Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 May 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 30 days
Feedback
14
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi, I'm Simon and 7 years ago me and my partner, now ex, decided to move from the UK to France. We bought an Aparthotel in the beautiful Pyrenean village of Mauleon-Barousse with the intention of running it as a family business. However post-Covid a lot has changed, and I am instead in the process of converting the building into several homes.
Previously, my brother used Workaway to host helpful workers, and it has been nothing but a positive experience, a trend which I'm hoping to continue. I'm looking to have about 3-4 volunteers here at each time.
Currently with the help of some amazing workaway volunteers we have managed to convert half the original hotel building into flats with half to go and a house to reform.
This is a great place to volunteer, I provide great accommodation a chilled environment and good food and drink. Set in stunning countryside a great place to de stress and unwind after your chores are completed.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, classic cars and animals (if you come and stay with me you'll see just how much I love animals).Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practiceGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetCultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will find yourself in the laughably perfect little town of Mauleon-Barousse, amidst the rolling hills of the Pyrenees area. Explore historic churches and towns, get lost in the lush green nature of the French countryside and improve your French.
Work-wise, there is a lot to learn here, from the basics of interior design and decorating, to light construction and maintenace.
I love to cook, and will hopefully be able to show you a thing or two (and maybe learn a thing or two as well :)
I look forward to meeting you!!Help
I am looking for motivated and practical individuals to help with decorating, gardening, conservation (river bank management) and light renovations around the building.
No prior experience required, just be keen and ready to learn and I'm sure we'll get far.
We also have several dogs and cats on the property; there is always something to do! From fencing to hedge trimming and animal husbandry.
I am looking for volunteers that want to stay AT LEAST FOR A MONTH and are patient and extremely reliable, maybe even have some experience with caring for animals.
I expect 4-5 hours of help a day, 5 days a week in exchange for accommodation and food. We don't have a very strict work schedule, and I like to give you the freedom to decide for yourself when to help. However, occasionally when there are big tasks that require many people, or when time-sensitive tasks are involved I might ask you to work outside your own schedule. On the other hand, if there are times that are very inconvenient for you, please tell me. Communication is the key for good teamwork.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I am happy to teach English and would be interested in improving my very poor FrenchAccommodation
Every volunteer gets their own bedroom. As this used to be a hotel, we have a lot of space. There is an independent kitchen, available to everyone around the clock. This is where we usually cook. While we tend to have breakfast and lunch individually, I like to have dinner together with everyone and share stories.
While I enjoy cooking, I always appreciate when the volunteers prepare something, as I love to try new dishes. I have no problem in hosting vegetarians or vegans. I provide all the food that you want (unless it's very excessive).
I like to drive over to Spain to do the shopping, so I can give you a ride and you can have a look around there :)
There is a washing machine and wifi. You will also (weather permitting of course) have access to a pool, patio spaces and all the animals you could wish for.What else ...
If you enjoy cycling, walking, breathtaking scenery and clean air then this is the place for you. There is also tennis and fishing available in the village as well as a swimming pool on site.
We are very close to the Port de Bales, a 19km climb uphill the mountain, used several times as a Tour de France etappe, which ends at 1800m above sea level with a stunning views around and the starting point to several hiking trails.
There is a little grocery shop just around the corner that also has fresh bread every day except Mondays. For everything else you need a car or lift a ride to the next bigger town, Montrejeau, or across the border into Spain. If you have a valid drivers license we can talk about you using my car (but it might also depend on other factors, just ask). I'm always more than happy to give you a lift to anywhere you want to go. There is also BlaBlaCar, a ride sharing network, which is very well-known here in France.
If you arrive by train, you should get off in Montrejeau train station, from where I will pick you up (almost) any time a day.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There is wifi acess
Space for parking camper vans
We have a big parking space on the property and there is also a campervan-parking areo in the village right next to the river, a 5 minute walk away from the building.
Can possibly accept pets
We have dogs and cats so as long as your furry friend is friendly we can talk.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (8)
Though it was only a few days your contribution was really appreciated.
I hope we see you again one day.
You became part of the family and you are always welcome back here any time.
Not only were you great at the work you were a great chef and amazing company.
I hope you have a brilliant summer on your adventures.
i was so glad to help out on different projects, some simpler, some more long term.
it has been such a rewarding experience, and it would be enough said already...
but then the wonderful natural sorroundings manage to add… read more
He is a little shy but he comes out of his shell quickly once he feels comfortable.
Whilst here with me he has taken amazing care of my 5 dogs and 1 cat (they adore him now) he has also been a great help keeping the place clean and tidy. He surprised me at how good his decorating skills are.… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.4)
Communication:
(5.0)
Though it was only a few days your contribution was really appreciated.
I hope we see you again one day.
You became part of the family and you are always welcome back here any time.
Not only were you great at the work you were a great chef and amazing company.
I hope you have a brilliant summer on your adventures.
i was so glad to help out on different projects, some simpler, some more long term.
it has been such a rewarding experience, and it would be enough said already...
but then the wonderful natural sorroundings manage to add… read more
He is a little shy but he comes out of his shell quickly once he feels comfortable.
Whilst here with me he has taken amazing care of my 5 dogs and 1 cat (they adore him now) he has also been a great help keeping the place clean and tidy. He surprised me at how good his decorating skills are.… read more
He reached out to me one week into his first workaway adventure an adventure that sounded like a hideous experience with another host not far away.
How lucky was I on reflection.
I took a chance on him, he had no feedback as he was on his first workaway placement and is young. Glad I did rescue him.
He… read more
He has the most amazing attitude to life, he is kind, caring,compassionate, fun and has an old head on his shoulders.
He will probably end up being the first Australian president in the future!
His work ethic is great always positive and happy to take on any challenge.
His time with us made my… read more
We had a challenging summer here to say the least and I can honestly say without her I we would not have coped.
She was energetic enthusiastic always smiling and increddibly supportive.
If you are looking for an amazing workaway experience look no… read more