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A Gothic Journey. Volunteer in a Historic Countryside Home

4.5
(15 reviews)15

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.

What you offer

25 hours of help 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

What you get

2 days off per week

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

Requirements

Fluent English

Between 18 and 65 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Join us for a unique volunteering experience where you'll help breathe new life into a historic property. Assist in transforming the house as we prepare it for renovation, and get your hands dirty in the garden, restoring an enchanting Victorian fish pond and fountain. You’ll also be able to help shape and plan future garden areas, contributing to its design. If you're here during apple season, you can help us craft homemade cider and perhaps even some delicious chutney from our orchard’s apples.

Activities & Shift

As a volunteer, you’ll be helping us with a variety of tasks to prepare our house and garden for its future. Your activities will include:
Cleaning and Tidying: Assist in cleaning and organising the house, making it a welcoming space for everyone this includes washing up. Compartmentalising and Organizing: Sort and label items from storage units. Some items to list on eBay. Gardening: Engage in gardening tasks like cutting back bushes, edging pathways, pruning trees, chopping & stacking wood.
Bed Making and General House Tasks: Making beds & general chores to maintain this large house. Help feed and clean the litter tray of 2 cats and walk a small dog.

Rules

We’re looking for dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to dive into a variety of tasks with a positive and light-hearted attitude. Here’s what we value in our volunteers: Enthusiasm and Commitment: We want volunteers who are excited about the work and eager to contribute. Whether it's in the garden, or organizing items, a can-do attitude makes all the difference.
Pride in Every Task: Take pride in every task, big or small. Attention to detail and a sense of accomplishment in your efforts are important to us. Team Spirit: Being a team player is essential. We work together, support each other, and ensure that everyone is working towards common goals. Openness to Learning: We encourage volunteers who are eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges. We’re here to teach and share our knowledge, and we hope you’re excited to grow with us. Respect and Communication: Strong, Healthy & fit body types suit all the tasks best.