Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Jun 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
English couple with 2 dogs.
Peaceful location in rural France. No public transport. Night life is star gazing, board games or movie watching.
We are looking for flexible helpers, happy to help us with whatever the day demands.
Preferably all helpers will be flexible and happy to take on any of the above depending on need and weather.
Advice on how to use tools necessary for the work will be given.
We have a couple of windows and doors that need replacing so being able to lift would be an advantage.
We prefer people that are happy to work with us or separately as necessary.
We have wireless internet available for emailing and normal surfing. We do not offer the use of our computer we do not accept online workers (Digital Nomads0.
We follow a simple lifestyle we make our own bread, beer, cakes, cookies etc.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Rural location. We live in a small hamlet, population 5, in a stone cottage split into 3 houses, 1 of which is renovated.
We bake our own bread and cakes, brew english style beer and create home cooked meals.
We prefer volunteers who are happy to live as part of the group during their stay, we would expect this to involve helping prepare meals if asked and the inevitable clearing away afterwards.
Learn how to use all types of machinery safely, and experience the DIY world. Have a different social life than in a big city.
Help
We are looking for help, male or female singles and couples, with a range of projects that involve dry lining, wall panelling or tiling, fitting windows and doors, roofing, wall building around the fish pond,a small amount of gardening, ongoing plant care.
We are non smoking and are seeking volunteers that do not smoke.
Volunteers should be happy to live as part of the team during their stay, we would expect this to involve helping prepare meals and the inevitable clearing away after.
We accept both skilled or unskilled people.
We need people able to work on their own initiative. We will show you how we would like you to do the work.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have 2 bedrooms a double and a single, there is the possibility of an additional bed in the single..
We eat together
Breakfast, cereals, bread if left from the day before, fruit juice.
Lunch normally salad or soup depending on the season and home made yoghurt
Evening meal normally consisting of 2 courses with wine, beer or soft drinks.
In exchange for 25 hours work per week.
We do not accept children pets or online workers, (Digital Nomads)
What else ...
The countryside around here is mostly gentle slopes with a few hills
We are in a very rural area there is no public transport so unless you have your own transport we invite helpers to join us if we go into town.
We do have bicycles available anyone intending using them must take responsibility for their safety and maintenance reporting faults and fitting parts supplied by us.
Our nearest town is St Maixent L'Ecole it is a historic garrison town worth an afternoon wandering around its old streets. It also houses a military museum within the national NCO college.
Note there is no public transport . We visit the town a least once per week when you are welcome to join us. The nearest airport is Poitiers. The train station is St Maixent L'Ecole, Deux-Sevres.
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
25 hours per week maximum, 5 days a week.
Host ref number: 000000000253
Feedback (18)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tim)
Tim was with us late 2020 and again in 2021.He knows his craft and also makes a good team leader.
He is self driven can be left to it and happy in his work.
Hi Tim good to see you back on the site, now we can leave your long over due review..
You know where we are still plenty to do in you're ever in our bit of France.
He is self driven can be left to it and happy in his work.
Hi Tim good to see you back on the site, now we can leave your long over due review..
You know where we are still plenty to do in you're ever in our bit of France.
(Excellent
)
7 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Pier Paolo)
requested dates 03/07/2021
Had Skype chat as he felt he needed to speak to us.
Firm booking confirmed on 12th May
On 28th June request for another chat but this time with his parents.
He then informed us that he was going to another host.
Had Skype chat as he felt he needed to speak to us.
Firm booking confirmed on 12th May
On 28th June request for another chat but this time with his parents.
He then informed us that he was going to another host.
(No show)
5 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Camille) for host
It was a real pleasure to spend 20 days with Rosslyn & John. We couldn’t dream better for a first workaway experience: the job was various and interesting (now we know how to repair a roof, use a chainsaw, sharpen the chain, grow chilli’s, make delicious flapjack and sausage rolls!). They were always looking for all our needs, it really felt like… read more
2 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Camille)
John & Camille came to us for initially 10 days en-route to their holiday destination. However Covid put paid to that and they stayed for 3 weeks and cut all of our winter firewood, finished off the shed roofs along with another helper. Helped around the house and were pro-active on anything that needed doing. They will be an asset to any host.… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
13 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tim)
Tim was with us late 2020 and again in 2021.He knows his craft and also makes a good team leader.
He is self driven can be left to it and happy in his work.
Hi Tim good to see you back on the site, now we can leave your long over due review..
You know where we are still plenty to do in you're ever in our bit of France.
He is self driven can be left to it and happy in his work.
Hi Tim good to see you back on the site, now we can leave your long over due review..
You know where we are still plenty to do in you're ever in our bit of France.
(Excellent)
7 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Pier Paolo)
requested dates 03/07/2021
Had Skype chat as he felt he needed to speak to us.
Firm booking confirmed on 12th May
On 28th June request for another chat but this time with his parents.
He then informed us that he was going to another host.
Had Skype chat as he felt he needed to speak to us.
Firm booking confirmed on 12th May
On 28th June request for another chat but this time with his parents.
He then informed us that he was going to another host.
(No show)
5 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Camille) for host
It was a real pleasure to spend 20 days with Rosslyn & John. We couldn’t dream better for a first workaway experience: the job was various and interesting (now we know how to repair a roof, use a chainsaw, sharpen the chain, grow chilli’s, make delicious flapjack and sausage rolls!). They were always looking for all our needs, it really felt like… read more
2 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Camille)
John & Camille came to us for initially 10 days en-route to their holiday destination. However Covid put paid to that and they stayed for 3 weeks and cut all of our winter firewood, finished off the shed roofs along with another helper. Helped around the house and were pro-active on anything that needed doing. They will be an asset to any host.… read more
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Peter was with us for four fantastic weeks. We had a problem with 2 shed roofs that not only had holes in it but were hidden from view by trees and covered in greenery. He cleared the area, took the old roofs down, fitted beams and undertook all tasks to make good. in such a short time span he completed one roof and left a small amount to finish… read more
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
Ross and John were amazing hosts. They work hard to be make sure their guests have a great experience. I spent the month building a new roof for their sheds and enjoying the French countryside. I was overwhelmed with great food, conversation and culture. Thank you guys!
7 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Devena) for host
John and Rosslyn were absolutely lovely hosts! They're very friendly, genuinely interested in getting to know the people they host and have a real cultural exchange. They made me feel at home and from the stories they shared about other workawayers they've hosted in the past it's easy to see that they really enjoy the program. When it comes to the… read more
5 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Devena)
Devenna stayed with us for 3 weeks and during her stay she replanted my chilli plants and did painting. She worked for a long period on the building of the wall around the pond during quite a hot period, and assisted in the repair of the liner which is no mean feat. She is sociable and outgoing. We would welcome her back if the opportunity ever… read more
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Vince) for host
I originally planned to stay with John and Ross for 2 weeks and ended up staying for 7. I instantly felt at home and was made to feel very welcome. The work was varied and enjoyable. Delicious food, good conversations, a relaxing and quiet environment and a pleasure taking Kaine for his daily walk. Thank you for hosting me and I hope to see you… read more
15 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Vince)
It has been a pleasure having Vince stay with us. He is intelligent hard working and easy going.
Vince will happily tackle anything you ask of him, between tiling our floor he has resolved a problem with our central heating.
Kain, (our dog) is loving his walks, he has taken to Vince and responds well to him.
Mealtimes are friendly and… read more
Vince will happily tackle anything you ask of him, between tiling our floor he has resolved a problem with our central heating.
Kain, (our dog) is loving his walks, he has taken to Vince and responds well to him.
Mealtimes are friendly and… read more
(Excellent)
15 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Javier Isaias & Melisa Florencia) for host
Hi guys! We really enjoy our stay with you,we learned a lot and have a great time working, taking kaine for a walk and of course eating all the delicious food ross cooked. We also have a great time talking and watching "death in paradise" heheh.. Javi really miss your bear John!hahaha... hope you best!
2 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Javier Isaias & Melisa Florencia)
Melissa and Javier are a sociable couple who worked really hard during their stay. They came with the intention of learning how to tile my lounge floor. However they underestimated how much preparation was needed to get to a point of actually tiling. Once that point was reached they set themselves a challenge to lay as many tiles as they could in… read more
(Excellent)
3 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (AnnasaraA)
Annasara What can I say good company flexible, took on whatever we asked. A joy to be with.
Welcome back anytime. We now have plenty of wood for the winter firesand home pressed apple juice.
Annasara the chilli plants are doing well.
Welcome back anytime. We now have plenty of wood for the winter firesand home pressed apple juice.
Annasara the chilli plants are doing well.
(Excellent)
1 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (AnnasaraA) for host
Very good experience! John and Rosslyn made me feel right at home. Great food and reasonable amount of work. Did a number of different tasks such as pressing apples, clearing out sheds, re-potting plants etc. Thank you :-)
21 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Tatyana & Vladimir)
Hi Tatyana and Vladimir
Sorry this has taken me so long to write.
We had a great time together with loads done. We enjoyed your company and the dogs missed being spoilt after you had gone.
The garden is still showing the effects of your work and of course our new decking is a wonderful addition. If you find yourselves in France anytime we would… read more
Sorry this has taken me so long to write.
We had a great time together with loads done. We enjoyed your company and the dogs missed being spoilt after you had gone.
The garden is still showing the effects of your work and of course our new decking is a wonderful addition. If you find yourselves in France anytime we would… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Agustin & Lucas)
Theses guys were great. They worked hard were easy to talk to and good company.
They were better suited to DIY tasks than gardening but were willing to give anything a go.
They were better suited to DIY tasks than gardening but were willing to give anything a go.
(Excellent)
15 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Agustin & Lucas) for host
Our time with John and Ross was awesome ! It was our first workawaying experience and we didn't now what to expect ! But they made us feel at home, so far away from our real home! The work wasn't hard and John was there to show you how to do it. Sometimes you did some extra time, but then you got your reward with the delicious food of Rosslyn! And… read more
29 Dec 2013
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
Time seemed to fly at chez John et Ros. It's hard to believe we spent over 2 months there! We learned loads from John and Ros and they have helped us alot with our bike woes. Great times, great food, great people and an experience we'll never forget.
28 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)
Liz and Rob are a great couple they arrived a little wet due to thier chosen transport (a tandem) Having dried out they stuck in straight away. They worked both indoors and out preparing ground digging weeding wood cutting whatever was needed often without being asked. They renewed our bathroom with laying a new laminate floor and… read more
(Excellent)
28 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Omar)
Omar stayed with us for about 3 months.
During that time he worked with other helpers and alone.
He cleared the area for and laid a new shed base which demanded a substantial amount of earth moving, and shifting the materials from one end of the garden to the other.
We found him totally honest and felt able to leave him house/dog sitting… read more
During that time he worked with other helpers and alone.
He cleared the area for and laid a new shed base which demanded a substantial amount of earth moving, and shifting the materials from one end of the garden to the other.
We found him totally honest and felt able to leave him house/dog sitting… read more
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2013
Left by Workawayer (Omar) for host
I've never done workaway before but after staying with John and Rosslyn for nearly three months..... I am glad I did. Two of the most gracious knowledgeable and kind hearted people I've ever met. The time literally flew. Rosslyn's cooking was amazing. I learned so many things during my stay from the both of them and had a great time. If youre… read more
8 Oct 2013
Left by Workawayer (Katarzyna & Dima) for host
It was our first workaway experience and we were a bit stressed not knowing what to expect. Now we know, we shouldn’t have been. The time we spent with John and Rosslyn was wonderful. They welcomed us in their house and really treated as a part of their family, we felt like home all the time. We also made great friends with Kain and Livy – their… read more
18 Sep 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Katarzyna & Dima)
Kate and Dima are great people, flexible happy to take on anything. Always looking for how to be helpful. Able to work on own initiative. They were with us for 3 weeks We had good times discussing the finer points of the English language and playing Trivial Persuit.
Dima spent some time helping to resolve a couple of issues with the car. He… read more
Dima spent some time helping to resolve a couple of issues with the car. He… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2012
Left by Workawayer (bonniewilliams) for host
Hi John & Ros,
After travelling for quite a few months Ros and John were most welcoming and accommodating. Ros's cooking was just superb and living with them felt just like home in a way:) I learnt a lot more about recycling, there way of gardening and plenty more. There's never a dull moment at the dinner table with ros and john they will keep… read more
After travelling for quite a few months Ros and John were most welcoming and accommodating. Ros's cooking was just superb and living with them felt just like home in a way:) I learnt a lot more about recycling, there way of gardening and plenty more. There's never a dull moment at the dinner table with ros and john they will keep… read more
19 Sep 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (bonniewilliams)
Bonnie settled in straight awa,y saw what needed doing and got on with it. She tackled jobs inside and out, general housework, gardening, land clearing wood cutting and stacking logs with another helper. We have a rule that helpers can only use machinery that they can start Bonnie achieved this with an 18 inch chainsaw. The dogs will miss their… read more
(Excellent)
29 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Sean & Rebecca)
Becci and Sean are a great couple they stayed with us for about 3 weeks fitting in well and takling anything asked of them. Thier main tasks were land clearing and building a small retaining wall in intense heat. Sean and Becci thanks for your help you know where we are if you are ever passing this way again.
(Excellent)
16 Sep 2011
Left by Workawayer (AntjeBerlin) for host
Dear Rose, dear John! : ) I am really happy that my original hosts in France have cancelled the arrangement and I came to you and Kain and Livvy. I enjoyed my three weeks staying with you and living with you as a part of your family a lot ! I experienced you as very welcoming and generous people (concerning a relaxed atmosphere and great food as… read more
16 Sep 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (AntjeBerlin)
recommended Antje stayed with us for 3 weeks. She is an amazing person with an incredible 'joi de vivre' who sees every task as a challenge.
She wanted to learn how to use power tools so during her time with us she mastered using an angle grinder, hedge trimmer, chain saw, lawn mower, drill and sander. In between this she weeded, planted, chopped… read more
She wanted to learn how to use power tools so during her time with us she mastered using an angle grinder, hedge trimmer, chain saw, lawn mower, drill and sander. In between this she weeded, planted, chopped… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jul 2011
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
Sorry to be late with this - thought I had already done it. Magic stay - thoroughly enjoyed ourselves Thank you Ros for the wonderful meals. Peter was happy to finish the project of clearing the bit of land even though we were there only a week - should have been a lot longer. This is an excellent placement and we really recommend it. Best wishes… read more
17 Jul 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Vicky and Peter Stayed with us for 1 week. They succeeded in clearing sufficient land to enable us to create an area for keeping chickens. This was no small task. It needed tree roots removing and a large amount of shredding. They also tidied sheds and generally helped out.
They have said they would like to come back next year, we do hope so.
They have said they would like to come back next year, we do hope so.
(Excellent)
2 May 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Natsumi)
Natsumi came to us with no prior knowledge or experience in gardening but after being shown what was expected she proved to be an asset and enjoyed seeing the result of her work. She is a friendly supportive person that I would like to call a friend.
(Very good)
5 Feb 2011
Left by Workawayer (Jasonlee81) for host
this was very different to my previous workaways, But in a good way!
Ross and John are very welcoming, and i had a very pleasurable experience here, felt like i was going to school the amount i learned from Ross and John, they have so much knowledge to offer which often left me confused, but in the end i feel i have left very enriched which will… read more
Ross and John are very welcoming, and i had a very pleasurable experience here, felt like i was going to school the amount i learned from Ross and John, they have so much knowledge to offer which often left me confused, but in the end i feel i have left very enriched which will… read more
4 Feb 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Jasonlee81)
Jason worked with us both in the UK and in France. We had a list as long as your arm of work that needed doing as we are in the middle of relocating to our French home. So with Jasons help the decorating is finished a huge amount of our possesions have been loaded into and unloaded from our van firewood is cut and we have an area of our field… read more
(Very good)
24 Jan 2011
Left by host for Workawayer (Soheil)
Soheil came to us in England to help with decorating and moving out. He worked hard at a quite tedious task is easy to live with and willing to try anything.
Thank you Soheil maybe see you in France
Thank you Soheil maybe see you in France
(Very good)
23 Dec 2010
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
I really enjoyed staying with John and Ros at their former home in Kettering, England. They are fantastic hosts, and Ros is an excellent cook (she has a way with potatoes). The painting work in the lounge was tedious, but I feel that I learned a great deal about decorating from John, who is an extremely knowledgeable, handy person who just oozes… read more
15 Aug 2010
Left by host for Workawayer (Mike)
During their short stay Mike and Linda certainly got stuck in with chosen tasks they stripped a whole wall of ivy and restyled our boundary hedge for us. Its a shame they had to shorten their visit with us.
(Very good)
5 Aug 2010
Left by Workawayer (Terril) for host
Ros and John were terrific hosts. We had many sensational meals and lively discussions. They are in the process of restoring a farmhouse, so there are many projects to be done. We felt right at home with them and their two personable dogs. Thanks guys for a great time.
4 Aug 2010
Left by host for Workawayer (Terril)
Terril and Lubos were with us for just 12 days and Lubos successfully completed the installation of radiators and pipework for our central heating. Just a small ammount of work is needed to complete it. Terril has been working in the garden and house. They are both good company and we have had some lively interesting conversations. They always… read more
(Excellent)
3 May 2010
Left by Workawayer (Courtney) for host
Austin and I both loved Ros and John's home. Tons of work to do, and as we learned later with some inexperienced Workaway hosts in Spain, we really appreciated the fact that these were seasoned hosts and knew how long we were suppose to be working, as well as when to give us time off. They were very welcoming and hospitable. THANKS YOU GUYS!
1 Apr 2010
Left by host for Workawayer (Courtney)
Courtney came to us with her friend Austin for 2 weeks in March. She weeded and dug our veggie plot alone and planted potatoes and seeds for us, she worked hard at this. Austin engaged in unloading the van which included moving 2 cubic metres of firewood, and cleared a further area of garden unsupervised. They both helped around the house and… read more
(Very good)
21 Mar 2010
Left by Workawayer (Carlos) for host
Thank you very much John and Rosslyn, these weeks in your company, great hospitality and sharm. It was a great experience, and I expect to be able to return to help soon in the tasks that you need.
20 Mar 2010
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos)
Carlos stayed with us in the UK for about 3 weeks. We would welcome him back any time. He is easy to live with worked very hard at everything we asked and completed a long list of tasks.
(Excellent)
