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Eco friendly way of life, looking after animals, vegetable and fruit gardening in Pays de la Loire, France

  • Favourited 518 times
  • Last activity: 13 Apr 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We could do with someone who is willing to do anything at present as Victors knee is having problems. But an essential is giving a well behaved dog long walks.
    We are taking helpers again but as we are both in the vulnerable category we ask you to be considerate about your own state of health if you decide to travel.
    We are a retired couple trying to live a simple, reasonably self sufficient way of life. This is a great place to start a retreat, rethink and readjust to a different way of life. You can be alone and not lonely and learn how to leave a lot of what we take for granted in the modern world behind.
    We have created an eco friendly small holding and renovated a French farmhouse with two and a half hectares of land. We keep sheep,& chickens ,and the dog is happy to have along walk at any time. M
    Although the property and surrounding land has been worked on for the 20 years we have been living here it still needs ongoing maintenance and there are further renovation and gardening projects. Last year we designed and planted a rose garden. At this time there ‘is clearing, cleaning and mulching in the gardens. There is weeding and division of plants.
    We need wood stacked and brought into the house for the wood fire.
    In the vegetable beds and fruit garden there is always work to be done and the composting is always needing more work.
    We have a well stocked art room which helpers are welcome to share.
    Helpers who want to improve their English language skills are welcome.
    We have bikes for time off but bring your own helmet if you wish, the area is great for walking and you can join local walking groups.
    We are situated in a very small village of less than 200 citizens in the Mayenne département.
    The surrounding area is very peaceful , mainly farms and countryside with several small villages. It is well situated for visits to Le Mans, Paris, Rennes , Nantes and ferry ports to GB.
    We want people who want to experience a peaceful and simple way of life , working the land , the gardens ,orchards and looking after a few animals.
    We try and prepare and preserve as much of our own food as we can and are happy to pass on these skills. We have worked organically for 30 years here and over the last decade we have increasingly tried to use organic and permaculture methods. We recycle and reuse as much as we can and we’d love you to join us and hope we can share and learn from each other.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We have found that helpers have enriched our lifestyle and we hope we have added to their ongoing experiences.
    We speak mainly English, but are fully immersed in our French lifestyle and language.
    You can join our painting class or cycle, walk or canoe on our two small lakes.
    There are many historical towns, sites ,museums in the area.
    The peaceful countryside is great for birdwatching, cycling or walks to enjoy the flora and fauna.

  • Help

    Help

    We want people who are willing to help at building and growing produce organically and
    are willing to participate and embrace a simple lifestyle. We are looking for people who don't mind getting their hands and boots dirty.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Italian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We offer you your own bedroom with a toilet and ensuite tiny bath and your own space attached to make tea or coffee.
    We provide sheets, towels and a selection of work clothes, boots and gloves if needed.
    We love to cook and can provide good meals for meat eaters, vegan, vegetarian and other religious specific diets. We eat as a family.
    Much of our food is home grown.
    Meals are served and shared together.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We can pick up from Evron and Mayenne. Public transport close by is practically non existant , so we can pick you up at the nearest station which is Evron. There is a local community bus and bikes are available here on site. Workers are welcome to get a lift with us anytime we go out. Many helpers use BLABLA car or partial Ouibus or Flixbus to get to Le Mans and then the TER train to Evron. If you have your own transport it’s possible to have a couple of days off on long stays to visit places of interest further away, Paris or M’ont St Michel for example.
    Lots of local historical sites/ museums. Best Roman museum ,Jublains.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Fields and a gravelled hard standing. Washroom and toilet in the house.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day we can be flexible but animals are a daily occupation.

Host ref number: 814781235721

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