Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
9 May 2023
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Roger and I fell in love with our chateau in the beautiful Dordogne eight years ago. Dating back to the 12th century, it is a hidden gem in the small town of Le Buisson. The grounds are large enough to provide a completely private and tranquil environment, but shops, bars, post office, cinema, train station etc. are just a few minutes walk away, so we never feel isolated.
We plan to move there permanently and, in the meantime, spend as much time there as we can. Because we are not always there to take care of things, we struggle to catch up with all the general maintenance jobs that such a large property requires.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As mentioned above, the town has a cinema which frequently shows original language films. The river Dordogne, which offers canoeing facilities, is less than a mile away. There is a plethora of pre-historic caves in the area, the nearest being a ten minute walk away.
Le Buisson is small, but there are bigger towns nearby, e.g. the medieval town of Sarlat approximately 20 miles away. The cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse are about 100 miles west and south respectively and can be reached from our local train station. Spain can be reached in a few hours by car.
Whilst a car is not crucial, we are in the countryside and it would make local sights more accessible.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We have a wide variety of projects to offer!
The land, which extends to three hectares (eight acres), includes grounds which were once professionally designed but have been neglected for decades and become overgrown and in need of extensive tidying. That's where we could really do with some help. There are well over 100 trees on the property and it would be nice to give them the chance to breathe a bit! The ability to use a strimmer and/or hedge cutter would be very handy.
We also have a developing potager (vegetable garden) and orchard, both of which are always in need of attention and lots of barns just begging to be cleared and cleaned.
The house is part-renovated, but there is no shortage of maintenance work to be done, including the tower which gives the chateau it's name. We're not looking to do anything major, but any skills such as carpentry would be more than welcome. Finding a roofer is the kind of thing we can only dream about.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a three bedroom gîte and there is also en-suite accommodation in the main house.
We would look to provide meals and you would have full access to the pool which we tend to open from late May as it's unheated.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
A dog to play with our friendly weimaraner. Sadly our cats don’t like other cats.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Host ref number: 418889368922
Feedback (26)
4 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (David & Gianluca) for host
We had such a wonderful time with Maria and Roger at the beautiful Chateau de la Tour. The work we did was meaningful and perfectly tailored to our talents and experience. They are both great hosts and excellent cooks.
The area is gorgeous, so much to see and do. We just had the best summer and made lifelong friends and memories.
The area is gorgeous, so much to see and do. We just had the best summer and made lifelong friends and memories.
18 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tami & Philippe) for host
Two wonderful weeks at Maria and Rogers' dream castle, in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of France! You can find everything in a range of a few kilometers : nature, history (and prehistory), sports, excellent culinary experiences ...! Maria and Rogers are wonderful hosts, cooking great food, advising about what to see in the… read more
15 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Caroline & Fiona)
Caroline and Fiona are easy-going, hard working, hands-on sensible people who just get on with things. They are adept at using professional gardening machinery which was hugely helpful. They are also very good company and ready for a laugh and a chat.
As I was alone when they were here, it was a treat to have some company whilst remaining safe in… read more
As I was alone when they were here, it was a treat to have some company whilst remaining safe in… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Caroline & Fiona) for host
We had a great time with Maria! The property consists of beautiful old buildings to explore while the gardens contain a lot of unexpected wildlife - we captured deers, foxes, a badger and a pine marten on our wildlife camera. Although it is situated in a small village you feel like you are in a hidden oasis. Maria and her three friendly cats made… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
4 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (David & Gianluca) for host
We had such a wonderful time with Maria and Roger at the beautiful Chateau de la Tour. The work we did was meaningful and perfectly tailored to our talents and experience. They are both great hosts and excellent cooks.
The area is gorgeous, so much to see and do. We just had the best summer and made lifelong friends and memories.
The area is gorgeous, so much to see and do. We just had the best summer and made lifelong friends and memories.
18 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tami & Philippe) for host
Two wonderful weeks at Maria and Rogers' dream castle, in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of France! You can find everything in a range of a few kilometers : nature, history (and prehistory), sports, excellent culinary experiences ...! Maria and Rogers are wonderful hosts, cooking great food, advising about what to see in the… read more
15 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Caroline & Fiona)
Caroline and Fiona are easy-going, hard working, hands-on sensible people who just get on with things. They are adept at using professional gardening machinery which was hugely helpful. They are also very good company and ready for a laugh and a chat.
As I was alone when they were here, it was a treat to have some company whilst remaining safe in… read more
As I was alone when they were here, it was a treat to have some company whilst remaining safe in… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2020
Left by Workawayer (Caroline & Fiona) for host
We had a great time with Maria! The property consists of beautiful old buildings to explore while the gardens contain a lot of unexpected wildlife - we captured deers, foxes, a badger and a pine marten on our wildlife camera. Although it is situated in a small village you feel like you are in a hidden oasis. Maria and her three friendly cats made… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Gavin & Wendy)
Wendy and Gavin are exceptional workawayers. They are easy-going, hard working, undemanding and a pleasure to have around. When they came to stay, I was on my own with a mountain of tasks to do. In addition to working on a very large decorating project, Wendy and Gavin helped enormously with other maintenance jobs and also pitched in with all the… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Gavin & Wendy) for host
We spent just over 3 weeks with Maria and really enjoyed our time at the chateau and being in her company. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to meet Roger but Maria was the perfect host and from the outset we were welcomed into her lovely home and she made us feel like we were old friends. Maria has a great sense of humour and we spent lots… read more
17 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Keith)
Keith and Solei stayed with us for most of May and a great time was had by I think us all. Much work was done, mainly turning what was a badly water damaged gite into a lettable space, often with less than perfect tools. There was a lot of fun, food, wine and chat along the way. Don't hesitate other workaway hosts, invite these lovely people now!
(Excellent
)
7 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Keith) for host
Solei and I stayed at Roger and Maria’s chateau for three weeks. It was our first Workaway. It was excellent: magical, joyous, and fun. Roger delegates to us the freedom to do our jobs as we saw best, he was generous beyond all expectation. Enchanted castle, hours long dinners of supero food, wine, and captivating conversation. We felt so good to… read more
31 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
This was our first Workaway experience. It was really great. We didn't meet Maria in person but we Skyped on a couple of occasions and she was refreshingly direct and was clear in what she wanted. Roger was superb! An excellent cook and raconteur; funny and quirky, considerate and courteous. We stayed for 3 weeks and didn't have the same main meal… read more
3 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marianne)
Although we have only known Marianne for a short time, we include her in our family of friends. This is down to the pleasure of having her around. Highly intelligent but uncomplicated, workaholic but fun, competent at a wide variety of skills, diplomatic, patient, diligent.... so many positive qualities in a down to earth, easy-going person.
If… read more
If… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marianne) for host
I have been staying with Maria and Roger for two weeks in their incredible castle. And everything looked like the pictures in the profile - even the thousands of cyclamen which only bloom in autumn. It has been a great pleasure to give the couple a hand with the amount of tasks which waited to be taken care of in house and garden. A big culture of… read more
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Manuel)
Manuel is an intelligent, polite and practically minded person. He has skills in many tasks, both outdoor grounds maintenance as well as plumbing, electrics, basic mechanics and cooking.... What he doesn’t know, he does his best to try to figure out. He has a lot of patience, tenacity and a good work ethic - he won’t stop until the job is… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Manuel) for host
This was my first experience doing workaway, and I couldn't had a better experience than this through the 5 weeks I spent there, what an amazing place and such a wonderful hosts, Maria and Roger are two of the best persons I've ever met, they made me feel like family since the first day until my last day, and what to say about the food was simple… read more
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela & Michael)
Michael and Michaela are a very hands-on, easy going couple. They just got on with whatever jobs they saw needed doing with minimal supervision. They were hard working, unfussy and pleasant to have around.
(Excellent
)
12 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Michaela & Michael) for host
Roger and Maria are great hosts, the chateau is really beautiful and a great place to stay. We loved every minute we stayed here for 8 days. We would like to come back for sure. Days had been very hot in july but you just drive 5 minutes and hop in the river la Dordogne or hop straight in the pool of the chateau. Staying here is highly… read more
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ray)
Although Ray could only stay for one week, he did a huge amount of very important work for us. He is very practical and creative in finding solutions with minimal tools. Perhaps this comes from his stellar voluntary work for disaster relief. He is also the bravest workawayer we have ever had, being undaunted by work up high ladders and actively… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ray) for host
This is a great opportunity. Where else can you live in a castle that is almost 1000 years old? Roger and Maria are very friendly and reasonable and they enjoy hosting people from all over the world. Having a car is helpful, but you will do fine without one. The village is 5 minutes away by foot. The train station is about 8 minutes by foot. You… read more
18 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Joe) for host
The month I spent with Roger and Maria was one of the very best Workaway experiences I have had. I was made to feel at home from the moment I arrived. The Chauteaux and its grounds are beautiful, the accommodation was very clean and comfortable, and of course the company of Roger and Maria was first-class. They maintain a huge vegetable garden so… read more
16 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Hugo)
We highly recommend Hugo to any host. He has an excellent work ethic, practical ability and common sense and is willing to give 100% to any project.
Hugo is a helpful, positive, polite and easy going person which makes him a pleasure to have around. He got on really well with other workawayers, both as a team player and joining in free time… read more
Hugo is a helpful, positive, polite and easy going person which makes him a pleasure to have around. He got on really well with other workawayers, both as a team player and joining in free time… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hugo) for host
It was a pleasure to stay with Maria and Roger.
The chateau is an amazing place to stay. Huge areas to spend my time off.
They offer me a great room to stay by myself with my own bathroom. Very nice bedroom.
To tasks weren't difficult. They just gave a me something to do and I had to check the time by myself.
Maria helped me with a few… read more
The chateau is an amazing place to stay. Huge areas to spend my time off.
They offer me a great room to stay by myself with my own bathroom. Very nice bedroom.
To tasks weren't difficult. They just gave a me something to do and I had to check the time by myself.
Maria helped me with a few… read more
30 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Guillaume) for host
I spent 2 great weeks in Le Buisson, and I wish I could stay more ! I was very well welcomed by Maria and Roger, which make you feel as at home. They are very interesting and funny people.
Regarding on the work, volunteers are free to organise themselves as they wish. The tasks are diversified, I did some cleaning, and I mainly worked in the… read more
Regarding on the work, volunteers are free to organise themselves as they wish. The tasks are diversified, I did some cleaning, and I mainly worked in the… read more
22 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume)
Guillaume was an absolute pleasure to host. From the moment he arrived, he fitted in seamlessly with our “family” and brought out the best in the other workawayers.
Guillaume is polite, hard working, self-motivated, uncomplaining and genuinely interested in the history and culture of his surroundings. Indeed, he managed to identify our favourite… read more
Guillaume is polite, hard working, self-motivated, uncomplaining and genuinely interested in the history and culture of his surroundings. Indeed, he managed to identify our favourite… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (spehsab)
It was a real pleasure to host Stephen and Susan. They were only with us for quite a short time but a massive amount was achieved. They are immensely practical and can turn their hands to just about anything. No supervision required - they just get on with it. Happy to see them again...
(Excellent
)
25 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (spehsab) for host
Maria & Roger welcomed us with open arms and we had a fascinating time. The chateau is a lifetime's project and it was a privilege to contribute to its renovation. Situated in splendid grounds, it is also within easy walking distance of the village. Lots of interesting chats,many laughs and some great meals. Thank you again for a memorable stay.… read more
28 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (GILLIAN & Finn)
Any host could count themselves lucky if Gillian and Finn come to stay. They are both very hard working, easy going, nice people and a pleasure to have around. We had several other workawayers at the time and Gillian and Finn fitted into our little “family” perfectly. They also undertook any job enthusiastically, responsibly and without the need… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (GILLIAN & Finn) for host
We had a fantastic three weeks with Roger and Maria. The accommodation was beautiful, and not many people can say that they've stayed in a 12th century chateau. The hosts were generous, flexible, accommodating and would take us on outings whenever possible. The work was varied and fair with Maria and Roger always allowing for projects which were… read more
5 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Bettina) for host
We stayed 10 days what was way to short , but we had to move on.The work was really fair and we could do the 5 hours between breakfast and lunch, so we had the afternoons off.Maria and Roger always gave us ideas where to explore and spoiled us with fantastic meals ( even cooking vegetarian for me, although they are not) and we had a lot of… read more
4 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Natia & Giorgi) for host
Never expected workaway to be this interesting, exciting and rich of experiences. the time we spent with Roger and Maria in this majestic chateau left indelible memories for us. loved EVERYTHING there - working projects, interior, beautiful tree arcs in the garden, misty mornings, great meals, warm evenings with other amazing volunteers and four… read more
16 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host
I am very gratefull to this hospitable family for hosting me in their beautiful castle, it was an amazing feeling to sleep and live inside the medieval walls with hundreds years of history! This chateau is a very unique place, filled with a thrilling spirit of mystery of old times which it had seen. For me personally it was very exciting time… read more
4 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ameera)
Ameera is a delight to have around. An amazing cook - covering the whole range of her international background. She is no stranger to work and very proactive in just getting on with a job if she sees it needs doing. In a place like ours where there are hundreds of little things that need doing daily, that is massively helpful.
In addition to… read more
In addition to… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ameera) for host
What a fantastic experience!
I couldn't be luckier to have stayed with such caring, kind and generous hosts on my first Workaway experience. Maria and Roger made me feel at home from the very first day and made my stay very memorable.
The chateau is a simply breathtaking with so much to discover and great facilities. There are tasks of all sorts… read more
I couldn't be luckier to have stayed with such caring, kind and generous hosts on my first Workaway experience. Maria and Roger made me feel at home from the very first day and made my stay very memorable.
The chateau is a simply breathtaking with so much to discover and great facilities. There are tasks of all sorts… read more
4 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter & Gail)
Pete & Gail were a pleasure to host. They are hard working, easy going and fun to spend time with. Pete's carpentry skills are impressive, particularly given the stone age implements he was given to work with. Gail is a knowledgeable and passionate gardener who even managed to bring my favourite 'dead' plant back to life.
There are many more… read more
There are many more… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Peter & Gail) for host
What a fantastic experience, staying with Maria and Roger (who are wonderful hosts) in their beautiful chateau in one of the most picturesque areas of France.
Maria and Roger make you feel welcome and comfortable while making sure you have the opportunity to visit the surrounding towns and sites.
On Maria's prodding Gail and I went on a canoe trip… read more
Maria and Roger make you feel welcome and comfortable while making sure you have the opportunity to visit the surrounding towns and sites.
On Maria's prodding Gail and I went on a canoe trip… read more
31 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Pablo and Teffi stayed with us for a couple of weeks and I am very happy to recommend them to any hosts looking for willing, able and hardworking helpers. We had quite a large and diverse crowd at the time and they fitted in perfectly. Pablo is also a seriously talented cook, and Teffi, well, has there ever been a more glamorous but uncomplaining… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Maria and Roger are amazing people. We really enjoyed our 2 weeks in their magnificent Chateau (it's really amazing). If you have the opportunity to spend some weeks there, do not hesitate, you'll have a great time. Thanks for all
13 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Andrew & Tracy) for host
Maria and Roger are incredibly welcoming, great company and excellent cooks. We had a wonderful experience and were thrilled to be able to extend our stay. The help is interesting and varied - we enjoyed decorating, cleaning and gardening tasks. We were given many opportunities to enjoy the local French events and villages and the area has a huge… read more
24 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ed)
Ed is the best workawayer one could possibly hope for. He's hard working, super efficient, diligent and has a fantastic work ethic. He fitted in from day one and was good fun to spend time with.
Aside from all the many little tasks he did without even mentioning them, Ed is an extremely gifted engineer who repaired every broken thing I put in… read more
Aside from all the many little tasks he did without even mentioning them, Ed is an extremely gifted engineer who repaired every broken thing I put in… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ed) for host
I had a really great time here, it was my first workaway experience and I was traveling on my own. Maria (the host) made me feel really welcome.
During the day there was lots of work to do in the grounds of the Chateau. I spent most of my working time (5 hours a day ish) clearing undergrowth, fixing the little garden tractor, and pulling ivy off… read more
During the day there was lots of work to do in the grounds of the Chateau. I spent most of my working time (5 hours a day ish) clearing undergrowth, fixing the little garden tractor, and pulling ivy off… read more
22 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Pete) for host
Our time at the chateaux was full of fun,laughter and work. Maria was an excellent host and a great cook, which added to a truly memorable experience. As our first work away did not know what to expect but felt like I could communicate easily with Maria, Roger was only there via Skype for our stay.
1 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Juan David & Hiromi ) for host
My wife and I had a great Workaway experience here. It was our first time ever seeing a chateau in real life, let alone staying at one. The place had the remains of surrounding medieval walls and even a moat. The are plenty of relics to find in and around the chateau when you go exploring. It's a fairly quiet place, but you still have the town… read more
1 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Alvaro )
Alvaro was a hard working, intelligent and enthusiastic ray of sunshine. From the moment he arrived, he fitted in immediately, helped out with everyday chores unprompted as well as doing his actual work with gusto. He charmed our cats (Rosie really misses you!) and was an absolute pleasure to have around.
Anyone who hosts him is very lucky… read more
Anyone who hosts him is very lucky… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alvaro ) for host
This was my first workaway experience and I could not have asked for more. Maria and Roger have been great hosts since the beginning, caring and always making you comfortable. It is a beautiful place to go full of nature and interesting projects to do with them. As well, the work in the was not too hard so you could always go to town and visit… read more
