Looking for some help converting a 500 year old houses in the Rabat/Mdina area of Malta

Malta

updated

Favourited 733 times

Host rating
Feedback
72
Last activity
22/08/2019
Nº of Facebook friends
1445
Reply rate
51.9 %
Average reply time:
within 35 days
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Availability

2019

Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
Hi! My name is Ian, I am laid back and appreciate that workaway is about experiencing another country and not just working. I love Malta/summer too!

My lifestyle is a little complicated, I have 4 houses and a boat - all sleep a maximum of 4 people. 2 houses are converted and rented out as short time vacation homes (You can sleep in these houses when they not rented out), the other 2 are being converted (one of these 2 is habitable with water and electricity). And there is the 10m sailing boat which is always available. I live with girlfriend and son and dog in Sliema.

I will cover accommodation and food costs.

THE ACCOMDATION I HAVE TO OFFER IS CURRENTLY VERY DUSTY

LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WITH THE FOLLOWING SKILLS:

- Tilers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- builders
- anyone you is dedicated and not very demanding

Looking to make friends, my expectations are relaxed, however I tend work a lot. I have hosted over 200 people in past 10 years and always like to meet other travellers.
Type of help
Construcción
Mantenimiento / bricolage
Cocinar / compras
Otra
Ayuda con animales
Projecto artístico
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn about architecture
Help
Scraping and chiseling 500 year old walls and restoring 3 houses into their former glory.
Languages spoken
English
Accommodation
2 Fully restored 500 year old houses (if not already booked), 1 semi basic restored house, or a sailing boat.
What else ...
I live on a sailing boat for half the time, and at the house when it is available..
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Expected 5 hours, but first few weeks may be longer

Photos

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Feedback left by and about host (72)

27/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

I highly, strongly recommend Daniel to anyone. He has spent 6 months working and living with me and became part of my family. Daniel is smart, honest, trustable, hands on, entertaining, good with kids, very hard working and completely reliable from day one. I have hosted many people through workaway and couchsurfing, but no one quite like Daniel.… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (José Daniel)

Excellent and highly recommended. He is honest, hard working, genuine and great company. I would recommend Jose without any hesitation.

(Excellent )

04/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (José Daniel) for host

I spent two weeks in Rabat and the experience was amazing. Ian is a great man and has a wonderful family! I don’t have a high English level but he was very patient with me. He has a dream, his big project, and I´m sure he will manage it. The work was about construction and there were a lot of tasks to do into the building. But on the other hand,… read more

(Excellent )

15/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mehdi & Guillaume) for host

We stayed for 5 weeks at Ian's Place and that was an amazing experience ! We knew nothing about renovation at the beginning, yet, at the end we were able to use many tools, to build a terrace, change the floor of a room, dig solar tubes and build a maltese wall. Ian is really a great guy, always trying his best so that everyone enjoy as much as… read more

(Excellent )

31/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ivan) for host

Thank You for hosting me and support my new nice experience

Ian is very positive, friendly and easy-going, I recommend him as host.
I spent there 2,5 weeks only, working on restoration of the 500 old house and I learned some new things.
During my free time I visited beautiful places on Malta and Gozo

(Excellent )

25/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Michele) for host

It's been a life key experience. Ian has a dream, he's working hard to accomplish it and I'm proud I've helped him, even if I stayed too little... It's very easy to team up with everybody: Ian, the tireless host; Meg & Lucy, two energetic girls from New Zealand; Patrik, the superhuman builder; Patrik's team; the metalworker; the welcoming Ian's… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (matthew) for host

I stayed with Ian for 2 weeks in total. This was my first work away and was
Very new to the whole thing, Being in Malta was great, Ian covered all food costs and it was great quality food. Work was relaxed and there is no real pressure to do more then needed. I ended up doing a few extra hours, in return Ian took us out on his yacht over to Gozo,… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (matthew)

Matt is genuine, smart working, organised and highly recommended. I believe that he adaptable to any situation and is very helpful to have around. He is interesting to talk to and curious about many thing. Strongly recommended. Welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

07/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew )

Exceptional, Matt keeps his word and remains calm. He is the type of person you want to have around at any time. Focused, active, curious, helpful and consistent. Highly recommended, and always welcomed back to Malta.

(Excellent )

06/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Matthew ) for host

Ian was an awesome host! Loved the project loved my time in Malta, I spent a month with Ian and he was so good with helping us do things around Malta, even took us our sailing 3 out of 5 weekends I had in Malta!! Food was great, fresh fruit and vegetables from local markets and plenty of it!

The accommodation, for me personally, being kiwi, I… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (MIlton Damian)

Milton Andres and Carlos are very energetic and ambitious. They have a keen eye of find new things to learn, he is organised, respectful, happy and very easy to have around. I have hosted over 200 people before, these guys are top tier. They have many talents.. They work, cook, clean, sing and dance. The only thing you need to me aware of is that… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrés)

(Excellent )

18/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Andrés) for host

Dear:
It was our first workaway experience, and it really was an excellent first time. Ian is a great person, hardworking, friendly, kind and generous. We learned many things both at work and culturally. We share pleasant moments with your family, moments that will last in our memories. In conclusion it is a 100% recommendable experience, you must… read more

(Excellent )

20/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Federico) for host

Ian is an incredible friendly and full of energy guy. Every day with him is a really new day. He's honest and generous. Sometimes you can work hard, but you can learn a lot of things. And you have time to do sport or other activities or visit Malta. Great experience. I hope to see Ian and his wonderful family again.

(Excellent )

11/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Federico)

Frederico is calm, collected and very well organised. He it reliable, honest and takes yoga very very seriously. I would highly recommend him to anyone..

(Excellent )

11/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (paola)

Paola is focused, friendly, and dedicated to her work. I will highly recommend her personally and professional. All the best Paola

(Excellent )

11/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (nicolas)

Nicolas is friendly, honest, hard working and a positive presence. I have hosted him for a couple of weeks and can highly recommend him, Keep in touch Nicolas! Please send me the plans when you have time, thanks! See you again soon I hope.

(Excellent )

11/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ian)

Ian is an excellent volunteer, he is on the ball, focused, friendly, positive and always has a keen out for new things and opportunities. Highly recommended.

(Excellent )

07/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Mami) for host

It was a challenging experience!!
I stayed about three weeks and it was my first workaway.
Ian is so cool and always care about us!
I had a really good time with Ian and very nice friends in these houses and the boat.
I appreciate Ian manages this environment and that I had the chance to meet the friends come from all over the world . We’ the… read more

(Excellent )

24/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Mami)

Mami performed exceptionally on DIY projects and never gave up. Reliable and precise - Mami's ideas, skills, knowledge and understanding are always consistent. She is super organised and helpful.

If you want a smile, Mami is always there to give one :)

(Excellent )

24/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Findlay)

Findlay is always prepared to learn, he is a team player with lots of stories up the sleeve. He is easy to have around because of his optimistic character. Highly and strongly recommended.

and he builds solid windows.

(Excellent )

24/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Samuele)

I can recommend Sam as a person with great proficiency. He is a self motivated inspiring perfectionist who is all ears. Creative with great interpersonal skills, very easy to get along with. Honest team player. Highly recommended

(Excellent )

12/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Samuele) for host

Great experience!!!
I was in Ian's house for two month and was my best workaway experience. I learned many building skills. I left my home without know almost nothing about building. There are many place to visit in Malta, you are never bored. I improved my speak english and I meet many guys. In Ian's house you aren't never alone. You met a… read more

(Excellent )

20/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Itzel & Dylan) for host

We stayed almost 2 months in Ian's place, we had a great experience. The project is super interesting and the city, Rabat is wonderful, it felt like travelling back in time. Dylan mostly help with building, carpentry and general construction duties and Itzel with tasks like sanding & clearing, she also took care of the cooking for the crew at… read more

(Excellent )

15/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (daniel & Flavie)

Excellent people, smiles, knowledge and just joyful to have around. Danny and Flavie are exceptional.

Please come back :)

(Excellent )

05/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Carla) for host

I spent 3 weeks in Malta with Ian as my first workaway experience and it was one of the best times of my life. The restoration project was very interesting and although I had no previous experience, Ian and the rest of the workawayers were super patient and taught me all I needed.
The work is varied, sometimes it can be physically demanding but… read more

(Excellent )

28/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Manuel) for host

It was my first workaway experience. It was great, Ian is a very nice host, free to give and get suggestions. Work was fun and sometimes hard but you could rest, drink, chat and laugh with other ‘workaway’ people. I spent two months with Ian, I've had some great satisfaction. Always Ian and her parents worried about us. I had good vibrations, good… read more

(Excellent )

15/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host

I spend time with Ian more than month and i loved it. The project is really interesting and Ian is really good host. The work isn't easiest and it's very physical. There was many different task to do; from cleaning to digging, also we was helping bit with the boat.

Rabat is magnificent place and it really makes you think when u are converting… read more

(Excellent )

13/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Kelsey & Chris) for host

We stayed with Ian in Malta for a month and he was such a great host to us. Trusted us to get on with the work and always took good care of us. We got to go sailing with him a couple of times and had the opportunity to stay in his beautiful holiday homes. Malta is a beautiful island to explore and can't wait to come back and see the finished… read more

(Excellent )

27/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan)

Tristan is full of positive energy and is very motivated to help out no matter what the situation is. He is funny, hard working, kind and always on the ball. He has rebuilt structural walls, chiselled through stone and I will vouch for him any day, highly recommended!

(Excellent )

15/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Tristan) for host

Squat life was a good life had an amazing time here in Malta stayed for three months and it was great. Ians always got positive attitude always trying to get the group out on the boat or some fun activity making sure you have a good time and enjoy Malta. Loved working/living in the squat (the finished houses and the boat too) he is open for ideas… read more

(Excellent )

13/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

I decided to go to Malta in January mostly because it's one of the warmest places in Europe's winter and Ian was looking for a full time cook - a kind of work I really love to do! I thought I would stay for 2, maybe 3 weeks bevor I move on with my travels, but at the end I stayed 7 weeks and I could have stayed even longer! Malta is a beautiful… read more

(Excellent )

09/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

Sarah is undoubtably a great edition to workaway. She has it all: the knowledge, the smile, knows hoe to cook amazing meals, sportive, optimistic, caring to the Nth degree, and the list goes on, and on, and on. She is very disciplined and ambitious with herself and manages not to get in the way of others, she helps everyone. You can always count… read more

(Excellent )

11/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (FERNANDO)

Fernando is an absolutely genuine character with a lot to offer, he is smart, determined and always has a smile on his face. I wish you the best luck for your travels and English learning! Welcome back anytime!

(Excellent )

11/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (FERNANDO) for host

Amongst many places in the world I was very happy to have made a right choice in doing volunteer work in Malta with all the other workways. It was an incredible experience for me and without doubt helped me a lot for my English. (All the time to ask some questions looking like a child learning to speak ... hahaha) ... Ian does not treat people as… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (ioana) for host

It was a pleasure working alongside Ian and the other volunteers in order to fulfil this beautiful dream of converting a 500-year old house into a home for travellers.
It's wonderful to think that my work mattered and contributed to turning this project into reality.
The work was fair, the houses we stayed at were beautiful and i felt very… read more

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (ioana)

Can't see anything negative about the experience I had with Ioana, quite the opposite actually! She is an independent thinker, focused worker, great cook and brings the whole group together. I would recommend meeting her to anyone, in a heartbeat. Highly recommended. Welcome back anytime!

(Excellent )

10/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Elvis & Kristīne Maija)

Elvis and Maija are extraordinary people that easily become of the the most missed workaways I have hosted. They where there to help with everything: Electricity, resorting stuff, restoring furniture, cooking and laughing. Most of all, they where there as part of the community. I have great respect for them since they always keep the word, and… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Elvis & Kristīne Maija) for host

So. We wanted to stay only one month but somehow we stayd 3 and half months. Why? Because it was pleasure to help Ian with his old house. The thought that you can leave something in the house and for Ian, something permanent, is perfect. I did the electricity and Maija helped with furniture restauration and gave me a hand for electricity.

Ian… read more

(Excellent )

08/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Tao) for host

I stayed with Ian for about a month and I did really enjoyed it :)
I think this has been my best work away experience so far and I wish I was in better shape at this time to be able to give more of myself...

The work is physical but always different and interesting in general (it's not every day that you can get to work on a 500yo house !).
The… read more

(Excellent )

12/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Luis) for host

Thankyou so much for hosting us Ian, was an awesome experience we hope you finish by summer and accept your non vegetarianness. ;)

See you soon sailing in the sea :)

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Luis)

Luis and Breanna and very active, interested and motivated. They have a good mindset and feeling for what they want. I highly recommend meeting them, come back anytime!

(Excellent )

12/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host

A bit late but here we go:
I couldn't have wished for a better place to start ma Workaway journey than Malta. Lovely little islands but what made it unforgettable is the people. Ian and his squat is so full of life we were always doing something fun, hiking, exploring, sailing, sharing our culture and much more. The work,itself wasn't tiring at… read more

(Very good )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)

Ben is an exceptional person, he is level headed and mature but knows how to have fun. He is also a fitness pro. I cannot recommend him enough. I wish you safe travels and you are always welcome back to the island Ben!

(Excellent )

11/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Rainer) for host

Thanks for this wonderful experience with you. I enjoyed it totally. Love to come back and rock the work again.
I hardly met anybody handling so many things at one time - amazing!
Take a lot of good with me.
Thanks!

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Rainer)

Rainer is an exceptional person, he is full of insight and is an all round level-headed guy. I can only speak highly about him. It was great working him.

You are welcome back anytime!

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Fer)

Fernando is amongst of the most genuine and uplifting guys I have had the opportunity to work with. He is always smiling and determined to experience life, he brings a good presence. Strongly recommended, workaway needs more people like him. The world needs more people like him.

(Excellent )

31/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Fer) for host

Ian is an amazing host! He makes you feel at home as soon as you meet him, he really tries to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and there's a good mood in the house all the time. Both the food and the house are great! This is the perfect workaway experience.

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (samuel)

Same is a hard working, respectful and focused person with a lot to offer. I wish I got to know him more, his trip was cut short due to work back in the UK. Welcome back to Malta anytime! Excellent.

(Excellent )

10/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (charlie)

Highly and strongly recommended, Charlie is the person you want to have around at any time. He is knowledgable, focused, understanding and skilled. Above all, he is a good friend.

I trusted Charlie from the second I met him. He also seems to find his way through any situation and is a highly independent guy. I can vouch for him whole heartedly.

(Excellent )

09/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (charlie) for host

i spent offer a mouth working for ian it has been great ian is a realy nice guy welcoming understanding the work is all sherd he does as much as everybody which i liked it wasn't like working or someone more like being part a them all and a garter workaway host
thanks a lots charlie

(Excellent )

26/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Julen)

Julen is a great person, hard working and very friendly. Living with him was a good experience, welcome back anytime! Excellent

(Excellent )

31/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Julen) for host

It's been an excellent workawaying experience. Ian and me arranged my staying for 2 weeks at first and I ended up staying for 3 months. He is an open-minded fun guy, always willing to talk over any situation. I highly recommend workawaying with him, he is really nice as a host and much better as a friend. Hope to see you again dude!

(Excellent )

26/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Inna)

Inna is a star. She is the type of person who gets along with anyone and never fails to impress. She's motivated, focused and friendly. I cannot recommend Inna enough, welcome back anytime.

(Excellent )

23/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (Inna) for host

This was my first workaway experience, and it couldn't be any better! Those three months in Malta were just fantastic!!! Ian is a great host, friendly, understanding, ready for any support. Apart from my job I could even make my dream come true, and made an incredible experience at fashion designers as an intern! I am not gonna say it was easy,… read more

(Excellent )

14/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (emily) for host

Thanks so much Ian! We had the best time here! Ian was a great host, the work was fun, there were lots of other great Workawayers and Malta was a hidden gem. What more can I say? 10 out of 10- Thanks :D xx

(Excellent )

12/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (emily)

Emily is an exceptional person, she's social, easy to get along with and a hard worker. A perfect example of what a workawayer should be like. Highly recommended, great experience.

(Excellent )

26/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Aitor)

Aitor is an exceptional guy, he is a great to have around when working and also during free time. He is very active, respectful and an easy person to get along with. He does everything with a smile. I cannot recommend Aitor enough, you are welcome back anytime! Cheers!

(Excellent )

30/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Aitor) for host

Ian is a friendly man, always smiling, positive, flexible, helpfull and always planning nice adventures!
I worked in a very good atmosphere and conditons!! its true that I learnt a lot of things and met so nice people, since the first moment I felt like living with my family!
going sailing around Malta is maybe one of the best things in the… read more

(Excellent )

17/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Monika & Akvile) for host

I think we were the luckiest girls to find the host like Ian! He is craziest man I know. I think it was the best experience in my life because we discovered a lot of new things while living with him and international group from all over the world. Every day was even better and better. And I remmember the words he said the first day I came "the… read more

(Excellent )

12/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Monika & Akvile)

Monika & Akvile were great to have around, certainly part of the family. Excellent company with lots of laughs, I am glad to know them and to see them again! Excellent experience. Wish you had separate profiles.

(Excellent )

12/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jakub & Zuzana)

4/4 smilies for these guys, Jakub and Zuzana have everything what it takes to be perfect workaways. They're fun, hard working and seem to get a whole lot more interesting as you get to know them. Excellent experience, hands down.

(Excellent )

12/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Aurélia)

Workaway sonetimes introduces you to some exceptional people, Aurelia is one of them. Great company, great worker and known as the sherpa for her fast card skills. Strongly recommended without a doubt

(Excellent )

12/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)

I'm very happy to have gotten to know Anna, she is a great person with a lot of patience and dedication to what she is doing. I strongly recommend her as a workawayer and friend.

(Excellent )

22/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Bruno De la vega)

Bruno in enthusiastic, active and very easy to live with. He is probably the best workaway I have had the opportunity of working with so far. When he is not working he is entertaining everyone with his jokes. Highly recommended!

(Excellent )

17/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Bruno De la vega) for host

It has been an exceptional experience, so much so that I have extended my stay by 3 months. We eat well, work at the house, sail in the weekends, climb and a just kick back in the evenings. I have even trekked around the island of Gozo with Ian and Jacob. A perfect life/work/social/adventure balance! highly recommended.

(Excellent )

10/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ana) for host

I have to say that my first workaway with Ian and the rest of the crew ;), it has been just a really great experience and I highly recommend it to everybody!
Ian is such a nice person and makes you feel as at home and as a part of the family since the very first moment. He´s open-minded, welcoming, relaxed, flexible and will show you the unique… read more

(Excellent )

06/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ana)

Ana's profile is spot on, she is a hard-working person who is interested in everything and does it with a smile. She is a perfect volunteer, highly recommended!

(Excellent )

07/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca ) for host

What an amazing host! Ian makes you feel at home instantly. He is
very positive, friendly and easy-going and attracts like-minded work awayers so it is a great environment to be in. The chiseling is very addictive and is now one of my favourite past times!

(Excellent )

07/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca )

Rebecca is an easy going, hard working and very open person. She is a delight to have around and I could not recommend her any more than I do! Weeks pass too quickly

(Excellent )

11/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Attila) for host

My first workaway expreience with Ian was awesome! We spend a great time together, while restoring a 500 year old house, chiseling the walls, moving out all the trash, etc.

He is a great host: I slept in his already finished 500 year old house and on his sailing boat also! We ate together great maltese food and also I tried the best ice cream… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Attila)

Attila has a very optimistic personality, is hard working and motivated. I would highly recommend meeting him, this has been a great way to start a series of Workaway experiences.

I look forward to meeting him again soon.

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 978984378446

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