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Help us turn our mill into a centre for permaculture near a remote valley in the Dordogne, South West France

  • Favourited 327 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We live in a 17th century mill in a stunning rural setting which we are in the process of renovating. So far, we have completed the renovation of the main house and gîte, , and are now focusing on the garden and outbuildings.

    The vision includes the building of a productive organic vegetable garden using principles of permaculture. There is pointing which needs doing and the many collected French windows can be turned into a lean-to greenhouse to start off our vegetables in the early part of the year.

    Our small woodland needs coppicing , ancient fruit trees need pruning; and generally keeping the informal-style cottage garden under control. All ideas welcomed!

    Our beautiful mill is set in 4 acres of pasture and woodlands some 15 minutes’ drive from the nearest town. We have some uneven ground on the property, and steep staircases, so able-bodied people of any age with their own transport will get the most out of staying here.

    Workawayers with their own transport can freely enjoy exploring the many villages, rivers, historic towns, pre-historic sites and woodlands on afternoons and days off. We do ask that all our helpers carry their own health insurance so they are covered in the unlikely event of an accident.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Our place would suit someone who loves a beautiful environment, full of Art and books, and who loves being in nature. We are away from it all. It is a tranquil place, animated by bird song and many birds nesting around the house and barn, You would be part of a sustainable set up. We fire mainly with wood in winter which is locally sourced and also coppiced from our little woods.
    You can learn about French, German and English culture, a variety of foods and dishes. We eat a mixed diet.
    We speak , German and English here and are seeking to become fluent in the French language in due course.
    Please bring you own Wifi allowance via your mobile phone contract. There is international TV and a landline telephone. Our place would suit a non smoker who is into the finer and quieter things in life.
    We have an electric piano, a violin and a piano accordion, plenty of board games and bikes for you to get around on.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Throughout March to June, you will be asked to help with preparing the vegetable garden, planting, mowing, and strimming in the pleasant spring and early summer weather. This is also the time to clear winter tree damage, cut bamboo and dead head the roses. There might be fencing to repair. Over this period, we do a lot of hand weeding while the earth is soft and damp, before weeds can go to seed.

    Over July and August, grass growth slows down but we do need to keep watering flower and vegetable gardens. We should have some fruit and produce to harvest and preserve, and perhaps a little hay to hand cut with a scythe for our sheep. On hot days we can retreat and work on indoor maintenance and repairs.

    When September, October and November comes around, it is time to prepare our firewood stacks for winter, prune roses and fruit trees, divide and propagate perennials, clear out the greenhouse and pick up leaves. This is also a good time to work on an irrigation system, clear brambles and ivy from old trees.

    Over the winter months of December, January and February, life is pretty quiet. But hey, if you are up for a bit of painting and decorating, architectural drafting, French language exchange for German or English, business and hospitality development, sewing or similar activities around the fire, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    French: Beginner

    This 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

    Accommodation

    We have accommodation in the roof, the barn and in the woodland. It is depending on occupancy in the house, either a white twin room with desk, chair and comfy bed or another attic room. A modern bath/ shower room is underneath the house in the cave and accessible from the outside. Hot water comes from a solar hot water system and we will provide you with organic shampoo and soap as our system can only tolerate biodegradable products.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We live a 15 minute drive away from the next small town and train station and can offer you lifts and pick up from there should you wish to branch out.

    There are plenty of shops there and an outdoor swimming pool
    Bergerac and Perigueux are 30 minutes away by train and Bordeaux 1 hour.
    We have bicycles for you to get about with.

    If you are self-contained and motivated and are able to occupy your own time as well as being part of a family set up and enjoy the outdoors, then this place is for you. We are looking for references and seek people who enjoy physical work in the garden and all that is required to lead a more self-sufficient life.

    All meals will be prepared together when quarantined and were possible and we require someone who is able to eat most things, as we have a varied healthy diet which includes meat. Some of our vegetables come from our organic vegetable garden.
    This is a non-smoking place and we ask visitors to respect this requirement.

    You will have full use of the library once you have been here for more than 10 days, as well as the barn should you wish to paint or the woodlands for meditation.

    This place would suit someone who is into art, writing, nature conservation and permaculture and is generally active and motivated and has a positive outlook on life.

  • 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

    We have limited wifi. You need to bring your own 4 G unlimited allowance if you rely on it or intend to stream films.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This works only in summer, as we get flooded sometimes in the winter months where the parking space is. Best time is June until November.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 315371796143

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