Come and help me care for neglected areas of the woods in North Wales historic house, UK

United Kingdom

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Favourited 664 times

Host rating
Feedback
39
Last activity
25/10/2020
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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What's this?

Details

Description
I am a single lady running a country house by the sea in Snowdonia, North Wales.
Workaway help is welcome mainly in restoring neglected areas of the wooded grounds in an historic garden.

The house is just outside the small coastal resort of Barmouth so all the attractions of the seaside are just a ten minute walk away, but the house is set in its own grounds so the atmosphere is very peaceful and private. It is a very special place and I would be delighted to welcome a volunteer or two to come and discover its magic.

I look forward to having you stay.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
North Wales is a beautiful part of Great Britain, it's landscape and culture unique.
Barmouth has a railway station so all the coast is available to explore by train, foot or bike.

This is a wonderful place to get to know, anyone with an interest in architecture will be delighted to have the chance to stay here and also explore the many superb historic castles and houses in the area.
Help
Willing help is welcome out in the grounds, to help manage neglected areas of the woods.
We have a gardener but extra hands welcome and interest or experience with woodland management would be great help.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Bedroom, separate shower room in main house.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
4hours daily in week

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Feedback left by and about host (39)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(4.3)

Communication:
(4.4)

06/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Alicja) for host

I spent 4 weeks with Joan - one week in Malvern and three weeks in Wales, and it was wonderful. Joan is a very good host, communicative (for example, when she wasn’t in the house, she would send clear instructions via email), eager to recommend places to go to in your free time, knowledgable about the area both in Malvern and in Barmouth. I spent… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)

Anna came for two weeks in October and worked hard out in the grounds. The work was mainly clearing terraces for planting later with vegetables and clearing borders and planting with perennials. She also pruned some shrubs and removed a couple of others. Her expertise was a great help. I'm glad to learn that she enjoyed her stay here and enjoyed… read more

(Excellent )

27/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

The castle is very impressive and one of the most beautiful places I have stayed so far on my journey. It's all very nicely decorated and the bedrooms are nice with great views out to sea and having your own bathroom is a treat. It can be very cold (Joan did mention this to me before I arrived) but there are plenty of blankets and a hot water… read more bottle to keep you warm at night.
The kitchen is the warmest place with the Aga which is nice and cosy to eat in. We also played cards and drunk lots of tea in there.
I liked that there was a routine with the meals.. Lunch at 1 dinner around 6.30
There is a lot of work to be done in the grounds and it can be very physically demanding. You only work for 4 hours a day but that can seems long if your not used to doing such manual labour I imagine. On wet days I was asked to clean the castle. I was also asked to get the castle ready for customers while Joan was away. Joan comunicated via email while she was away of jobs that needed to be done. This was also a lot of work but if you don't mind the mixture of indoor and outdoor work it would suit you well.
We were asked to leave the castle while the customers rented it out for the weekend one of the weekends I was there.
In the past Joan has taken people to her other property and sometimes there is the chance to stay in the beautiful tower. If these options arnt avalible it can be an extra expense for you to find somewhere else. But the positive to this is it gives you the chance to explore another area for a weekend. The train links are good and there are plenty of beautiful places to visit.
Barmouth is a small town but has everything you need. The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and I enjoyed a walk on it most days after work. There are also lots of lovely hill walks if you enjoy walking.
Joan contacted me long before I arrived at the castle and was very good at keeping in contact and explaining what she wanted me to do if I was to go there. She was also helpful with how to get there. She was also very helpful with ideas of what to do on your days off and where to go so comunication between us was good.
I really enjoyed my time at the castle and have really lovely memories of sitting around the open fire at night, meeting new people who have become friends and working in a beautiful setting.
Thank you Joan. I hope to pop in in the future to see the progress of the garden and see if all the geraniums we planted survived.

(Very good )

30/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Cherie & Phil)

Cherie stayed for about nearly three weeks in October, unfortunately having to leave early due to family problems. She did sterling work out in the woodland, her chainsaw skills being a great asset at this time of year, taming the woods. She also worked on the terraces we are preparing as a kitchen garden and cleared borders ready for planting… read more

(Excellent )

29/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Cherie & Phil) for host

Me and Phil had a great time at the castle it was a wonderful experience we loved working in the gardens and exploring the beautiful town... Joan made Phil's stay even more special with her wonderful food that she prepared between visits...!!! I di alot of ground work with the chainsaw to clear some blocked spaces to open the views... Definitely… read more

(Excellent )

24/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host

The house is big, very impressive, beautiful and very tastfully furnished. It has a nice, big garden and I could sit, after my afternoonwalk, in the big room with a beautiful view on the gardens and sea.
I had a comfortable room with bathroom and when I was cold (there is no heating in the house) I could sit in the big kitchen with the Aga always… read more

(Good )

14/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Chiara) for host

I spent three weeks with Joan during last July and August. Great Malvern and Barmouth are both very beautiful places and Joan is a fabulous woman. When I arrived there, I didn't know what I would find. Now I'm sure: the most important aspect of this experience was to meet Joan and find a special friend! She is a very kind person and to work with… read more

(Excellent )

16/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Beverly) for host

I was fortunate to spend 3 weeks at this beautiful historic home in a most under-rated part of the UK...Wales. The best parts of the experience were meeting and spending time with Joan, living in a castle overlooking the sea, and exploring the surrounding countryside on foot and by car. Mornings were spent tidying up the house or garden, both very… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Maren) for host

This was my first workaway and I really enjoyed it.
In January/February I spent 2,5 weeks in Great Malvern and Barmouth. Both are very nice cities, with a great surrounding and lovely people.
Especially the castle in Barmouth is amazing. I stayed there with two other volunteers. Most of the time we worked in the big garden and in the evenings we… read more

(Excellent )

06/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Alan) for host

A few weeks back I spent a week in Barmouth as my first Workaway experience. Joan was a great host and the accommodation was a pleasure to stay at. The other Workawayers I met helped me settle into the whole Workaway concept.
My contribution mainly involved assisting in tidying a garden (a rather large and overgrown piece of land with great… read more

(Excellent )

05/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Nathan) for host

This was my first workaway experience and it was really incredible. Joan is a very kind, and friendly person.
And definitely a great cooker ahah !
The job was interested and there was many and different stuff to make ! Mainly, I refurbished and clean the garden.
The manor is a very lovely place with a great view of the sea, many landscapes to… read more

(Excellent )

02/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sebastien) for host

I had the pleasure to spend time helping Joan with various tasks in order to keep her country house running. The work involves gardening and outdoor chores. The impressive and fortunate location has wonderful views on the Irish sea and the Snowdonia mountains. Since April had few more windy nights to offer, it was cold at night but otherwise the… read more

(Excellent )

19/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas)

Jonas was an excellent Workaway in every respect. He was most capable and reliable in taking care of the house, he always worked hard to a very high standard with a no fuss attitude..and he never once whinged about the cold! Impressive....He got great results out in the grounds, as well as doing house repairs and work in the outbuildings- all done… read more

(Excellent )

19/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host

I stayed in Joan‘s castle for two weeks (01/03-14/03) and had loads of fun! I worked mainly in the (huge) garden and cut down trees and cleaned up some plots. When it rained I worked inside. Work was always interesting and the food was great! Joan is an amazing cook. The house was quite cold but the kitchen is heated.
I definitely recommend Joan… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Joy)

Joy, by name , by nature- she loved to clean. She chose the very place never to run out of possibilities.... She always found the right treatment for the right job and seemed happy yo find the right result . All much appreciated. I'm pleased to read that she was happy with the work and the place. Many thanks, Joy.

(Excellent )

30/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Joy) for host

A very big thank you to Joan. The castle was amazing, it was was a privilege to clean such a fabulous historic property. Joan's cooking is great and Barmouth is a lovely town.

(Excellent )

20/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David came to help in early Spring and worked very hard out in the grounds mainly, applying himself to tasks that he didn't have experience in and worked uncomplainingly and tried hard to do a good job. Much appreciated. He has very good English, which was also duly appreciated at the time...and a very good sense of humour. Apologies for belated… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

I have been volunteering with Joan during one month. I have worked mainly in the grounds and occasionally inside the house helping getting prepared the bedrooms for the customers. I have lived this experience with two others workawayers with whom I sometimes shared the work. Joan wasn’t in the house during some days, so we sometimes had to cook… read more

(Good )

20/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Audrey)

Audrey was yet another lovely young lady who helped me keep the house in Wales running smoothly during the busy weeks in August. It's a pity she followed on from Stephanie's dates rather than coinciding, as I think they would have got on well together. I do try to have two Workawayers share dates so it's more sociable for them, but this time it… read more

(Excellent )

19/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Audrey) for host

I spent 2 weeks and half with Joan in Malvern in August (but we went 3 times in Barmouth during my stay so I had also the opportunity to spend 6 days there and have a short look at this beautiful area of Wales). It was such a good stay ! Malvern is a really nice town, small but with a lot of interesting shop, a lot of beautiful houses everywhere… read more

(Excellent )

19/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)

Stephanie was a lovely Workawayer to have help at the house this summer. She provided a pleasant calm presence , which was a great benefit, as well as being most capable in a practical way in the chores she undertook. She quietly got on with her various tasks around the house and worked to a high standard, much appreciated, thank you Stephanie. I… read more

(Excellent )

23/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host

I stayed almost a month at Joan's place and had a really good time. The location in Barmouth is perfect. I was lucky enough to be there when the weather was exceptionally good and spent most of my afternoons at the beach where you can walk to in 10 minutes. The house itself is also well located surrounded by nature with nice views. Work consisted… read more

(Very good )

10/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Teemu) for host

I stayed here 2 months and I was experience which I will remember for ever.
Joan is great person who looks after us.
Castle is very nice to live and surrounding hills and coast are very good for walking etc.
I wish good luck for Joan.
And thank you for this experience.
Teemu

(Very good )

28/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Eva-Maria)

Eva Maria was a great asset to have around and a delightful dependable help to me in the house. She cheerfully ,and with no fuss, quietly got on with whatever was required inside the house and maintained a high standard with the cleaning required. She got on well with my other Workaways, her influence worked wonders on the less… read more

(Excellent )

22/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Eva-Maria) for host

I stayed in one of Joans properties for around 3 and a half weeks and had a fantastic time! Joan is a very lovely women and welcomed me from day one. Even though she was not around at times, she made sure all workawayers are being looked after well and made sure our roasters allowed us to enjoy and discover the countryside around the area. I… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (David )

It was great to have David's professional skills set to work on the wild, overgrown areas of the grounds. He has continued the work started by Ettore on a rocky hillside that has opened up a new viewpoint and the sea front giving us more sea views.
I'm pleased to read that he enjoyed his stay, despite the onset of winter.....

(Excellent )

25/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (David ) for host

Lovely experience for my first workaway.
This home is in an amazing location right up on a hill overlooking barmouth. After joan purchased a chainsaw i set to work, clearing the overgrown trees blocking her amazing view. I loved all my jobs which included tree felling and pruning, cutting and chopping firewood, strimming the brambles and various… read more

(Excellent )

11/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Kathryn)

Kathryn was great help in house and grounds, helping Pamela prep house for visitors and doing some of the detailed jobs that never seem to get done, fixing blinds and repairing the edging of antique sofa for instance. Many thanks.
I'm pleased that we could offer a place in the summer, not always possible, so Kathryn could meet up with old friends… read more

(Excellent )

24/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Kathryn) for host

This was my first Workaway experience and I really enjoyed myself. I spent 3 wks here. The house, the scenery, and the surrounding area are all spectacular. Joan had a well stocked freezer and accommodations are very comfortable. Thank you, Joan. There are stores and restaurants too in the town, which is only a 10 min walk downhill. I worked very… read more

(Very good )

10/10/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (John)

Thank you John for your hard work clearing back miles of undergrowth, weeds, junk along the sea edge of garden and stone walls - it's made a great difference, ready for some tree chopping.
I'm pleased to read you enjoyed your stay. Joan

(Excellent )

07/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (John) for host

I enjoyed a two week stay at Joan's spectacular 1880 built mansion/castle overlooking Barmouth town and seafront. Joan is dedicated to the upkeep of the property indoors and outdoors. I was happy to make some progress in rescuing the seaview from the encroaching scrub and fast growing sycamore.
As befits a castle, my stay was very comfortable and… read more

(Excellent )

21/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Greta)

Lorenzo and Greta were a charming couple to have stay.
Lorenzo worked hard at clearing a very overgrown pathway and ridding a fine rhododendron of miles of bramble, with Gretas help.
They also did some housework on rainy days and prior to guests arrival. Many thanks, Joan

(Excellent )

19/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Greta) for host

We stayed with Joan for two weeks, the accomodation was in an apartment on the tower of the castle, with a stunning view on the sea and dominating the city of Barmouth.
Joan is a pleasant and nice woman, and also if she has to move to her house at weekends or some days more because she doesn't live in Barmouth we had the opportunity to know her… read more

(Excellent )

18/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ettore & Ilenia)

Ettore was a great asset to have at the house, easpecially at this time of year, as he made great progress in taming 'the jungle' out in the grounds. He has knowledge and experience in tackling trees and shrubs and is careful so I could trust him to use serious tools and equipment.
He is a lovely person - also with a great sense of humour, so… read more

(Excellent )

01/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ettore & Ilenia) for host

Joan is an lovely host an exceptional person. The help was very interesting and she has always been of help. Joan is also an excellent tour guide and I visited three beautiful places. Barmouth is lovely, it is a place full of rare beauty and elegant charm. Added to this is the castle of Joan, its history and its very impressive architecture. We… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Delaney)

Delaney came to help shape up the house in the depths of winter before our first guests of the season. She did a great job and applied herself with relish to whatever task was required. She and Grace made a great team too and both were fun to have around. One thing I am reacquainted with quickly through Workaway is the heartiness of a young… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Delaney) for host

Joan is an absolutely wonderful host! She embodies the workaway spirit and is delightful company too. She welcomed me to her, may I call it a kingdom??, in Barmouth, North Wales, and not only welcomed me as a guest or as a volunteer but also made me feel at home. We shared a lovely balance of cultural exchange, sharing slow mornings with coffee or… read more

(Excellent )

14/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Grace)

Grace was my first Workaway volunteer and I couldn't have got luckier. She is a lovely, lively young lady with great sense of humour.
She was a very willing help and most conscientious in her approach to work. She and Delaney helped me 'wake up' the house for its first guests of 2017 and both did an excellent job and seemed to enjoy seeing the… read more

(Excellent )

12/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Grace) for host

Joan was an absolutely lovely host! Very easygoing and generous. The work was very manageable and Joan provided all food and a very nice bedroom. She was always up for a chat, and would take the workawayers with her if she visited the town or another area. Her house (castle!) in Barmouth is a truly amazing place and I loved exploring the town… read more

(Excellent )

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