Our story
We’re building a global community where people live, learn and help out, staying somewhere special in exchange for a genuine contribution.
Why FarFrom
Travelling on a budget shouldn’t mean compromising on quality. And people with special places shouldn’t struggle to find trustworthy help.
So we built a network where travellers lend a hand and stay in private accommodation along the way. Quality on both sides, and a real exchange in the middle.
Our promise
Where it began
In November 2023, our founder, Sarah, set off on a year-long sabbatical with her husband, Nick. Their goal was to help charities, farms, small businesses, and private households in ways that allowed them to travel longer, connect deeply, and meet remarkable people. While they did achieve this, the opportunities that suited their skillsets and work experience were scarce. They discovered that reaching out directly (albeit time consuming), was often more effective than using the tools that were supposed to help.
Sarah realised they couldn't be the only ones manually researching and emailing hosts from scratch. On top of that, volunteering placements in their home country, the UK, were almost impossible to find! With over a decade's experience leading Product Development teams, she saw an opportunity to build something better; so that future career-breakers could travel the way she and Nick had, but without the friction.
Vineyard · South of France
Two weeks picking grapes at first light for a family vineyard.
Private island · Whitsundays
A month painting chalets, with just four other people on the whole island.
Pet sitting · Australia
Word spread, the reviews came in, and dog sitting stays followed along the coast.
“The platforms we found were built for younger backpackers and shared dorms. I couldn’t stop asking why nothing connected curious, experienced travellers with hosts offering a private room and wanting skilled, trusted help.”
Sarah Roberts
Founder, FarFrom
Recognition
May 2026 · Canopy Community Final
Our co-founder, Oscar, won the People's Choice Award at the UNiDAYS Showcase Final, held at Revolut's London HQ in front of a judging panel that included Simon Squibb. The clearest signal came after the pitch, when Simon offered to list his own property on FarFrom as a host.
June 2026 · UK StartUp Awards
FarFrom was named East of England winner at the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Tourism, Travel, Events & Hospitality category. The judges pointed to two things: reimagining work-for-accommodation as a quality-led marketplace, and the evidence behind the ambition: real hosts, real traction, real partnerships.
Who we are
We’d rather share our skills than check into another soulless hotel. Each of us has helped out on our own travels, and we’ve built marketplaces before, so we know what the sharing economy can do when it’s done right.
FarFrom lets people travel longer, live locally and connect culture to culture.
Find a stay that suits your skills, or open your doors to people who genuinely want to be there.