Stay with us in our village near the Pyrenees, France

France

Favourited 117 times

Host rating
Feedback
22
Last activity
24/10/2020
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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What's this?

Details

Description
Leaf and I live in an old cottage on the edge of a small ridge-top village within an hour's drive of the Pyrenees. Our lifestyle is as eco as we can make it. We mainly need help with gardening, furniture painting and organising our garage for a sale. Leaf has Alzheimer's but is otherwise physically very fit. He enjoys walking, companionship and discussion on a wide range of subjects, despite some confusion here and there! I appreciate help in the kitchen. We are ovo-vegan and eat predominately organic food. The atmosphere is informal, creative and laid-back. Our garden is well-established and productive and needs to be kept under control. I am a writer/blogger, currently endeavouring to organise the material for a guide to living in SW France (after 30 years of residence). We have one cat, Pepe and there's Monty, our adorable young dog, who we rescued from living in a ditch. Originally from the UK, we both speak French and Leaf is fluent in Spanish, I have some German.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Elderly Companionship
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Help around the house
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Leaf and I are willing to speak French if required. Those who enjoy cooking and would like to learn more about vegan cooking, will enjoy spending time with me in the kitchen. We love lively discussion on a wide range of subjects and helpers have commented on the evenings spent debating. From a cultural point of view, I have lived in France for 30 years and am well integrated into the French way of life, Leaf has been here for twenty years. Our small art studio is a great place for those who enjoy creative activities.
Help
We would like help with strimming as well as weeding and tidying the courtyard and garden. Some general help in the house would also be appreciated and we have furniture that needs painting.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
German: Beginner
Accommodation
A small gite attached to the main house.
What else ...
There is much to see locally and we are happy to show helpers around.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
4-5 daily for 5 days a week to be arranged according to weather

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (22)

20/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Terence) for host

For my first official Workaway experience in Europe, my stay with Sue and Leaf was marvelous and calming. I found my self comfortably snug in their home for one month starting in mid November. The weather was incredibly radiant, with the odd day or two of cleansing rains and strong wind gusts. The work was collaborative, flexible and open to… read more

(Excellent )

19/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Terence)

We had a great month with Terence. He fitted in perfectly with our slightly haphazard lifestyle, was always in good spirits and enjoyed in-depth discussion about almost anything you can think of. He worked hard in the garden and in constructing our 'ditty box' (!), cabin for chilling-out and listening to music. Monty, our dog, adored him and is… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Enrika) for host

I am really grateful for Sue and Leaf. It was beautiful transformative time in my life.
They experiences are amazing to hear and to learn from. Wonderfully caring and honest people. I had good time while was working in a fresh air in the garden. and meeting other people there;)
The atmosphere is very relaxing and cozy. They helped me to remember… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Enrika)

We thoroughly enjoyed having Enrika help us with our garden and were happy she was able to use our little artists' studio to create some beautiful work. A very talented girl who worked hard and used her initiative. If she saw something needed doing she did it. We had lots of interesting conversation about veganism and diet in general, world… read more

(Excellent )

15/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

This was Hannah's first Workaway experience and she fitted in with our somewhat unconventional lifestyle really well. She worked hard and was a pleasure to have around. We had lots of interesting conversations - it's great for people of our generation to hear what young people have to say, particularly those from different cultures. Hannah's stay… read more

(Excellent )

28/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Aaron) for host

I stayed with Sue and Leaf for 1 month and really enjoyed my time their. The work wasn't too demanding and their was always loads to do so i never found myself without a job. I really enjoyed the long sometimes deep conversations at meal times even though it did take me a while to get used to them and of course the Vegan food was delecious, Sue is… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)

Aaron was amazing! Our garden looks wonderful and, thanks to all his hard work clearing rubbish, we now have an art studio in the making. He fitted in with our unconventional lifestyle and vegan diet with no problem and helped in the house as well. He was always cheerful and ready to discuss whatever subject came along. Our dog, Monty, misses him,… read more

(Excellent )

27/09/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Maie)

Maie was an absolute delight to have around. She adapted to our lifestyle with ease and worked extremely hard - sometimes we had to remind her she'd done enough! She was a terrific help in the kitchen and took the initiative when she noticed things needed doing. We had lots of interesting conversations and it was great to be able to communicate so… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Maie) for host

I had a wonderful time, staying with Sue and Leaf. They are caring, helpful and incredibly interesting hosts. My stay at their house was relaxing and inspiring.. The work was pleasant with numerous teabreaks. Even though Sue and Leaf always showed great gratitude. And they gave me so much in return! The best vegan food ever (and lots of yummy… read more

(Excellent )

20/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Odhran & Sorcha)

Sorcha and Odhran were fun to have around. They worked hard and willingly. It was good to have the chance to talk to two young people and to learn their take on the world. They were great with the animals and appreciative of our cooking, adapting to a virtually vegan diet isn't easy for everyone. We wish them well with their studies and hope to… read more

(Excellent )

20/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Odhran & Sorcha) for host

Sue and Leaf were our first hosts using WorkAway. From the very beginning, we felt so welcome in their home. They are two of the most open-minded, fascinating, and warm people we have ever met. One of our favourite aspects of our stay with them was the in-depth discussions we had during meals. They both shared their experiences with us, while… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (René & Ana)

René worked incredibly hard and achieved masses in his time with us. He slipped into our routine smoothly and without fuss and we had lots of stimulating discussions on all sorts of subjects. He was wonderful with Wesley, our new ex-refuge dog, who is definitely missing his extra walks. All in all, having René staying with us was a pleasure and… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2015

Left by Workawayer (René & Ana) for host

Sue and Leaf and I had quite a lot in common and I had a great time with them, their canine and their feline friends. I enjoyed the work, the house, the area, the food, the games, the company and their way of life very much. Thanks a lot!

(Excellent )

16/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Tiago & Fernanda)

What a lovely couple. So helpful, willing and appreciative. Tiago and Fernanda are courageous and very interesting. We hope to be able to welcome them again one day or to visit them in Brazil.
Thank you both again.
Sending love and best wishes in all your future projects.

(Excellent )

16/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Tiago & Fernanda) for host

Leaf and Sue, we have no words to say thank you!
We had a nice time with you and we never will forget it!

It was possible to learn a lot of diferent things and share great moments with amazing couple.

Thank you and we are wainting for you here!!

Thank you!!!!!

(Excellent )

08/03/2014

Left by Workawayer (Alice) for host

Sue and Leaf are cool, relaxed and very alternative-minded. Their house is beautiful and the work is varied. The food is really good. Sue makes amazing organic vegan meals everyday! They will take you on very picturesque walks with their sweet dog, Mitch. And the vibe in the South of France is very relaxed, the air is pure and the scenery is… read more

(Excellent )

08/03/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)

Alice was just great. Fun, interesting, easy-going and willing to tackle whatever we asked. We were definitely singing from the same song sheet too! She helped us redecorate our kitchen - a mammoth task moving everything out and camping in the utility room whilst it was done! She made new curtains and delicious pumpkin pie. A lovely person to… read more

(Excellent )

29/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (Alexandra) for host

Leaf and Sue are both great, very inspirational and interesting people full of knowledge and stories... thanks for everything! I got treated with absolutely amazing food and warm hospitality and really enjoyed my time. Because I wanted to speak French, they made the effort to speak French whenever I was around, special thanks for that :)

(Excellent )

23/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandra)

Alex was great to have around, Mitch, our dog agrees with that! She worked hard and helped out in the kitchen and with housework. The veggie patch really benefitted from her attention and some of the seeds she planted are already coming through. She's a tireless blackberry picker too. We had a good few laughs and her week with us went by fast.… read more

(Excellent )

03/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Rosy & Henry) for host

Sue and Leaf made us feel welcome and at home. They are an inspirational couple and excellent company. Our stay with them was a wonderful and enriching experience. We couldn't recommend them more highly.

(Excellent )

01/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Rosy & Henry)

Rosy and Henry were a joy to have around - fun and interesting. They worked really hard, in fact harder than we thought they should at times! If something needed doing, they didn't have to be asked - perfect! They integrated happily with our circle of friends. We recommend them highly.

(Excellent )

17/06/2013

Left by Workawayer (Damian) for host

Our stay with Sue and Leaf was our third workaway experience and we had an amazing time..one we will never forget. If you are interested in working outdoors and enjoy home made healthy food, evening walks and engaging fun company..you will have a ball. We found our stay to be very balanced..clear working hours and time to relax..flexible days off… read more

(Excellent )

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