Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Aug 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
36
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
My name is Robin and I work here at Ferme de la Hamberie caring for 5 Gites and surrounding grounds. I live with my partner and her son.We speak fluent French and English.
My boss, Helen regularly visits from the UK as we both employed here and share the responsibility to manage the renovations and running of this exciting new enterprise.
We are currently doing some renovations in and outside of our gites including decorating and re-pointing.
We are looking for help with specific projects that involve decorating the large main gite and repairing the joints in the exterior walls. These require no real skills but enthusiasm and a good work ethic are essential.
We live in Normandy (Calvados), in a quiet village, 5 mn away from Falaise, a medium size town. The area has many historical places of interest from the age of William the Conqueror to the Battle of Normandy during world war two.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are hoping to offer a fun time, with hard work but a good social opportunity between us and the team of workawayers we are looking for. The projects are interesting and we hope the volunteers will get some experience they can take away from here.
The local area is steeped in history and in days off can be filled with exploration both in Falaise and Caen. There's great food and drink to be had.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for between 2 and 4 volunteers for 5 hours a day, five days a week for stays from 1-2 weeks or possibly more.
We need help redecorating and several of our properties. We don't require any skilled labourers but enthusiastic and energetic people.
If the weather is good we are also repairing external walls by pointing these walls. This doesn't require any previous experience or skill.
We are looking for people who are able to work well with limited instruction and supervision. Age is less of an issue compared to reliability and enthusiasm.
The people we are looking for are able to arrange their own transport to at least Argentan, our nearest major train station and is served by Paris via Montparnasse Train station in Paris. We are happy to send links for time tables for the train and buses. We are looking for resourceful people.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
The accommodation provided is a room in one our cottages which will provide you with privacy and autonomy, or once we get into the summer season, a room in our mobile home.
We provide a bike for our workawyers to use while they are here.
No smoking.
What else ...
We are looking for a non-smoker
In the area we live in there is a great deal of history.
William the Conquerors castle is in Falaise and there is also lots of World War 2 history very close by including the infamous Coridoor of Death.
With good cycling, swimming and canoeing available in the area as well as the beautiful cafes and patisseries, you'll hopefully have lots to see and do in your spare time.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day.
Host ref number: 314338521838
Feedback (17)
6 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mark & Angela) for host
Robin greeted us at the train station and we were so happy to arrive at Ferme de la Hamberie, in the beautiful countryside. After getting settled in we discussed the plan for tasks to be achieved during our stay. We worked 9-12 and then 2-4. There was a variety for us to do and Robin always checked that we were going OK and if we needed anything.… read more
11 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Noelia)
Noelia was an amazing volunteer. Hard working and really paid attention to detail. She is probably one of the best we have ever hosted.
Any host would be lucky to have her as a workawyer, we cannot recommend her highly enough.
Any host would be lucky to have her as a workawyer, we cannot recommend her highly enough.
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Noelia) for host
Great host!! I spend 10 days in Falaise working with Robin. The work wasn't difficult, we painted a whole room of one of the gites. Rob was super helpful and made sure that you have everythig you needed, and at work he explained how to do the work very clear and precisely. the work was from 9 to 12 then a break for lunch and then from 14 to 16.… read more
24 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi & Laura)
I cannot recommend Naomi and Laura highly enough.
They are enthusiastic, methodical and incredibly hard working. They dealt with every challenge with calm professionalism and still managed to make our 5 year old fall in love with them both.
For anyone who may be concerned about hosting workawayers with dietary requirements, the gluten… read more
They are enthusiastic, methodical and incredibly hard working. They dealt with every challenge with calm professionalism and still managed to make our 5 year old fall in love with them both.
For anyone who may be concerned about hosting workawayers with dietary requirements, the gluten… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
6 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mark & Angela) for host
Robin greeted us at the train station and we were so happy to arrive at Ferme de la Hamberie, in the beautiful countryside. After getting settled in we discussed the plan for tasks to be achieved during our stay. We worked 9-12 and then 2-4. There was a variety for us to do and Robin always checked that we were going OK and if we needed anything.… read more
11 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Noelia)
Noelia was an amazing volunteer. Hard working and really paid attention to detail. She is probably one of the best we have ever hosted.
Any host would be lucky to have her as a workawyer, we cannot recommend her highly enough.
Any host would be lucky to have her as a workawyer, we cannot recommend her highly enough.
(Excellent)
10 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Noelia) for host
Great host!! I spend 10 days in Falaise working with Robin. The work wasn't difficult, we painted a whole room of one of the gites. Rob was super helpful and made sure that you have everythig you needed, and at work he explained how to do the work very clear and precisely. the work was from 9 to 12 then a break for lunch and then from 14 to 16.… read more
24 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi & Laura)
I cannot recommend Naomi and Laura highly enough.
They are enthusiastic, methodical and incredibly hard working. They dealt with every challenge with calm professionalism and still managed to make our 5 year old fall in love with them both.
For anyone who may be concerned about hosting workawayers with dietary requirements, the gluten… read more
They are enthusiastic, methodical and incredibly hard working. They dealt with every challenge with calm professionalism and still managed to make our 5 year old fall in love with them both.
For anyone who may be concerned about hosting workawayers with dietary requirements, the gluten… read more
(Excellent)
2 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Iain & Angela) for host
We worked for 3 weeks here. Rob was very friendly and fully involved in the work himself. Unfortunately, we saw less of Melanie - not so good for our French - but thanks for the tarteflette!
The work was straightforward - painting inside a gite, clearing several storage areas, cleaning gites and helping assemble a fence. Rob was very flexible… read more
The work was straightforward - painting inside a gite, clearing several storage areas, cleaning gites and helping assemble a fence. Rob was very flexible… read more
31 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Iain & Angela)
Angela and Ian were the perfect workawayers. We cannot recommend them highly enough. Nothing phased them and every job, no matter how daunting or dull, was met with the same optimism and professionalism.
They adapted to every situation and nothing was too much to ask. Along with the great work they were also amazing with our kids, who have never… read more
They adapted to every situation and nothing was too much to ask. Along with the great work they were also amazing with our kids, who have never… read more
(Excellent)
22 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Steph stayed with us during our quieter season and so we had lots of decoration and repair jobs to be done as well as routine grass cutting and gite cleaning. No job was a problem for Steph and her attention to detail and determination to finish a job was a wonderful help to us.
Her down to earth sense of humour and 'can do' attitude was … read more
Her down to earth sense of humour and 'can do' attitude was … read more
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
I stayed for over 3 weeks with Rob, Melanie & the kids. It was a perfect experience for my first work away. As it was slightly off season I was able to stay in one of their gites which was huge and more than enough room for me on my own. The farm is beautiful & their is lots to see and do in the surrounding area. I didnt have a car so Rob lent me… read more
19 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Alastair) for host
English first. Le français le suive mais c'est pas une traduction exacte et c'est mon deuxième langue - patience svp.
I spent an amazing two weeks with Melanie, Rob, their great kids, and all of their pets. I could not have asked for a better experience and I fear no future host will top them. The work was varied, with Rob often but if he had… read more
I spent an amazing two weeks with Melanie, Rob, their great kids, and all of their pets. I could not have asked for a better experience and I fear no future host will top them. The work was varied, with Rob often but if he had… read more
19 Feb 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Alastair)
A perfect workawayer.
We couldn't have asked for better help and Al's enthusiasm was infectious.
Al was punctual throughout his stay which really helped us get the kids organised. He was completely flexible and stepped in to help with the kids at all the right moments. His French was a real bonus and the kids appreciated him all the more for it.… read more
We couldn't have asked for better help and Al's enthusiasm was infectious.
Al was punctual throughout his stay which really helped us get the kids organised. He was completely flexible and stepped in to help with the kids at all the right moments. His French was a real bonus and the kids appreciated him all the more for it.… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jag)
What could we say about Jag? Where to start? Well, she's been a ray of sunshine and our son Ben loved her sooo much. He is asking for her very often. Jag has been a real help for us and she's been able to take care of our son and the house.
Jag is fun to be with and we had some really interisting conversations.
We hope to see you very soon and… read more
Jag is fun to be with and we had some really interisting conversations.
We hope to see you very soon and… read more
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jag) for host
Oh! It has come to that time again! Leaving feedback, hehehe.
Rob and Mélanie is one of those nicely fit couple where horror movies and sarcasm are foreplay between them. They have 3 adorable children whom were raised with manners. Little 3 years old Ben is by far the most adorable little boy I have ever seen. Rob and Mélanie work really hard… read more
Rob and Mélanie is one of those nicely fit couple where horror movies and sarcasm are foreplay between them. They have 3 adorable children whom were raised with manners. Little 3 years old Ben is by far the most adorable little boy I have ever seen. Rob and Mélanie work really hard… read more
26 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Paloma & Maddison )
The workaway experience with Padme-Paloma has been great. She is always happy to try new things, discrete and always pleasant. We wish you good luck and we hope to see you again :)
(Excellent)
10 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Paloma & Maddison ) for host
Thanks Rob and Melanie for making my time in France so lovely! It felt like home straight away! The kids are great fun and the animals are beautiful.
This was my first Workaway and was such a great experience in such a pretty part of Normandy. The work isn't very hard and everyone is helpful and encouraging.
Thanks again!
This was my first Workaway and was such a great experience in such a pretty part of Normandy. The work isn't very hard and everyone is helpful and encouraging.
Thanks again!
17 Jun 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Paul & Jaira)
These were two of the best workawayers (and people) we've met.
Honest, hardworking and full of positivity. We couldn't have asked for more.
Nothing was too much trouble for them and they went way out of their way to make this a great experience for all of our extended family.
We can't recommend them highly enough and can only hope… read more
Honest, hardworking and full of positivity. We couldn't have asked for more.
Nothing was too much trouble for them and they went way out of their way to make this a great experience for all of our extended family.
We can't recommend them highly enough and can only hope… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jun 2014
Left by Workawayer (Paul & Jaira) for host
What a place.
Our time here could not have been any more awesome. Rob, Melanie and co are truly wonderful hosts and made our two week workaway here go like a flash and wish we could've stayed longer. There is never a dull day and we had a great time working both indoors and outdoors from cleaning and prettifying gites to chopping wood and cutting… read more
Our time here could not have been any more awesome. Rob, Melanie and co are truly wonderful hosts and made our two week workaway here go like a flash and wish we could've stayed longer. There is never a dull day and we had a great time working both indoors and outdoors from cleaning and prettifying gites to chopping wood and cutting… read more
22 May 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy & Sam)
Sam and Amy were a nice and very descrete couple.
While neither of them had many practical skills they seemed to be happy to try new things.
As they were so descrete we never knew if they were enjoying the experience or not, and because of this we didn't have one of our best workaway experiences.
While neither of them had many practical skills they seemed to be happy to try new things.
As they were so descrete we never knew if they were enjoying the experience or not, and because of this we didn't have one of our best workaway experiences.
(Neutral)
12 May 2013
Left by Workawayer (Amy & Sam) for host
This was our first workaway experience and we stayed with Rob, Melanie and the family for 3 and a bit weeks. We were greeted at the ferry port and taken to their house, we were cooked a nice meal and we felt welcome and at home straight away!
The work was excellent, we did a variety of everything inside and outside and got stuck in straight… read more
The work was excellent, we did a variety of everything inside and outside and got stuck in straight… read more
13 Apr 2013
Left by Workawayer (johncrozier) for host
I was just showing my friend this website and encouraging him to become a workawayer and I realised we had never left any feedback! Spending time with Robin, Mélanie, kids and animals was one of the most rewarding experiences I had during my workaway experience, and I know Hannah agrees. Robin and Mélanie went out of their way to make us feel part… read more
18 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (johncrozier)
John and Hannah were a delight to host.
Their attitude and approach to everything was refreshing, honest and enthusiastic.
We felt at ease as soon as they arrived and they fitted directly in as their high level of French language skills was a real bonus. Due to their happy and easygoing nature, the kids loved having them around and will miss… read more
Their attitude and approach to everything was refreshing, honest and enthusiastic.
We felt at ease as soon as they arrived and they fitted directly in as their high level of French language skills was a real bonus. Due to their happy and easygoing nature, the kids loved having them around and will miss… read more
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2012
Left by Workawayer (Anna-Lena) for host
We had a wonderful time at Domaine de la Hamberie. Marie and i stayed for five weeks and did various things like cleaning the gites, ponting walls, painting the floor, scrubbing windows, shutters and doors. Oh! I should Not forget grass cutting- one of our favorite!
We felt welcomed right at the beginning! Robin and Melanie were great hosts.… read more
We felt welcomed right at the beginning! Robin and Melanie were great hosts.… read more
28 Oct 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna-Lena)
Anna and Marie stayed with us during October and they were wonderful.
Their hard work and enthusiasm for every task was infectious. We were delighted with every project they did.
They were perfect workawayers and always had a smile even though the weather was often very unpleasant.
We simply couldn't have asked for two better people to help us… read more
Their hard work and enthusiasm for every task was infectious. We were delighted with every project they did.
They were perfect workawayers and always had a smile even though the weather was often very unpleasant.
We simply couldn't have asked for two better people to help us… read more
(Excellent)
28 Oct 2012
Left by Workawayer (Tara) for host
My first workaway was the best thing ever! I can't recommend this enough! Rob and Melanie are so nice and you feel part of the family straight away! It's such a beautiful part of France too and there is so much to see and do and Rob and Melanie were so helpful in finding amazing places to go. The kids are also a delight and the work is really… read more
28 Oct 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Tara)
We enjoyed having Tara with us for September. She was wonderful with the kids and an enthusiastic worker. No task was beyond her. She also took an active part in family life and felt like a member of the family.
She has an amazing ability to stay calm in even the most stressful situations - her homeward journey was a nightmare and she was well… read more
She has an amazing ability to stay calm in even the most stressful situations - her homeward journey was a nightmare and she was well… read more
(Excellent)
13 Sep 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Mia & Sander)
Mia was a great workaway volunteer. She was ready to try new things and always enthusiastic. She worked well with new people and was always willing to lend a hand. The kids loved her and were sad to see her leave.
She has a quiet nature which contrasted with the chaos here but she took it all in her stride and we hope she enjoyed her time as much… read more
She has a quiet nature which contrasted with the chaos here but she took it all in her stride and we hope she enjoyed her time as much… read more
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2012
Left by Workawayer (Mia & Sander) for host
Melanie and Rob are the friendliest and happiest hosts ever. It was an amazing experience to learn new skills and also explore the local places in Normandy.
The jobs were different and never too difficult. On day-offs there was always somewhere to go and something new to see.
They have lots of animals and between the kids and animals there's… read more
The jobs were different and never too difficult. On day-offs there was always somewhere to go and something new to see.
They have lots of animals and between the kids and animals there's… read more
8 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (sophya)
(No show)
8 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (summereyes)
(No show)
8 Aug 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Rees)
(No show)
22 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Melanie and Rob are excellent workaway hosts who worked hard to ensure I was never bored or doing repetitive work. It was a great introduction to France and Melanie was helpful in teaching about the French culture.
I would highly recommend Rob and Melanie as work away hosts. Domaine de la Hamberie is a beautiful property that is always abuzz with… read more
I would highly recommend Rob and Melanie as work away hosts. Domaine de la Hamberie is a beautiful property that is always abuzz with… read more
14 Jun 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna was a perfect workawayer, and will be an asset to anyone who is lucky enough to host her. We cannot speak highly enough of her. She was enthusiastic, skilled and ready to try any tasks we threw her way. The biggest problem was trying to stop her working.
She integrated perfectly and we will really miss her.
We hope she enjoyed her stay… read more
She integrated perfectly and we will really miss her.
We hope she enjoyed her stay… read more
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Will)
Will was a great help to us here and managed every task we put his way. He worked well with others and as an individual, and was always ready for new challenges.
He was interested in learning French too which was great for the kids.
We hope he enjoys the rest of his trip and we know he'll be an asset to any hosts who are lucky enough to have… read more
He was interested in learning French too which was great for the kids.
We hope he enjoys the rest of his trip and we know he'll be an asset to any hosts who are lucky enough to have… read more
(Excellent)
11 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (Will) for host
Sorry it took me a while ive been quite busy in paris!
This was my first workaway and I'm very glad I was able to stay with you! Everything was really great like Otto said you very much respected our free time. The work was never a problem and I got to try welding which was challenging but quite a cool job to do. I loved being around all the… read more
This was my first workaway and I'm very glad I was able to stay with you! Everything was really great like Otto said you very much respected our free time. The work was never a problem and I got to try welding which was challenging but quite a cool job to do. I loved being around all the… read more
1 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (oztakacs) for host
Excellent host, I can't recommend them highly enough!
They are completely aware that you are on a holiday and I think they managed to find the perfect balance between work and freetime. They are friendly, helpful, understandig with your needs. The work is various and interesting, never daunting. The house is full of life, besides the family there… read more
They are completely aware that you are on a holiday and I think they managed to find the perfect balance between work and freetime. They are friendly, helpful, understandig with your needs. The work is various and interesting, never daunting. The house is full of life, besides the family there… read more
29 Apr 2012
Left by Workawayer (Tinna) for host
From the moment I came here I felt like a part of the family. The atmosphere there is great and filled with energy. Rob and Melanie are fantastic people, funny and always happy. Melanie knows a lot about the area and she taught me everything I wanted to learn about the local cusine and cheese production. Their children are a lot of fun to be… read more
25 Apr 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Tinna)
We cannot speak highly enough of Tinna.
From the moment she arrived she was a joy to have as part of our family. The children adored her, and we honestly don't know how we will survive without her.
No feedback can do Tinna justice and we hope she is as appreciated in her next workaway experience.
If there is an award for best workawayer, we… read more
From the moment she arrived she was a joy to have as part of our family. The children adored her, and we honestly don't know how we will survive without her.
No feedback can do Tinna justice and we hope she is as appreciated in her next workaway experience.
If there is an award for best workawayer, we… read more
(Excellent)
