Description
I am retired, my wife works and we live in central Sweden. We have a 16 yr old son living at home, and an older daughter in Gothenburg University. We emigrated from UK, so we are a half Swedish family. We live in a tiny village amongst dairy farms. We live a simple but rather cluttered life in a former vicarage, and have a very large garden to maintain. I (John) had a replacement hip operation six weeks ago and cannot do physical work until rehab is complete.

I do not need help personally.

We have lots of pets, a large wild garden with patches of civilised flower beds. Lots of grass to maintain.

After showing you around, the work is entirely garden based, but varied. "Escape" is by car or motor scooter(moped). There is no bus or shop in the village, the nearest facility is 4 km distant, so workawayers need to be able to occupy their spare time and evenings. Fiber WifI broadband is available all the time.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will certainly "escape from it all" in our rural family home. We offer the experience of living in a small village of mostly farmers and forest owners. Walk and cycle in solitude. Enjoy Sweden's "right to roam" without prosecution for trespassing. Go wild swimming in local lakes and rivers.

Depending on my recovery status after my hip operation I will wherever possible show you ancient Rune Stones, medieval Burial mounds and vast stone tombs where the covering soil has gone. There are also historic sites of 1000 yr old churches and church ruins. I will arrange visits to local towns and places of interest, either with our family or on your own.

All in all enjoy a slower pace of life, and its joys and occasional frustrations.
Help
I, John, the dad have undergone hip replacement surgery recently and I require an extra pair of hands to care for our land after my operation. Tasks could include lawn leaf clearing, weeding and cutting back flower and vegetable beds, simple carpentry projects repairing animal pens, and garden structures. Some pruning bushes. Outside house painting.

In addition I might require you to assist in shopping and carrying, whilst I am undergoing Rehab.

A driving licence for a moped/motor scooter or car would be useful but not essential. We have bicycles for your leisure use.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Swedish: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
English spoken (John) and Swedish (Ingegerd, Hannes)
Accommodation
You will occupy a downstairs Guest bedroom in the house, with separate toilet and shower, partly shared with homeowners. Join the family for all meals. No personal cooking facilities. The house also includes several cats and a dog.

Sewerage is partly sustainably treated and all water is direct from our own well, and drinkable un treated. We endeavour to live simply and as sustainably as we can, making some compromises.
What else ...
The house is in a village 4 km from the nearest bus route and 8 km from the nearest shop. There are no other local resources. Volunteers need to be able to be content for long periods such as evenings when they will be left alone. Unfortunately we have no communal TV however fiber broadband and WiFi are strong signals and reliable. Mobile phone networks are occasionally unavailable.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Yes space for a mobile home or campervan or use of a simple stuga - but very basic cooking facilty and a caravan-toilet which campers would be expected to maintain and service every 2 or 3 days.
Can possibly accept pets
We have our own dog and cats, so any guest pet should be quiet and tolerant to fit in.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week