Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 Mar 2024
Feedback
44
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
I currently need help in both the house and the garden so am probably looking for a couple. The house is large and old and while I have some domestic help it is limited so it needs a thorough cleaning. The garden needs tidying up and cutting back for the winter. Also, I am at the moment minus a driving license (administrative - it has not been removed from me!) so own transport is essential.
I am 75, retired and live in a comfortable old house set in a hectare of garden with a swimming-pool in a small village in south-west France with spectacular views of the Pyrenees. I have one cat and run a 'soup kitchen' for some more vagabonds on the kitchen window-sill!
I read a lot, like to write, follow all current affairs and also many different sports. I also love to learn about other countries and cultures and have travelled to many different parts of the world. I love cooking and am interested in food and wine of all kinds. I enjoy gardening but my arthritic hands limit me so I do need help in the garden.
I live quietly but I am a naturally cheerful person, intend to stay that way and will welcome like-minded people! I do need my own time, space and privacy though, and will certainly respect yours. Although mentioned below, please note that I am a smoker so this is not a suitable place for anyone who is either allergic to smoke or strongly objects to smoking.
Types of help and learning opportunities
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
For anyone wanting to experience "la France Profonde" with its sleepy villages, agricultural traditions and its emphasis on the importance of village communities, this area is perfect. I am also happy to help those who want to improve their English or French. My knowledge of both French and English cuisine is extensive and being a real "foodie" I am always happy to share it! I have also travelled extensively and can share whatever experiences I have had that may be useful to members of the workawayer community.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
There is always general maintenance tasks to do for which most tools are available. If they aren't available and I can't borrow them I won't expect you to do the task!
I have a cleaner who works a limited number of hours a week and do not expect our Workawayers to do everyday household chores or cooking which I prefer to do, though some help with specific tasks is always appreciated. The garden is large and needs constant attention all year round. Carpentry experience would also come in handy!
The chores are not 'routine' so I am happy for workawayers to make their own hours up to 25 per week. For example, if you want to pack 25 hours into 3 days (if the task allows it) and have the rest of the week off to go exploring etc., that is fine with me.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis 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
Good-sized guest bedroom on the ground floor with one standard double and one single bed. The shower-room is not en-suite but is on the same floor and is for your personal use. It has a walk-in shower, basin and WC.
What else ...
I cannot provide a car but do have two bicycles that workawayers are welcome to use and there is a lot of very pretty countryside around. I am happy to provide picnics for you on your days off!
There is a regular bus service from the nearest town 5kms away (Maubourget) to Tarbes where there is an SNCF station and a bus terminal. While workawayers will obviously want to 'do their own thing' during their time off, i will also be happy, if time allows, to take them on the occasional excursion to places of interest. The Pyrénées are less than two hours away and good for hiking in summer and winter sports from mid-December to end of March. There is some public transport (bus) from Maubourget to the mountains.
Both Tarbes and Pau have museums and historically interesting sites to visit. I am close to Spain, both the Spanish Pyrénées and the Atlantic coast. On the French side of the border, Biarritz and St Jean de Luz are easily accessible by train/bus.
In summer workawayers are free to use the pool as much as they like. There are some golf-courses nearby and there are clubs available which they are welcome to borrow.
For workawayers wanting to improve their French please note that in the village itself there is little opportunity for visitors to speak French as there are no shops, cafés etc. so little social life, although I can introduce them to neighbours etc., but very few of the villagers speak English. Maubourget, at 5kms away (downhill on the way there, uphill back if going by bike, but I am happy to play taxi especially if the weather is bad!) ), offers more scope for practising French.
Please be aware that the village is quiet and relatively remote so this is not a placement for people who want entertainment or a lot of company during their off-hours. It is more suited to a couple who enjoy country living or single people who enjoy the same and also their own company! Obviously we will have meals together but not breakfast, although it will of course be provided - as light or substantial as you wish! I enjoy lively company and conversation, but not all day long and nor into the wee hours!
I would normally agree to an initial stay of one or two weeks, with the possible option of a further week if the work is there and we are all happy in each other's company. This is not a suitable placement for people looking for long term stays.
Please note that I am a smoker and smoking is permitted indoors except in bedrooms and during meals. Both smokers and non-smokers are welcome. I ask that ash-trays be regularly emptied and cleaned especially at night.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty of space and shade. Outside a access to electricity/water.
Can possibly accept pets
Can be discussed, but no dogs that chase, or are unused to cats.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hours per week
Feedback (20)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.9)
He was a perfect house-guest -… read more
This was my first workaway experience and it surely was a great one.
The work itself was fine and I could make my own planning. She explained everything clearly and gave… read more
Our tasks were primarly general and garden maintenance. Instructions from Peta were clear and direct. We could manage our 25 hours per week which was very useful. Thanks to this we… read more
The accommodation at Peta's is excellent, cozy and super comfortable. You have your own room, and your own bathroom with shower. And believe me, you will not find a better bed, I… read more
She was direct and clear with regard to tasks and made sure I had all the tools necessary to complete the jobs.
A stay with Peta also includes an education in wine and English & French cuisine. Truly amazing accommodation that I will remember for a long time to come.
Thank you, Peta!
Sam listens to instructions, works tidily, logically, and concentrates fully on the task at hand needing no supervision. He had my elderly… read more
With the help of our handy "to do book" we were able to work on the beautiful park (gardening,… read more
You couldn't ask for better hosts anyone that comes here is in for a real treat.
Thank you Jamie and Lauren
Work-wise, we couldn't fault them. They approached every task efficiently and with great enthusiasm - including clearing brambles the size of small… read more
The work overall was enjoyable. We spent all of our time outside gardening,… read more
We didn't find him to be a naturally helpful young man in that he always had to be asked to help with everyday things like washing… read more
All I can say is that it worked out perfectly, we couldn't have asked for better hosts! The work was mainly outside work which we wanted so it fitted us very well, nothing was too strenuous and all very rewarding. Peta and… read more
They were cheerful, open, friendly, incredibly willing, worked fast while being meticulous in everything they did. Most… read more
