Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
22 Feb 2024
Reply rate
85.7 %
Usually responds within 14 days
Feedback
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Details
Description
Our half an acre organic homestead has the most breathtaking view of the Langeberg Mountains. Mark and I found this idyllic spot in August 2004 and we both knew immediately that this was a place where we could both enjoy living, growing our own fruit & nut trees and vegetables and create a inviting space where others could visit and share in the tranquility, fresh air and natural vistas. We encourage our visitors to chat with the local Suurbraak community, adventure in the mountains, swim in rivers and feel the heartbeat of the land. We hope your time spent here will be rewarding and as you leave, your body, mind and spirit will feel energized and at peace.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living in !Xairu (a place of paradise): this beautifully situated village, sheltered by giant oaks, was formerly known as Zuurbraak and lies at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, on the southern end of the Tradouw Pass.
The mountains are rich in fynbos and bird life and cattle paths act as mountain trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and bird-watchers alike. I am an avid bird watcher, and snake protector and I love sharing my enthusiasm for birds and snakes.
The isolation of Suurbraak is one of its charms but this sheer lack of opportunity has forced the youth to seek employment elsewhere and has limited the financial resources of the people, both young and old. Many still cook on wood stoves and the people live close to the land using farming methods that belong to the past. The smaller farms are still ploughed using horse drawn ploughs. Agricultural work is often done manually with most households owning at least one cow and a few donkeys or horses. Donkey and horse-drawn carts are often seen in the streets.
I have some wonderful connections with the local people and would be happy to facilitate your meeting and chatting with them, should you require.
Mat making, hide curing and blacksmithing have all sadly died out, as has candle and soap making. Furniture making, however, and in particular chairs and the traditional methods of bodging, has remained. Garden furniture and crafts are also fashioned from alien vegetation.
Guided village and mountain walking tours are offered, while horse riding and cart rides remind the visitor that time has stood still at Suurbraak. There are basic barbeque facilities alongside the river with spectacular pools.
Suurbraak is close to Barrydale, Swellendam, Heidelberg and wonderful Cape Nature Reserves of De Hop and Grootvadersbosch.
We often go for hikes up the mountain with our beloved dogs and you would be welcome to join us.
We go into Swellendam to shop, if you require to join us you would be welcome.
There are various gatherings within the village which you would be welcome to join too.
Help
We would require 15 hrs per week of your youthful energy - to assist us in, for example, mending fences, keeping the compost watered, feeding the chickens, planting seeds in seed trays in Spring and Autumn, planting out strong seedlings into the spiral garden, assisting in pruning activities and general gardening.
We would meet and discuss what is required and having you put in the hours during the weekdays means you have your weekends free to explore the surrounding areas.
We would feed you substantial, healthy dinners three evenings of the week.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Large open plan space - two three quarter beds, lounge area, library, kitted out kitchen with all necessary equipment for storing and cooking food, outside bathroom with toilet and solar shower area.
What else ...
If this is the first time traveling to Suurbraak, some ideas; The Buffeljags riverside is at the bottom of our garden if you wish to take a dip, weather permitting! There are fabulous trails in the Langeberg mountains above our home. Witsands Beach is a 50 minute drive away, Grootvadersbosch forest, less than 20mins and Barrydale and Swellendam, the third oldest colonial town in South Africa, are also quick drives (20mins)
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have decent wifi. I run meetings and classes on zoom, teams etc
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 3 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
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