The image depicts a serene scene of a stone house and church, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of people gathered in the foreground.
The image depicts a group of men gathered around a pool table in a dimly lit room, with one man poised to take a shot.
The image depicts two people working in a garden, with one standing and the other kneeling, amidst lush greenery and a large building in the background.
The image depicts a man in a white shirt and black cap, crouched on the floor, holding a blue bucket with a white substance.
The image depicts a man trimming grass on a hillside, while a woman works on the side of the road, set against a backdrop of a house and trees.
The image depicts a man sitting on a tree branch, with two people observing him from the ground. The scene is set in a wooded area with a house in the background.
The image depicts a man standing on a brick ledge, holding a drill, with a wooden door and frame behind him, set against a brick wall and wooden ceiling.
The image depicts a woman tending to a garden in front of a rustic brick building, with a white barn in the background.
The image depicts a person in a red jumpsuit painting the door of a rustic stone and brick building. The person is standing on a concrete porch.
The image depicts a wooden structure with a whale sculpture, a lantern, and a railing, set against a white wall and ceiling.
The image depicts a group of people playing musical instruments in a living room, with a couch, rug, and various objects in the background.
The image depicts a serene beach scene with a vast expanse of sand, a few individuals scattered about, and a clear blue sky above.
The image depicts a rustic brick fireplace with a roaring fire, featuring a black metal grate and a wooden mantle adorned with a decorative pattern.
The image depicts two individuals standing in front of a fireplace, with one person's backside visible as they appear to be using the fireplace as a toilet.
The image depicts a group of people gathered in a grassy area, with a teepee in the background, engaged in an outdoor activity.
The image depicts two men standing in front of a wall, with one wearing a red jumpsuit and the other in black, both covered in paint.
The image depicts a serene beach scene with a vast expanse of water, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of tranquility.
The image depicts a woman standing on a balcony with a dog, overlooking a body of water with a cruise ship in the distance.
The image depicts a large, two-story brick house with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a clothesline with hanging laundry.
The image depicts two men on bicycles in a rural setting, with a church and buildings in the background, set against a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a woman in a kitchen, standing behind a table with a floral tablecloth, surrounded by ingredients and cooking utensils, with a brick wall in the background.
The image depicts a group of people gathered outside a shop, surrounded by an assortment of furniture and decorative items on display.
The image depicts a serene rural scene, featuring a man mowing a lush green lawn, surrounded by trees and a picturesque white house with a red roof.
The image depicts a group of five individuals posing on a beach, with a man in the foreground performing a handstand. The group is dressed casually.
The image depicts an orange cat with a black collar, peeking out from behind a stone wall, its front paw visible.
The image depicts a serene scene of a woman and a boy sitting on the grass beneath a tree, surrounded by lush greenery.
The image depicts a group of five people enjoying a meal together in a backyard, seated around a table with food and drinks.
The image depicts two white cows peering over a hedge, with one cow facing the camera and the other facing away, set against a backdrop of trees and a gray sky.
The image depicts two brown horses with white markings on their faces, peering over a fence made of brown twigs, set against a backdrop of a garden with flowers and a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a serene stone pathway leading to a charming cottage, adorned with potted flowers and surrounded by lush greenery and grazing sheep in the background.

Little medieval manoir seeks restorative company and good times in Parenty, Northern France

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    80 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    25 May 2025

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    50

  • Email verified

    Email verified

Badges (3)

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    I have been a Workaway host for over four years, welcoming over fifty-three fantastic, spirited souls from at least twelve different countries! Since then, some of my original guests have come back for working holidays two or three times and many keep in regular touch with me on Facebook from wherever they have travelled on to all over the world. Hosting and working along with my teams has been an unforgettable, positive experience - there was even a subsequent wedding!........and I do know that the food was a great success from the feedback I received over the years.

    Le Manoir is a lovely 16th century feudal manoir in northern France, complete with tower, meter thick walls, huge wooden beams and four massive fireplaces, it is naturally bursting with atmosphere and amazing when candle-lit - and has fabulous acoustics for every type of music! I have been enjoying the restoration and transformation of this dear old place, but would appreciate some assistance from any creative adventurers out there. I value good company, cooking, music and quality of life.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I realise that my visitors are hoping to absorb as many cultural experiences as possible, so it's great that we're surrounded with friendly and welcoming locals, we're always included in all the village festivals and activities, where everyone can have a good mingle and practice their 'francais'. The old house is situated in the heart of the village, in a valley renowned for its beauty, a favourite with international ramblers, vintage car, motorcycle and cycling clubs. We are 30 minutes from some lovely beaches and the village now has the benefit of Sylvain's little shop, from where he sells fresh produce from the local farms and market gardens - three minutes stroll from my front door. The lively town of Le Touquet is 25 minutes away, with its spectacular beaches and dunes, superb for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sand-yachting - and excellent nightlife. There are also a couple of guitars and other musical instruments available.

    We are only two and a half hours from Paris, Bruxelles and Bruges - and just over three hours door to door from London. I have a nine-seater minibus, so sometimes we load up and go for a picnic in the dunes, or searching for treasure in the local village brocantes and town flea markets, or to one of the many live concerts in the area. There are bikes available for exploring the local lanes and ancient tracks leading to the magical forests and hidden lakes which abound in this area. Additional activities available in the valley are: horse-riding; kayaking; canoeing; fishing; swimming; tennis; bird-watching. There are also occasional eco-building classes held locally, where we have already enjoyed learning the skill of wattle and daub (torchis) construction, I will be watching for more opportunities like this for us this summer.

  • Help

    Help

    Most of the major projects in the main building have been completed - some of the interior walls need to be repointed and painted and the floor tiles are waiting to be laid - but generally, it is now down to the more decorative stage. The manoir very much dictates what is needed in way of restoration and having been in the antiques business for a number of years, I've had the chance to find the appropriate ancient pieces, ie doors etc. to go with its medieval heritage. It is not a vast property, so I don't want to overdo the restoration with too many twiddly bits! I try to salvage and re-use materials as much as possible and have sourced and inserted period fittings in keeping with the age of the place. I'm planning to lay a flagstone terrace behind the house and I would also love to rebuild the old tower to its original height! There is also re-roofing to be done on the small outbuilding attached to the manoir. Anyone with experience in masonry, building, decoration, plumbing or electrics is very welcome, but just pure enthusiasm is also greatly appreciated!

    The garden is in need of attention, as I have been away for a few months. It is meadow-like, with a wide variety of fruit trees and bushes, surrounded on two sides with a hedge, this all needs mowing and cutting back, and the old vegetable patch rediscovering! There are three small flower beds at the front of the house to be weeded and the area tidied up - nothing fancy!

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    German: Intermediate

    This 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

    Accommodation

    The interior of the house is arranged on three floors with three double bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a further double bedroom and bathroom on the way. Naturally, the place is a bit dishevelled and off-beat at the moment, but it has a very unique, lovable personality - everyone remarks on how homely and welcoming it is and settles into their niche!

    We have lots of barbecues and I love to cook international dishes, making sure the helpings are generous! Sometimes, I become the sous-chef and let someone take over the kitchen, a great way for us all to experience dishes from around the world.

    In the case of any emergencies, i.e. unplanned workawayers, when the house is full, I have a substantial top-of-the-range three-room tent, which I pitch amongst the trees. Any laundry is cared for by me!

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    The manoir is only half an hour from three railway stations, and the Dover ferry ports and Eurotunnel are just under an hour away. I'm always willing to meet my Workawayers on arrival - and, of course, taxi them back to their chosen port or station at the end of their stay. Anyone with a campervan is welcome, there's plenty of space in the courtyard in front of the house and heavy duty cables are available to connect to the electricity..

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Lots of space. Have had motorhomes here often. Electricity connection.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 15616695234b

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Photos

The image depicts a group of men gathered around a pool table in a dimly lit room, with one man poised to take a shot.
The image depicts two people working in a garden, with one standing and the other kneeling, amidst lush greenery and a large building in the background.
The image depicts a man in a white shirt and black cap, crouched on the floor, holding a blue bucket with a white substance.
The image depicts a man trimming grass on a hillside, while a woman works on the side of the road, set against a backdrop of a house and trees.
The image depicts a man sitting on a tree branch, with two people observing him from the ground. The scene is set in a wooded area with a house in the background.
The image depicts a man standing on a brick ledge, holding a drill, with a wooden door and frame behind him, set against a brick wall and wooden ceiling.
The image depicts a woman tending to a garden in front of a rustic brick building, with a white barn in the background.
The image depicts a person in a red jumpsuit painting the door of a rustic stone and brick building. The person is standing on a concrete porch.
 Show all photos
The image depicts a wooden structure with a whale sculpture, a lantern, and a railing, set against a white wall and ceiling.
The image depicts a group of people playing musical instruments in a living room, with a couch, rug, and various objects in the background.
The image depicts a serene beach scene with a vast expanse of sand, a few individuals scattered about, and a clear blue sky above.
The image depicts a rustic brick fireplace with a roaring fire, featuring a black metal grate and a wooden mantle adorned with a decorative pattern.
The image depicts two individuals standing in front of a fireplace, with one person's backside visible as they appear to be using the fireplace as a toilet.
The image depicts a group of people gathered in a grassy area, with a teepee in the background, engaged in an outdoor activity.
The image depicts two men standing in front of a wall, with one wearing a red jumpsuit and the other in black, both covered in paint.
The image depicts a serene beach scene with a vast expanse of water, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of tranquility.
The image depicts a woman standing on a balcony with a dog, overlooking a body of water with a cruise ship in the distance.
The image depicts a large, two-story brick house with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a clothesline with hanging laundry.
The image depicts a serene scene of a stone house and church, surrounded by lush greenery and a crowd of people gathered in the foreground.
The image depicts two men on bicycles in a rural setting, with a church and buildings in the background, set against a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a woman in a kitchen, standing behind a table with a floral tablecloth, surrounded by ingredients and cooking utensils, with a brick wall in the background.
The image depicts a group of people gathered outside a shop, surrounded by an assortment of furniture and decorative items on display.
The image depicts a serene rural scene, featuring a man mowing a lush green lawn, surrounded by trees and a picturesque white house with a red roof.
The image depicts a group of five individuals posing on a beach, with a man in the foreground performing a handstand. The group is dressed casually.
The image depicts an orange cat with a black collar, peeking out from behind a stone wall, its front paw visible.
The image depicts a serene scene of a woman and a boy sitting on the grass beneath a tree, surrounded by lush greenery.
The image depicts a group of five people enjoying a meal together in a backyard, seated around a table with food and drinks.
The image depicts two white cows peering over a hedge, with one cow facing the camera and the other facing away, set against a backdrop of trees and a gray sky.
The image depicts two brown horses with white markings on their faces, peering over a fence made of brown twigs, set against a backdrop of a garden with flowers and a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a serene stone pathway leading to a charming cottage, adorned with potted flowers and surrounded by lush greenery and grazing sheep in the background.

Feedback

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.8)

Communication:
(5.0)

Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in FranceHomestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in EuropeHomestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Nord-Pas-de-CalaisFamily FranceLast minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in France

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