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Why do we offer wwoofing? When the sheep aren't producing milk, we buy it. Of course, we also purchase other things we can't grow or produce ourselves. Otherwise, we have our own vegetables, fruit, meat, and honey. Bettina and I are self-sufficient and, by nature, not employers. We won't impose anything on you, and we hope that you'll have the steering wheel in your own hands. Yet our autonomy is not based on stubborn individualism but on communication and cooperation. For us, wwoofing isn’t primarily about 'work energy' – it's more about the energy of togetherness. That's what we gain when you're with us.
Most of the time, I (Stephan) work alone on our little "Stückle", as Bettina works as a teacher at a school. I've had a deep longing for community for quite some time and would love to have someone join us. However, I understand that our minimalist lifestyle isn't for everyone – at least not in the long run. So, we say: We're happy even if you stay with us just for a little while. Still, I often wonder what my life will be like in ten years. My answer: with a few good people, living simply, and happy. What can be done here? We can look after the bees together, take care of the sheep and hens (especially feeding, but also managing the stables or changing the pastures), and the garden, of course, needs some friendly care. In autumn and winter, wood is a constant task: cutting trees and shrubs, sawing or shredding wood.
There is absolutely no such thing as a regular day. Everything often blends together and we need to be very spontaneous, communicative and self-reliant. Of course, there is something beautiful about this. Our live is generally slow and calm, although I can also be quite chatty. Minimalism und being yourself Consider yourself warned: We're a different culture. There's so much that's really important to others around us but completely irrelevant to us. On the other hand, we focus a lot on things most people don't really value. We live in a really nice place, although very simple and in many ways quite minimalistic. You should know that. It may happen that you are sometimes surprised, shocked, or perhaps even angry. But that's how it is when you enter a culture that is not your own. It can sometimes feel strange.
You can claim your own fairly spacious, unheated caravan or (in winter) stay in the small heated guest cabin. Bettina and I have a small trailer as our own little retreat. Being in harmony with nature also means being comfortable with solitude and even seeking it at times. That's why it's absolutely no problem if you need a lot of time for yourself. On the contrary, it's actually a good thing and fits perfectly with our culture here.
There's plenty of meaningful things you can do on your own and independently, if you feel like it. Of course, you're always welcome to ask if you're unsure; especially in the beginning, that will happen quite often, and it's actually important so you can find a clear and safe direction for yourself.
We have a compost toilet, filtered well water and our own solar power, which usually delivers enough energy. Because of the dogs, sheep and hens the entire ground (4 acres) is fenced. There is a small settlement nearby, and a little further, the small town of Markdorf. The internet reception is surprisingly good at our place.
The dogs Anton and Fiocco are suspicious at first, but then they quickly become friends; Fiocco in particular wants to be petted constantly. One of the sheep is quite loud. Her name is Tira Misu.
If you intend to visit us in autumn or winter, we need to prepare you.
The days are very dull and damp, and the paths increasingly turn into mud.
So, bring rubber boots! (And feel free to bring your own sleeping bag, a headlamp or flashlight, a washcloth, and a towel.)
Winter does have its picturesque days, but for the most part, it's dominated by mud and the color "cheerful grey-brown."
I think sharing meals together is a great way to socialize. That's why we think it's nice to have lunch together, especially on weekends when we're all on the place. Bettina is a vegetarian; that's why I only eat meat when I feel like, which doesn't happen very often.
If you take responsibility by yourself and work with us in a calm flow on what needs to be done here, then make sure to give yourself enough breaks. I'm generally around, but feel free to explore this region – there's so much to see! We live in a very touristy corner of southern Germany. Ravensburg and Meersburg are two beautiful medieval cities that we particularly admire for their age and charm. We often go to Ravensburg for shopping. On clear days, the Alps look so close, and Lake Constance is just a stone's throw away. Especially in the summer, you can enjoy lovely bike rides and take a swim in the 'Swabian Sea'.
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