Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Feedback
36
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
I am an English woman named Jo, and with the help of my partner Nic, I am renovating a beautiful old farmhouse in the Tarn, south west France to make a space for yoga retreats and Eco tourism, my other helpers are 2 dogs, 2 cats, lawn mowing sheep, chickens and a digger named Doris.
The original farmhouse dates back to 1666, and is surrounded by 50 acres of meadows, farmland and woodlands, a big lake and what I think is the best view in the world! The house is situated in a valley below the 13th century fortified Bastide town of Cordes sur Ciel. The surrounding area is steeped in history and it is only a short trip to some lovely local towns and villages, such as Albi, Gaillac and St Antionin. Together Cordes, Albi and Gaillac make up the Golden Triangle, which is one of the prettiest areas of the Tarn, with its vineyards and white stone houses. The train to Toulouse only takes an hour, and the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coastlines are also just a few hours away.
When I moved here, the farmhouse, buildings and land was in a state of complete disrepair, and although there is still a lot of work to do, parts of it are starting to take shape! The work is varied, with plenty of gardening, landscaping, strimming, building and general renovation work to do.
I am offering stays of 2 weeks or more, for up to 4 to 5 people. Please let me know if you require any more details and are interested in coming to help on the project. In general, I ask my helpers to work about 25 hours a week, plus some cooking/help in the kitchen in exchange for delicious, predominantly vegetarian meals, prepared with fresh fruit and veg from the garden. The accommodation depends on the no. volunteers at the time.
In addition to work, there are also plenty of fun things to do nearby such as:
Horse Riding
Walking, (the GR 36, a walk which starts at the English Channel and finishes at the Med passes through the land)
Swimming and fishing in the lake
Kayaking on the Aveyron, from St Antonin 1/2 hour
Golf in Albi
There is also a plethora of local markets, summer fetes, Bric a brac markets and music festivals.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help
I need people to help with the following:-
Kitchen garden
Garden maintenance
Landscaping
General mowing
Strimming
Rendering and jointing
General renovation work
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
I am offering stays of 2 weeks or more, for up to 4 to 5 people. Please let me know if you require any more details and are interested in coming to help on the project. In general, I ask my helpers to work about 30 hours a week with some cooking/help in the kitchen in exchange for delicious, predominantly vegetarian meals, prepared with fresh fruit and veg from the garden. The accommodation is a two bedroom house.
What else ...
.
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
Host ref number: 13526273494b
Feedback (22)
16 May 2021
All I got to say about Jo and Nic is just good things, they are great people. Jo is one of the best person I've ever met, she is beautiful, thoughtful, smart, sensible, cares about the earth and about the people not to mention the house and the field are stunning. If I had to describe them in one word it would be: my new family. I know that is not… read more
2 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Philipp always had a smile on his face, his outlook and demeanour is very positive, he was a delight to have around. He cooked for himself most evenings as he liked to follow his own daily routine, this worked very well for us. He had the same approach to the work which was thorough and thoughtful. We wish him well in his journey and hope that he… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Apr 2017
I am Philipp and stayed for seven weeks during March and April 2017 at this beautiful farm.
I felt home: I arrived as a hitch hiker and arrived one day earlier than arranged... and was warmly welcomed from a wonderful landscape, nature and the heartly atmosphere of Jo, Nick, Claire and Damien. I enjoyed to have an own comfortable room (better said… read more
I felt home: I arrived as a hitch hiker and arrived one day earlier than arranged... and was warmly welcomed from a wonderful landscape, nature and the heartly atmosphere of Jo, Nick, Claire and Damien. I enjoyed to have an own comfortable room (better said… read more
6 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Verner & Juho)
Juho helped us enormously, digging a pond, putting up fences amongst other things and he is a dab hand with a screwdriver ;). A gentle giant who will hopefully visit us again.
(Very good
)
16 Jan 2017
I spent almost 2 months with Jo and Nic at the end of 2016. The stay was just golden. I learned a lot about the land, animals, yoga and myself. Time seems to stop when you go to their place. The work was hard at times but the tranquility of the place made it worth it. The organic vegetarian food was really nice. Thank you Jo. All the best for you!
Feedback
16 May 2021
Left by Workawayer (Victor) for host
All I got to say about Jo and Nic is just good things, they are great people. Jo is one of the best person I've ever met, she is beautiful, thoughtful, smart, sensible, cares about the earth and about the people not to mention the house and the field are stunning. If I had to describe them in one word it would be: my new family. I know that is not… read more
2 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Philipp always had a smile on his face, his outlook and demeanour is very positive, he was a delight to have around. He cooked for himself most evenings as he liked to follow his own daily routine, this worked very well for us. He had the same approach to the work which was thorough and thoughtful. We wish him well in his journey and hope that he… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I am Philipp and stayed for seven weeks during March and April 2017 at this beautiful farm.
I felt home: I arrived as a hitch hiker and arrived one day earlier than arranged... and was warmly welcomed from a wonderful landscape, nature and the heartly atmosphere of Jo, Nick, Claire and Damien. I enjoyed to have an own comfortable room (better said… read more
I felt home: I arrived as a hitch hiker and arrived one day earlier than arranged... and was warmly welcomed from a wonderful landscape, nature and the heartly atmosphere of Jo, Nick, Claire and Damien. I enjoyed to have an own comfortable room (better said… read more
6 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Verner & Juho)
Juho helped us enormously, digging a pond, putting up fences amongst other things and he is a dab hand with a screwdriver ;). A gentle giant who will hopefully visit us again.
(Very good
)
16 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Verner & Juho) for host
I spent almost 2 months with Jo and Nic at the end of 2016. The stay was just golden. I learned a lot about the land, animals, yoga and myself. Time seems to stop when you go to their place. The work was hard at times but the tranquility of the place made it worth it. The organic vegetarian food was really nice. Thank you Jo. All the best for you!
12 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Susan)
Susi is very hard working, reliable and dependable, she becomes deeply involved in everything she does however menial and undertakes all tasks with a positive attitude. She became a member of the team instantly always looking to help, understand and learn.
She also helped us enormously with marketing the business and her offer to continue to… read more
She also helped us enormously with marketing the business and her offer to continue to… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Susan) for host
I had the absolute best time during my 3 weeks here, so much so that I’ve already booked my return visit for next year. Jo and her partner Nic, along with Claire and Damian are excellent hosts and great fun to work alongside, as was Linda the other workawayer. There is a great atmosphere and I was made to feel so welcome from the minute I… read more
28 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
I had an absolutely brilliant month here as my first workaway experience! The work was simple, enjoyable and diverse, as well as surprisingly therapeutic. We worked mornings up until around 2pm for lunch with a coffee break in between (Jo's favorite time of day :D), which worked very nicely with the way the heat of the day would build up towards… read more
23 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Marleen) for host
My first workaway experience was great thanks to Jo, Nic, Claire and Damien. We slept in the old breadoven, what was a spacous place. The shower and toilet where clean and close by. The area is gorgious and Jo's place is beautiful. The sunset in the evening are stunning and Cordes is a lovely village with a nice market. The food we got was… read more
8 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Corinne)
Corinne is a rare find, kind and thoughtful, knowledgable and hard working. A calm, interesting and intelligent person, who imparted her knowledge of permaculture and life easily. She treated my garden as if it were her own. Her cooking was good too. Thank you Corinne, you are welcome anytime.
(Excellent
)
31 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Corinne) for host
I had an amazing experience here! Jo is a charming woman, a kind and welcoming host, plus a fabulous cook. Through her courage and inspired artistry, and with the help of many willing volunteers and friends, she has designed and created a home which emanates harmony, beauty and joy. Jo’s partner, Nic, is a lovely man, very helpful and… read more
13 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Jose Antonio & Susana)
Jose and his partner, Susana were the perfect team, Jose would give anything a try and would not stop until he finished the job, if he had time on his hands he stepped in to help others, a lovely, gentle and thoughtful man. What Susana lacked in skills she made up for with dogged determination, moving 30 tonnes of stones without complaint, her… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jose Antonio & Susana) for host
Well, late but finally we found a gap to comment how great was our stay with Jo. We felt like if it was our own home from the beginning. The place is wonderful, the views are stunning and Cordes is a really charming place. We enjoyed the food so much, with lots of fresh products coming from the vegetables garden. And those plums are delicious!… read more
29 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Sue)
Sue - seamstress extraordinaire, sue worked tirelessly on making curtains, bolster covers amongst other things, her work was thoughtful and beautifully made, although working alone she made a lovely addition to the team, cooking, cleaning and even the hay baling!! She is missed and I hope she will visit again soon.
(Excellent
)
26 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Sue) for host
My experience with Jo was amazing, she's an inspiring, kind, lovely lady who's also an excellent yoga teacher too... thanks for the classes. I feel proud that I made a small contribution to her yoga retreat, sewing curtains and making yoga bolsters. I'm sorry I was such a weed when it came to hay baling though! The surroundings are beautiful with… read more
16 Oct 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Diana)
Diana, D was brilliant, undertook every job with a smile, uncomplaining even when she was up a ladder chipping away for several days and completely covered in render dust, she was still smiling, I think the more challenging the work the more D enjoyed it and always ready to try or learn something new. She was a huge help in the house as well,… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2013
Left by Workawayer (Diana) for host
I had such a wonderful time at this lovely place with Jo, I wish I could've stayed longer! I hope I can come back sometime and see everything finished... or help some more.
I loved being able to be a small part of what Jo is creating here. She is a very inspirational woman. The work was quite varied, from wall building and gardening to cooking..… read more
I loved being able to be a small part of what Jo is creating here. She is a very inspirational woman. The work was quite varied, from wall building and gardening to cooking..… read more
17 Sep 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelsee & Elizabeth )
I would recommend Kelsee and her friend Elizabeth to any host, they always had a smile on their faces, regardless of the weather and the weeding, happy to 'have a go' and to help in anyway they could. I look forward to welcoming them back...one day, good luck x
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2013
Left by Workawayer (Kelsee & Elizabeth ) for host
Couldn't have been luckier! We had never done a work exchange before this, and it was the best possible first experience. Jo was just as lovely as Cordes; the food she cooked, the stories she told, her sense of humor... and of course Archie and Louis were fantastic as well. The work was enjoyable as well, EVEN the weeding. Jo has such a beautiful… read more
10 Aug 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Mark)
I am very pleased to say that Mark returned to us later on in the day he left, a delightful surprise and not such a short story after all, we got to enjoy his joyful presence for another 2 weeks. He is hard working, conscientious and knowledgable, eager to learn and his panackalty was delicious. Mark you are welcome back anytime, Bonaparte sends… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jul 2013
Left by Workawayer (Mark) for host
Every now and again, you happen to come across certain people or a particular place, which words can not do justice to.
Only the tears of laugher, smiles of sheer joy, and memories of happiness can tell the full (but regrettably short) story.
Lots of love to Jo, the animals and the workaway crew (a.k.a Fezboz, Tibles, Mart, and Suzie).… read more
Only the tears of laugher, smiles of sheer joy, and memories of happiness can tell the full (but regrettably short) story.
Lots of love to Jo, the animals and the workaway crew (a.k.a Fezboz, Tibles, Mart, and Suzie).… read more
28 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Elvira)
Elvira is charming and thoughtful, good fun to have around, her and Teija tackled every task conscientiously and artistically, I hope to see them back here some day soon. Good luck Elvi in all you do, and by the way the willow fence you made....62 of the posts are shooting, when you return there will be a willow forest, lots of love, Jo
(Excellent
)
15 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Elvira) for host
Every time I had the opportunity to discover a little bit more about Jo more impressed I was! I think Jo is a real woman,very brave, optimistic, hard worker and always with a smile in her face! The house,animals and surroundings are magic!I learned so much working with her and I will never forget the amazing experience in her home. Thank you Jo ,… read more
9 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Teija)
Teija and her friend Elvi were here for almost 3 weeks, they were a delight, hard working, helpful in the house, very imaginative and artistic, I wish them well in their travels and look forward to seeing them in the future, lots of love and luck, Jo and les animaux,
ps: 2 lambs so far Boris and (Ram) Bo, yes 2 boys... Come on ewe girls xx
ps: 2 lambs so far Boris and (Ram) Bo, yes 2 boys... Come on ewe girls xx
(Excellent
)
1 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Teija) for host
I stayed two and half weeks with Jo and at the end I noticed that the time had passed really fast. the house is really beautiful and Cordes is an amazing little town. Jo knows so much about yoga and about life in general and it's fascinating to listen to her stories and to her contagious laughter.
all the animals of the house are great… read more
all the animals of the house are great… read more
5 Apr 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
The only problem with Marc was that he had to leave!
I hope that we inspired him enough for him to want to return one day, the wall will be waiting:-)
Big hug from Jo and les animaux
I hope that we inspired him enough for him to want to return one day, the wall will be waiting:-)
Big hug from Jo and les animaux
(Excellent
)
2 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
This was my 1st workaway experience and I worked away a lot :-).
All the input from my 2 weeks with Jo, the other workawayers Daniel, Teija and Elvira will inspire me for many weeks.
Thanks for feeding me ;-).
Ehh, I did not like the mud LOL............the rest SUPER !!
Hugs,
Marc
All the input from my 2 weeks with Jo, the other workawayers Daniel, Teija and Elvira will inspire me for many weeks.
Thanks for feeding me ;-).
Ehh, I did not like the mud LOL............the rest SUPER !!
Hugs,
Marc
29 Dec 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Vera)
Vera is a delight, good company, boundless energy and very industrious. We will remain friends I'm sure, and I look forward to seeing her and Oskar next year.
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2012
Left by Workawayer (Vera) for host
I just loved to stay with Jo. I have had a great time - talking, making jokes (Sorry Steward!), going to the markets, discussing new plans for this stunning place, sweating in the Yoga-lessons and watching all Harry Potter Movies. And the food was so, so good. I really can´t imagine a better host. And I can´t imagine to loose contact to Jo. She… read more
18 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Gabriella)
Gaby and Grace were a delight, hard working, conscientious and fun, they showed a maturity beyond their years, and made the best Chocolate cake I have ever tasted.
Good luck girls, come back soon.
Good luck girls, come back soon.
(Excellent
)
15 Aug 2012
Left by Workawayer (Gabriella) for host
We had such a wonderful times staying with Jo, it was an amazing experience and she is a lovely friend we have made. We loved the work that we were given, Jo was flexible with working hours which was great. The surrounding area was stunning and her land was beautiful especially the lake! I would highly recommend working with Jo and we are hoping… read more
10 Sep 2011
Left by Workawayer (Alison) for host
I had a fantastic two weeks staying with Jo. It was really interesting to see the progress in her renovation project and I enjoyed getting involved in a range of jobs such as painting, garden work, cooking and cleaning. Jo was incredibly welcoming and a lot of fun to talk to, as were all of the other workaways staying there. There was a lot to see… read more
9 Sep 2011
Left by Workawayer (Karin & Kerstin) for host
We would like to award 8 out of 4 smilies for Jo and her place which makes a double excellent. We stayed with a group of workawayers in her place, and she made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Jo is a considerate, very sociable host with a good sense of humor and interesting ideas. Work was well organized, structured and versatile. The place… read more
26 Aug 2011
Left by Workawayer (Brian) for host
Joanne is as wonderful a host as you could wish for. Everybody was really great, the animals were lovely and the location is just fabulous.
22 Jun 2011
Left by Workawayer (Martin & Carol) for host
I had a a fabulous time at Jo's wonderful rural farmhouse near the hilltop village of Cordes. There was a great extended family of dogs, cats, chickens, horses and builders. There's plenty of varied garden and house maintenance type work to do and I became very attached to the strimmer. The food was very healthy (sometimes straight out the garden)… read more
30 Jul 2010
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
Jo is a wonderful person!! She is an excellent cook, has a sense of humor and it was very nice to chat with her.
She owns a beautiful farmhouse in a stunning area! Cordes is a small, but very nice village! I really enjoyed staying at her home and helping with her work!
She owns a beautiful farmhouse in a stunning area! Cordes is a small, but very nice village! I really enjoyed staying at her home and helping with her work!
