Ideal for any Adult or Junior students who would like to experience living in the countryside surrounded by farms and farm animals but would like to be conveniently located close to Avanti.
Type of farm:
It is not a farm and the HF are not farmers. However, they own farm lands around the house and rent them out to local farmers. This means that students can watch sheep being herded etc. and become easily immersed in the local farm life, if they wish. The HF can also offer a beautiful, rich, countryside environment.
It is a family of 6 with 4 children aged between 28 and 13 (1 boy and 3 girls) and the youngest daughters (17 and 13) still live with the parents in the main house.
Accommodation:
Single room with en-suite in most cases
For Adult students, the student house is beside the main family house, which will give the students more independence and yet closeness to the HF if they need any help or contact. It is a beautifully decorated house with spacious rooms, a comfortable living room, its own kitchen etc.
For Junior students, they have a choice of staying at the student house or with the HF in their main house.
Meals are of course together with the family in the main house in all cases and the atmosphere is very warm and accommodating.
Location:
Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare (a 5-min drive from Avanti, 20-min cycling (the family can lend students a mountain bike for easy access to Naas town)
Lifts between the Farm and Avanti:
Adult students can cycle to and from Avanti every day during warmer seasons. When the weather is bad or during the winter, the HF will provide daily lifts. Junior students will be given lifts every day.
Available:
All year round by appointment
Age:
Any age
Activities at the farm:
Walking, forest walks, cycling, watching sheep herding, etc. There is a lovely forest nearby and the world famous Punchestown Racecourse, where horse meetings and races are held regularly.
Insurance:
Relevant insurance that covers farm stay is recommended but not mandatory.