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New zero-carbon house on the Côte d’Azur, south of France

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I am Katherine, a 69-year-old semi-retired sustainable architect finishing a zero-carbon house in the south of France.

    ABOUT ME
    I have MS, and luckily still very mobile (it has mostly affected my left leg and I walk with a stick). My husband and I had planned to have a joyous third life on the Côte d’Azur unfortunately he died in 2017, so now it is just me enjoying my third life here in Provence, with friends and family often staying.
    I have been a passionate advocate of sustainable architecture throughout my career, designing homes that are good for people and the environment, with a specialism in designing homes for people with disabilities.
    This house is the culmination of my career as an architect.

    I am not fully retired yet, but heading that way, and I am making time and space to for other creative pursuits such as ceramics and sculpture . I regularly go swimming, Practice Tai-chi and go on short walks. I eat a healthy diet following the principals of Dr Wahl's protocol (lots of organic veg and meat).

    WHO I’M LOOKING FOR

    On a general basis I am looking for someone to help with things such as:
    lifting, gardening and pool maintenance.
    Proficiency with some computer-based admin tasks, a driver's license is essential and some fluency in French would be a welcome bonuses.

    Typically on a day to day bases, there is not a huge amount of work and this would suite someone who would like to work remotely, in exchange for accommodation helping out with tasks, and share the cooking and food costs.

    THIS YEAR.
    I intend to create a studio space for which some knowledge of building skills would be helpful.
    This I want to start as soon as I have a good professional team in place and I am aiming for, october and expect it to take 3 months.

    Ideally I am looking for someone who is very hands on, helpful, thoughtful and willing to lend a hand and enjoy the South of France.

    ABOUT THE PLACE

    The house is located in the Côte d’Azur region of France, in a stunning location with walks all around, the beaches are about 20 minutes away by car, the nearest village 5 minutes down the hill by car, there is also a bicycle available.
    Accommodation for a workaway will be your own double bedroom with en-suit facilities.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Elderly Companionship
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Benefits:
    - Living in beautiful surroundings in an interesting building.
    - car and bicycle available.
    - Local village has many events.
    - Freedom to get on with your own things.
    - Opportunity to come to France and see more of Europe, the location is approximate an hour drive from the Italian border.
    - Access to regular exercise opportunities, pool, walks, runs, cycling.

    Learning:
    - English
    - Information/wisdom about sustainable architecture
    - How to support someone with a disability
    - Cooking skills
    - Gardening and planting in a warm climate.

  • Help

    Help

    The main things I would like help with are:
    Having a helpful and considerate person around.
    Handy person:
    Fixing things, carpentry, gardening, clearing, planting and watering.
    cleaning around the house and garden.
    Cooking: I love cooking, and would be happy to share taking it in turns. (If you are enthusiastic about healthy eating all the better!)

    Great but not essential:

    Computers: I'm no techno whizz, but use a computer for my work plus emails etc, so additional support with this may come in handy.
    French speaking: I'm trying to improve my french as I live in France, so if you speak french, great.
    Admin assistance: occasionally helping me to stay on top of french admin tasks.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I am interested in improving my french.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    New build 4 bedroom zero carbon house, set in approximately 1 acre, located in the area of the Côte d'azur, 20mins by car from the town of St Maxime.
    Beautiful location walks all around.

    Double bedroom with en-suit facilities.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Beaches and many sights and small villages around to explore.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    Yes they have their own room with a desk.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    There is space to accommodate a campervan

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Small well behaved dogs

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • ...

    Hours expected

    varies 2-4 hours a day, 5-7 days a week very flexible.

Host ref number: 118224579858

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