Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Dec 2022
Feedback
4
Email verified
Details
Description
My husband and I moved to S.W. France eight years ago from the UK. I am retired and suffer from a rare blood cancer that has made me semi -disabled, my husband James is a registered painter and decorator. We took on a lovely house which was once part of small holding run by a large family. It has many outbuildings which include a cowshed, a prune oven, pig stys, wine press, workshop and a very large tabacco barn. It was all updated by the family in the 1960's. We have not changed any of the 60's features. I have 1 daughter and 2 sons who all live in the UK. We visit them every Christmas traveling in our camper van. They come and stay when ever their work allows.
We have about 4 acres of out door space which some of is looked after by our neighbours,
this includes a large maize field and a vegetable plot. I tend the large garden and use a ride on mower to cut the grass, but would apreshiate help with the finer details.. We have two small projects to complete inside the house - an office/library and the master bedroom. Outside much of the paintwork needs doing, James never has time to get around to doing it as he spends his time painting other people's houses!
Our house is divided into two, most of upstairs is an appartment which is let to a French couple, they have one daughter of 5 years, a dog and 2 cats. We have no animals as we like to do a lot of exploring in our camper van.
As far as help is concerned it is mostly in the garden and external paintwork.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are both from the UK, James speaks French, but I am still learning and still have a long way to go! We bought our property eight years ago. It is in a small commune of Cours de Monsegur (33580) it is on a main road between Duras ( 8 klm.) and Monsegur (2klm). Monsegur is a Bastide town and has many historical features, it also has shops, banks, restaurants and cafes. Every year it hosts a Jazz Festival and features artists from all around the world - this is usually held on the first weekend in July. Duras has an outstanding Chateaux which is open to the public, it too has small shops, bars and restaurants. We are in a rural postion and are surrounded by vineyards, nut orchards and farmers fields and the area is good for cycling. Further afield is Bordeaux (60klm.) which has many very fine buildings and is a must to visit. It also has many transport links, railway station and an airport. Bergerac is our nearest airport which is a 45 minute drive, it too is a very delightful town to visit.
To the west of us is a very long Atlantic Coastine with many surfing resorts. Our nearest beach is about 2 and a half drive. There are many campsites, and small places to stay. In land there are many vine yards to visit and the area is famous for of course Bordeaux Wine!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We have very large grounds and help in the garden is needed. The exterior of the house needs some paint work doing ie shutters, window frames, all of these are of sound wood.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a large house, upstairs is mainly an apartment which is let fulltime. We have one double bedroom which would suit a couple and also people on their own, this is downstairs for Workawayers to sleep in, the shower room, toilet, kitchen and lounge you share with James and myself (Sue). We have plenty of outdoor space to explore and many places to relax and have BBQ's. This year (2019) we hope to erect a large above pool, this is a project in hand.
What else ...
There is much to explore on your time off. We are in a rural position, which is good for walking and cycling. Monsegur and Duras are our local historical towns where cafes, restaurants and shops can be found. Further afield is Bordeux and Bergerac, which both have airports. To the west is the long Atlantic Coast famous for it's surfing beaches. All around us are many of the famous vineyards of Bordeaux which includes St. Emillion.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
Thank you for your welcome and lovely moments shared. We did a good job with the furniture didn't we Sue, I remember haaa you had a particular obsession with a certain type of brand of paint and you also loved stenciling furniture, haaa. Thank you James for teaching me some… read more
I was most pleased when she repaired my 2 sewing machines, plus my neighbours.
I recommend her as a good WORKAWAYER.
He helped paint all our downstairs shutters and assisted with the cutting down of a large tree.
Lex clipped our large front hedge. I recommend him as a good WORKAWAYER.
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:
(4.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Thank you for your welcome and lovely moments shared. We did a good job with the furniture didn't we Sue, I remember haaa you had a particular obsession with a certain type of brand of paint and you also loved stenciling furniture, haaa. Thank you James for teaching me some… read more
I was most pleased when she repaired my 2 sewing machines, plus my neighbours.
I recommend her as a good WORKAWAYER.
He helped paint all our downstairs shutters and assisted with the cutting down of a large tree.
Lex clipped our large front hedge. I recommend him as a good WORKAWAYER.
