Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
12 Feb 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
2
Email verified
Details
Description
I am a newcomer to hosting, working on and looking for help with two (still early stage) projects in 'Suisse Normande',a particularly scenic area of northern France:
1) setting up a plant nursery focusing on mostly wild species for my favoured naturalistic style of gardening and
2) an ecobuild involving some new structures and the renovation of a house and barn ruin using largely mud and other traditional materials on the site.
The land situated on the edge of a hamlet deep in the countryside had a well but now has piped water and an electricity supply. English is likely to be the main language and some at least basic knowledge of this would be desirable. I am able to manage some French and very limited German but very much welcome all nationalities for the richest cultural exchange.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The area is especially interesting for its dramatic landscapes. It is reasonably close to a lot of major Normandy attractions, such as Mont St Michel and other major historic sights. The wildlife is also exceptional, the property being situated deep in the countryside. Individuals can also expect to improve their English (if it is not their first language), and their French speaking skills.
Help
Hello Workways,
I am looking for keen helpers to work with me on a renovating project in Suisse Normande',a particularly scenic area of northern France.
The project involves using materials as far as possible that are natural and available on the site i.e. stone, mud and wood. There is a small shack house to be made more habitable and a long barn that has been used more recently for agriculture but had previously been several habitations to restore.
Also there is a plant nursery that had to be deserted on Brexit that I may need some help to revive.
There is now running water and safe electricity but no plumbed in toilets yet (we have earth toilets) so the conditions will be quite basic, we have a caravan and tents (if required) that could be used.
There are rooms in the house and the barn we want to make more livable as a priority.
I am English and I speak some French and very basic German.
I am not personally fully vegetarian but very sympathetic to vegetarian thinking.
Driving licence is not essential but would be useful.
The village is isolated and I would need to collect you from the nearest public transport or nearest railway station such as Caen or Flers unless you have your own transport.
Accommodation would be in an unrenovated room caravan or tent.
I am looking for the help from end of March, when the weather is starting to warm up.
Any able bodied person will be welcome but anyone with skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrics or any other building experience would be particularly useful.
Looking forward hearing from you !
Best Regards,
Ian
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
Accommodation is very basic at present - beds on the earth floor of rooms of the house or barn or tents if preferred. Meals mostly not vegetarian (although some special provision can be made) which I hope visitors with some culinary ability will volunteer to cook occasionally, will be a hopefully communal experience where ideas can be exchanged.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day (perhaps less if a trip is planned in afternoon), 5 days a week
Feedback (1)
Green hills, blackberries, cows and peace. The house and the barn, although in a really rustic condition, give a calm and nostalgic vibe to the wildly beautiful garden, with their visible rocks and their… read more
Because she's not very tall, she wasn't physically able to do absolutely everything that might have been possible, but she… read more
Feedback
Green hills, blackberries, cows and peace. The house and the barn, although in a really rustic condition, give a calm and nostalgic vibe to the wildly beautiful garden, with their visible rocks and their… read more
Because she's not very tall, she wasn't physically able to do absolutely everything that might have been possible, but she… read more
