I’m seeking an individual, couple or small family interested in living on an awesome, established urban homestead. Qualities desired include ability to communicate well, responsibility and self motvation, integrity, and comfort working autonomously and independently. Some
experience in natural building and/or light construction desired but not necessarily required. Experience with some degree gardening/farming/permaculture required. Summer responsibilities will be focused on completing a few projects- primarily interior plastering and exterior finish plastering of the backyard
cob studio, constructing
chicken run tunnels (chunnels!), caretaking during a 10-day vacation, and likely assisting with watering, weeding and general garden maintenance. The expectation would be 20-25 hours of work per week, in exchange for a large private room and shared bathroom/kitchen/living space in our Portland, OR home. I am seeking someone able to commit to a minimum of 6-8 weeks, preferably longer, for the period between April-September.
We’re a mid 30s RN and garden nerd, and two awesome elementary aged kids, experienced in sharing out home both with housemates and as
WWOOF hosts. We have a colorful, comfortable 3 bedroom/1bath home in Northeast Portland, in a location that’s both bike and transit friendly, on a slightly larger than average
city lot. On said lot are half a dozen established fruit
trees, 6 large beds dedicated to annual veggie production, an established food forest, over half a dozen varieties of fruiting plants and shrubs, and a profusion of pollinator plants. We have 2 bunnies we raise for snuggles and mulch, and are hoping to welcome
chickens back after taking a break for the past 18 months. (We also have two indoor kitties, just FYI. While we’re not open to any additional feline roommates at this time, we *are* potentially open to a well trained, well behaved and child friendly dog
). We’re not vegan/vegetarian, and not quiet...but we’re fun and curious and busy and love to share meals with friends. There are approximately 1000gal of rainwater storage that serve the gardens, usually until mid summer, as well as chiminea for backyard campfires on cool summer evenings and a cob studio I’m hoping to have plastered and ready to become a comfortable, cozy living space by the time fall approaches. The space you’d be living in is the upstairs room of our house, a spacious finished attic space of approximately 400-500sq ft, heated and cooled by a ductless mini split. The space can be partially furnished if desired.
While some experience in natural building is preferred, it is certainly not an expectation; equally important is comfort in taking initiative to research and collaborate with me in developing a plan for undertaking this
project, and excellent communication skills. As this is a shared home and a home with children, prudence and respect for quiet hours, discreet and responsible drinking/marijuana use, and stewardship of shared spaces is a must. Must be able to pass a background check. We are very familiar with sharing our living space with others and expect the same of you.
If interested, I’d love to hear more about your interest and experience in
permaculture, natural building and community building!
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