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Help with DIY tasks and enjoy the wildlife on Vancouver Island BC, Canada

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hey there, I'm Anneke! Originally from the Netherlands, I've lived in several countries, but call Canada home for over 32 years now. Our place in Errington, BC, nestled on 5 acres of serene forest land, is a tranquil retreat just a stone's throw away from the stunning beauty of Parksville on Vancouver Island. During the summer, we run a charming traditional B&B, and in the off-season, we also love to wander off at times. Leaving our small chicken flock in capable hands. When we are home, we garden, read and write, or cozy up by our lovely wood stove. Our kitchen is fully equipped, and our delightful chickens supply us with the freshest eggs.

    Right now, we're gearing up for winter in the garden - and we need help with prepping wood, making kindling, and getting the outdoor spaces in shape. There's also some fencing that needs mending and a bit of TLC for the chicken coop and vegetable garden.

    Having a car is a must since public transport isn't an option, but trust me, our rustic yet elegant home is worth the drive. It's a welcoming nest where guests can unwind and recharge; many say it feels just like home, and that's exactly how we want it to be. Thanks to our B&B, we get to meet fascinating people from all walks of life, and lately, hosting Work-awayers has brought even more vibrancy to our lives.
    We love the fresh perspectives and energy that travelers bring into our home.

    Just to clarify, our WA workers do not interact with our paying guests in any capacity at our B&B business. We have our own cleaning staff.

    Our WIFI is great, and people love the tranquility here. Waterfalls and beautiful beaches are just a stone's throw away, and if you're into skiing, you'll find a slope just an hour and a quarter away. Come and experience life on our beautiful Vancouver Island - it's truly something special!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You experience other cultures, our lovely neighbours, sometimes meet B&B guests, and experience living in the forest. I love to learn about foreign cultures and am always happy to share my own experiences. Acceptance and respect towards our community are important to me and I'd love to show workawayers local markets and events, beaches and parks, and places to eat local food.
    When you arrive in Errington, you're in for a mix of nature and local life. Just being here you might see wildlife, a wondering bear and lots of deer and even elk. This area is ideal for hiking, fishing, swimming, golfing, whale watching, and so on. Nearby, Parksville and Nanoose Bay have their own peaceful shores, and Coombs is a quirky village known for a market with goats on the roof. Plus, you're not far from Nanaimo, a lively city with its own vibe. Check out the local arts scene with markets and galleries. Last but not least, the Errington farmers market on Saturdays, May till September with artists and local musicians, is a true highlight for many. Errington also has music performances in the community hall.

  • Help

    Help

    Our needs have changed please note. we need ; Handy people.
    -Placing monitors at coop area
    - Fencing and small repairs.
    -Painting outdoor buildings
    -Stagging wood and making kindling,
    -Bringing wood to the house.
    -Chicken coop cleaning and adding some features.
    -Garden beds preparation.
    -Help with building a fence.
    -Help with cutting up the smaller trees
    -Odd and fun jobs
    -

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate
    French: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I do have an interest in other languages or brush up Spanish and French.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    If possible you can either be in a lovely guests suite with ensuite bathroom in the main house, with in floor heat, fridge etc.
    Or in rare occasion, when the B&B is fully occupied, there is a
    tiny cottage, 12 x 10 with bed, heating, tv hook up and with RV toilet. You can use the shower indoors or in the summer, use our hot and cold fancy outdoor shower.

    We eat least a few home made meals a together. You prepare bf and lunch on your own, we provide warm healthy meals according to your needs or as discussed prior to your arrival.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Please note.
    The winter season is around the corner.
    Worker please note. YOU NEED YOUR OWN CAR as truly, there is no nearby public transportation.
    Due to the many applications, from now on I will only reply to those who indicate that have a car.
    You need to have a valid work a way or Canadian work permit.
    We expect that all workers are tidy.
    There is absolutely no smoking, nor vaping allowed as our forest becomes a big fire hazard.
    We are NOT 4/20 friendly.

    We live quietly and in nature. You will be part of our family and will introduce you to a variety of events if you like. We will respect also your choice of being private. You pick.
    We are easy going, offer a good bed, We offer healthy food mostly vegan and a peaceful environment. Most stores and amenities see below, are available 10-12 minutes only by car.

    Great supermarket, emergency clinic, tennis courts free,and beaches all within 15 minutes . Lots of animals (including bears and even on the close by beaches orcas and whales to watch.) Bike available.
    Ski options in season, approx.1- 1.5 hour away on mount Washington. Travel further west to famous west coast, or south to Victoria, we are 2 hours drive away.
    Also Ideal for writers or those who like to meditate, practice Yoga or Tai Chi.
    It is a unique opportunity to learn rural living and explore Vancouver Island.

  • 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

    WIFI is very fast and there is plenty of seating inside and outside for digital nomads.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We do have 5 acres of forest that you can use to park your car/ campervan. Our newly built hot and cold outdoor shower is a pleasant addition. Seasonal only.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 228764348777

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