Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 13 days
Feedback
41
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are restoring TRADITIONAL ORIGINAL STONE HOUSES using reclaimed materials whenever possible using Lime and stone and reclaimed timbers and tiles. The social and cultural exchange and interaction and skill sharing opportunities are key to our way of living. This is a place set in the heart of a traditional Greek mountain village with hiking,ambling and nature right the your doorstep. This is a real chance to experience Greek mountain life in an immersive environment. The only other non Greeks in the village are previous workawayers who after 2 visits to us liked it so much they purchased and are restoring thier own stone cottage.
We are now actively looking for help from MID MAY with various projects including
Lime plastering vaulted stone room.
Also 2 metre by 3 metre replacement Wooden Entrance gates to be made.
Enthusiastic workawayers are always welcome there is always something that needs doing.
Our property is 20km north of Ancient Sparta and Mystra in Lakonia, Southern Greece. We are in a scenic mountain village with a bus service and lifts with locals to and from town are quite easy.
The surroundings are unspoilt with walking,hiking and cycling with stunning views available directly from property which is in the heart of the village . We have many on going projects. We recycle and salvage wherever possible and i am keen to put into practice what i have learned about off grid living and to learn more.
The house is built into a 6 metre high bedrock so there is plenty of scope for creative interesting projects.
We have completed a 1 kilowatt off grid solar electric project and one property is now running independently.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The village has 2 bars in the main square, one of which is a nice restaurant as well, within 150m of the house providing the chance to stay in an authentic village environment but only 50m from mountains and olive groves .The most notable sites nearby are Mystra and Ancient Sparta with Monemvasia a day trip. We speak English and Greek and also poor French but we try.
Help
Hello from the Sunny Mountains of the Peloponnese
We welcome self motivated and enthusiastic, practical people who enjoy working independently or part of a group to help us move our projects forward and at the same time teach/learn and have some fun . The location offers the chance to live in the heart of a traditional village on the edge of remote countryside but only 20 mins from a large town . We are only an hour from the sea and go regularly and welcome you to come along.
We always have challenging, inventive new projects to be undertaken for long stayers but also the inevitable general property maintenance and small projects.
Languages spoken
Greek: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Accommodation is self contained in an adjoining house on the main courtyard or in a separate converted haystore next to an ancient threshing circle in our olive groves and is all of a very good standard.
We have a good sunny spot for campers and campervans in the olive groves on the edge of the village yet only 100 metres from the main square .
What else ...
Working hours and days are flexible but will be agreed in advance so as to avoid misunderstandings. In general for a minimum 5 hrs per day we supply 2 good meals on working days , we cook all meals for you and we usually eat together but if you prefer to eat independently in the evening thats fine too. On days off we supply food for you to cook. If you like to cook that is great we love to try new food and enjoy mealtimes .
We have lots to do and when we work, we work and when we are not we enjoy life with the same energy . We go to the beach and sites often and we would happily bring you with us or help you to go independently as you wish .
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5
Host ref number: 935686196144
Feedback (20)
13 Dec 2021
We had a really great time with Shema & Phil at their lovely house in South Péloponnèse:) They were very friendly and we enjoyed lot of different works, learning much from this old stone house passionate couple :) Great tea times of course and plenty of fun every nights, they have so many stories from their adventurous life ! Dont hesitate to help… read more
3 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ines & Eloi)
Ines and Eloi were excellent workawayers. Communication beforehand was easy and precise. They are open and easy to talk to and took on all the tasks with enthusiasm. They were very capable and quite able to work independently. Ines sewed, painted, pruned trees, stacked wood for winter. Her preparation for painting was excellent. Eloi did the same… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Clancy)
Clancy went beyond our hope and expectations in every way . We hoped she might help our daughter and get on with her okay .
In fact Clancy inspired Annabel and they became friends as well .As we asked she became part of the family she was willing ,intuitive and self motivated . Life was easy with her around always happy,respectful and helpful in… read more
In fact Clancy inspired Annabel and they became friends as well .As we asked she became part of the family she was willing ,intuitive and self motivated . Life was easy with her around always happy,respectful and helpful in… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jul 2016
I've been putting off writing this review because nothing I can say will do this family justice. Phil, Shema and Annabel are some of the most genuine, hilarious and amazing people you will ever meet! They welcomed me into their beautiful home and made me feel a part of the family straight away. I have never laughed so much in two and a half weeks… read more
8 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren & Joon- Young)
Joon and Lauren were with us for 1 month and we were sorry to say goodbye .They are EXCELLENT helpers and we recommend them highly.
We asked Lauren to Teach our 16 year old daughter who is studying from home. Lauren went further than teach ,she created a timetable for future helpers and Annabel .She read,printed and employed the complete syllabus… read more
We asked Lauren to Teach our 16 year old daughter who is studying from home. Lauren went further than teach ,she created a timetable for future helpers and Annabel .She read,printed and employed the complete syllabus… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Mar 2016
This is what Workaway is all about we had a jolly good time. We stayed in Varrasas for one month and it couldn't have been better, we felt like one of the family. Phil and Shema thank you for your wonderful food, company and teaching us more about ouzo. Teaching Annabel everyday was fun and I know that she is going to do great when she goes to… read more
Feedback
13 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ines & Eloi) for host
We had a really great time with Shema & Phil at their lovely house in South Péloponnèse:) They were very friendly and we enjoyed lot of different works, learning much from this old stone house passionate couple :) Great tea times of course and plenty of fun every nights, they have so many stories from their adventurous life ! Dont hesitate to help… read more
3 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ines & Eloi)
Ines and Eloi were excellent workawayers. Communication beforehand was easy and precise. They are open and easy to talk to and took on all the tasks with enthusiasm. They were very capable and quite able to work independently. Ines sewed, painted, pruned trees, stacked wood for winter. Her preparation for painting was excellent. Eloi did the same… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Clancy)
Clancy went beyond our hope and expectations in every way . We hoped she might help our daughter and get on with her okay .
In fact Clancy inspired Annabel and they became friends as well .As we asked she became part of the family she was willing ,intuitive and self motivated . Life was easy with her around always happy,respectful and helpful in… read more
In fact Clancy inspired Annabel and they became friends as well .As we asked she became part of the family she was willing ,intuitive and self motivated . Life was easy with her around always happy,respectful and helpful in… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Clancy) for host
I've been putting off writing this review because nothing I can say will do this family justice. Phil, Shema and Annabel are some of the most genuine, hilarious and amazing people you will ever meet! They welcomed me into their beautiful home and made me feel a part of the family straight away. I have never laughed so much in two and a half weeks… read more
8 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren & Joon- Young)
Joon and Lauren were with us for 1 month and we were sorry to say goodbye .They are EXCELLENT helpers and we recommend them highly.
We asked Lauren to Teach our 16 year old daughter who is studying from home. Lauren went further than teach ,she created a timetable for future helpers and Annabel .She read,printed and employed the complete syllabus… read more
We asked Lauren to Teach our 16 year old daughter who is studying from home. Lauren went further than teach ,she created a timetable for future helpers and Annabel .She read,printed and employed the complete syllabus… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lauren & Joon- Young) for host
This is what Workaway is all about we had a jolly good time. We stayed in Varrasas for one month and it couldn't have been better, we felt like one of the family. Phil and Shema thank you for your wonderful food, company and teaching us more about ouzo. Teaching Annabel everyday was fun and I know that she is going to do great when she goes to… read more
7 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
Maria came to us to assist Annabel our daughter with her home schooling studies .Maria did a great deal more than that ,she created an atmosphere of rapport such that Annabel had total confidence in Maria and herself and the results were fantastic .Her teaching style was vibrant and inclusive and Annabel very noticeably took responsibility for… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
I couldn't have wished for better hosts on my first workaway experience. This friendly, generous and warm-hearted family offer the ideal balance between giving you enough work to do with ample free time.
Phil and Shema provided comfortable accommodation and mountains of delicious food together with lots of local information and interesting… read more
Phil and Shema provided comfortable accommodation and mountains of delicious food together with lots of local information and interesting… read more
7 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Kris & Andrew ) for host
We had a great time with Phil, Sheema and family. They are experienced hosts and gave us the perfect mix of work and leasure time. They matched our interests with their job list so we found the work both interesting and rewarding. Our work days started at 9 and ended at 4 with a lovely lunch inbetween. The food was fresh and tasty and kept us… read more
26 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Kris & Andrew )
When you host this family you get more than you expect .Andrew is a more than competent woodworker he designed and made an opening window,boxed in pipes,framed a large mirror,glazed windows and showed Annabel technical drawing techniques and he was calm and easy to work with though he can work with you or alone.Kris though not a teacher worked… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Michel) for host
I have stayed for nearly 7 weeks with Phil, Shema and there daughter Annabel. The only and rightest words to qualify my experience with them is "EXCELLENT" from all point of view. They are such a lovely, fun and easy going family; the accommodation was amazing, the incredibly variated jobs (wooden furnitures, steel stairs, repairing a motorbike,… read more
17 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Michel)
Michel has been with us for 2 weeks and it has been a very good experience .
He is as he says and very versatile, happy to work together with me or really very capable on his own . He spent 2 hard days chopping wood, sketched planned and made an intricate wood panel, repaired a fragile aluminium guard plate on an industrial sanding machine, that… read more
He is as he says and very versatile, happy to work together with me or really very capable on his own . He spent 2 hard days chopping wood, sketched planned and made an intricate wood panel, repaired a fragile aluminium guard plate on an industrial sanding machine, that… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Morandin & Caïola) for host
What can we say... Our English is not good so, will try to tell things in simple terms :
Everything which has been said in the previews feed-backs are true : When you arrive to Sheema, Annabel and Phil's place you're allways welcome. Sheema and Phil are sharing and caring people. You have to work hard but you will allways be well rewarded. We ate,… read more
Everything which has been said in the previews feed-backs are true : When you arrive to Sheema, Annabel and Phil's place you're allways welcome. Sheema and Phil are sharing and caring people. You have to work hard but you will allways be well rewarded. We ate,… read more
20 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Morandin & Caïola)
Baptiste and Sophie were with us for 3 weeks and will return for 2 more weeks .They are as good as it gets on workaway ,Brilliant. Baptiste is a fully skilled Carpenter who loves his work and gives his time ,skill and advice freely and with passion .He built cupboards and shelves ,laid a floor,put skirting board in a whole room made plinths and… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie & Lauren)
Jamie and Lauren were with us for 2 weeks and the only thing we did not want was for them to leave .Jamie is a skilled electrician and was happy to do varied jobs large and small and was very capable of working independently .He confidently looked at jobs then wrote a list of what he needed to complete them consulted and then went off and worked… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jamie & Lauren) for host
We stayed with Phil, Shema and Annabel for 2 weeks which unfortunately was not long enough. From day 1 we were made to feel at home and thoroughly looked after. Of our whole 3 month trip this stay was the highlight - we were given a good insight into Greek living and miss the incredible food everyday. This is the nicest family who work hard and… read more
20 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lindsay) for host
Phil, Shema and Annabel are top notch hosts, they put our faith back in the Workaway ethos, which we feel is about a fair exchange and an enjoyable experience.
There was a wide choice of work and Phil encouraged us to do work we would enjoy and then supplied everything that was required to get the job done. Shema’s food was delicious and… read more
There was a wide choice of work and Phil encouraged us to do work we would enjoy and then supplied everything that was required to get the job done. Shema’s food was delicious and… read more
14 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Lindsay)
Rich and Lindsay are as good as all their previous reviews suggest and more .They both come to make a difference and they come equipped with the tools,skills,knowledge and attitude to do so . .Independent, self starters with their own accommodation .Amongst other things Rich made and fitted a window frame,fitted a shower unit and fixed the… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Rob & Patricia) for host
We stayed with Phil, Shema and Annabel for 3 weeks and we enjoyed every minute. From the first moment they made us feel comfortable. They are a very nice family and we enjoyed the conversations, dinner and games together.
The work was varied and we learnt lots of new skills. Patri is looking forward to making bread and soap at home as Shema… read more
The work was varied and we learnt lots of new skills. Patri is looking forward to making bread and soap at home as Shema… read more
20 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Rob & Patricia)
Rob and Patri were with us for 3 weeks .They were easy going and fitted in well .They were happy to do any task given to them and just kept the same hours as us .Patri painted including a dog kennel,made wine,made bread and cooked a spanish meal . She was only too happy to muck in, in the kitchen anytime .Rob cut firewood,prepared for painting… read more
(Very good
)
17 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Mette) for host
What can I say other than...
THIS FAMILY IS SPECIAL!! And in the best possible way.
In this house of endless, crying laughter the understanding of the concept "Workawaying" is honest, giving and in all ways very, very comfortable.
Phil has been a great teacher working with one or both of us almost every day and is at the same time always ready… read more
THIS FAMILY IS SPECIAL!! And in the best possible way.
In this house of endless, crying laughter the understanding of the concept "Workawaying" is honest, giving and in all ways very, very comfortable.
Phil has been a great teacher working with one or both of us almost every day and is at the same time always ready… read more
17 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Mette)
Mette and Craig were with us for one month and in the very best way it felt like they had always been here .They just became part of the family and helped and worked that way .Mette made a wooden door ,was very comfortable with power tools ,sanded for days ,painted metal and wood railings ,helped the welder build a flight of stairs and gardened… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (James) for host
As a fellow workawayer said, 'this is the 5-star workaway experience'. I felt like one of the family from the moment I entered the house, and the work was so enjoyable that it never felt like a chore. Beautiful area, beautiful family. Thanks Shema and Phil, I learnt a lot!
4 Sep 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jennifer and John were more than we could of hoped for .They needed no supervision ,just a drawing ,the tools and the key to the tractor or van .
They took themselves around the larger Peloponnese on trips and we showed them the local villages .They integrated with the family and thier company was always fun and equally gave us our own time and… read more
They took themselves around the larger Peloponnese on trips and we showed them the local villages .They integrated with the family and thier company was always fun and equally gave us our own time and… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jul 2013
Left by Workawayer (James) for host
Staying with Phil and Shema was a real treat. I stayed for 5 weeks, but could have happily stayed for the summer. There was plenty of work to do, but it was never a chore. I soon came to feel like one of the family, cooking meals together and talking into the night. Learned a lot from this experience and will remember it fondly. If you've got a… read more
10 Jun 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (James)
J has been with us now for 3 weeks and will stay another 2 weeks or so .He is really very easy to have around .He is a self starter ,he does the routine daily chores round the vegetable gardens ,is very capable in the kitchen from helping to prep to preparing,cooking and serving a full family meal alone . Weeding ,planting ,sanding metre upon… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Monika & Geoff) for host
First of all, if workaway.info would let us give ten smiley face to a host, we would.
Phil and his family are great workaway hosts and our experience with them was an unforgettable one. Phil has numerous tasks and projects going on, that he could do with some help with, so if you are a skilled craftsman or tradesman, a good cook, gardener,… read more
Phil and his family are great workaway hosts and our experience with them was an unforgettable one. Phil has numerous tasks and projects going on, that he could do with some help with, so if you are a skilled craftsman or tradesman, a good cook, gardener,… read more
13 Mar 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika & Geoff)
Geoff and Monika were with us for 3 months . Geoff may as he says not be skilled but he proved he can be ,with instruction and a how to do it book , there is little he cant do . He built a ledged and braced door ,did 2 way electrical wiring, tirelessly planed and prepared reclaimed wood and we built a bespoke wardrobe .He also proved to be a… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Jan 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Taylor)
Taylor arrived with a bad cold and a small dose of jet lag and then , on the next day we went to cut firewood , in the rain for 3 hours with a soon to follow hail storm . He stuck with it despite the cold, and his cold . His construction skills were limited but he sanded some shelves ,chopped and very neatly sorted and stacked all the wood we cut… read more
(Very good
)
29 Jan 2013
Left by Workawayer (Taylor) for host
Phil is one of the warmest, most welcoming people I've encountered abroad. He was immediately gracious as I arrived sick and very new to this workaway lifestyle. Although I only stayed with him a week, I will forever cherish all the insight he gave me concerning traveling about Greece and pursuing my personal desires on my journey abroad. I could… read more
2 Nov 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
Sarah was the most easy person to have around . She was willing to put her hand to anything . Her main task was to mentor and tutor our daughter , Annabel still misses her . Sarah helped with homework ,read books together and spent time making a comedy video with Annabel . Sarah was most appreciative of our trips out and we recommend her to other… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Sep 2012
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
I stayed with Phil and Annabel for 2 weeks and had a great time. The surrounding scenery of the village is gorgeous and their house is lovely. The workload was reasonable and they took me on some great trips to the beach. I especially enjoyed reading with Annabel and walking the dogs, as well as the gardening and housework :)Thankyou both for… read more
1 Nov 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Todd and Cat were with us for 2 weeks in Oct .Todd is multi skilled and confident with an array of power tools . In his short time he welded ,repaired some wooden brackets and put a wooden verandah over a door and shuttered and poured a concrete base for a shower block .He took instruction well and worked indepentely or as part of a team . Cat was… read more
(Very good
)
29 Aug 2012
Left by Workawayer (Emily & David) for host
I stayed with Phil and the family for just over two weeks and had an awesome time.
Being a long term traveller, it is always a relief to find a host that allows me to stop and recuperate for a couple of weeks before heading out on the road again. My stay here provided all of this and more, the more being an honest and caring host family that… read more
Being a long term traveller, it is always a relief to find a host that allows me to stop and recuperate for a couple of weeks before heading out on the road again. My stay here provided all of this and more, the more being an honest and caring host family that… read more
15 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Aymie)
Aymiie and her Mum came to us just for one week in August . They set about the task of getting the garden back under control , they weeded , dug ,tied up and pruned the tomato plants and left us with an easy to manage plot .They also house sat and cooked for the family and other helpers and finally left us with a batch of pickles from the garden… read more
(Very good
)
26 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Sometimes you just get lucky , we just did . Rachel was with us for 2 months and exceeded all and any expectations . She fitted seamlessly into the house and family instantaneously and proved to be intuative ,discreet ,self motivated and fun . She developed her own routine and apart from mentoring , cadjoling and teaching our 16 year old son how… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
Stayed with this family for 2 months and had a great time. They were extremely welcoming and made me feel like part of the family!
The accomodation was lovely as was thw cooking. They also regularly took me on trips to the beach and other interesting places.
I would definetly recommend them as hosts!
The accomodation was lovely as was thw cooking. They also regularly took me on trips to the beach and other interesting places.
I would definetly recommend them as hosts!
14 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Liz )
Jason and Liz were good and reliable help who came short notice due to a change in their plans . Despite only meeting them for 2 hours before we left we were comfortable to leave them to housesit ,dog walk and water and weed the gardens for a week . They were happy to work supervised or not and we would recommend them . Thanks for your help and… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Jul 2012
Left by Workawayer (Liz ) for host
Awesome host! We stayed for two weeks and had a great time. Really nice family and great cooking. Their home is really cool and the village provides you a great authentic Greek experience. Reasonable workload and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. And their two dogs are really sweet!
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
14 Jul 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David was great to have around .He is a skilled worker ,more than happy to work unsupervised .He was good fun and good company .We would welcome him back anytime .
(Excellent
)
9 Jul 2012
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
Well, I stayed for 1 week only due to other commitments, but otherwise would have stayed longer.
Seriously, he is a great bloke and the whole family is easygoing to the point that you feel like you are one of the family.
When you are sad to leave, you know they were Great hosts!
Seriously, he is a great bloke and the whole family is easygoing to the point that you feel like you are one of the family.
When you are sad to leave, you know they were Great hosts!
