Région: Lower Normandy
We are a Kiwi family living in historic Normandy, renovating our amazing 400+ year old farmhouse whilst perfecting our French and generally immersing ourselves in French life. We are returning the house to it's traditional majestic beauty by reinstating the thatched roof and exposing it's stone and oak features, whilst at the same time adding modern twists of glass, metal and bold colour, and the occasional 'kiwi twist'. We are a couple who have travelled and worked in many different countries and enjoy learning about different cultures. Here in France, we have a simple but good life enjoying the outdoors in our pool, jacuzzi, trampoline, kids play area, etc. We are in the countryside just outside an active village, our 6 year old son goes to the local school (a 3.5km cycle to the center of town), we're close to all the historic D-day sites, actually on the D-day 'route-de-libertie', the evocative Abbaye d'Hambye is 5 mins away, it's 40 mins to the famous Le Mont St Michel, and we have easy access to port and airport connections to the UK etc. We're in the midst of an extenstive ecological project to rethatch and insulate our chaumiere. This involves many preparatory phases such as paving and decking terrassing and drainage, exterior insulation, lime repointing and double glazing. Additionally we are in the midst of many other projects - the construction of oak spiral stairs and mezzanine extension; instillation of wooden kitchen worktops and repair of 300 yr old oak flooring; planting of a New Zealand garden; and several craft projects such as the polynesian/celtic inspired carved facing boards for the new thatch roof (a great project for anyone with a passion for wood carving / wood carver). We use natural traditional products where ever possible and have a simple organic vegetable garden and we are looking for enthusiastic generally capable people who would enjoy helping us in exchange for access to this fantastic part of France. We are of course happy to assist those wishing to improve their French and/or cultural understanding of France and assist you with access to tourist sights where we can.
Région: Aosta Valley
We are a family with 2 children (13 and 2 years old). We live in Aosta Valley, (1441 m) where we run a camp. We are looking for a native English-speaking person for the month of July and August, to help us improve our English and for childcare. We are looking for a sociable person who loves the company, solar, positive that he wants to follow us in our daily routine meal preparation, child care, passseggiate, shopping .... with whom to converse. And 'this what we want to improve their English through mutual understanding. All in a dynamic, lively, welcoming what is the life of a small camping. La Thuile is 45 km from Aosta, less than 10Km from Mont Blanc, 160 km from Turin, 200 Km from Milan and 35 Km from Chamonix-Mont Blanc. It is a little mountain village in the middle of the Alps and in the summertime it get full of tourist and life. In the summertime it offers also hiking, trekking, mountain biking, climbing .... . all in a beautiful landscape and in a natural setting.
Région: Eastern Townships, Quebec
We are starting a cultural centre and auberge that will function out of a lovely old chapel and a seven bedroom farm house in the beautiful Eastern Townships of Quebec. The studio has no religious affiliation. Volunteers will work with us on both the house and church as well as the surrounding property, which is located in a peaceful village in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. The official opening date of Staycation Studios is the first of July, 2012.
Région: Throgano
In a rare beauty as part of Greece is located. The peaceful character of Greek race our horses waiting in the middle of a verdant valley of centenarian oaks and olives. The farm is just 800 meters from the beach. With us you will have the option to experience emotions and unusual beauty that will remain memorable in the company of one of the best friends of man's horse
Région: North Calais
I'm English and my partner, David, is French. We live on a working dairy farm that has been in his family for 100 years....but cows have taken priority over DIY in the house!! His parents live next door and this is a sleepy village, no bar or local raves here (not that i know of anyway!) We have lived here together for the last year and there is still a huge amount of work to be done in the house and the garden, progress is slow, as I said, the cows come first. There is always someone coming or going. The farm is located in the centre of the village and during the summer there are several local French village fetes/BBq's etc etc. I myself come from a more London background but I now prefer this gentler way of life. I am looking for some one or a couple who can muck in and go with the flow of what ever needs doing around the house and garden. This is an old house that has been neglected and I am on as much of a learning curve as anybody!
