Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
20 Apr 2024
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 12 days
Feedback
6
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Experience living in a Château which was built between the 17th and 19th centuries in exchange for projects in the garden, chicken coop, woodland areas, and indoors if the weather is poor. I am a dual national (French-American) empty nester living full time in France, and I need help with clearing out and updating projects.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living in a historical site with all its outbuildings and their previous uses still visible is fascinating, and includes its own cemetery about 10 minutes walk. Walking trails from the front gate take a 7km or a 22km loop through the village of Vaux-sur-Vienne. The city of Chatellerault is about 6km away, and a bicycle is available but the road is a bit sketchy (there are bicycles on it all the time though, as this is the bicycle road for San Juan de Compostelle). I can take travelers into Chatellerault and pick them up, we can go to the marche on Sat mornings. I am fully fluent in English and French, and happy to encourage learning and practice in either. In the summer only, there is use of the pool.
Help
Gardening (both vegetable gardening and general), clearing out outbuildings of old junk - some stuff is on the heavier side, mowing and weedwhacking, cleaning chicken coop, clearing out growth along fencing to evaluate and fix the fencing.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Inside the château, 2ème étage (3rd story) own bedroom and shared bathroom. All meals will be available at the Château, in the kitchen (am self-serve, evenings probably more structured meal times, lunches might be as needed.)
What else ...
Local sights are the quais of the Vienne river, with the ancient port in use for hundreds of years still visible. The early 17th century stone arch bridge (Pont Henri IV); the 15th century John the Baptist Church and the 11th century Church of Saint-Jacques; the Hotel Sully from the 17th century; the Maison Descartes (where Rene Descartes lived). Also of interest are the Grand Atelier Museum of Art and Industry and the Auto-Moto-Velo Museum. The train station in Chatellerault (15 min from the house) has a TGV so day trips to Bordeaux, Poitiers, Tours or Paris are possible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (3)
Snowy and Smoky (two lovely cats) and Topaz (a really big friendly dog), who lives in the Château with her, loved to get attention. Futhermore there are some chickens outside.
The Château is as beautiful as the rest of the property.
We shared three meals a day together and enjoyed the nice desserts from time to… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Snowy and Smoky (two lovely cats) and Topaz (a really big friendly dog), who lives in the Château with her, loved to get attention. Futhermore there are some chickens outside.
The Château is as beautiful as the rest of the property.
We shared three meals a day together and enjoyed the nice desserts from time to… read more
