Hi I was previously a world traveler and adventurer. Now settled in the Pyrenees with a lovely house and farmland (see pix below) I aspire to eco development, the house already is carbon neutral with power supplied by photovoltaic solar panels. We have a lot of land and forest and live at 600metres above sea level. This altitude guarantees 4 seasons, Spring is glorious and begins very early by European standards Summer is guaranteed to be lovely weather without it ever (!) becoming unbearably hot, Autumn is fabulous with all the hardwood leaves of the forests turning the whole area into an artists canvas, Winter we have usually two big dumps of snow between December to late Feb early March there is great skiing (three resorts - approx.one hour away).
We have three horses, a sheep dog (see photo) - she has her own flock to practice on (at present 5 sheep) a super friendly cat. In the recent past we have also kept pigs chickens goats ducks sheep etc etc. We always kill and eat our own livestock personally. Everything here gets a good life (and respectful death).
The reason we have downsized the farm is because we have a 45' sailing ketch moored at the moment in Gibraltar and we have been spending long periods on the boat in a large restoration project (she is wood and an American classic - we sailed her across the Atlantic).
So now the boat is practically finished and we have to get the farm running again.
I have a tractor (massey 70hp) plough harrow etc etc, we have a tracked digger and a dumper, two chainsaws etc etc.
What we were hoping to accomplish this year is to clear a piece of forest about 10 acres in size. We want to bring it back to pasture and mill all the wood we take out.
In addition, we would like to get the veggy garden up and running again and restore a beautiful barn (1840) as the roof has caved in and the stone walls need restoring etc etc.
Where we live abounds in wildlife and birdlife, you can walk ride ski bike anywhere you want, as far as Spain if you want, you will never come across a sign that says "Keep Out - Private Property" like in England (Ugh.)
Life is good here, and in return for good honest work (see note below *) we can offer convivial company and accommodation, food is included as is wine. I am considered to be a good and creative cook (and after saying this now I will have to prove it!) and I like to share cooking with any-one who is interested in learning or who already has skills. I am very happy to pass along my skills to any-one interested in every facet of the project etc.

So give me a ring and lets talk, or send an e-mail with a description of who you are, what you like and perhaps a photo of yourself.
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, religion,lactose intolerance, age, number of heads etc., Aliens however, need to send me a telepathic response!
We are not smokers but do not object to smoking outside.
Cheers
Barry

PS We speak English and French
PPS We are omnivores but are happy to accommodate veggies if they are also tolerant.

Vallee baguilllere, Hameau de Garbet, Commune de BENAC, National Park of Ariege Pyrenees

What we were hoping to accomplish this year is to clear a piece of scrubby forest** about 20 acres in size. We want to bring it back to pasture and mill all the wood we take out.
In addition, we would like to get the veggy garden up and running again and restore a beautiful barn (1840) as the roof has caved in and the stone walls need restoring etc etc.

BIG POINT TO MAKE HERE. When you check out the 'Map" on this website to see the location, please look for the Hamlet of GARBET, which is a small satellite of the commune of BENAC. Garbet is where we are, check out the surrounding countryside.

*Note. Flexible working to us doesn't mean working when you wake up, we want reliable people to work with, not wait for! Flexible means that if we (say) agree on 5 hours a day (25hrs), that could be 3 days at 8 hours giving you 4 days off, or it could mean ......etc., but whatever you (we) choose it will be full on and professional. A strong work ethic is important to us. We think that a fulfilled and fit body is a happy body....the mind of course always becomes stronger with a fit and healthy body.
2011 was a great year for us and our Workaway volunteers, we gained some great feedbacks mostly 'excellent' or 'Very good' -We did have a zero however from a one workawayer!! Always has to be one in every pack!
Most of the people who came to us came actually to enjoy the work we were doing. This is the buzz! At any time people could take whatever time off they wanted, planned in advance. We always ran people to the rail station or town and also picked them up again when they returned.
Keeping flexible is the key
(Give the philosophy a rest now ...Ed!) !! OK OK
**
Last Note. The area surrounding us is in a national park and it is one of the few areas of the world where forestry is increasing. We do not fell trees without considerable thought and planning.

English . French. Bahisi Malay. Bedroom German

Room in the main house or independent (some prefer it) in a caravan within 10 metres of the house (with mains electric etc). Beautiful views are all around us. It is possible that you may (may) have to share a room, but it is large and you will have space to yourself.

Best to e-mail us as we almost always log on in the evenings.
In the light of recent experiences with some 'Workawayers' we are looking for people to stay at least three weeks/one month. Whilst it is difficult to make this commitment and nothing is set in stone, what we don't want is to make a considerable emotional and time investment with some-one only to find out that they are actually 'Couch Surfing' and only staying for a minimum period (one girl stayed just 2 days ) just enough to get them on their way again. So, sorry but NO 'couch surfers' on our project. If you think a month is too long, then look at our feedback. We can't be that bad to live with!!
Thanks, come and have an experience to remember.