Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
31 Dec 2024
Reply rate
86.1 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
44
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Description
We are a family of 4 who live on an 80 acre ranch in Golden BC.
Each year we grow our own fruit and vegetables, raise our own pigs and chickens and continue to work on our building projects.
We are currently building a beautiful, bespoke, timber framed workshop and home as well as a log cabin.
We run our own saw mill and use timber from our own land, or locally sourced timber when necessary. Our preference is to do as much as we can ourselves, and use traditional methods to create long lasting beautiful buildings.
We need help! We are looking for people who have enthusiasm and a thirst to learn! James is passionate about woodworking and we have been told he is a great teacher! He will spend time with you sharing his knowledge and skills.
We would love to also learn from you, and understand more about your experiences and culture.
.
Our approach would be described as relaxed and wanting to get the most out of the beautiful area in which we live whilst moving our project forward.
Our 80 acre ranch is set against crown land (so we have many wildlife visitors) with stunning views out over the mountains and world class hiking from the doorstep!
It is truly a magnificent place to spend time. In our spare time we love to hike, bike, hang out at the river, have camp fires and generally make the most of the outdoors.
Please note we do not currently have horses.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Aside from learning about and contributing to our building project, you will have opportunities to take part in a huge number of outdoor activities. We love to hike, run, mountain bike, kayak and lake swim! James is always enthusiastic to share his knowledge of local treasures!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We primarily need help with our building projects. This will involve all aspects of building from turning trees into usable timber with the saw mill, to woodworking and finishing touches. We may also need help with looking after animals and probably lots of other opportunities too!
We are looking for people who are enthusiastic.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will be provided with your own accommodation in a large fifth wheel trailer or in a room in our home if the trailer is occupied. Accommodation will be very comfortable and you will be well looked after and treated as part of our family.
We provide all meals (including days off) and generally eat together as a family.
What else ...
There is a great deal to do in the local area including horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paragliding, white water rafting, kayaking, the list is endless. Let us know what you enjoy and we will help you have fun!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have Starlink and so a fast and reliable internet connection. We are happy to discuss how our needs can sit comfortably alongside each other so that we are all getting the best out of the situation!
Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate a camper an if you prefer to stay in your own place!
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 983797557359
Feedback (27)
5 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Heidi & James) for host
We had a great stay with Sarah and James and family from the beginning of july for a month, our first week was spent helping with work on the cabins where we got to learn some new skills. We also went with the family to the lake and played ping pong and watched films, it was my birthday a few days after arriving and they made me a birthday cake… read more
28 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Cla & Carla) for host
We stayed with Sarah, James and the kids for two weeks and had a really good time. We worked mainly on the cabin and were entrusted with various tasks like facing the facade, wood paneling, sanding or painting. During the two weeks we could learn a lot from James, for example how to build with fresh wood and how it changes its shape while drying.… read more
27 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cla & Carla)
Cla and Carla were wonderful workawayers. They worked diligently and independently and were willing to try new things. They shared their knowledge with us and asked us about our lives and our experiences.
They fit very nicely into family life.
I would highly recommend them to any other hosts
They fit very nicely into family life.
I would highly recommend them to any other hosts
(Excellent
)
26 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Izak) for host
Overall had a alright time but there were afew things that could've been better. First of all you will be working 6 hours a day unlike the 4-5 hours as advertised and sometimes even longer than 6. So keep this in mind if you have a lot of stuff to do after the day of work.
Also there was a instant where i had finished at the agreed time of 5pm (6… read more
Also there was a instant where i had finished at the agreed time of 5pm (6… read more
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Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
5 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Heidi & James) for host
We had a great stay with Sarah and James and family from the beginning of july for a month, our first week was spent helping with work on the cabins where we got to learn some new skills. We also went with the family to the lake and played ping pong and watched films, it was my birthday a few days after arriving and they made me a birthday cake… read more
28 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Cla & Carla) for host
We stayed with Sarah, James and the kids for two weeks and had a really good time. We worked mainly on the cabin and were entrusted with various tasks like facing the facade, wood paneling, sanding or painting. During the two weeks we could learn a lot from James, for example how to build with fresh wood and how it changes its shape while drying.… read more
27 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cla & Carla)
Cla and Carla were wonderful workawayers. They worked diligently and independently and were willing to try new things. They shared their knowledge with us and asked us about our lives and our experiences.
They fit very nicely into family life.
I would highly recommend them to any other hosts
They fit very nicely into family life.
I would highly recommend them to any other hosts
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Izak) for host
Overall had a alright time but there were afew things that could've been better. First of all you will be working 6 hours a day unlike the 4-5 hours as advertised and sometimes even longer than 6. So keep this in mind if you have a lot of stuff to do after the day of work.
Also there was a instant where i had finished at the agreed time of 5pm (6… read more
Also there was a instant where i had finished at the agreed time of 5pm (6… read more
20 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
We had a great time with the family and enjoyed learning construction skills from James which I hope to take forward on my own projects in the future.
The work starts at 10 and finishes at 5 with an hour lunch break and on the weekends we often went with the family to explore the local area which was amazing. I felt welcome in the home and the… read more
The work starts at 10 and finishes at 5 with an hour lunch break and on the weekends we often went with the family to explore the local area which was amazing. I felt welcome in the home and the… read more
17 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe & Salvatore)
Chloe and Kelpie came to help us early in the spring/summer 2023. They were wonderful to have here and worked hard at everything they were asked to do. They fit into our family life well and we’re a pleasure to have around.
We know they will be successful at whatever they go on to do!
We know they will be successful at whatever they go on to do!
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Malo & Cécile )
Malo and Cecile worked with us this summer. They were fantastic and we would highly recommend them to any other hosts.
Malo and Cecile were very hard working and approached our project with enthusiasm and diligence, they were thoughtful and skilled in the way that they worked and made a valuable contribution to our project.
Malo and Cecile also… read more
Malo and Cecile were very hard working and approached our project with enthusiasm and diligence, they were thoughtful and skilled in the way that they worked and made a valuable contribution to our project.
Malo and Cecile also… read more
(Excellent)
28 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Malo & Cécile ) for host
Those three weeks with you went too fast.
The work was very interesting and instructive during the week, and so much fun the weekends !
The perfect balance for a successfull charring.
If you like wood building, nature, sport and animals, this place is for you !!
Thank you James & Sarrah
The work was very interesting and instructive during the week, and so much fun the weekends !
The perfect balance for a successfull charring.
If you like wood building, nature, sport and animals, this place is for you !!
Thank you James & Sarrah
17 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Pim) for host
Stayed with Sarah, James and the fam for three weeks. It was a blast, the work was engaging, challenging (in a good way;)) and instructive as a newby in construction and woodwork. The weekends were a blast with awesome hiking and lake days. Felt like an extra family member during the stay there. Thank you guys for the lovely time!
17 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emily & Ollie) for host
Straight away I felt very welcome by the whole co operative. Started with a bang having some great food with everyone and it didn’t change from start to finish the food was amazing and amazing produce, they were more than generous with the portion sizes and snacks. Lana and John Micheal were very nice to work for they gave very clear instructions… read more
19 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
Spent almost three months with sarah and james and hopefully will be back one day. James included me in his work with full confidence and I was able to learn a lot in the short time. In addition, Sarah and James entrusted me with their animals and home when they went on vacation. I will always look back on a great time with you and I am very… read more
15 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben & Ella)
Ben and Ella stayed with us for around 6 weeks. They were helpful and enthusiastic and fit very well into our family life.
They were very willing to try new things and always worked hard, often in difficult circumstances.
We wish them well on their travels and would welcome them back if they are ever in BC again.
They were very willing to try new things and always worked hard, often in difficult circumstances.
We wish them well on their travels and would welcome them back if they are ever in BC again.
(Excellent)
2 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ben & Ella) for host
Had an awesome 5 weeks at James and Sarah's workaway!
We were mainly helping assemble the structure of the large workshop, and helped with making parts too - sanding, sawing, grinding,etc.
We were made to feel part of the family and at the weekends we went on some cool hikes in the local area with the family and their friends. To say they simply… read more
We were mainly helping assemble the structure of the large workshop, and helped with making parts too - sanding, sawing, grinding,etc.
We were made to feel part of the family and at the weekends we went on some cool hikes in the local area with the family and their friends. To say they simply… read more
9 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ines) for host
I spent one month volunteering with the Family in September 2020 during the terrible turmoil of the pandemic ... Workaway has been a blessing for all the lost explorers, stuck on the other side of the world and the platform allowed me to meet a wonderful and kind family, who welcomed me with open arms in a safe environment and taught me plenty of… read more
14 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jasmin & Simon)
Simon and Jasmin were great work awayers. They worked hard and were willing to try new things. They fit well into our family life and were a pleasure to have at the ranch. We would welcome them back anytime they wanted to come!
(Excellent)
21 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jasmin & Simon) for host
We had a great stay with the Bookers and would highly recommend to stay with them. Especially given those strange times of Covid-19 Sarah and James let us be a part of the family. We learned a lot about different species of wood and the techniques of building a log cabin. For those who are technical interested in building, it is the right place to… read more
3 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ferran)
We loved having the guys to stay. They work hard and are great fun. Happy to try anything and go about work with enthusiasm and gusto! We would live for you to stay again if you come this way in the future!
(Excellent)
3 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ferran) for host
Our days shared with James, Sarah and his daughter and son it was an awesome experience!! We felt all the time very comfortable and like in home! They show us a nice spots to be around Rocky Mountains, even we went together to the river and we were cooking hot dogs on the fire sharing a nice time together! They always were advice us about things… read more
3 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Roger)
We loved having River to stay with us. He was endlessly helpful and a natural fit into the family. He worked hard and enjoyed spending free time with us messing about in the great outdoors. We would welcome Roger back any time!
(Excellent)
12 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Roger) for host
What an amazing experience! This was my first workaway experience and it was better than I expected. Just awesome! If you love working with wood and exploring the great outdoors with a lovely family this is your place!
From the first moment, I felt part of the family. James is a wood handyman and an outdoors passionate. He was the best teacher to… read more
From the first moment, I felt part of the family. James is a wood handyman and an outdoors passionate. He was the best teacher to… read more
4 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kyle) for host
I had an awesome time with James, Sarah and the kids. I enjoyed working with James and Mick on woodwork projects. The attention to detail and depth of knowledge was impressive and interesting, I learnt a lot.
Sarah provided amazing hospitality and delicious food.
There's plenty of things to do/ see around the ranch. It was lovely to go hiking/… read more
Sarah provided amazing hospitality and delicious food.
There's plenty of things to do/ see around the ranch. It was lovely to go hiking/… read more
10 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Tino) for host
Sorry for the late review!!
Thanks for letting me stay James and Sarah! . If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and experiencing life out in the sticks then this is the place to be. The surrounding landscapes are simply stunning! The Bookers are a great family and it was really nice to get a taste of Canadian farm life!
Tino
Thanks for letting me stay James and Sarah! . If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and experiencing life out in the sticks then this is the place to be. The surrounding landscapes are simply stunning! The Bookers are a great family and it was really nice to get a taste of Canadian farm life!
Tino
10 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Galland)
We loved having Max stay with us and were very sad when he left. He was a great worker and fit well into family life. We hope he will visit us again!
(Excellent)
3 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Galland) for host
What a wonderfull experience ! I planed to visit Canada by an original way but it was much more than what I expected !
I spend 1 month full in a lovely and authentic familly, open-minded and nature lovers. They welcomed me warmly and was pleased to let me discover their beautiful province.
If you love manual and authentic job, James will be a… read more
I spend 1 month full in a lovely and authentic familly, open-minded and nature lovers. They welcomed me warmly and was pleased to let me discover their beautiful province.
If you love manual and authentic job, James will be a… read more
10 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)
We loved having Matt to stay. He was great company and a hard worker. He was lots of fun and fit into our family life! We would happily have him back to stay with us.
(Excellent)
9 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host
I spent 2 weeks with the bookers, helping them on their ranch and adding finishing touches to their amazing log cabin. I really enjoyed my time here and will definitely have to make it back to check on the progress and of course see mogul! A passionate and active family who love the outdoors, I felt right at home straight away. Sarah is an amazing… read more
11 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Daniel ) for host
My partner and I spent our spring with James, Sarah and the kids and had an amazing experience! They are lovely and are passionate about what they are doing and the outdoors. And they have made us feel like we were part of their family. We liked it so much that we extended our stay to two months in total and then returned in autumn. We both have… read more
5 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Murino & Murino) for host
Nous avons passé deux semaines chez Sarah, James et leurs enfants Araballa et Bertie : un moment très agréable, logé très confortablement dans un beau cadre ! Ils sont amoureux de leur région et ont pris plaisir à nous la faire découvrir. Sarah est une excelente cuisinière et avons beaucoup apprécier les différents repas pris tous ensemble, une… read more
9 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
I had a lot of fun helping James and Sarah with building the log cabin. If you like building projects, you will have a really good time staying with them. They are very friendly and caring people. I cannot imagine, that somebody wouldn't like it there :)
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)
It was a pleasure to have Robert stay with us. He was great fun and an enthusiastic worker. He is welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
18 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (NicoleBrian) for host
We had a great stay with the Booker family! We loved getting to know and spend time with them. The area and property were absolutely beautiful and we had a great time exploring it. We enjoyed both helping to care for the kids and helping to work on the cabin and were happy to gain some new work experience with James as our teacher. We also adored… read more
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (NicoleBrian)
We loved having Brian and Nicole here. They were enthusiastic and willing! They fit into family life and helped us do all sorts of things.
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Harry & Joel) for host
The whole family were an absolute Joy to spend time with and given the chance we would not hesitate to see them again!
When we arrived we quickly felt part of the family, Sarah and the kids made us feel welcome and the freshly baked bread and range of other delicious meals particularly helped with this.
James was able to give us plenty of local… read more
When we arrived we quickly felt part of the family, Sarah and the kids made us feel welcome and the freshly baked bread and range of other delicious meals particularly helped with this.
James was able to give us plenty of local… read more
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Harry & Joel)
We loved having Harry and Joel work with us. They were enthusiastic and willing to get stuck in. They adapted to our way of living and joined in with all aspects of day to day living. It was a pleasure to have you here chaps and you are welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
I absolutely loved staying with the Bookers! James and Sarah made me feel at home from the beginning, and their kids and dog, Mogul, are lovely as well! I helped around the house and with the kids when Sarah was away, discovered my love for chopping wood and got to do some cool hiking in the awesome terrain they have right at their backdoor. Just… read more
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
It was lovely to have Laura stay with us. She was great with the kids and a big help in the house and chopping wood!
(Excellent)
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marine & Briac)
It was a pleasure to have Marine and Briac stay with us. They worked hard and took on any challenge we asked of them. You are welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
8 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Henrik)
It was a pleasure to have Henrick stay with us. He was great fun and an enthusiastic worker. He is welcome back any time.
(Excellent)
8 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Carol & Joseph) for host
Our stay with James, Sarah, Bertie, Arabella and Mogul (the most awesome dog we've met so far on our travels) was a delight. We spent two weeks helping with construction of their log cabin and looking after the kids. We both learnt so much about these skills, and as a bonus we got to stay in a truly beautiful place. As we didn't have a car it… read more
2 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Iris & Raphael) for host
Dear Sarah, James, Arabella, Bertie and Mogul
We can't say in words how much we loved to stay at your place.
We we're welcome in your family from the beginning and you guys had so much of cool work for us aaaand we could use your tools for our lovely van. Thank you. It was just awesome to stay with you all and we are so thankfull for your trust… read more
We can't say in words how much we loved to stay at your place.
We we're welcome in your family from the beginning and you guys had so much of cool work for us aaaand we could use your tools for our lovely van. Thank you. It was just awesome to stay with you all and we are so thankfull for your trust… read more
28 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anthony)
Anthony was a brilliant workawayer, he was enthusiastic and very hardworking, willing to tackle all sorts of different jobs. He was also great with our two children. We loved having him stay and wish him all the very best on his travels. Highly recommend him to anyone needing help.
(Excellent)
27 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anthony) for host
Sarah, James and the kids are a lovely family and a pleasure to be around. I really enjoyed my stay here and if I had more time, would liked to have stayed longer.
The ranch is great and there are various jobs that need to be done, so you will never be bored. Sarah and James are both very chilled out, knowledgable and accomodating. I'd highly… read more
The ranch is great and there are various jobs that need to be done, so you will never be bored. Sarah and James are both very chilled out, knowledgable and accomodating. I'd highly… read more
14 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ditte & Jesper) for host
We spent 2 weeks with the Booker family and we enjoyed every bit of it!
We felt at home right from the start and got along well with all 5 members of the family (including Mogul who is possibly among Canadas' loveliest dogs!).
The working hours are very reasonable and Sarah and James are very flexible in their way of running things.
The ranch… read more
We felt at home right from the start and got along well with all 5 members of the family (including Mogul who is possibly among Canadas' loveliest dogs!).
The working hours are very reasonable and Sarah and James are very flexible in their way of running things.
The ranch… read more
13 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ditte & Jesper)
It was a pleasure to have Ditte and Jesper stay with us. They worked very hard and with great care, ending in a high quality project. They were really friendly and sociable and fitted into our family living easily. We highly recommend them as works wayers and wish them all the best in their travels.
(Excellent)
