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Description
We are Michael and Rachel, and we’re thrilled to invite you to experience life on our small, private acreage nestled in the woods of Vancouver Island. We acknowledge our fortune to live and work on the traditional and unceded territory of the Quw'utsun (Cowichan) people, whose rich history and stewardship of the land continually inspire and guide us. Michael, with a background in social services aiding those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction, is currently pursuing a degree in fine arts and honing his skills as a silversmith and jewelry artist. Rachel works in healthcare and is in the process of becoming certified to run mindfulness groups. Our family also includes our highly trained and adventurous German Shepherd/Roughcoat Collie, Eli, and Brio, a pet rabbit we rescued after it was abandoned by the forest near our property. We enjoy winding down in the evenings with a walk on the nearby trails, the occasional board games and spend much of the year relaxing in our outdoor hot tub.
At our homestead in the Cowichan Valley, we are on a journey toward sustainable living. While we are not homesteading experts, we are committed to enhancing our skills in this area. Our dream is an ongoing project of developing a thriving garden with hugelkultur mounds and raised beds, where we experiment with organic practices and permaculture principles. We are also setting up a drip irrigation system, learning and learning how to optimize our water usage. We are eager to meet Workawayers who are interested in joining us to cultivate a more sustainable way of living.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living on Vancouver Island offers a wealth of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures that embody the essence of the Pacific Northwest. The Cowichan Valley, with its rich soil and favourable climate, supports a diverse range of agricultural activities. Here, you can engage in foraging for local plants and mushrooms, especially during the lush spring and fall seasons. Duncan, the nearest town, hosts one of the largest farmers' markets on the island.
As active members of the local arts council, we are very involved in the vibrant cultural scene of the Cowichan Valley. There are frequent opportunities to attend workshops, visit galleries, and participate in community arts projects. The valley’s lively festival circuit features everything from workshops led by indigenous elders and knowledge keepers to contemporary music and food festivals.
Help
Gardening and Permaculture: Assistance with maintaining and expanding our garden. This includes working on hugelkultur mounds, managing raised beds, and helping to establish a drip irrigation system.
General Yard Maintenance: Regular maintenance tasks such as weeding, pruning, composting, and general landscaping to improve and maintain the health of our garden and property.
Art and Craft Projects: possibilities to enhance studio space and participate in various art projects, which may include jewelry making and other creative tasks.
Trail Building: Assistance with designing and clearing a small trail around our property for easier access and recreational use.
Household Assistance: Help around the house including vacuuming, assisting with meal preparation, and possibly batch cooking for the week.
Companion and Cultural Exchange: Joining in outdoor activities such as hiking, foraging, and exploring local culture and arts. Engaging with us in board games and cultural discussions.
Ideal Skillsets Needed:
Gardening Knowledge: Familiarity with organic gardening practices and permaculture principles.
Physical Fitness: Ability to handle physical tasks related to gardening, trail building, and general yard maintenance.
Artistic Interest: A interest in arts and crafts, with any artistic skills being a bonus.
Culinary Ability: Basic cooking and cleaning skills, with a willingness to assist in meal preparation and household chores.
Cultural Openness: Enthusiasm for cultural exchange and enjoying outdoor activities, with a comfort around dogs as you'll spend time with our German Shepherd, Eli.
Interpersonal Skills: Open minded, strong communication abilities and empathy are crucial for a positive shared living environment. Adaptability and respect for others’ space and boundaries will help ensure a harmonious experience for everyone involved.
Work Schedule: Approximately 4-5 hours of help per day, Monday through Friday, with flexibility in scheduling to allow personal time for exploring and relaxation.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
Workawayers will be accommodated in a private room on the top floor of our spacious home, ensuring both comfort and privacy. The room is well-furnished with a comfortable bed, ample storage for personal belongings, and large windows that offer views of the surrounding forest. Adjacent to the room is a private bathroom, equipped with all essential amenities. Our home is also equipped with Wi-Fi. Additionally, you will have access to our gym, provided you contribute to its upkeep and cleaning. You can also enjoy our outdoor hot tub, operational most of the year except during the summer months, which provides a relaxing way to unwind after a day’s activities.
Regarding meals, Workawayers are expected to participate in the preparation of nutritious, primarily organic meals. While breakfast and lunch will be self-served, dinner preparation is a shared responsibility. Although not all dinners need to be prepared by Workawayers, involvement in batch cooking for the week may be part of your working hours. We will provide the essential groceries and we appreciate input on the weekly shopping list. This arrangement not only supports learning and sharing culinary skills but also ensures that all dietary preferences are respected. Our diet is primarily plant-based, focusing on vegetables and fish, with meat only occasionally included.
We very rarely drink alcohol, however, we appreciate that enjoying an occasional drink can be part of experiencing the local culture, we ask that any alcohol consumption on our property be undertaken responsibly and with consideration for all household members. Please note that we do not permit smoking, vaping, or the use of cannabis on the premises.
What else ...
In your time off, there is much to explore in and around our homestead in the Cowichan Valley. You can take advantage of the local hiking trails through majestic old-growth forests, visit the nearby beaches for kayaking or simply relaxing by the ocean, and experience the vibrant arts scene at community galleries and workshops. Public transportation is accessible, with a bus stop near the property providing routes into Duncan, the closest town. For those who prefer cycling, if available we can provide bikes that can be used to explore the local area. We Value the fresh perspectives and cultural exchanges that each new guest brings. We live a mindful, environmentally conscious lifestyle and appreciate those who respect our home and the nature surrounding it.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a very large driveway where someone could easily park their van.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
