Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
10 Aug 2023
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
Hey there!
We are Clement, and Amel, a french couple who decided to move to one of the less crowded area of france, la Creuse; to build our house from a ruin which was built at the end of the XVIII century, while respecting the old way of building houses here so using mostly natural materials and lightweight techniques.
Beside the house, we are also building a kind of cabin to be able to live on the property. We are using the nebraska technique for this one, and the goal is to use as much as materials available on site as possible.
Of course, its a global project so we are also planting fruit trees, fencing, preparing the land to grow food (natural farming/permaculture); collecting water and so on. Lots of things in the making ! its an exciting adventure :)
We live with 2 amazing male goats that we raised and who are really social !
For the moment, we live in a large flat on top of the town hall of our village, that we rent.
Its 5 minutes by car from the house, its big enough to host people.
We have 2 cute female cats with us in the flat, in case your allergic.
That's a nice start to learn about our project :)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As you can guess : ecological construction, wood work, traditional measonry, this kind of stuff.
If your interested in photo or video, that's my job, so dont hesitate if you want to know or try something.
Amel is also in the film industry; but she does a lot of stuff. At the moment she's starting ceramics, so you could also try that !
Then, I can talk a little about our department. Its not a touristy place with astonishing sights on every corner, lets be honest; but we found here a little gem, a quiet paradise. La Creuse is often described as dead place, nothing to do, nobody, and they're right, but that's awesome haha !
We were very surprised when we arrived here 2 years ago, how wild it was, how welcoming were the people and how fast we made new solid friends in the area.
Help
We'd like to be helped mainly on the construction, tho, you don't need to be an expert in it. Of course, if you have experience in this field, thats awesome, but we really dont care, we all started from nothing. Im' learning every day new stuff about construction, brick by brick :)
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Chinese (Mandarin): IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I'm learning Chinese for a few years and would love to practice more :)
Accommodation
Our flat is fairly large and cosy. You'd sleep in a comfortable seperate room. We have 2 sleeping rooms and a convertible bed in the living room.
All the western standard comfort required :)
Food will be mostly vegan/vegetarian; you are invited to participate if you want :)
Smoking is allowed at the window of the living room.
What else ...
Its better if you have your own transportation, so your not stuck.
Cause as helpers, you are not supposed to work all day, just a few, so if we decide to stay to work on the construction; its better if you can go sighseeing on your own. but we are very flexible and we would adapt with your needs also :)
We can provide 2 bikes.
The area is really green, mostly pastures, forests, rivers, nice windy little roads, lots of walks, old buildings to have a look to, and some swimming places. We know a private place to swim in a crystal clear water that not a lot of people know ;)
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
there is enough space to work at home + we have flash internet "that makes.. really fast!"
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
