Help us with some garden and DIY tasks in Chagneau in rural France

Details

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  Description

  We are James and Loree, "empty nesters" who retired early, wanted something new in our lives and ended up selling everything in England and moving to Chagneau in rural France 5 years ago. It must have been a good decision because we have many friends and family from overseas come to visit us, especially in the summer and our son and French fiancée and our daughter, visit us typically twice a year, sometimes for many weeks at a time!
  Chagneau is an old stone built traditional farmhouse, sitting in 17 acres (7 hectares) of mature gardens, woodland and fields. In addition to the wildlife here, we have a dog, 3 cats, chickens, ducks and a lake full of fish! The house was renovated and updated some 15 years ago. Situated about 1km outside the medieval rural town of Lauzun, the property is in a peaceful location, with nature in abundance. However, the fabulous weather here means that the property and grounds are all too happy to revert to nature faster than we can stop it and that is the main area of assistance required. By the autumn the temperatures have dropped a little and there is a lot of foliage cutting back , painting and maintenance/repairing to be carried out.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This region of France is very historic, with some local towns virtually unaltered for hundreds of years and many chateaux. Any visitor to the area is immediately immersed in rural French culture, but with a safety net that as a popular tourist region, many locals speak some English!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  This year, our outdoor tasks include repairing /reinforcing part of the lake bank, cutting back/stripping out hedging, plants and weeds, repairing timber bridges over the stream, repainting tractor shed doors, weeding. No special skills required, just labour!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Any visitors to Chagneau stay in the main house and have their own bedroom and attached bathroom on the first floor. (Our bedroom is down on the main (ground) floor). We will be preparing meals most days and would endeavour to ensure that we include food that our visitors like!

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  What else ...

  This region of France is rich in culture. Medieval villages and towns, chateaux and stunning rolling countryside are the main features of the area and of course typically pleasant weather. Public transport is scarce and cars are the primary transport here. The lifestyle is decidedly rural, slow and quiet. Walking is a popular activity and our house is situated on a popular signposted walking route. Lauzun town is an easy and flat 15 minute 1km walk to the centre. On your days off we can take you to see some of the other local towns , cities and sights, if you wish. Having your own transport would give you further flexibility.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week