Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Jan 2025
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
31
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Details
Description
Looking for assistance during the Spring & Summer of 2025.
We have a beautiful watermill situated on the banks of the River Dronne, in the Dordogne, surrounded by 20 acres of land. We need extra hands to help with clearing river, forest and general maintenance around the property. Only couples please.
We moved to France from South Africa in 2003. It took four years to complete the renovations to the watermill. We have transformed it into a luxury, well-being retreat : there are 3 apartments which we rent out to guests, the Mill house was transformed into our own house.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We like to share our philosophy on how we respect and treat Nature and the environment, how we are using Organic methods for growing our vegetables and how important it is to eat regional/organic produce. We like to have fun too.
Help
Gardening,strimming, lawn cutting, clearing forest, wood cutting,animal care, vine trimming, painting, general maintenance, clearing river.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
Bedroom with separate shower and toilet
What else ...
We are 4 kms from the nearest town and is situated in rural France.
There is a train station 20 minutes away with easy access to Bordeaux.
The Dordogne is a wonderful region to explore : caves, monolithic churches, Roman ruins, walking and cycling trails.
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
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 258263492914
Feedback (18)
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (David & Tereza) for host
We had the pleasure of staying with Anita, Simon, and their lovely doggies for three weeks in July, and it was an unforgettable experience. Their property is beautiful, and we felt truly welcomed from the moment we arrived. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat while working on a unique property in southwest France, relatively close to… read more
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mikel & Emma) for host
We stayed with Simon and Anita for 1 week in August and we had a very good experience with them. Simon and Anitta have been the best hosts for our first workaway experience. We spent a lovely week in here cleaning and painting windows and doors.After working for 5 hours we enjoyed walking through the chamins and channels that are very near here.… read more
24 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ignacio & Julia ) for host
Anita and Simon were our first and greatest workaway hosts. They really cared about every detail so we could have a beautiful experience. Fun people, delicious food and very interesting conversations during dinner time. We spent 3 weeks at their place. What we did: clearing the woods, cutting the grass with the tractor, chopping logs, help… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (David & Tereza) for host
We had the pleasure of staying with Anita, Simon, and their lovely doggies for three weeks in July, and it was an unforgettable experience. Their property is beautiful, and we felt truly welcomed from the moment we arrived. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat while working on a unique property in southwest France, relatively close to… read more
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mikel & Emma) for host
We stayed with Simon and Anita for 1 week in August and we had a very good experience with them. Simon and Anitta have been the best hosts for our first workaway experience. We spent a lovely week in here cleaning and painting windows and doors.After working for 5 hours we enjoyed walking through the chamins and channels that are very near here.… read more
24 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ignacio & Julia ) for host
Anita and Simon were our first and greatest workaway hosts. They really cared about every detail so we could have a beautiful experience. Fun people, delicious food and very interesting conversations during dinner time. We spent 3 weeks at their place. What we did: clearing the woods, cutting the grass with the tractor, chopping logs, help… read more
22 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kate & Guy) for host
We had the pleasure to help Anita and Simon out for 10 days this summer.
We couldn’t wish for a better first workaway experience in any aspect. The accommodation was an amazing and cosy bedroom with a separate bathroom.
We were well fed; Anita is a great cook and she creates beautiful dishes from local and seasonal ingredients. She knows a… read more
We couldn’t wish for a better first workaway experience in any aspect. The accommodation was an amazing and cosy bedroom with a separate bathroom.
We were well fed; Anita is a great cook and she creates beautiful dishes from local and seasonal ingredients. She knows a… read more
19 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Julian Pastor)
Julian set a very high standard on his first workaway experience. He did all chores with great diligence and with evident enjoyment. Julian has a beautiful calmness about him and was extremely easy and comfortable to have around. He has a lovely sense of humour and smiles easily. We welcome his return. He is an honourable man.
Anita
Anita
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Julian Pastor) for host
Fue mi primer experiencia workaway y, de corazon, se los recomiendo. Anita es una gran gran persona.
La habitacion disponible es una suite impresionante como de Hotel de 5:asterisk_symbol: en un ambito rural. El lugar y las instalaciones son excelentes. Anita es una excelente chef y todos los dias me brindó platillos diferentes y tipicos de… read more
La habitacion disponible es una suite impresionante como de Hotel de 5:asterisk_symbol: en un ambito rural. El lugar y las instalaciones son excelentes. Anita es una excelente chef y todos los dias me brindó platillos diferentes y tipicos de… read more
27 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jillian & Ken)
Jill & Ken were an absolute pleasure to have as workaways here. It must be said that they completely out classed younger workaways with their enthusiasm to get the various jobs done; offering workable solutions to certain projects; standard of work; completion of each task given to them. Over and above all of this we enjoyed their company… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jillian & Ken) for host
Review for Anita and Simon
From the moment we arrived, Anita and Simon made us feel so welcome. They are natural, thoughtful and generous hosts. Consummate cooks with delicious dinners served every day. Not to mention breakfast and lunches. We shared many tales, laughs and lots of lively conversation during the course of our stay. Our… read more
From the moment we arrived, Anita and Simon made us feel so welcome. They are natural, thoughtful and generous hosts. Consummate cooks with delicious dinners served every day. Not to mention breakfast and lunches. We shared many tales, laughs and lots of lively conversation during the course of our stay. Our… read more
16 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
It was a pleasure to have Kenny's sensitive energy around us - his connection and respect of Nature was bonus. We would like to thank him for leaving a bit of his Spirit behind and all the work he did to help in so many different directions. Thank you! Anita
(Excellent)
14 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
This was my second and first amazing workaway experience. Anita has a wonderful tranquil place and has alot of creative energy which is captured just by feeling the soil around her gardens and wandering in her forest. The nature seems to have an own language here and and even the river speaks of love and wants to connect with you. In the mornings… read more
8 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Philios)
Thanks Philios - it was a pleasure hosting you, you certainly are an inspiration with all your amazing ideas and experiences! Thanks for all the work you did with good energy, willingness and efficiently. Good luck with all your dreams - you are a true entrepreneur! Anita
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Philios) for host
Anita is a wonderful person and with a solid background on healthy, tranquil living! It was a pleasure discussing and listening to her input on my business ventures! The place is like it was designed for a fairy tale. The room i had is the best i ever had as a workawayer. A car, amazing food cooked for dinner...i mean what else could i ask… read more
10 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Pavel)
Thanks for your comments Pavel. It too was an extremely good experience having you stay and help us. All the tasks were taken on with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for re-organising so many cluttered areas too! I enjoyed our exchange of ideas, dreams and philosophies, and hope that you are following your heart and your dream - I can… read more
(Excellent)
8 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Pavel) for host
Dear workaway team,
This is an absolutely wonderful place with great charms, healing nature, exclusive accomodation, and top-rated hosting. The place is gifted with so many features everyone of us would find great enrichment and personal meaning while at a workaway there. Anita and Simon are very special hosts of amazing human qualities. The… read more
This is an absolutely wonderful place with great charms, healing nature, exclusive accomodation, and top-rated hosting. The place is gifted with so many features everyone of us would find great enrichment and personal meaning while at a workaway there. Anita and Simon are very special hosts of amazing human qualities. The… read more
10 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Brent & Eugenia)
It was a great pleasure having you stay here - it certainly did not seem like four weeks, which says a lot in itself! You were both so connected and aware of Nature as you took on the various tasks together - a good working team and really comfortable to have around. Thanks for all you did for us! Wishing you both loads of joy in your life path… read more
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Brent & Eugenia) for host
We stayed a total of four weeks here. This is an incredible place in itself, only to be surpassed by Anita's hospitality. We both have learned a lot in our four short weeks.
The majority of the work was outside. Clearing brambles, working the gardens, tending the chickens, removing debris from a storm, and troubleshooting a dishwasher are just a… read more
The majority of the work was outside. Clearing brambles, working the gardens, tending the chickens, removing debris from a storm, and troubleshooting a dishwasher are just a… read more
4 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Kathrin) for host
We had a fantastic workaway experience at the property of Anita and Simon. They took very good care of us and we felt very welcome from the beginning.
Our tasks included general maintenance and household tasks at the exterior like painting, gardening and collecting and cutting firewood. We enjoyed the absolutely beautiful property after work and… read more
Our tasks included general maintenance and household tasks at the exterior like painting, gardening and collecting and cutting firewood. We enjoyed the absolutely beautiful property after work and… read more
10 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Benedict & Cameron)
Sam & Ben were both great workaways who took each task given to them in their stride, and did them all really well. I enjoyed their open and inquisitive minds. Highly recommended.
(Excellent)
10 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Benedict & Cameron) for host
Anita made sure both me and my friend had a lovely stay, and provided a variety of amazing food. We enjoyed every moment spent there, and found plenty of things to do when out there. The property itself is pretty special, and we can definitely recommend a swim in the river.
3 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Adrienne & Mark )
It was a great pleasure hosting Adrienne & Mark. They were enthusiastic, helpful and did all tasks exceptionally well. Would definitely host them again should the opportunity arise.
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Adrienne & Mark ) for host
We enjoyed our two week workaway at Anita and Simon's (Simon was away during our stay). Anita was more than hospitable arranging a beautiful suite with its own bathroom including shower, and her cooking was wonderful.
I was strimming the long riverbanks which I considered my office, and helping my fiancé Adrienne clip grapes; one day I got to… read more
I was strimming the long riverbanks which I considered my office, and helping my fiancé Adrienne clip grapes; one day I got to… read more
2 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Salih)
Thanks Salih, it was great having you as a workaway. Thanks for taking such care with all the work you did around the place. Hope you are enjoying your other workaway experiences as well. Most of all thanks for teaching me not to judge someone by their hairstyle!! Happy traveling. Anita & Chocolat
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Salih) for host
I stayed with Anita for 2 weeks as my first work away and it was beyond amazing! She is a very sweet person and also very talkative and generous, I enjoyed every minute of my stay and the food she prepares is very delicious. This is the best place for relaxation and sightseeing to the extend that when you go around with the car looking for a… read more
28 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (IsaacAndCarol)
Isaac & Carol were great to have around, their assistance with all the tasks they undertook was superb, done well and willingly. We wish them "bon courage" on the road ahead! Anita & Simon
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (IsaacAndCarol) for host
Our stay (2 weeks) with Anita and Simon seemed to fly by, we had such a great time. They were both fantastic hosts, incredibly generous and the food was fantastic! Having the use of their spare car to explore the surrounding area was a bonus. Our work involved gardening/trimming grass and refurbishment work on railings (sanding and painting). It… read more
4 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Wendy & Kevin)
Wendy & Kevin were great to have around, they helped enormously with many tasks, thankyou!
(Excellent)
3 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Wendy & Kevin) for host
This is an outstanding workaway. We were well looked after with Anita providing lovely meals throughout our 2 week stay. We enjoyed the work especially Kevin who spent most of the time outside with a chainsaw and a strimmer mending pumps and pergolas and removing trees from the river. We borrowed Anita's car a couple of times to visit local towns… read more
14 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan & Taylor)
Tristan & Taylor were an absolute pleasure to have around! They were enthusiastic, always going the extra mile, willing to help with all the chores and always with a smile. Thanks for all your hard work, you have helped me greatly, keep in touch and keep smiling!! LOL Anita and Chocolat xx
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Taylor) for host
We stayed with Anita for two weeks, and we wish it could have been more! Our room was beautiful, the property was beautiful, the food was fresh and delicious, and the company was splendid. We worked daily on projects around the property such as painting, lawn care, cleaning, and other miscellaneous tasks. Anita provides a car for day trips,… read more
3 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
Chocolat and I were very sad to say goodbye to you. You certainly are an inspiration for young people. You came for two weeks and stayed for three. You worked far beyond the hours expected and besides doing such a good job of everything you took on you did it with care and willingness. Thanks for choosing us ! We miss you! Take care, Anita
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
I stayed with Anita for 3 weeks in May and had a great experience! The property is brilliant and was a pleasure to work on, and Anita Simon and chocolat made me feel at home from day one, great food and company, I can highly recommend this workaway for some peace and quiet while working on a special property in south west France. Thanks Anita
