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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
2 Sep 2024
Reply rate
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Usually responds within 6 days
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Description
We are a couple in our 50's currently building a self sufficient smallholding in the Sarthe region. Our main projects are to finish building a tyre wall, solar greenhouse and composting operation. This being both an excercise in self sufficiency and ultimately to establish a training centre in sustainable horticulture. You will be working with my partner Malcolm, a soil scientist and horticulturist who has extensive knowledge to share.
You can also share my workload on this massive old but not quite finished house with lots of work gardening, animal care and renovation.Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsTeachingGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareFarmstay helpGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Native english speaker who has lived & worked in france for last 19 years (as a school chef) so can help with your english and french vocabulary as well as your cooking skills!
I also have a part time business making artisanal soy candles and a gite on site, and am happy to share my knowledge of these areas with you.
My partner Malcolm is a soil scientist and horticulturalist who is currently setting up a sustainable and self sufficient enterprise and he is keen to share his knowledge in composting, sustainable farming and habitat management.Help
We need to finish a tyre wall, which will act as a heat sink for a solar greenhouse. We are also constructing a composting operation to supply our needs and as a training resource for courses in sustainable farming,
I also have holiday accomodation (gite) with a large garden and can use help at times with general gardening & weeding.
Ideal for couples with mixed skills. Lots of unskilled work as this is a large property - maintenance, , veggie plot, grass cutting, animals, firewood.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I speak fluent english, almost fluent French & would like to learn some Spanish or Italian so open to exchanges.Accommodation
Two double rooms with shared bathroom/wc and shared shower/wc.
can accomodate campervans or similar and provide external electricity & access to shower/wc in the house.
Meals provided on days worked & evening meals together, the rest of the time you provide your own.1 week of accomodation for 20 hours of work - days & times flexible.
Meals provided (breakfast, lunch, evening meal), cooking (& washing up) shared to enable discovery of cultural flavours.
2nd double bed available in my craftroom if travelling as buddies (door is a curtain which doesn't stop any of the 4 cats coming for a snuggle!)What else ...
In the national park, very pretty,very relaxing, very agricultural & very hilly. Public transport is practically non existent, train station 10kms away with trains to Laval & Le Mans with connections to Paris and other destinations, 2 bikes available for use during your stay. Many walking/ cycling routes here, 500m from the GR36. Near beautiful forest & man made lake, kayaking, horseriding, tree top adventures. 40 kms from Le Mans with its world famous circuit & old town. Zoo de La Fleche, chateaux de la Loire and many other attractions accessible by car.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
desk space available, internet by fibre around 50mbs but can vary
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
we have goats, sheep, horses, chickens (free range), cats and dog - if you have pets they must be well behaved around our pets.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4/5 hours per day, 5 days per week
Feedback (1)
Malcolm quickly saw where his skills could be used most efficiently, he worked both independently and with me and produced results that fit in with my style. He helped with fencing to keep livestock in their fields and made "pretty fencing" that matches my rustic style to keep chickens out.… read more
Photos
Feedback
Malcolm quickly saw where his skills could be used most efficiently, he worked both independently and with me and produced results that fit in with my style. He helped with fencing to keep livestock in their fields and made "pretty fencing" that matches my rustic style to keep chickens out.… read more