892465534276
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (10)
Left by Workawayer (Nikita) for host
This was my very first Workaway experience, and I’m so glad I did it and met Lori. From the very beginning, she was open, welcoming, and was super considerate about my own work schedule and made it easy to balance helping out and doing my own thing. With Lori, it never felt like just work. I got to help out, learn and also enjoy so many fun
… read more moments. We had movie nights, played games, sat by the firepit, watched amazing sunsets, and had long talks sometimes even debates about technology :p I got to know her family too, and they’re all such lovely people who made me feel right at home. I ended up learning a lot during my stay - new recipes, bits of culture and music, and that being organized is a skill worth keeping :) I grew to love the garden and taking care of it, and I also loved our grocery runs and kitchen experiments.
When Loane joined later, everything got even better. Some tasks could get a bit tedious, but with Loane around, they felt lighter and more fun. We’d chat endlessly, laugh over random jokes, make silly bets, and somehow turn work into something we genuinely enjoyed. We loved how Lori always always had healthy food around and we had so much fun baking a lot of muffins too :) Lori has this energy and excitement about the little things that’s contagious. She’s an amazing host, and I’d recommend volunteering with her.Left by host for Workawayer (Nikita)
Nikita was an unexpected workaway. She was originally supposed to volunteer with a friend of mine, but when I had a last-minute cancellation, she came to stay with me and ended up staying six weeks (instead of the original three). My family was about to adopt her. My dad had much fun getting Nikita to solve his super hard mind-bending puzzles.
… read more Nikita was helpful in every way. She (as a digital nomad) had her own work and meetings, but always had time to participate in making great meals (though she said she couldn't cook), playing a board game, going to a tourist site, helping in the garden, on the grounds, cleaning up around the house, etc. She has a quick mind and is great at all things technical. In addition, she was a great conversationalist and was easy to be with. In addition to everything else, Nikita went out of her way to organize a surprise scavenger hunt for my birthday - gathering notes and personal videos from my family and best friends. I highly recommend Nikita. She will succeed in all she does.
Left by host for Workawayer (Loane)
It was such a pleasure to host Loane. She was full of energy and big smiles. Loane contributed to every aspect of our home - cooking, cleaning and organizing (which she loves to do), landscaping, gardening, leaf blowing, etc. Loane was eager to help and took it upon herself to take care of tasks that she thought needed doing. She's a bright and
… read more interesting young woman with a promising future as a flight attendant. She worked hard on her English acquisition and was always happy to meet someone new, see a new place or help create a yummy meal. I highly recommend Loane as a a workaway (and a fun and interesting person).
Left by Workawayer (Loane) for host
I had the chance to spend a month at Lori’s beautiful countryside home, and it was such a gentle, enriching experience full of kindness and meaningful connections.
From the moment I arrived, Lori welcomed me with so much warmth and genuine care the kind of welcome that makes you instantly feel comfortable and at home.
Lori is such a thoughtful,
… read more positive and compassionate person. She creates a peaceful and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels respected and included.
Every moment shared with her was simple yet meaningful whether it was chatting, cooking together, or just enjoying the calm of the place.
I really appreciated the mix of help, relaxation and human connection throughout my stay.
I was also lucky to share this experience with Nikita, another lovely workawayer with whom I got along so well.
We shared a lot of laughter, good talks and an easy, natural bond.
She’s a wonderful, positive person who made this month even more special.
And of course, let’s not forget Alexa, who never really listened to us but always made us laugh anyway she definitely had her own personality ! 😄
This month with Lori and Nikita will stay in my heart for a long time.
I’m leaving full of gratitude and sweet memories.
Thank you so much Lori for your generosity, kindness and friendship and thank you Nikita for your beautiful energy.
I truly hope our paths cross again someday 🌸
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
I had the pleasure of staying at Lori's to volunteer for a few days! She is a remarkable woman with so many fun stories to tell. I love her positive attitude and how hardworking she is. While at Lori's, I helped with the garden beds as well as cooking with ingredients we harvested right there. We made the most spectacular pesto sauce and some
… read more amazing salads. She also cooks incredibly delicious. I would wholeheartedly recommend staying in her beautiful home, surrounded by nature in her very peaceful neighborhood. Thank you for having me over Lori! Hope to see you soon again!Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea was a wonderful addition to our community who went above and beyond expectations. She helped me and my friend Lisa (who has a bed & breakfast and animal sanctuary) with a wide variety of projects. We were impressed with how many skills she has and how she was able to multi-task and organize work in multiple areas. Andrea did a super job
… read more with physical work with the animals and in the gardens, cooked, cleaned, hosted guests at check in and helped with our graphic design and small business needs. Andrea followed specific instructions very well and took the initiative to find things that needed to be done, presenting plans for new projects on her own. Andrea is very self-motivated, was positive and creative and continuously discovered new ways to help. Andrea is a talented, hard working young woman and always a pleasure to be around. She was such a great help to us and we would certainly recommend her to others.Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Nikita) for host
This was my very first Workaway experience, and I’m so glad I did it and met Lori. From the very beginning, she was open, welcoming, and was super considerate about my own work schedule and made it easy to balance helping out and doing my own thing. With Lori, it never felt like just work. I got to help out, learn and also enjoy so many fun
… read more moments. We had movie nights, played games, sat by the firepit, watched amazing sunsets, and had long talks sometimes even debates about technology :p I got to know her family too, and they’re all such lovely people who made me feel right at home. I ended up learning a lot during my stay - new recipes, bits of culture and music, and that being organized is a skill worth keeping :) I grew to love the garden and taking care of it, and I also loved our grocery runs and kitchen experiments.
When Loane joined later, everything got even better. Some tasks could get a bit tedious, but with Loane around, they felt lighter and more fun. We’d chat endlessly, laugh over random jokes, make silly bets, and somehow turn work into something we genuinely enjoyed. We loved how Lori always always had healthy food around and we had so much fun baking a lot of muffins too :) Lori has this energy and excitement about the little things that’s contagious. She’s an amazing host, and I’d recommend volunteering with her.Left by host for Workawayer (Nikita)
Nikita was an unexpected workaway. She was originally supposed to volunteer with a friend of mine, but when I had a last-minute cancellation, she came to stay with me and ended up staying six weeks (instead of the original three). My family was about to adopt her. My dad had much fun getting Nikita to solve his super hard mind-bending puzzles.
… read more Nikita was helpful in every way. She (as a digital nomad) had her own work and meetings, but always had time to participate in making great meals (though she said she couldn't cook), playing a board game, going to a tourist site, helping in the garden, on the grounds, cleaning up around the house, etc. She has a quick mind and is great at all things technical. In addition, she was a great conversationalist and was easy to be with. In addition to everything else, Nikita went out of her way to organize a surprise scavenger hunt for my birthday - gathering notes and personal videos from my family and best friends. I highly recommend Nikita. She will succeed in all she does.
Left by host for Workawayer (Loane)
It was such a pleasure to host Loane. She was full of energy and big smiles. Loane contributed to every aspect of our home - cooking, cleaning and organizing (which she loves to do), landscaping, gardening, leaf blowing, etc. Loane was eager to help and took it upon herself to take care of tasks that she thought needed doing. She's a bright and
… read more interesting young woman with a promising future as a flight attendant. She worked hard on her English acquisition and was always happy to meet someone new, see a new place or help create a yummy meal. I highly recommend Loane as a a workaway (and a fun and interesting person).
Left by Workawayer (Loane) for host
I had the chance to spend a month at Lori’s beautiful countryside home, and it was such a gentle, enriching experience full of kindness and meaningful connections.
From the moment I arrived, Lori welcomed me with so much warmth and genuine care the kind of welcome that makes you instantly feel comfortable and at home.
Lori is such a thoughtful,
… read more positive and compassionate person. She creates a peaceful and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels respected and included.
Every moment shared with her was simple yet meaningful whether it was chatting, cooking together, or just enjoying the calm of the place.
I really appreciated the mix of help, relaxation and human connection throughout my stay.
I was also lucky to share this experience with Nikita, another lovely workawayer with whom I got along so well.
We shared a lot of laughter, good talks and an easy, natural bond.
She’s a wonderful, positive person who made this month even more special.
And of course, let’s not forget Alexa, who never really listened to us but always made us laugh anyway she definitely had her own personality ! 😄
This month with Lori and Nikita will stay in my heart for a long time.
I’m leaving full of gratitude and sweet memories.
Thank you so much Lori for your generosity, kindness and friendship and thank you Nikita for your beautiful energy.
I truly hope our paths cross again someday 🌸
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
I had the pleasure of staying at Lori's to volunteer for a few days! She is a remarkable woman with so many fun stories to tell. I love her positive attitude and how hardworking she is. While at Lori's, I helped with the garden beds as well as cooking with ingredients we harvested right there. We made the most spectacular pesto sauce and some
… read more amazing salads. She also cooks incredibly delicious. I would wholeheartedly recommend staying in her beautiful home, surrounded by nature in her very peaceful neighborhood. Thank you for having me over Lori! Hope to see you soon again!Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea was a wonderful addition to our community who went above and beyond expectations. She helped me and my friend Lisa (who has a bed & breakfast and animal sanctuary) with a wide variety of projects. We were impressed with how many skills she has and how she was able to multi-task and organize work in multiple areas. Andrea did a super job
… read more with physical work with the animals and in the gardens, cooked, cleaned, hosted guests at check in and helped with our graphic design and small business needs. Andrea followed specific instructions very well and took the initiative to find things that needed to be done, presenting plans for new projects on her own. Andrea is very self-motivated, was positive and creative and continuously discovered new ways to help. Andrea is a talented, hard working young woman and always a pleasure to be around. She was such a great help to us and we would certainly recommend her to others.
Left by Workawayer (Mathéo) for host
I had an amazing Workaway experience at Lori’s place, everything was perfect!
Lori has a beautiful house with an incredible view, and it was a pleasure to stay here and spend time in the garden with the different tasks to do (now, I’m an expert at weeding and picking blueberries!).
I’m so glad I met Lori, she is wonderful, full of amazing energy
… read more and made me feel at home from day one :).
I really appreciate her patience with my English and my French accent. We went on many outings with another Workawayer, Michelle, who became a new friend.
Thanks to Lori, I also had the chance to meet many new people!!
One month went by so quickly here and I’ll cherish these memories forever.
See you soon Lori! ;)Left by host for Workawayer (Mathéo)
Mathéo was a fabulous workaway and guest :). He was always ready to help out and approached each task with his full attention and the tenacity to get it done right. He was happy to help with indoor (esp. cleaning and cooking prep) and outdoor work (gardening, weeding, landscaping, etc.) and was fun to be with. Mathéo knew how to make friends and
… read more treat others with appreciation, respect and compassion. I look forward to seeing him again :).
It was great to host Michelle. She is a conscientious and interesting young woman, a motivated self-starter and a great cook! Michelle was always willing to help, whatever the project or task, and led our cooking and eating adventures. A musician, she motivated me and our other workaway to visit Tanglewood to listen to live music we might not have
… read more otherwise appreciated. Her enthusiasm to visit neighboring towns, attend various cultural events, farmers markets, etc. and her love of classical/orchestral music was contagious. Michelle is a born leader and organizer -- someone I would happily put in charge of any project -- especially dinner :). Hope to see her again soon.
When I initially started looking into Workaway opportunities, I was yearning to experience life from a different perspective and landscape than I was used to, to find a safe space away from the noise of a big city, and to clear and refresh my mind post-graduation. The past two weeks spent in upstate NY with Lori (and my new workaway friend Mathéo)
… read more have been incredibly eye-opening and provided everything I was craving and more.
Lori is an incredible woman who is very grounded in her own values and carries a deep passion for life. It shows in the way she cares to create and discover community— among herself, Mathéo, and I, as well as integrating us within the local community around us. For our tasks, she would take extra care to demonstrate how the work should be done, guiding us with patience, and also share the environmental intentions behind it all. Speaking of, I’ve learned so much about the steps I can start taking to preserve our Earth for a better future. Being intentional about composting, recycling, and choice of produce!
I think the meals we shared as a trio were some of the most consistently wholesome meals I’ve gotten the chance to make and eat, too. Most of all the ingredients either came from her garden or a fresh market, and nothing would ever go to waste. And for nearly every lunch and dinner, we would all prep, cook, eat, and clean together over deeply inspiring conversations, witty stories, and silly laughter.
Thanks to this workaway experience, I’ve discovered a connection with the environment and with lovely people that is impossible to replicate. The Berkshires will forever hold a large piece of my heart <3
Left by host for Workawayer (Selina )
It was a pleasure to host Selina. She was always pleasant and eager to help, whatever the task or project required. Selina took her time to complete the work thoroughly, be it yard work, planting, weeding, watering, help with cooking, etc. We enjoyed doing various touristy things together -- visiting neighboring towns, listening to live music,
… read more etc. She enjoyed meeting my friends and other visitors and was eager to converse and get to know others. I enjoyed hosting Selina and hope she will come back again.
Left by Workawayer (Selina ) for host
I stayed with Lori for a month and could’ve even stayed longer – she is such a welcoming, caring person and really good at connecting people from different walks of life. As for the work I had to do, it was easy and even relaxing (yard work, planting, weeding, watering, help with cooking,…). Most of the time I was free in choosing when I wanted to
… read more work. I had plenty of time for myself and a cozy room with a desk where I could study. Lori provides the healthiest food, all organic and very delicious!
I really loved that she took me to different towns and showed me around. Among other outings, we went to a nearby vinery with live music and to a live concert together with a lovely friend of hers. Like this, and through conversations with Lori, I could learn a lot about the area as well as life and culture in the US in general. The area is truly beautiful, you'll find quaint little towns everywhere. Lori's place is peaceful and nicely embedded between hills, trees and some other neighboring houses. Another big plus: from the kitchen windows you can observe the cutest wild animals like groundhogs, deers, birds, rabbits, or her chipmunk ‘Chip’. Thank you Lori, you’ve been a great host and I’d come back anytime.
Chris was a host's dream. Always enthusiastic, energetic and helpful, Chris was self-propelled when it came to completing projects and participating in general home and life activities. She learned quickly and enjoyed working, especially when it came to gardening and outdoor maintenance projects. Chris was eager to explore the area, biking many
… read more miles (rain or shine). She was always happy to lend a hand with cooking, food prep, grocery and plant shopping and cleanup. I highly recommend Chris as a workaway!
Hi,
If you are looking for a super friendly, open minded, relaxed host living in an amazing house in the country side, then this is for you!!!
Lori is a wonderful and generous host. The kitchen is full of delicious, healthy organic food. Before volunteering with her I had not been a great fan of gardening. Her enthusiasm for gardening, however, is
… read more truly contagious. I learned that gardening and even weeding (and there was lots of if :)) can be super relaxing and rewarding.
The surrounding Berkshire Mountains are really beautiful and there are great bike trails in the area.
I highly recommend this host if you want to experience living in the countryside with a warm and caring host.
Thanks for everything Lori, I would be delighted to return.
Left by Workawayer (Morgan) for host
Lori lives on a beautiful property in the Berkshires. She is a very interesting person and is also reasonable in terms of what she asks of workawayers with plenty of time to take breaks and with a flexible schedule. We had many interesting conversations together and it was great to be in nature and watch the birds and other wildlife around the
… read more property. The accommodations are lovely and the house is very clean. I would recommend staying at Lori's if you're looking to spend time in nature and enjoy interesting conversations!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Morgan)
It was a pleasure to host Morgan. She was more than willing to help out with any task and was a hard worker who completed every job to the best of her ability. She did a great job with mulching (much hard work) and was helpful in the kitchen, always asking if I needed help with anything else. Morgan has great skills in marketing and social media.
… read more In addition, we had lots of interesting conversations. I would highly recommend Morgan as a workaway.
Left by host for Workawayer (Patrick)
Dan (AKA Patrick) was the best of the best. He was awesome with power tools and helped me cut up three locust trees for firewood (in two days). He worked well with everyone on this project, was generous with his time and spirit and was truly a leader. Dan is energetic and professional and eager to help. He went above and beyond the job, installing
… read more a troublesome doorknob and helping to problem-solve an electrical issue. In addition, he offered to drive another workaway to the train station (not nearby), led a grocery shopping excursion and was fabulous at cleaning up in the kitchen. My only complaint was that he couldn't stay longer (or that I didn't have two Dans). I hope to work with you again sometime. :)
Left by host for Workawayer (Hayden)
It was a pleasure to host Hayden. He was a diligent worker and excellent vegan cook. He is very generous of spirit and volunteered to do the grocery shopping, a task I do not love. Hayden was agreeable to do any of the work requested, including lots of yardwork and painting. He did a good job, whatever the task. Hayden was quiet, but made friends
… read more with the people who showed up at our house and near the end of his time with us he opted to help out a local friend of mine who owns an animal sanctuary and runs healthy food and gardening programs. She was also very happy with Hayden.
Left by Workawayer (Hayden) for host
Staying at Lori's was a great way to enjoy my first month in New York State! She's really easy to get along with but is also clear about her values and how she wants you to live in her home (which, I think, is a good thing!). I almost always got to choose when I worked and it was never too much. Although some of the work could get boring and
… read more tedious (like painting and raking leaves), I genuinely learned a lot from each task. Lori was always eager to share tips about cooking, cleaning, gardening, and other useful life skills. She helped connect me with several people including a car mechanic who saved me hundreds of dollars on a repair and my next host!! Every weekend, I was able to drive to Troy to visit my girlfriend and Lori was happy to host her as well! The house is rarely without healthy food and it was a joy to cook and bake for Lori, her son, and other guests. My new host is nearby so I'm excited to come back every once in a while and cook them more food :)
Left by host for Workawayer (Leah)
It was a pleasure to have Leah stay with us. She was always cheerful and willing to work on whatever task or project needed doing. She was especially helpful in the kitchen with both prep, cooking and cleanup, and happy to assist with grocery shopping and housework, tasks I do not love. Leah was very sociable and enjoyed meeting the people who
… read more floated through our home, making friends easily. I highly recommend Leah as a workaway.
Left by Workawayer (Leah) for host
I felt like family from the moment I arrived.
I had everything I could ever want and more, I met so many people, and I learned so much!
The house was always filled with people and I made a lot of friends. I got to go to the inn (another local workaway where I met fellow travelers!) and the animal sanctuary (there are yaks?! It was awesome).
… read more Also, I made a new best friend, Lori’s niece from Boston who visited a few times and taught me how to dance. We took turns cooking and Lori taught me how to make some classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The kitchen is overflowing with healthy delicious food and flavors from all different cultures.
Lori, the host, is the sweetest lady ever. She’s encouraging and sociable and she has so many interesting stories to share about her life and her travels. Her and her family are really doing everything to make sure you are comfortable. Living with them was so nourishing.
PS: The mountain view every morning and for sunset is unreal.
I loved being here. One month was too short honestly. I hope you can go and experience it for yourself!
I’m so grateful for everything and all the people I met. See you soon in NYC!
Warmest regards,
LeahHistoric 1850s sea captain's mansion in New York City, USA
Pet sitting near San Francisco Bay, USA
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Information for those planning to visit the US
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
LGBTQ
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Music
Languages
History
Drawing & painting
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Beach
Cycling
