Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
8 Apr 2024
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Details
Description
Hi I live in a beautiful (or it will be!) farmhouse in the SW of France. I'm around 12 kilometers from the famous town of Marciac - famous for its Jazz Festival in July, and the closest village of Bassoues where you will find quaint pottery shops, art gallery, brocante and restaurant with live music is only 3 kilometers away.
My home has 360 degree views of stunning countryside and the Pyrénées mountains. The area is very quiet and peaceful, the wildlife and birdlife is amazing. I bought the house in 2021 with my husband, who sadly died in March 2022. We were renovating the house slowly - and we have made great progress, a lot still to do of course; however, for Workaways; I wish to focus on the garden and the land.
I am embracing the Charles Dowding No Dig system, to establish organic veg beds. and maintain the surrounding land. It would be helpful if you have an interest in this system, and we can share knowledge here. I have a 2 hectare forest that I wish to develop also into a food forest, currently there is a huge amount of wildlife living in the forest, and camping can be offered here if required.
I envisage choosing a particular area for a gardening project. So that I can get on top of each area and that I can then manage on my own. I am also interested in building (with breeze blocks?) an outdoor fireplace, and construct Pergolas for shade. I do have most tooles, a petrol mower, chainsaws, industrial strimmer etc.
It can get hot here during the summer months - but I do have a lovely wood fired hot tub to relax in at the end of the day! There is also a super outdoor kitchen area with BBQ.
In my area - there are numerous beautiful villages to explore, the roads are quiet and Marciac (the main local town) has numerous restaurants and bars. It would be useful to have your own transport to enjoy the most of the area.
I would hope to eat all meals with you - I would love to say I am a fabulous cook; let me say that I am competent and you will not starve :-) and the wish is to try and become self reliant using my own grown foods.
I should mention that I have 4 (very friendly) dogs! who live in the house with me - 3 cats, chickens, 2 sheep and 2 goats who manage the pasture. All are pets - and very tame, and love to be groomed and petted. I find this personally very therapeutic and calming. Anyone who is visiting will have to be comfortable with the animals.
If you have your own transport or camper that you prefer to stay in - then electricity and water is available, but I do have bedrooms and bathrooms in my home should you prefer.
This is my first time using Workaway, so please get in touch if you need any further information.
I think my home and workaway experience would be suited to couples or pairs of friends with their own transport.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The SW of France (The Gers) is such a beautiful place - an undiscovered area of France that before I came here, had never heard of. The people are beautiful and so so friendly. I am trying to learn French - but the locals are very patient! and if you say Bonjour to everyone you pass (including shops when you enter) you will be a lifelong friend. This is walking and cycling country - with beautiful lakes for wild swimming. I would hope we could share experience of gardening, and managing the land, all the while enjoying each others' company and allowing you to explore this beautiful part of the world. Your own transport will be essential to you enjoying this part of the country.
Help
The main skill I'm looking for is gardening skills. I have heavy clay soil so am researching and embracing the Charles Dowding No Dig System On a plus point I have all the gear! petrol lawn mowers and strimmers. I have at least 6 large veg beds already assembled, and would like more. I don't see much 'digging' needing done, more trimming and cutting but this is still heavy work (well it is for me!) I have a small pond that could certainly do with some attention. Huge overgrown roses that need cut down to allow me to re-point the walls.
The weather is heating up here - so best to be prepared for working outdoors. I am very happy for you to work early hours or later in the afternoons.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I'm afraid I am language deaf - I am struggling with French, my neighbours are very kind and patient - but I am a native english speaker and happy to help anyone with that ...in France.
Accommodation
I have 2 spare bedrooms that have been completely renovated - one has a double bed and the other has twin single beds - there is a private bathroom with shower available too. Bedding of course and washing machine is all available to use. I'm new to Workaway - so I am happy to discuss what food you would prefer; I'm a reasonable cook that is all I can promise! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is certainly on offer. I am not vegetarian, but happy to cook only vegetarian if you prefer.
What else ...
The Gers offer stunning villages to explore - lakes to swim in. The Pyrénées mountains and surrounding road networks are full of walkers and cyclists. It is quiet and peaceful - there are no 'nightclubs' as such - but local live music can be found in local bars, great food and lunch of the day is an institution here.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have very good wi-fi here which is rare in this part of the country, if you needed to access for work purposes.
Space for parking camper vans
I have plenty space with access to power and water - should anyone prefer to travel with their own campervan or motorhome.
Can possibly accept pets
I have 4 dogs of my own - as well as some small farm animals. My dogs are fairly well accustomed to new dogs visiting - as long as the visiting dog is friendly and well behaved.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
