Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
21 Aug 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
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Feedback
10
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Email verified
Country info
Badges (2)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
UPDATED! Hi, I' m Sandor from England and 8 years ago I bought a magnificent 19th Century chateau. Situated in the South West of France, surrounded by beautiful countryside, only 10 minutes drive from the lovely ancient town of Saintes and 30 min from the ocean.
I have 3 hectares of gardens, meadow and woods. I am currently managing the estate on my own so I can use some extra help. There are a wide variety of projects inside and out.
The help I need right now is more suitable for a strong person willing to use some strengths:
- help with carpentry
- help wood cutting and transporting with the quad
- moving heavier items around
- some painting work
I am a master builder in many areas so there is the opportunity to learn some new skills in renovating if you are interested. If you already have skills which we could put to use here at the chateau then I do offer payment beyond your volunteering hours which I am happy to discuss with you.
The work is 5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 1-3 weeks in September in exchange you have a big private room, double bed and meals included. Hours are flexible, we can work it out together.
The area is very peaceful but rural so you need your own means of transportation to move freely around , I can offer a bike or also give you a lift when I need to go into the town.
In your free time you can explore many beautiful towns, Saintes 10 min, Royan 30 min by car, Rochefort and La Rochelle 1 hour by train, you can swim or rent a kayak, SUP, boat and explore La Charente, or visit markets, concerts and festivals nearby.
Looking forward to hear about your adventures and travels, know more about your country and culture and have long meaningful conversations at the dinner table about the world. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Events & social
Pets
Sustainability
Music
Gardening
Carpentry
DIY & crafts
Architecture
Hiking
Nature -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The experience of living in a French chateau in the beautiful French countryside. The opportunity to assist in all different types of tasks . We are not remote and so there are lots of interesting places to visit close by including Saintes with its Roman ampitheatre and history. If you want to learn French we have plenty of French friends and this area has relatively few English speaking residents. There will be opportunities to get involved in French life in the local community. The evening meals are often spent debating the worlds issues over a glass or two of wine.
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Help
There is much to do in the grounds of the chateau including grass cutting, pruning and clearing. The chateau is undergoing renovation so lots of opportunity to assist.
I have 3 hectares of gardens, meadow and woods. I am currently managing the estate on my own so I can use some extra help. There are a wide variety of projects inside and out.
The help I need right now is more suitable for a strong person willing to use some strengths:
- help with carpentry
- moving some heavier items around
- some painting work
I am a master builder in many areas so there is the opportunity to learn some new skills in renovating if you are interested. If you already have skills which we could put to use here at the chateau then I do offer payment beyond your volunteering hours which I am happy to discuss with you. -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis 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
A large room in the chateau with shared bathroom facilities. Good fresh food, eaten together in the large kitchen or al fresco.
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What else ...
The chateau is situated close to walking trails which pass through farmland and woodlands inhabited by wild deer and boar. We are close to the River Charente where you can kayak, hire boats or swim, which is very popular in the summer. There is an equestrian centre close by and a lovely golf course a short distance away. There are lots of markets to visit in the historic Roman town of Saintes. A lazy day can be spent on the beautiful beach at Royan or for something a bit more energetic a visit to the theme park or explore Crazannes with its stone sculptures and guided tours.
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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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Space for parking camper vans
You can park your van in the garden. Lot's of space.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
One
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My animals / pets
Marilyn and Popcorn, Princess(Hen)
2 Ouessant sheep and 1 elderly hen
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
Staying with them was an amazing experience in many ways.
I learned more about construction work, enjoyed amazing meals and met kind french and anglo-saxon friends.
The castle is really beautiful and the project very ambitious and interesting.
Five stars are not … 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:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(4.4)
Communication:
(4.6)
Staying with them was an amazing experience in many ways.
I learned more about construction work, enjoyed amazing meals and met kind french and anglo-saxon friends.
The castle is really beautiful and the project very ambitious and interesting.
Five stars are not … read more
Completely unnecessarily, as Sue and San made me feel welcome and at home in this amazing place.
They gave me choices as to the type of work, and were ok if I wanted to change jobs, as they have many tasks ongoing.
They took me to see local bands, and even though I had my own car ,happy … read more
