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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
20 Jun 2023
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Details
Description
We are a retired British couple running a 1-acre permaculture smallholding in SW France. We are working towards self-sufficiency in food, water and energy. Not quite off the grid as yet, but getting there!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers can learn about keeping poultry, growing vegetables, self-sufficiency, food preservation, permaculture principles, hugelkultur, harvesting, propagation etc
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We have all manner of outdoor tasks, from animal husbandry to tending our extensive vegetable plot, weeding, pruning, harvesting, food preserving, outbuilding maintenance etc.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
French: Beginner
Accommodation
We have a comfortable double guest bedroom. Travellers can also pitch their tents on our land.
If you choose to stay in our guest bedroom you will have access to a shower and toilet for your sole use.
There is a compost toilet outside for campers.
What else ...
If you like foraging, the surrounding area has many roadside cherry, fig, peach and walnut trees.
We are 2 minutes walk away from a historic 'lavoir' where the local farmers' wives used to congregate to do wash their clothes. It is still in use and is fed by a local stream. The water is clear and fresh.
There is a local viewing point (3 minutes walk) which features stunning views of the local countryside.
The surrounding countryside is gently undulating, so great for cycling and walking.
The Tour de France often comes to the area.
The town of Saintes, on the river Charente, is a popular tourist destination and within a 40-minute drive. It features wonderful riverside eateries and markets. A great setting to chill on a warm summer's day.
The town of Aulnay (20 mins drive) features a lively artisan's market every Sunday morning. The market is surrounded by cafes and restaurants - a great spot to people watch!
If you crave a taste of city life during your stay, the historic city of Angouleme is but 40 minutes away and offers a thriving shopping district, historical landmarks and a buzzing night life.
Both the beautiful city of Bordeaux and the picturesque Dordogne region are within 'day tripping' distance (2 and 1.5 hrs drive respectively).
The market at Rouillac (20 minutes drive) takes place on the 27th of every month and is both vast and fascinating! You name it, they sell it. Not to be missed!
There is a local bar / small shop in Bresdon (10 minutes walk), open during the summer months, where the local farmers hang out and drink wine. They sell most of the 'basics' such as milk, eggs, bread, sweets, biscuits, soft drinks and, of course, wine.
We're about an hour away from Royan, a picturesque seaside resort with stunning white, sandy beaches. Great for day trips.
The town of Cognac is close (30 mins) and is famous for, well, you guessed it, cognac! Most of the large distilleries offer guided tours. There are also many local small-scale cognac producers in the area, some also offering tours and most sell their wares (cognac and the local sweet wine Pineau de Charente).
There is a restaurant / bar called FC Pougemin in nearby Louzignac (10 mins drive) that holds a very popular 'fish and chip night' every Friday. The owners are Belgian so the beer selection is vast and there are often live acts. It's very popular with local expats and summer visitors. On balmy summer evenings tables are outside in their courtyard and in winter they move into a large, cozy barn. FC Pougemin's Facebook page includes their live act listings.
For those wanting a more formal evening meal, there is a very good restaurant in La Pinelle 'La Table du Chef Corvez' (7 minutes drive) which offers very reasonably priced food, including some french classics. Their web site includes an example menu.
There is also a permanent 'brocante' (antique flea market) in La Pinelle which you can browse by appointment.
Various fairs, brocantes, festivals and markets take place in local villages during the summer months. The wine festival in Beauvais (5 mins drive) is a highlight for us and generally takes place at the end of May!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Class B or C should be OK. We have a gravelled drive and large, reasonably well drained grassy area. Our land features a perimeter wall and gated entrance.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
