Help with an ecological restoration project, gardening, and childcare in the mountains near Boussenac, South of France

Details

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  Description

  - looking for help in October 2021-
  
  We are a family of three, Jan, Anne and our 3 year old girl Fleur. We are ecologically renovating a typical French mountain house at 950m altitude in the South of France, the Pyrenees. The region we love for it’s nature and clean air, the mountains, the rivers and lakes but also it’s inhabitants both native and import from cities and other parts of Europe. The region is also occupied by many and various artist such as painters, sculptors, writers, etc. Eclectic and fascinating :).
  With us are two very energetic but sweet dogs, Donder en Draak. We have a panoramic view of the higher mountains and can see Andorra from our doorstep, our house is the last of a tiny hamlet of several houses right at the edge of the forest.
  
  We don't live in the house permanently yet, but spend several months per year in the Ariege to work on the house and though it is not not our permanent house, it is our home.
  
  A little more about us:
  
  Anne is Dutch, 32 years old, barefoot farrier for horses, though currently occupied with young Fleur. Runs around barefoot 90% of the time, loves to read, play the violin, dance, sport, joke around and is an avid animal lover.
  
  Jan is Belgian and 43 years old, an arborist and gardener and loves nature, gardening, building and constructing, walking, water, reading, playing the piano.
  
  We both are rather hard workers and very focused on the job or project at hand, but value a sense of humor a lot too :).

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are a Dutch (Anne) - Belgian (Jan) couple with a wide interest in and general knowledge of culture, music and literature and enjoy sharing with and learning from others. We have a lot of knowledge about planting, gardening, horses (hooves in particular) and how to contain a 1 year old hurricane. We love to share what we know.
  
  The Ariège is a protected natural park in the Pyrénées, in the South of France with mountain peaks until 3000m. This is the ideal area for nature lovers, hikers and skiers. Locals still live for and with mother nature. The region alone is worth a visit, it's pure atmosphere is enthralling.

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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

  Currently some of the available tasks are:
  
  -Help with renovating using ecological methods and traditional materials: wood, hemp, clay, stone..
  
  -Childcare
  
  -Help with common chores such as cooking, doing the dishes, folding laundry, etc.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  -Common kitchen and bathroom provided.
  
  -The sleeping area is basic due to renovation of the sleeping quarters: a tent :). Tent, bed, bed linen and towels are provided.
  
  Food is provided. Breakfast, lunch and diner and some French wines at night.

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  What else ...

  We can pick you up from nearby towns with a railway station such as Foix and Saint-Girons.
  Feel free to contact us for any questions.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week