Information du profil
Évaluation d'hôte
100 %
Taux de réponse
100.0 %
Usually responds ≤ 2 jours
Feedback
35
E-mail vérifié
Badges (2)
Infos
Description
Hi there, my name's Kris, I have been hosting now for many years and have enjoyed the help and presence of guests from around the world. And from the feedback and friendships formed over the years, it's been a good life experience for the people who have stayed. I've been very moved by some of the reviews I have received.
At its simplest, it is an exchange of help for accommodation and food, but I have realised the importance of connections that are made when people stay. I will therefore tell you a little about the place and myself, so you'll know if it's what you are looking for!
The land here is approximately 1 hectare, I have planted over 500 trees and they are just starting to get big. As they grown they've attracted a lot of bird life and deer. They are grown to support nature but also with the intention of managing for firewood. There is a vegetable garden and a polytunnel (greenhouse). I grow most of my own vegetables and I am still learning about preserving to be self-sufficient for as much of the year as possible. I also have chickens for eggs, a cat that lives outside and a very energetic and affectionate dog!
I use waste wood from builders and joiners in the area for heating and most electricity is generated here using a wind turbine, so I tend to wait for windy days for using high energy appliances like the washing machine!
About me; I'm 52, I moved here with my son when he was young. He has now grown and left, but comes home some weekends. My passions are music and crafts. I'm a non smoker and only drink occasionally. I practise meditation and like yoga - although I'm not very disciplined, and I am interested in learning Qigong. It is a quiet place but in summer, my friends and I sometimes organise mini festivals here. We have a rustic bothy/music rehearsal room where sometimes guests have stayed, a workshop for art and creative projects which you are free to use. I like to make things from beach wood, my son is a designer so there are often creative projects on the go.
The Area:
Around this area is mostly farmland. There are things to see within 15km from here, ancient stone circles, a couple of castles, if you want to borrow a bike. If I am going somewhere, like to the beach to go kiteboarding, you would be welcome to accompany me. There are other things too, beautiful coastline, castles, mountains and distilleries, but there is poor public transport so you would need a car to explore further away. The nearest city, Aberdeen is an hour away (shops, galleries etc.) and there is public transport to Elgin, Findhorn and Inverness. Some people come here because it is remote, but it is not for everyone!!
Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre
Aide avec des éco-projets
Jardinage
Bricolage et projets de construction
Aide à la maison
Entretien général
Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre
I am still learning about this lifestyle, and have learned some things from guests who have previous experience. If a self sufficient way of life is something you imagine living one day, this could be a good opportunity to experience it. I have had many guests from overseas and am happy to help with your English if that's one of your reasons for traveling. If you are creative or musical, you are welcome to use the workshop space for your own projects. I have many musical instruments you can try! Maybe we can jam too, I've done a few collaborations with musicians who've passed this way.
Projets impliquant des enfants
Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.
Aide
I am a part time host and generally prefer stays of around two weeks. This usually gives the guest enough time to get to know the area. I may take on a longer stay depending on the circumstance.
Most of the building is now complete so the help will probably be gardening (planting, weeding, cutting) and maintenance.
I will try to make your tasks as varied as possible, but please be aware that gardening help is quite physical and would not be suited to someone who does not live an active lifestyle. Where possible, I will work with you, or at least nearby. We will usually work for the same time (eg from 9am till 1pm) so that we are both free to use our afternoons as we wish. I work part-time (2-3 days per week). Either I can leave you tasks to do or you can use them as your free days.
At the moment I have just finished rebuilding an old shed and turning it into an indoor winter garden (we've decided to call it "the green room!). There may be some help still to do here (painting etc.) If you get in touch, I can give you a better idea of what still needs to be done.
Usually we do 4-5 hours per day, five days a week. I can be flexible though, if for example if you preferred to help longer for more days off.
Langues parlées
Anglais: Courant
Espagnol: Débutant
Français: Débutant
Hébergement
Usually I offer a room in the house, but in the past, sometimes people have stayed in a room separate from the house, especially when there has been a few guests staying. This would be discussed if we meet on Skype/whatsapp first. Wifi is available for emails and communication. It can be variable so I can't guarantee a high speed connection.
I provide three meals a day. Usually we have cereals/toast etc for breakfast, sandwiches and salads etc for lunch, and a hot evening meal. For most guests who have stayed, I have provided all the food they need, but if you like to have many extras such as chocolate, beer, wine etc, that will be your responsibility.
The kitchen is vegetarian. I eat eggs from my chickens, I don't usually eat dairy but if you want I can buy dairy for you. Vegans are welcome. I also love it when guests enjoy cooking food from their country! As it is my responsibility to provide you with food, I want to know you will be happy with the food provided. If you think being vegetarian will be challenging, this isn't the right place for you!
Autres infos...
It's important to me that you get something of value from this experience, and enjoy your spare time here. In the past people have used their free time improving their guitar skills, researching college work, experimenting with carving coconut shells, painting, we also have a pool table and table tennis.
When you contact me, please write to me personally and tell me why you want to come to this place in particular. It is much more important to me than the skills you have. I reply to all personally written (not copied and pasted) requests. As you may be coming from far away. I like to arrange a chat via skype whatsapp etc. to give you a clearer picture and to make sure you are happy that this is the right place for you, before you make a commitment to come. If it's not right for you, I prefer you find out before you arrive!!!
Good luck with your adventures!
Informations complémentaires
Accès Internet
Accès Internet limité
Nous avons des animaux
Nous sommes fumeurs
Familles bienvenues
Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads
Wifi available, if you need a superfast connection, it might not be for you!
Espace pour garer des vans
Cet hôte a de la place pour les vans.
Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux
best to discuss in person
Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?
Plus de 2
Nombre d'heures attendues
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (16)
During our two week stay, we worked a wide variety of jobs, most of which were outdoors, in Kris's tranquil garden.
Because we enjoyed the space so much, we mostly spent our free time relaxing around the abode - particularly in the green room - with instruments, books and sketchbooks. However, we… read more
Photos
Feedback
Ce sont des évaluations supplémentaires en option lorsque les membres laissent un feedback. La note moyenne pour chaque option est affichée.
Exactitude du profil:
(5.0)
Échange culturel:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
During our two week stay, we worked a wide variety of jobs, most of which were outdoors, in Kris's tranquil garden.
Because we enjoyed the space so much, we mostly spent our free time relaxing around the abode - particularly in the green room - with instruments, books and sketchbooks. However, we… read more
She was very… read more
Lizzi was a conscientious guest, we were always ready to work at the same time, and she took ownership and responsibility for the jobs she did.… read more
We got so much done, Jack and Ellen were happy to turn their hand to anything in the garden, and were keen to cook (some lovely meals!).
Just a wee note for any prospective hosts, about Ruby their dog, we were initially… read more
Even before going there he wanted to make sure that I had enough information about the place and tasks etc, to give me an accurate picture of his place. He's always checking the you are happy with the work and confident with the tasks, and if possible will make sure that you see the jobs… read more
It was a real joy to host Cora, it was the perfect balance in every way. She worked conscientiously and independently in all the work that needed done, and was very patient when I tried my beginner's Spanish! We found plenty of time to get to know each other, but she was also was also keen to… read more
thank you so much for the help you gave while you were here. I am still wondering around re-noticing all the changes we made while you were here. And I am appreciating the last memento of the mural in the green room!
Charlotte works hard and conscientiously, we worked in the vicinity of each other most of the time, but she was… read more
It was such a pleasure to have you staying here. We managed to get all the seasonal work done, mainly planting up the vegetables and weeding. Marie understood the jobs and was worked on her own initiative. Apart from the gardening, we worked well together in just the running of the house - cooking etc, and socially it was… read more
The place is quiet. Really great! I recommend it!
thanks so much for choosing to stay here with us!
Jaslyn was happy to turn her hand to any task, from weeding in the hot polytunnel to painting the finishing touches to our green room. She is also very creative and helped with some of the more arty projects on the go. Socially, it was a real pleasure, true to her profile, she's very… read more
thanks so much for coming to stay here. It was a real pleasure.
Ivik is a hard worker and enjoyed the physical work in the garden (or at least was polite about it if he didn't!). We got a lot of gardening and wood work done while he was here. Ivik has a quiet and polite nature and it was great to learn about Greenlandic culture. He must… read more
Edu was positive with all the tasks we were doing, whether it was weeding and planting in the garden, ready for the growing season, or more menial tasks like cutting gorse along the drive.
Apart from the help, he was proactive… read more
Finja had a very positive attitude to the work she did here, whether is was in the garden or helping… read more
If I had to describe my stay at this unique creative space within one word, I… read more
This was my very first workaway experience and it not only set the bar quite high but it also shaped the way I look at… read more
Jan is a very driven and imaginative guy. He visited me during a project I had going, constructing a summer house. Being a trained architect, I was keen to use his knowledge and advice and the building has some of his fingerprints on its design (I noticed he has used a picture of the… read more
Simone stopped by for a short stay this summer. It was really enjoyable to host her, she was very determined in the work she took on, and was happy to give me a hand in the heavy work of laying floor slabs in the summer room I'm building. She was very easy to get on with socially and helped cook,… read more
Linda's visit was a big highlight in my experience of hosting guests. She worked hard, took on challenges, and gave more than was expected. She was able to take initiative in the… read more
