Join us in a beautiful, sustainable fixer-upper family farmhouse in Vorden, the Netherlands

Infos

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  Description

  Our Place
  We live in an old farm in one of the most beautiful areas of the Netherlands, where the landscape is a dance between forest, farms and paddocks, old land houses, castles, and quaint villages. We are in love with our place, and bought it four years ago, not because of the house, but because of something the land exudes. We cannot put a finger on it. But the cranes fly over each year, it is home to many bird species, including owls, pheasant and bullfinch. Deer trails can be found traversing our garden in winter (we have yet to see it in summer!) and almost anything that we plant, seems to grow. Our small property (at the moment) consists of a house and barns to fix up, a beautiful veggie garden and an empty paddock where we are starting to co-create a food forest garden meets biodiversity meets enchantment.
  
  We are lucky to have inherited an old fruit orchard from the previous owners, chickens roam and cats hang lazily about. We also have two (enthusiastic) kids who go to school and have their own programs, and one who has already flown the coop. We enjoy cooking meals for lunch and dinner, and if possible we eat from the garden. We have an easel for those who wish to spend some time painting and can help you get the right materials. You can also use the little gym we created in the barn. We speak fluent English. Of course, you will be able to use one of our bikes. In colder times, we love making hot chocolate and where possible, look at the stars, make a small fire outside, and roast marshmallows.
  
  The Project
  We strive to work together with the surrounding farms and local council to not only build sustainable living but also create enduring relationships and community. We intend to build something that will outlast us - a place where the magic of nature feels tangible. For 2025/2026 we focus on on the basics now that our youngest has turned five and our sleep has returned.
  For the barns and house we will be doing up the shutters and doors. The big barn needs a tool and workspace, and some further cleaning out. The small old bakery barn needs restoring the stonewalls, and afterwards we can plant around it and put up the pergola for the fig and kiwi's.
  For the land we will focus on the paddock and specific areas - think of clearing the fields, planting, sowing. If you have a flair for landscape design, there is space for you as we have not yet finalized certain pieces. There is, of course, much to do, but we take it as it comes as building something that lasts takes time and both of us also have jobs. Because we both work, we look for people who can function autonomously and are OK with spending some time alone when needed.
  
  The Surrounding area
  We have lovely neighbours and one grandfather lives nearby. There are two old port cities close to us (reached by train or car) that epitomize Dutch architectural beauty. There are plenty of mountainbike trails and walking routes from the house or nearby.
  
  
  Your Accommodation
  You are welcome to come with a campervan. We have an electrical hook up and place for you to park.
  If you are without your own campervan, we either have a nice big tent pitched in our garden or we have a room for you in a ground floor studio equipped with own shower and bathroom at our grandfather's which is a small walk or two min bike ride away. There are times in the year it might also be possible to housesit in exchange for taking care of the dog and cat. Ask us for photos, as we do not put those online. All of our places are smoke free.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Entretien général
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Ferme

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Cyclisme

  

  Montagne

  

  Danse

  

  Camping

  

  Sports d'équipe

  

  Fitness

  

  Musique

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Livres

  

  Animaux

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Photographie

  

  Jardinage

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Écriture

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Nature

  

  Randonnée

  

  Activités en plein air
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  We speak English (and one of us speaks German), we have both either worked, lived and/or travelled internationally extensively. Suzanne works a Jungian psychoanalyst, and Jeroen works as a consultant. We work from home, or nearby home, when not travelling. You will meet our kids, and Suzanne’s father lives nearby.
  We can help you develop knowledge and skills in seasonal gardening, and are curious about what you may wish to learn. We also appreciate it if you wish to spend time by yourself.

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  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  Let us know what skills you bring- Can you garden? Are you creative? Do you enjoy cooking? Depending on your skill set, and what you wish to learn, we will look at what is most suitable for you to do. In the beginning of next year we will focus on the house and the garden.
  
  We consider your preferences and input when creating the schedules together so you will have the flexibility to enjoy the surrounding areas, and of course we will fix you up with a bicycle!
  
  What we find most important is a positive outlook and do it with energy and efficiency. You should be able to self manage, prioritise, and keep track of what you have done. It would be good if you can manage your schedule and keep track of your hours without reminders, and we are also here to help. Suzanne tries to be in the garden and do tasks around the barns and house as much as her part time work schedule allows, but if all is planned correctly, you should have company from other workawayers.
  
  If you have a driver's license, that's great as we sometimes need help driving when one of us is away for work, but please if you do not fall into this category but you'd still like to apply, don't hesitate.

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  Langues parlées

  Allemand: Courant
  Anglais: Courant

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  Hébergement

  You can have your own room in a studio at a property nearby - please ask us for photos as we do not post them online and there is no charge for workawayers. We also have a nice big tent pitched up or when available, you can housesit next to the studio. You can also camp out or sleep in your own (camper)van if travelling like that. Our shower, toilets and kitchen are communal.
  We enjoy cooking, and we usually have dinner with the whole family together. Lunch will also be at the house.
  Breakfast will probably be at your sleeping quarters, which is in a different place - you will have access to a fridge and cooking space, and we will give you the ingredients you need.

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  Autres infos...

  We are a private family farm and are only producing for our own consumption

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  Electrical hook up available

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Mes animaux

  Kees, Klaas, Babette, Goudvink, Minnie & Merie

Sécurité du site

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