A Gothic Journey. Volunteer in a Historic Countryside Home

Higher chance of approval: This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Connect with nature: 24 travelers recommend this experience for reconnecting with nature
Connect with international travelers: 18 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Accepts couples and pairs of volunteers

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What you offer

25h

Hours per week: Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

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What you get

Days off per week: Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Support: Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.

Verified Host: This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.

WP Safeguard: Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.; Learn more

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Availability

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Stay at least: 2 weeks

Stay up to: 4 weeks

The Experience

Embark on an exciting adventure with us at our stunning 7,500-square-foot Neo-Gothic Victorian house, built in the 1890s. Nestled just a stone’s throw from the world-renowned 'Town of Books'—Hay-on-Wye and moments away from Offa's Dyke, the historic path that separates Wales and England, this is a unique opportunity to dive into a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Lots of gardening, some household chores plus EBay & Vinted uploads.

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Requirements

Fluent English
Between 18 and 70 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Talk to those who have lived the experience

In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.

You can ask things like:

a) How was your experience with this host?
b) How was your day-to-day routine?
c) How much did you spend on this trip?

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26 Reviews

4.5

Host & Team

4.5

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Homestay

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

How this experience will transform you

24 Get in touch with nature
18 Meeting international travelers
17 Immersing in the local culture
14 Meeting locals
6 Developing environmental awareness
6 Learning about sustainability

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

14 15. Life on land
7 6. Clean water and sanitation
5 3. Good health and well-being

Haylee

United States

I had a great time volunteering and exploring hay on wye! The other volunteers were great and having dinners together every night really helped us feel like a solid group, and as a vegetarian I was always well fed by the host. Sarah and Dan were not there when I arrived, but Sarah communicated this and their daughter Millie was there to welcome me. Amy was a highlight of this experience as well, as she was great at coordinating projects and instilling confidence even when we were doing tasks that we may not have done before. My only note is that being end of November, it was quite cold.

20 days ago

mylene

United Kingdom

I truly loved my time at the Gothic the home, the historical house, grounds & location are stunning. Daily tasks were always enjoyable & we were always given options around where our area of interests where, with in or outside options depending on the weather. Everyone who supported the volunteers were so kind, friendly & made us feel very welcome- it felt like a family away from home which we we all were so appreciative of! I would really recommend this position to anyone considering it, do pack warm clothes as it's can be chilly in the winter months. Sending hugs to you all, thanks again!

25 days ago

Breena

Canada

I had a great time here! The workday usually went by quick and the tasks can vary by day. We worked 9-3 with an hour for lunch, and they are very accommodating if you want to go into town for a market day, or to head out earlier on the weekend you can usually work extra hours during the week. I worked about a half day on the first day I arrived and made up the remaining hours the next day. I was very happy to have my own room while there, though we shared one toilet/shower with around 10 people at one time! They are always working on and improving the house and the dinners were always great!!

about 1 month ago

Leah

United States

I found my stay at Brynmelyn to be the kind of challenge I welcome! The tasks were not too difficult, but they could be hard work and between that, the October weather in England, and the delicious dinners served to us, I left feeling stronger and heartier than when I arrived. The surrounding area is breathtaking, and I enjoyed getting to know those at the house. It's a 20 to 30 minute walk to town, but that was never an issue and the views made it enjoyable. My favorite tasks were working outside on the grounds, cutting back overgrown areas, sorting apples, and managing a burnpile.

about 2 months ago

Molly

United States

I enjoyed my time in Hay on Wye. It was a really beautiful estate and super quaint town. The hosts were so welcoming and the work was enjoyable.

4 months ago

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About the host

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Hosted by Sarah

Response Rate: This host usually answers to 90% of the messages
Response Time: This host usually writes back in 2 days
1 published videos: This host has 1 published videos showing a little bit about their place

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