Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
16 Feb 2024
Feedback
2
Email verified
Details
Description
We are Len and Liz Selby and the proud owners of the 17th century Chateau, located in the Chalosse Region of South West France. The chateau is set within 9 acres of land, and since our retirement from full time work, we have spent the last 10 on ongoing improvements and modernisation of this wonderful old house. Prior to living here Liz worked in the NHS (UK) and Len, a Kiwi by birth, runs his own motor racing parts business. We are now in the final stages of our work to improve Coye, and could use some help. The area is within 1.5 hours of the wonderful Altantic Coast and the Pyrennean mountains. Although in a rural location its within easy strike of towns, villages, etc.
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
Travellers will benefit from gaining the experience of living and working in an historic Chateau located in rural South West France. Summer weather is gorgeous. The living is very good. Languages spoken are English and French. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities, sports, entertainment, music and arts, plus commerces, etc. Although rural its not isolated from the main stream if you want to go out and find it. You will learn the skills of working with traditional building materials for example lime plaster, renovation of historic buildings and take pleasure in bringing the grounds back to life. Nature abounds, and there will be plenty to interest anyone keen on wildlife and conservation. There are local active groups which focus on language and social exchanges.
Help
The projects we need help to complete is....
Dead tree felling, log cutting and ground clearance.
Assisting the resident gardener
Watering plants etc.
Painting external shutters, window frames
Help with clearing old barns
Renovating back wall of attached cottage (lime plaster)
We have artisans, labour saving equipment etc, to guide and teach.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
We can offer self contained accommodation in Le Pigeonnaire (sleeps 4) It has TV, wifi, all mod cons etc. All bedlinen, towels, You will have access to laundry facilities.
You will receive payment to cover your food and beverage costs, and welcome to join the hosts for the occasional meal
We have a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen terrace (with honesty bar) for you to enjoy as and when. We have a selection of bikes available for your use. Aside from the bikes, you will need your own transport, as we live in a rural area.
What else ...
There is plenty to do and see in your time off. The Atlantic Ocean, the Mountains, kayacking, cycling, walking, watersports, visiting historic french town and villages, In the summer months there are many local festivals and events. . There are Shopping Malls at our nearest city. At weekends, take the opportunity of visiting glamorous Biarritz or cross the border to Northern Coastal Spain to enjoy the food, welcome and fun at St Sebastion for example.... There is loads to do and see, and all within striking distance.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have high speed fibre internet. You will be accommodated in an independent two bedroom cottage.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (1)
She did wonders for us in our garden, and worked very hard, I am sure the garden will look even lovelier in the summer, and she did a fantastic job in painting one of our bedrooms,… read more
Feedback
She did wonders for us in our garden, and worked very hard, I am sure the garden will look even lovelier in the summer, and she did a fantastic job in painting one of our bedrooms,… read more
