Old watermill with rivers, ponds, woods, meadows and wetlands in Aquitaine, France

Details

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  Description

  Hello, we are Carolyn and Simon and we moved to France in April 2016 after living and travelling in Harvey the RV for 3 years. We loved living in Harvey but found the land here at the Mill irresistible. The Dordogne is beautiful and we live in a peaceful area with close proximity to some interesting and historic places
  
  We have an old Watermill with 5 hectares of grounds, with rivers, ponds, woods, meadows and wetlands: so a varied environment full of wildlife. Although the workings of the Mill have long gone, the wheel still turns** and we are hoping to utilise the power. **Update: the wheel is currently in need of renovation! The house is basic and we are currently renovating it and the adjoining barn, and adding an extension so lots of jobs, outside and inside depending on the weather conditions. For the future we are hoping to run music workshops and residential courses but would enjoy brainstorming about other possible uses that could be of benefit to the community. All ideas welcome!
  
  I am a retired (ish!) costume/dress maker and an erstwhile exercise teacher: Simon is a musician, playing keyboards and guitar (he also sings). He plays mainly jazz, solo, duo and band; but also plays other genres as required. I am a wild water swimmer who swims all year round: Si does Tai Chi. We both enjoy walking and have a number of great trails around us. We are social people and look forward to spending some time getting to know you: we enjoy talking and listening about anything and everything.
  
  If music interests you, then Simon is your man and he would be happy to help you or play with you, especially on the terrace in the evening with a glass of wine. Being a dab hand with a needle I would be happy to show you the basics of sewing, embroidery or knitting if that appeals to you. I am very keen on environmental issues and we try to live with minimum impact. We grow our own vegetables, wit. h varying ees of success!
  
  We are a non-smoking house, but we have 20 acres of land where you could lose yourself if you needed to smoke.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Events & social

  

  Plant care

  

  Performing arts

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Books

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are both English but Simon is also fluent in French; I am trying to learn! You would have the benefit of being able to brush up or start to learn either languages. If you are new to France, then we will help you to experience as much as possible of the French way of life. If you know France, then come to discover the beautiful Dordogne: not only for the peace and tranquility of rural life, but also local towns - the historic Angouleme, with its vibrant cultural life; Brantome - the Venice of the Perigord; Perigeux with its old quarter; Riberac with its bustling Friday morning market and pretty Aubeterre with its monolithic church.
  
  Although we need practical help to keep this project moving, we are keen to meet with people from different backgrounds and culture.

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  Help

  Could I please ask that you only contact us at the moment if you are seriously interested and available; it's very frustrating to be contacted only to never hear again or find you are already booked elsewhere.
  
  Current work involves some land clearing, cutting wood for the winter and installing some flood defences as the winters get wetter. There are a thousand and one jobs that need our attention and we have to be able to change our focus and priority list according to weather conditions. You would need to bring suitable footwear and work gloves. You will benefit hugely if you are adaptable, open-minded and willing to have a go at anything!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  You will need to have a flexible attitude to sleeping arrangements, depending on the weather. There is a room in the house with a single bed and a single mattress that are both comfortable but it is also my sewing room so a little tight on space. We do have a large Motorhome that is doubling up as Si's music studio, but does have a very comfortable bed. If you are travelling with a tent and would like to camp in the gardens, that is fine. There is also ample space for a campervan.
  
  Day to day living chores and meals will be shared. I am a longtime vegetarian, Simon is not, but all meals cooked at home are meat-free and we ask visitors to respect that.

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  What else ...

  We need to point out that we are rural, without a public transport system. You can get to us by high speed train to Angouleme and there is a train station in Perigueux. We would collect you from either of these. You would of course be welcome to join us on any of our trips out, and we would try and help you to see as much as possible of local interests. We have some great walks around us, climbing and canoeing (seasonal only) nearby and a river beach not too far away. I swim every Monday morning in the river there, year round!

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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

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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