Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
8 Sep 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 7 days
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Feedback
11
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
I am Katherine, a retired architect living in a home I designed in the south of France.
I specialised in sustainable buildings and my home is a an example of the ideals I embrace my home is a breather building, built using materials that breath, an active house, not passive house.
ABOUT ME
I have MS, I am generally fit I have a weakness in my left leg and walk with a stick outside, otherwise all good.
My husband and I had planned to have a joyous third life on the Côte d’Azur unfortunately he died in 2017, so now it is just me enjoying my third life here in Provence, with friends and family often staying.
I have been a passionate advocate of sustainable architecture throughout my career, designing homes that are good for people and the environment, with a specialism in designing homes for people with disabilities.
This house is the culmination of my career as an architect.
I am now intending to make time and space for other creative pursuits such as ceramics and sculpture .
I regularly go swimming, Practice Tai-chi and go on short walks. I eat a healthy diet, lots of organic veg, meat and fish.
WHO I’M LOOKING FOR
On a general basis I am looking for someone to help with things such as:
lifting, gardening, pool maintenance, sorting things out for storage, and other odd bits of maintenance as they arise.
Proficiency with some computer-based admin tasks, a driver's license is essential and some fluency in French would be a welcome bonuses.
Typically ; the tasks will depend on the time of year and what might need doing.
This might suite someone who would like to work remotely.
Ideally I am looking for someone who is, helpful, thoughtful and willing to lend a hand and enjoy the South of France.
ABOUT THE PLACE
The house is located in the Côte d’Azur region of France, in a stunning location with walks all around, the beaches are about 20 minutes away by car, the nearest village 5 minutes down the hill by car, there is also a bicycle available.
Accommodation for a workaway will be your own double bedroom with en-suit facilities. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Teaching
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Benefits:
- Living in beautiful surroundings in an interesting building.
- car and bicycle available.
- Local village has many events.
- Freedom to get on with your own things.
- Opportunity to come to France and see more of Europe, the location is approximate an hour drive from the Italian border.
- Access to regular exercise opportunities, pool, walks, runs, cycling.
Learning:
- English
- Information/wisdom about sustainable architecture
- How to support someone with a disability
- Cooking skills
- Gardening and planting in a warm climate. -
Help
The main things I would like help with are:
Having a helpful and considerate person around.
Handy person:
Fixing things, carpentry, gardening, clearing, planting and watering.
cleaning around the house and garden.
Cooking: I love cooking, and would be happy to share taking it in turns. (If you are enthusiastic about healthy eating all the better!)
Great but not essential:
Computers: I'm no techno whizz, but use a computer for my work plus emails etc, so additional support with this may come in handy.
French speaking: I'm trying to improve my french as I live in France, so if you speak french, great.
Admin assistance: occasionally helping me to stay on top of french tasks. -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am interested in improving my french. -
Accommodation
New build 4 bedroom low zero carbon house, set in approximately 1 acre, located in the area of the Côte d'azur, 20mins by car from the town of St Maxime.
Beautiful location walks all around.
Double bedroom with en-suit facilities. -
What else ...
Beaches and many sights and small villages around to explore.
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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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Can host digital nomads
Yes they have their own room with a desk.
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Space for parking camper vans
There is space to accommodate a campervan
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Can possibly accept pets
Small well behaved dogs
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How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (6)
For the first 4 weeks John was able to share my car, for the last 3 he hired a car, in this area you need a car to get around.
Part of his stay was looking after my home and my dog while I was in the UK for a few days, just before I left my solar system crashed, with the assistance of … read more
When I arrived on the wednesday evening, I have been explained by Katherine she wants 6 days of work per week and to be available on sunday because as she said she cooks for the workaway … read more
She taught me a lot about sustainable architecture, but also life in general: her story is … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.5)
For the first 4 weeks John was able to share my car, for the last 3 he hired a car, in this area you need a car to get around.
Part of his stay was looking after my home and my dog while I was in the UK for a few days, just before I left my solar system crashed, with the assistance of … read more
When I arrived on the wednesday evening, I have been explained by Katherine she wants 6 days of work per week and to be available on sunday because as she said she cooks for the workaway … read more
She taught me a lot about sustainable architecture, but also life in general: her story is … read more
Is a lovey guy thoughtful and careful in his work. He worked under and with an other more experienced workaway in the renovation of a lower ground floor area.
He organized tools and painted walls and ceiling.
Katherine basicly needs help in différent things including gardening, général maintenance and others DIY stuff. She's … read more
She took initiative, was a pleasure to host, and we shared a happy and productive week.
I would welcome back anytime.
He planted plants got the watering sorted and generally made my very dry land start to resemble a garden.
He organized the water to the plants on the roof, and Kept the pool skied and clean.
He knew what … read more
I reached her home by car maintaining telephone contact with her and passing through incredible hilly landscapes with direct views of the sea.
Once I arrived I was immediately greeted very kindly and was able to immediately unload my luggage in my private room.
The room provided is very … read more
She is very kind and forthcoming. Sometimes, we went to the villages nearby and I had time to discover them. The house is beautiful and has an amazing view over the area.
The tasks in and around the house were not too complicated and I was free to decide when to do what.
Thank you!
We achieved unpacking a lot of boxes and putting them in my new kitchen.
