House and garden
Monmouthshire
We have been restoring a derelict old manor house for 30 years in the Welsh Marches, about five miles from Abergavenny. Children and grandchildren are here many weekends/holidays; we have dogs and cats. We were brought up in organic traditions – in my wife’s case, subsistence living in a remote Pacific atoll. We have a nearly five acres (but are surrounded by a large commercial and mostly organic farm). Our holding includes vegetable gardens, an orchard, vines, herb garden, ornamental gardens, and woodlands. The woodlands incorporate over 200 exotic species of tree as well as native trees for coppicing. We need help with all of these, and also with rebuilding of stone terraces/walls. We can share/teach how to garden organically; dry stone walling; herb use; and wine and jam making. Type 'Sarah Hebert woofing' on Youtube for a video flavour of our place.
Organic methods: We practise a four-year crop rotation for vegetables: year 1 potatoes, maize and squashes, year 2 peas and beans, year 3 brassicas (cabbage family) and year 4 roots and miscellaneous such as onions, beetroots, parsnips, carrots, spinach, chard etc.
We also shred dead wood and prunings from our gardens and trees, and use the mulch as both fertiliser and weed suppressant
We use (bought in) organic only manures. For the last three years we have been experimenting with 'no dig' methods which have proved very successful. We also find crushed egg shells to be an effective slug and snail deterrent for brassicas!
Certifications: See description above
Current projects: Restoration of stone walls, rescue of herb garden which had become invaded by scutch. Always more tree planting and maintenance.
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Viticulture
Forestry
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
2
Hectares
|
5
Acres
Michael
Member since 2011
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 50%
Response time: typically within 4 days
Monmouthshire
Good bus and train transport as far as Abergavenny - we can collect from there - we are 5 miles away.
Reviews
Isaac
France
•
April 2026
I spent 10 very nice days at [Host], in a very green and peaceful area of Wales. Rotee and Michael were lovely hosts who provided me everything needed, the food was delicious and the room was royal. My work was quite repetitive but also satisfying, as I engaged in a battle against brambles and quick-growing trees which had invaded a flower bank. The garden changed day by day as I progressed, even uncovering a forgotten staircase which I consolidated with stones. And I was never on my own as Celyn the dog explored with me the new horizons of the bank. In my free time, I made some apple compote, learnt a song on the piano, went cycling and running in the surroundings and visited Abergavenny, where I cycled up the Blorenge to watch the arrival of the Tour of Britain !! Thanks again Michael, Rotee and your children for this interesting experience !
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Maria-Ramona
Italy
•
April 2025
Woofing at Michael and Rotee's Great House was an absolute privilege.
I had so much fun weeding the beds overlooking the beautiful garden in the sunshine (how lucky I was!) - with either a dog or the cat as a company. Michael also showed me how to dry-stone-wall and was always happy to explain whenever I had a question (whether it was about trees, gardening or made-up words when we were playing scrabble).
They also kindly allowed me to film and make a documentary about them.
In my free-time I climbed the Skyrrid Fawr, explored Abergavenny and went along the scenic Usk Valley walk.
I am endlessly grateful for all the laughs, the shared stories and Rotee's delicious meals.
I left the Great House with the warm feeling that I will visit them again one day...
Thank you both for your kindness and generosity xx
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Serafina
United States
•
September 2024
I adored my stay in with Michael and Rotee. They really felt like grandparents to me by the time that I left. The work there isn't easy, but I found it to be rewarding. The house is incredibly beautiful, with a very rich history, and very, very old which I loved. But that also means it comes with some spider roommates, but don't worry! Both Michael and Rotee are incredible to talk to, and the meals with them were absolutely delicious. I learned a lot from them, and am so grateful for the experience I had there. I'll never forget it. I'd love to come back again someday.
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Mina
United Kingdom
•
August 2024
It was very peaceful week for me. I enjoyed the gardening, chatting with Michael and Roote, and Scrabble;) I hope to see you all again!
Ella
United States
•
November 2023
We had a very nice stay at the Great House. The house is very big and full of history. Rotee made us wonderful food every meal. The work was interesting, mainly working on a drystone wall repair and some steps. We were able to go on runs and see the Welsh countryside and Michael even brought us to Raglan Castle. Would recommend.
Duncan
United Kingdom
•
November 2021
I really enjoyed my time at the great house! The work was straightforward and doable and staying in the house was highly enjoyable. Micheal and rudi were great hosts and their house was very fun to explore. It was a wonderful first WWOOFing experience!
