Come and stay in our rural valley family in Black River, N.S. Canada

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a family of 5, with a two girls (Calya-10, and Arwyn-8) with our son Everet, who is now 6. So it's a busy house and we are often strapped for time :). We would especially Love someone from another culture, both for the kids and for us to meet and share experiences with - especially people that only speak a different language!

    We moved into this house, our first house, about 7 years ago. The house isn't huge but can easily accommodate a couple, and at times maybe even 3 people (the 3rd person would have a shared sleeping/living space). We live quite remotely and so the nearest store is a 15 minute drive away. If you have your own car it's not such an issue, but we could possibly lend ours - depending on our schedule.

    We're kinda changing up the info about what it is we need for work right now. It'd be super cool if someone with the know-how could help out with repairing/fixing up the cabin. It'd certainly be best for someone or a couple who have some building experience. I have no idea how to do it so... anyone with an idea would be much appreciated. That being said, it's probably best if people could commit to at least 3 weeks, since it's such a big project.

    As always, childcare is often helpful, Sammy and I find it hard to get the kids out of the house. If people had some energy to be able to find outdoor adventures with the kids that would be great.
    Of course when the weather warms up, there's a lot more to do!
    Gardens gardens gardens!
    Build a large chicken coop.
    Putting in drainage on one side of the house.
    Pathways in woods.
    Help with animals (when we get some).
    Maybe build a small greenhouse, or cold frame or both.
    Pruning.

    Anyway, I thought a list might be helpful, but this isn't everything I'm sure :)
    Just thought it might be nice to see some more specific tasks.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    People would benefit just by being at our house for the exchange of a relatively normal Canadian, and english-speaking household. Sammy is a great cook, so perhaps if they're keen on learning some good recipes she could show you. But of course she would LOVE to have someone else cook a cultural meal on occasion too!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    (Caveat, we're not experts at anything, so it'd be kinda like the blind leading the blind if you're looking to actually learn about how to do these things. We just muddle our way through it all :))

    Spring of 2023:
    1. This spring/summer, I need to replace an outer Rim Joist on the house that is rotted! If somone has an idea about that sort of thing It would be amazing since I'm not a carpenter!
    2. Building a chicken coop/goat house possibly. (not sure if this is the year for it or not).
    3. Making new garden beds, planting, watering, weeding (usual garden stuff).
    4. Repairing holes in our gyprock walls.
    5. Priming/painting inside.
    6. Possibly building another wood shed

    Ongoing needs:
    1.1 We're hoping to get the cabin up to snuff. However, this project will both mainly dependent on someone's skill (we have none), time available, and my financial situation to afford material!
    1.2 I also always have some sort of firewood thing in need of doing. Either chainsawing, chopping stacking or moving wood!

    We would really actually like it if someone was not only from another culture, and knew little english. It would be super helpful for the kids to be forced to interact with, and hear the language of someone from somewhere else. We do have a small handle on french and spanish, and I used to know some German, so those languages would be extra cool :)

    If there is someone who wanted to Get away for awhile and could help out with various building projects, that would be awesome. Also, the kids will always want to play if you're around, so it's important that you like kids and are comfortable with them always vying for your attention :)

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    German: Beginner
    Spanish: Beginner
    French: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I don't have much to say in this comment section - we just like other cultures, which includes other languages! We would love to hear and learn other languages and if wanted, share ours :)

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    When no one is here, we use the all the bedrooms, but if hosting someone, we would change things up. Our 10 year old would move back in with her younger siblings to give a room to the workawayer/workawayers. So you would have your own room. There's a bunk bed in the room, with two twin mattresses.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There really is no transportation to our house (no buses). But if you were living with us, you would be part of the family, and we would make all efforts to help drive you where you needed to go. We only have one car though, so usually we need to plan ahead for errands and entertainment. Plus since I work shift work, there are days, grouped together, when everyone is kinda 'stuck' around the house - unless you can bike mountains, or are alright with hitch hiking :).
    We don't have good cell phone service where we are, but if you walk up the road, the reception is good.
    We live near a place called Lumsden's dam which a popular swimming spot. It's about 4km away, and we own some kayaks, which if you wanted to load on the car and figure out ( as they're heavy), you could use (when it's warm enough!).

    The last thing to mention is that would don't want to host smokers. To be honest I don't mind the occasional marijuana, but I have a real problem with the smell of cigarettes and don't want the kids around it much.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have high speed internet. However we're sitting in a hollow with no proper cellular service. We do have a landline you'd be welcome to use.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    It wouldn't matter the size of the van I don't think. We'd have to talk about it further, but I think we have enough space for anything.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Not an indoor cat - I'm allergic to those little feline friends.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 3 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 147683412556

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