United States
Favourited 54 times
About us:
We are a family of 6 (mother, father and four children ages 9months-19 years) juggling work, family duties, and the building of our permaculture homestead in the stunning high desert landscape along the US/Mexico border region of Cochise County, Arizona. We also run a nonprofit community garden program in the nearby city of Bisbee. We love gardening, exploring nature, cooking amazing meals, playing sports, caring for our animals, and participating in community building activities.
The area:
Our home is nestled in the beautiful Huachuca Mountain range within the Coronado National Forest, south of Sierra Vista, AZ. There is a creek that typically runs July-April within a 10 minute walk from our home, and many trails and hikes that can be easily accessed from our home. The San Pedro River Riparian Area, just a few miles away is another great natural wonder to visit, filled with majestic cottonwood trees and hundreds of species of wildlife to view. Besides the Huachuca's and the San Pedro, the Chiricahua and Dragoon Mountains Ranges offer more opportunity to explore the magnificent nature and deep history of our land. The nearby City of Bisbee is a major destination for art-centric visitors, history buffs, or those seeking a fun night out. It's an old mining town reinvented in the 70's by hippies. It is full of beautiful early 1900's architecture, art galleries, bars, vintage shops, and independent restaurants. Live music can be found around every corner, day and night. So much to see and do in Bisbee.
The Homestead:
A large single story 1990's stick-built home on 1 acre with a well. Our property is blessed with loads of mature pine trees and other lush landscaping for escaping the high temps that come with desert living. In the last year we have put in 16 fruit trees, as well as blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and vegetable gardens. We also started raising chickens for eggs this year and currently have a 20 bird flock. In our home we value music and we have a music room with a piano and other instruments that we encourage guests to play. We eat local and organic as much as possible and practice recycling and a fairly healthy lifestyle.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
We can teach what we know about permaculture, gardening, and the local flora and fauna. There will be opportunities to attend medicinal herb walks and community events. We can help with conversational spanish and provide day trip opportunities to neighboring towns in Mexico and also help with plans to travel in Mexico. If travelers are interested in community development, conservation, or community health, we can provide education in these areas of non-profit skill building. If travelers are interested in experiencing a sweat lodge (Temaskal), we can likely set that up. We can also introduce travelers to elders in the area with deep knowledge of the Cochise Apache Native American tribe that once occupied these lands. Cooking, fermenting, and baking are other skills we can offer.
We are looking for help putting installing a greywater and well water irrigation system for our newly planted fruit trees. We are looking to build wood/utility shed, and turn our old tool shed into an off grid guest house. There is a lot of earthwork to do in the way of creating swales, leveling pathways, and working with the garden. Lots of weeding and small maintenance tasks. Help with cooking, cleaning, and teaching is also a huge help.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
Please contact them directly for more information.
Travelers will be provided with a 12 ft. canvas bell tent, equipped with a queen size futon, linens, blankets and pillows, lighting, a small table, a dresser and 2 chairs. Traveler will utilize bathroom and kitchen ameneties in the house and may also enjoy other common areas inside and outside the house during off time. Traveler will be expected to work a minimum of three hours per day, 5 days per week and will be provided with at least one meal per day. Traveler will be expected to help with preparation and clean-up of meals.
There are many mountain ranges and other natural places to visit nearby. Bisbee, a 30 minute drive, is a popular place for artists and musicians of all ages. For a bigger scene, Tucson AZ is 1.5 hrs away. We will assist with transportation.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
This host can provide space for campervans.
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
