FarFrom

Smallholding, rural Northern Ireland

Down, Northern Ireland | 3-4 hours per day | 3 meals per day | Private Room & Shared Bathroom
Heiko & Susan

Hosted by Heiko & Susan

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Nationality: Irish
Last active: Sep 17, 2026
Joined: Apr 30, 2026
English · Dutch · Italian · French · German

About

We are a permaculture smallholding in rural Northern Ireland. Nature is the boss and we try and let her dictate what we do. So we are not after neatly manicured lawns, but a managed wilderness and edible landscape. Sometimes the jungle needs taming a bit for access, and we do that by hand, being mindful of the many edible wild plants that also share our place. During summer the berry glut needs harvesting and processing. Sometimes things need fixing (the duck shed at the moment). We also share the space with a flock of chickens, a couple of ducks and a very enthusiastic collie. So their sheds sometimes need cleaning and the dog needs walks. We are very laid back and relaxed, we don't like starting too early and you'll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful surrounds on one of our bicycles. Work varies according to season, but it's about keeping a light touch. Sometimes unexpected jobs occur, like clearing up after a storm. Chopping back weeds for access, harvesting and processing berries and perennial vegetables, including foraging for wild foods, some repair jobs are some of the things that are required. Essentially we are looking for flexible people, who don't mind getting their hands dirty and have good observation skills to find their own niches within our eco-system. The chickens and ducks need their sheds cleaned every now and then and the dog needs walking. We also are in the process of building an eco-village nearby on 10 acres of land. We have already planted 2000 trees and a food forest. This needs continued maintenance.

Accommodation

Private Room & Shared Bathroom
You get a small private bedroom with a queen size double bed. Kitchen, bathroom and living room is shared with us. There is a sunroom / dining room, which can be used as a work area. Bedding and towels are provided.

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Skills

Skills that would be useful at this property

Gardening Harvesting Dog walking Pet sitting Basic carpentry Building repairs DIY General maintenance Painting & decorating House sitting Cooking Conservation Animal care

Information

Meals

3 meals per day

Breakfast and lunch are help yourself. Dinner is cooked by ourselves and/or you if you feel so inclined, and is taken together

Schedule

3-4 hours per day

2 days off per week

Expectations

  • Be flexible with working hours
  • Be respectful of the property and family
  • Help with meal preparation
  • Maintain a clean living space
  • Observe quiet hours in the evening

Stay length

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 4 weeks

Amenities

Bicycles
Car park space
Wifi
Board games
Laundry
Books
Collect from station/ drop off

Availability

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Local area

We are close the small town of Portaferry on Strangford Lough, where you spot seals, dolphins and many wild birds. There's also the Northern Ireland Aquarium and plenty of cafés and restaurants, where you can interact with the locals. 1 1/2 miles in the other direction is Cloughey Beach, a 2 mile stretch of sandy beach on the Irish Sea with views to the Isle of Man. The peninsula offers plenty other lesser known attractions, like a Holy Well and various castle ruins. A short hop on the ferry takes you to Strangford, where Castle Ward is located, which served as the filming location for Games of Thrones

The map shows the approximate area. The exact location is shared once a stay is confirmed.

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1 week min, 4 weeks max
Minimum Stay
2 days off per week
Weekly Commitment
1 week min, 4 weeks max 2 days off per week
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Heiko
Hosted by Heiko
Joined 2026
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Smallholding, rural Northern Ireland - Down
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Heiko
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