Organizing tools and maintaining off-grid properties in Kea, Greece

Details

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  Description

  ABOUT US
  
  For many years my husband and I created and maintained two off-grid properties in Greece where we tried to live in a simple and environmentally conscious way. After his recent passing, I am gradually reorganising the properties and the systems he built.
  
  Both properties currently run off-grid with solar electricity, battery storage and independent water systems. Over the years my husband built many custom solutions and modifications, which means the systems are quite complex.
  
  At the moment I am looking for practical and responsible people who can help me stabilise and organise things, understand how the systems work, and keep everything running safely while gradually simplifying them.
  
  This is a quiet environment in nature and is best suited for people who enjoy practical work, independence and simple living.
  
  THE PROPERTY
  
  The main place where volunteers stay is on the island of Kea, in the Cyclades, about one hour by ferry from Lavrio port near Athens.
  
  The house is located in a quiet natural area outside the main villages. The property includes several small stone buildings and operates completely off-grid, using solar electricity, battery storage and independent water systems.
  
  Kea is one of the closest Cycladic islands to Athens but remains relatively calm compared with many tourist islands. It has beautiful beaches, traditional villages and many walking paths.
  
  In addition to Kea, I also have a rural property in the Peloponnese (Agios Elisseos) with land and olive trees where some help may also be needed at certain times. If this becomes relevant during your stay, I can send photos and explain more details privately.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Writing

  

  Music

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Get to know the life on a Greek island. Enjoy a healthy lifestyle: swimming almost every day and eating the Greek food. Visit the numerous small churches, very typical on the Greek islands, as well as the archaecological museum and archaeological sites, for which Kea is famous for.
  Become familiar with eco systems, energy saving systems and living off the grid.
  And if lucky, join a typical Greek ‘panigyri’: celebrating a Saint’s name.

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  Help

  Please: Before you respond, read the whole post and make sure you HAVE THE RELEVANT SKILLS.
  
  
  HELP / PROJECTS
  
  The main projects at the moment involve stabilising the properties, organising tools and maintaining the off-grid systems.
  
  Both properties currently operate with solar power, battery storage and independent water systems. Because many of these systems were custom-built and modified over the years, it is important that people helping have some real understanding of electrical, solar and water systems, or solid practical experience working with technical systems.
  
  The goal is to:
  
  • understand how the systems currently work
  • keep them operating safely
  • simplify and organise them where possible
  
  The most important project right now is organising my late husband’s large collection of tools and equipment.
  
  This includes:
  
  • identifying what tools and equipment are present
  • grouping them logically by type or use
  • organising storage areas so tools are easy to find and maintain
  • deciding which tools should be kept and which can be sold
  
  For tools that may be sold, it would be helpful if the person assisting can:
  
  • recognise what the tools are used for
  • photograph them
  • check approximate prices online
  • help prepare simple listings
  
  Other typical tasks may include:
  
  • basic maintenance and repairs
  • painting and small fixes
  • organising storage areas and workshops
  • general property cleaning and upkeep
  • outdoor work such as weeding or pruning (Peloponnese property)
  • occasional dog care
  
  Sometimes I will be present on the property, and other times volunteers may stay and work more independently.
  
  TIMING / WHEN HELP IS NEEDED
  
  Help is mainly needed during two periods of the year.
  
  Spring period
  Usually between April and June.
  
  Autumn period
  Usually between September and November.
  
  During both periods the work is generally similar and may include organising tools, maintenance projects and general property upkeep. In the Peloponnese property there may also be olive-related work during the autumn period.
  
  The exact timing can vary each year, so if you are interested in coming during the autumn period, it is helpful to stay in contact and confirm plans around June.
  For the spring period, I usually confirm availability around November of the previous year.
  
  Stays are normally 1–3 weeks, depending on the projects and how well the arrangement works for both sides.
  
  We're looking for responsible, reliable and mature individuals with initiative to help with projects in our property as well as to sometimes (when we are not there) take care of our three dogs (you must love dogs as we have 3).

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  Languages spoken

  Greek: Fluent
  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  ACCOMMODATION
  You will be staying at the GREY COTTAGE. The Grey Cottage is a lovely bright studio with a double bed, a small kitchen and a small bathroom with shower. To get to the cottage you enter a well protected open room, with an outdoor shower and a sink.
  You get excellent private accommodation in your own lovely cottage with a double bedroom with a clean, comfy bed, nice bedding, towels and pillows. Bright, airy, cosy, comfy, clean, tidy and well-equipped. You can feel at home here, relax and explore the area.

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  What else ...

  TRANSPORTATION:
  1. To reach Kea you fly to Athens, then travel to Lavrio port, and take the ferry to Kea (about one hour).
  
  Once you arrive on Kea, I will meet you at the port and take you to the property. The property is about 15-20’ walking from the asphalt. Car or motorcycle may be available for buying supplies. I usually go to the supermarket every three days. However you may need to rent a car or a scooter for longer rides for your entertainment.
  
  MINIMUM AGE: 25.
  
  SMOKING: This is a completely non-smoking, non-vaping household.
  
  If you are interested in coming, please write a short message describing your practical skills, your experience with tools or technical systems, and when you may be available to help.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Nero

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