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Description
About Us
We are a family undertaking a personal restoration project in the French countryside, set on 170 acres of woodland and meadow. The property includes a number of old cottages and outbuildings, and we're gradually bringing the place back to life, with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural exchange.
We moved here in September 2024 from Jersey in the Channel Islands, though we have French roots. This is a private, non-commercial project – we are not a business and we are not seeking help with any commercial activity.
Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where people from different walks of life can come together, share experiences, and enjoy the beauty of nature and simple living.
I’m a wellness practitioner and naturopath with a deep interest in holistic health, yoga, and reconnecting with the land. In time, I hope to host small, non-commercial gatherings around these themes.
My two sons (20 and 18) are also involved. My eldest is on-site more regularly and enjoys helping out with the day-to-day rhythm of the place.
Cultural Exchange and Learning
We welcome Workawayers as part of our extended community, and see this as a genuine opportunity for cultural exchange. Whether it's chatting around the table, sharing music, learning a new recipe, or taking a walk through the woods – we love discovering different cultures and sharing our way of life too.
We’re also curious and open to learning from you – your skills, traditions, and stories.
Types of Help
We are currently only looking for light assistance such as:
Helping around the house
Watering and tending plants
Feeding chickens
Simple outdoor tasks
Cooking or sharing meal prep
Please note: we do not need help with restoration, building, landscaping, painting, or any skilled trade work. These are handled by professionals or done by us as a family.
Accommodation and Meals
You’ll have a private room in either the main house or a cottage, depending on what's available. Bathroom facilities may be shared.
In return for up to 25 hours of light help per week (with 2 full days off), we provide three meals a day. Meals are usually shared and home-cooked with a focus on fresh, seasonal food. We’re happy to accommodate dietary needs when possible. If we can’t always eat together, ingredients will be provided for you to cook independently.
This is a peaceful, creative environment – ideal for someone who enjoys a slower pace, nature, and meaningful exchange. If that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Videography
LGBTQ
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Van life
Self development
Farming
DIY & crafts
Plant care
Cooking & food
Gardening
Art & design
Animals
Architecture
Winter sports
Yoga / Wellness
Fitness
Nature
Camping
Mountain
Beach
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural Exchange
We believe that cultural exchange is at the heart of the Workaway experience. By joining us, you’ll become part of a vibrant community where social connections and learning flourish. Here’s what you can expect:
Social Activities: Share meals with our family, join evening gatherings by the fire. We also encourage connections with the local community, offering opportunities to explore nearby markets, festivals, and cultural events.
Skills and Knowledge Sharing: From learning hands-on restoration techniques to picking up tips about sustainable living and gardening, you’ll gain practical skills that you can take with you. John also offers insights into naturopathy, yoga, and wellness practices to enrich your stay.
A Two-Way Exchange: While you’ll learn from us, we’re equally excited to learn from you. Share your language, culture, and unique skills—whether it’s a recipe from home, a creative craft, or a fresh perspective on sustainable living. Every guest brings something special to our shared journey.
Help
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for kind, enthusiastic individuals who enjoy being part of a collaborative environment and are happy to lend a hand with everyday tasks. At the moment, our focus is on light, non-skilled help around the home and garden, such as:
Watering plants and light weeding
Feeding animals (e.g., chickens) and general outdoor tidying
Helping with meal prep, simple cooking, and keeping communal spaces clean
Occasional household organisation
Sharing creative, musical, or artistic skills that contribute to a relaxed, cultural atmosphere
What matters most is a positive attitude and willingness to contribute as part of a team, in tune with our long-term vision of restoring and enjoying this peaceful rural space.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis 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
We are currently renovating the Manoir within the Chateau estate. This will eventually be our home, which we are happy to share with you until such a time another cottage is restored. You will have your own bedroom, a shared bathroom and also wifi throughout the estate.
We can offer a space to also pitch a tent if you'd prefer, or the odd motorhome would work too.
What else ...
What to Do with Your Time Off
In your free time, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Explore the lush woodlands and trails on the property, or take a short trip to visit nearby villages, markets, and historical landmarks.
In Thiviers and the surrounding Dordogne region, you’ll find charming towns, bustling farmers’ markets, and beautiful riverside spots perfect for picnics. For nature lovers, the area offers stunning hiking and cycling routes, and we’re happy to help with advice on local attractions.
Public transport, including buses and trains, connects Thiviers to nearby towns, and we can also assist with arranging lifts to key destinations when possible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
We can offer an area on the estate thats flat and has the most incredible sunsets!
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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