Relaxed family welcomes a hand with the kids, garden and sorting things after a move in Dordogne, France

Details

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  Description

  We are a happy family with two young children (10 & 13), a dog, a cat and a pony. My husband is a writer and massage therapist - working in a very introverted way from home, and also off site, catering for tourists. I'm an osteopath, and regularly work 10 to 12 hour days. We are just moving from one house, which is a bit of a disaster zone in terms of garden and general organisation, to a lovely empty new place. You could probably stay in either house, depending on how much autonomy you would like. The two girls are very different - the 13 year solitary and happy to get on with her own swotty projects, and the 10 year old wanting an audience.
  
  We would welcome anyone wanting to stop off on a journey for a few of days and can collect you from train stations, and would also be happy to accommodate you for a couple of weeks. If you have a driving license then you can also have the use of a car.
  
  We have a relaxed home. We do not bicker and there's a lot of laughter. The children are well-behaved and we would always expect them to treat you with the respect accorded any guest.
  
  Both houses are in rural settings,, surrounded by forests and fields - but in the 'golden triangle' of some of the finest medieval and prehistoric sites in Europe. Sarlat, Lascaux, Domme, Beynac, Castelnaud ... it's all less than an hour away. And lakes and a river to swim in.
  
  We all speak French and English - and have friends who do the same. I also speak Spanish and German.
  
  We generally speak English at home, but the girls will speak French with you if you like. When French people are present we generally switch to French.
  
  Couples welcome. Also children from 8 - 15. The pony is not safe for beginners unless someone is holding on to him. Our ability to host families depends on whether or not the old house has a tennant. But it would work out as a very cheap holiday!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We have lived and worked all over the world and are interested in other cultures. We are a mixed race family and the door is open to anyone except right wing fascists! We are atheists, and I'm not sure a very religious person would be entirely comfortable with us.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  Help

  So we need help with the following - keeping the youngest busy, general gardening, help with the move and sorting the contents of the shed!
  
  We wouldn't expect anyone to do any one thing for more than one or two hours - as you wish - and will always have a list of things you can choose from. If you don't want to do something, just say: there's plenty to choose from!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We speak German, French, English and Spanish.
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  Accommodation

  There are several rooms to chose from and possible your own house - depending on whether it's rented.

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  What else ...

  There are a ton of touristy things to do around here. My big horse is a lovely sturdy Irish cob who used to be safe to hack out on his own, but has got out of practice. There's a bar in the village and a lovely lake for swimming. We can probably lend you a bicycle. Or even a car. There is a wonderful river nearby, canoeing, a lot of good walks and a lake with a sandy beach. We have thousands of books. We are very easy-going.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We use our phones to connect and can offer quiet spaces for working in. We do a lot of online work - so it's no bother. There's also an office space in a local town available.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Hi, we have a place where you can park up and plug in.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have a pony. I've only seen him kick one dog... but its mouth was attatched to his leg to be fair. Barky dogs might get a lesson that they won't forget. A kick can kill - so please understand that introductions will need manageing and your dog will need to be watched. The pony stays with his friends most of the time. We also have a dog who is quite protective - so this introduction will also need manageing. That said... dogs are welcome. Not sure about cats. Our cat wouldn't be impressed!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week

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