Communal living / cohousing
Dumfries & Galloway
**Accepting enquiries for stays from Mid March to Mid May 2026***
We are a small-holding (7 acres) - not so much an agricultural project as ... let's say... a retreat centre. (or will be, one day!!)
It used to be a fish farm. It has three cottages, a small loch, a river and woodlands in a beautiful and peaceful setting. We plan to make it into an organic/ecological holiday/retreat centre.
You would stay in one of the rooms in our central house alongside us (occasionally) and various other guests. There is no shortage of amazing food from the organic farm shop and community farm that we are involved in a few miles away.
We live on the property and there are 3 adjoining cottages with friendly, engaged neighbours. There is a lot of work to be done .. in the woods, clearing, making paths, building, renovating, gardening .... and ... and !!
Often you will be working by yourselves so it suits an independent couple or friends travelling together.
We will provide bicycles and it is an easy cycle to the Loch Arthur Community and Farm Shop or the local village of New Abbey.
There are lovely walks and cycles in the area.
Certifications: we are not growers of food at Powside. We are very involved in an organic/biodynamic project down the road. We run Powside on organic principles but have no need to certify.
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Forestry
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
2.8
Hectares
|
7
Acres
Barry
Member since 2012
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 9 days
Dumfries & Galloway
By bus or train to Dumfries from where we can fetch you. By car to DG2 8DY (close to New Abbey, 7 miles from Dumfries)
Reviews
Victorien
France
•
March 2026
I spent two wonderful weeks with Barry and Rene, a lovely couple who made me feel at home as soon as I arrived and who were always very attentive and kind to me!
The house is very comfortable, the garden is beautiful, and so are the surroundings if you enjoy walking and exploring nature.
We had a great time cooking, playing cards, and visiting Loch Arthur, the wonderful community where they put their heart and soul into their work.
The work mainly revolves around landscaping, and it's very pleasant to work in this setting.
I highly recommend it and thank them again!
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Mick
United Kingdom
•
February 2026
Although it was January, there was plenty to do, sorting firewood, pruning shrubs and fruit trees and bushes, moving plants, helping with general maintenance, a creative project and organising the workshop. My accommodation was very comfortable, and Barry and Rene made me feel more at home than when I am at home. We shared delicious meals, they introduced me to the area, and I hope that some of their inspiration has rubbed off onto me.
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Jyoti
United Kingdom
•
August 2025
This was my first WWOOFing. Barry and Rene were great hosts. I was made to feel at home from day one. Was actively invited to Loch Arthur gatherings, and for various events. Barry and Rene and the people there have built a community of like minded humans coming together for the greater good, living together in harmony with nature. I met many interesting people over the course of 8 days & got a glimpse of their unique lives.
As far as POW side cottages and my work there, I cleaned up the Barn and the old Church which was majority of my work. De-weeded & cleaned up some part of the garden. I worked about 6 hours a day. Breakfast and lunch was mostly do it yourself, but dinner was always together.
My ensuite room was beautifully done, adorned with artsy souvenirs from all over the world and was very comfortable. I got time on some days to take a dip in the pond that the house has.
Overall I had a great time at Powside. There was great learning which I will cherish for years to come.
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Renee
United States
•
August 2025
Barry and Rene are true visionaries and have created an extraordinary space in which the ideas and work may never end. They have an eye for beauty, passion for sustainability, and heart for community. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know such deeply kind, and interesting people and we greatly enjoyed their hospitality and delicious food. The work my 10 and 14 year old children and I performed was hard, manageable, and satisfying. Our main focused was helping develop a children’s play area by hauling rocks and soil and removing and potting oak, Rowan and hawthorn saplings from the forest surrounding a lake and potting them. We also filled in a drainage ditch with rocks. Thank you, Barry and Rene!
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Daniel
Germany
•
July 2025
Staying at Barrys and Renes was an amaaaazing experience! It were enjoyable 2 physical weeks with lots going on (clearing big hedges, woods and paths ditch, resurfacing roads, moving stuff, hikes and walks at the beautiful coast and mountains/hills ;D) but also relaxed days (swimming in the lake in front of the house , playing Keltis ;) watching Wimbledon, family Buffets)
It was nice to help and see the change on the site along the jobs.
They were so lovely and caring and had a super mindset! The meals were delicous and healthy and the room cozy :D
Thank you very much!
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Sophie
United States
•
April 2025
I had a lovely time at Powside Cottages and Barry and Rene are incredible hosts. They are so kind, thoughtful, and generous. We had many great conversations and lots of fun playing the card game Keltis, which I am on the hunt for to play back home.
During my stay I pruned roses, planted bulbs, cleared the stream, weeded and mulched around the orchard, and tidied up the shed a bit. The work was never too much and I had some time off to go and explore the area and visit the Loch Arthur Community. Many beach trips were had and much sea glass was collected, which was by far one of my favorite activities.
I highly recommend this WWOOF. Thanks Barry and Rene!
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