Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
13 May 2024
Reply rate
97.6 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
31
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are a Christian family renovating a château in the south of France. Our family consists of me, my husband, our three children, four cats and Belle the dog. We work hard to restore this beautiful place but we also take time to enjoy the beauty that this part of France has to offer.
Both my husband and I travelled extensively over the years. We would be happy to recommend places and if possible tell you more about countries you might be interested to visit if we have been there before. Equally we would love to hear about your travels and recommendations.
The château is 800m from a beautiful swimming lake surrounded by mountains. We have historical roman sites within 8kms from our home and the border to Spain is less than an hour's drive away. Lots of caves, waterfalls, mountain walks, beautiful gorges, etc. in the area. Our market town is 10-15 mins by foot with two supermarkets, bakeries, cafe's, etc. and the bigger towns are a 15 min drive away. There is also a train station about 15-20 mins walk away.
The renovation is still a work in progress and we have some local artisans assisting us but would love someone to help with gardening, painting, wallpapering, tidying building supplies and sweeping up after a day's work. We are open to discuss other jobs like pouring concrete, etc.
We offer a private room, often with a private bathroom. However during busy times bathrooms might need to be shared. We are happy to share meals and have daily conversation, but just as happy if you prefer to do your own thing.
Sundays are generally our days when we go hiking or sightseeing ourselves with our children so no work will be expected from you on a Sunday. You will be welcome to join us on our outing (we have a 7-seater vehicle).
Any questions please feel free to ask.Types of help and learning opportunities
Art ProjectsLanguage practiceTeachingGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
We could take you around the local sites and teach you about the history of the château (it was home to Baron de Sauvan who was a bodyguard to King Louis XVI). We can offer English, Afrikaans and some French language practise (French is not our first language but we are conversational)
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We generally want some help with DIY (wallpapering and plastering for example) gardening, painting, feeding of animals (domestic pets only), some creative ideas.
Languages
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Dutch: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
We speak conversational French but would like to improve more. I also speak some German, Dutch and Flemish. We can teach English and Afrikaans.Accommodation
Private room, often with private bathroom but bathrooms might need to be shared if lots of workawayers at the same time.
What else ...
Workers can visit the town which has a lively market every Monday or visit the local roman sites. There is a swimming lake 800m from the château, there are various caves to explore in the area, travel to Spain for the day, go rock-climbing, canoeing, etc. We love to go hiking around the mountains every weekend or in a nearby gorge where it is possible to swim in the cold mountain water.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have space for large campervans or motorhomes.
Can possibly accept pets
One dog which has to be used to cats.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (14)
Our tasks were always changing and interesting, we mostly cleaned and painted, but we also got to help outside, because the weather was good. I was never bored and Sunita cared a lot to give us the opportunity for a varied day. Aside from that Sunita was actually interested in our opinion and… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
Our tasks were always changing and interesting, we mostly cleaned and painted, but we also got to help outside, because the weather was good. I was never bored and Sunita cared a lot to give us the opportunity for a varied day. Aside from that Sunita was actually interested in our opinion and… read more
We had some great conversations and she was always friendly and upbeat. She was also wonderful with our children and has a great sense of humour.
We hope to… read more
After… read more
He helped to prepare wooden floors, varnished, pulled up old floors, carried a lot of heavy wooden beams, etc. He was flexible, polite and a respectful guest. He got along well… read more
Patricia est une personne merveilleuse, pleine de sagesse et toujours prête à aider là où elle le peut. Elle a fait un excellent travail de peinture et de plâtrage d'un mur. Elle nous a également aidés avec… read more
J'ai été très bien accueillie.
Malgré tout ce qu'ils ont à faire, Sunita sait prendre le temps avec gentillesse, intelligence et humour pour nous mettre à l'aise.
Andrew aime bien blaguer aussi et spécialisé dans les bons déserts… read more
They showed me some beautiful places near where they live and i enjoyed the work/ tasks i had… read more
We had some great conversations and they were wonderful with our three children. They often played board games or games in the… read more
They both made us feel very welcome and included in family life. They have 3 lovely kids which are super smart and it is a pleasure to spend time with them :)… read more