Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
15
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
For the past 40 years I have run a travel company specialising in different tours to ICELAND in winter and summer. I have also organised tours to Nepal, Peru, New Zealand and many other countries, too many to name here. I am half Icelandic and I taught Icelandic embroidery when I lived in the UK producing a book called Icelandic Patterns in Needlepoint which has been reprinted 3 times. I paint, write and love ceramics.
This beautiful area of France is a haven for artists. I am a very busy designing, painting and running my travel company office.
I moved to Southern France in 2004 to the lovely area of the Dordogne, which is part of the Acquitaine region. I live in the middle of the town of Riberac, in a large house with garden of over one hectare. Riberac is a farming town and has one of the largest markets in the Dordogne. The town's location is situated near Bordeaux and Bergerac.
I have 4 children and a large family who all live in the UK , sometimes they visit me. I have two lovely dogs called Freyja and Alfie, both of whom love people and walks .
I need some help with my large house, garden and swimming pool, being so busy in the office i encourage workaways to do the shopping locally and at the huge market on Friday mornings, if they like cooking they can have a free hand in the kitchen. My dogs love the countryside for walks . I often have workaway couples staying, they compliment each other with their jobs, working happily together is great to see.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You would certainly learn all about this beautiful area in southern France, as I always take the workaways on excursions to these lovely areas, like Aubeterre with the Monolithic church, the fantastic square and treats like lovely French cuisine. We go to Perigueaux and other villages and towns, also the Grande Lakes, for swimming.
If workaways are over 25 yrs they are also welcome to drive my car and explore more of this area themselves, as its usually two workaways who know each other come to stay.
There is the opprtunity to join french lessons in the local cultural centre. I have a big selection
You would also learn much about Iceland should you be intending to visit the land of contrasts one day., my Mother's homeland and I can put you in touch with visiting Iceland as i specialise in tours over there for the last 40 yrs.
Help
My dogs love to go for walks with my workaways, the area has some beautiful areas to explore, including lakes.
If you enjoy cooking then you can experience the huge market with fresh fruit and vegetables five mins walk from my house. i am quite happy if you wish to cook some meals. I have a gardener who mows my large lawn, a pond with wild life and a large wild flower garden, watering plants in the garden could be a job you will enjoy .
I make jam and wonderful chutneys from my fruit trees, workaways love to help with making this.
General help with hanging out washing, and house chores.
lots of friends visit me, so you can interact with them and try out your French help with making them coffees and croissants
There is always lots going on!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Icelandic: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis 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
The house has seven bedrooms, you would have your own room and full access to the kitchen , terrace and gardens. There is a swimming pool by the large terrace and a cine screen with projector for videos in the living room.
What else ...
The local area is beautiful with some lovely historical villages and sites to visit. You could join me or some of the visitors on their outings to some lovely area.
There is the opprtunity for canoeing locally and you can start from the river in the town where I live. 5 minutes walk.
There is a large municipal swimming pool five minutes walk from my house, along with tennis courts in the town. (we also have our own swimming pool). It is also a great area for cycling and I have two bikes available to use. If you are over 25 years of age and have a full licence there is a Peugeot car of mine you could use to explore the local areas.
There are many antique and brocante markets and art exhibitions during the summer months.
The house is always busy and lively with family and friends always visiting.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
i have an excellent wifi connection plenty of rooms and space to work from home
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Feedback (11)
Dès mon arrivée, j'ai été accueilli chaleureusement par cette femme islandaise pleine d'énergie et de bienveillance. Toujours active et passionnée, elle a su rendre mon séjour agréable et enrichissant.
Dès le début, j'avais… read more
We got on very well. She has a very lively and strong personality,or as she prefers to call herself, she's a viking woman. For me, that price so much family and life stories, it was great to listen to so many… read more
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Dès mon arrivée, j'ai été accueilli chaleureusement par cette femme islandaise pleine d'énergie et de bienveillance. Toujours active et passionnée, elle a su rendre mon séjour agréable et enrichissant.
Dès le début, j'avais… read more
We got on very well. She has a very lively and strong personality,or as she prefers to call herself, she's a viking woman. For me, that price so much family and life stories, it was great to listen to so many… read more
Always happy at every task she was asked to do. Ruth loved my two dogs, as everyone does.
Safe travels Ruth, and remember my door is always open to you. All best wishes, Jona x
I suddenly had to go and visit my sister in Mallorca after Melina had only been a few days with me. I felt totally confident that she could look after my lovely dogs and my very large house.
I certainly was not wrong, everything… read more
We helped in the garden, spent some time with her lovely dogs and cooked a little bit.
Thanks a lot!
You exceeded all my wildest dreams on what to expect from my very first workaway!
You looked after everything so well, such good company with your lovely open personality.
Any hosts you work for are certainly going to be very lucky and privileged .
My door is always open to welcome you home. Jona x
From the first day I arrived, I was made to feel like one of the family and that your beautiful home was mine also. Thank you for introducing me to so many of your family members (who are all absolutely gorgeous people) and your friends - also gorgeous people!
I miss my daily walks… read more
