Help us create a self-sustainable paradise in a little town near Beziers, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi there!
  
  We are Daan and Rosa, 46 and 42 years old, originally Dutch, and in 2018 we have bought a beautiful ancient wine domaine, built in 1850, in the middle of the vineyards, with a great view. The place is situated in a stunningly beautiful area next to the river Orb. There are 2 buildings and approx. 1,1 hectare of land. There is always a lot of work to do in all fields such as gardening, building, painting, cooking, etc.
  
  Before buying this place we've always lived in trucks and traveled around a lot. Because of an unexpected event we were able to buy this place, and the idea was partly to share it with the many friends we've met on the road. Therefore there are often some friends over, staying in their trucks or in the house. We are still living mostly in our trucks aswell.
  We are completely autonomous, we have energy from solar panels and water from a source. No sewage but a small septic tank next to the house.
  
  As we've always lived very DIY we have general knowledge in many different fields such as building, woodwork, electricity, plumming, mecanics, etc., some things more then others but we are happy to share :-)
  
  Last year we've been very busy to set up the eco veggie garden, learning a lot about permaculture. Soon the new season starts again and there will be a lot to do.
  
  At the same time we've been busy creating an off the grid guestplace with zero footprint that we would like to rent out on platforms like greengovoyage and naturehouse. There are things to finish before we can start receiving guests..
  
  Our vision is to consume less, recycle everything, create a biodiverse environment and live more in harmony with nature. Open minded and no judgement. And we definately like a good rave from time to time ;-)
  
  The terrain is big and much to maintain, (but since I have my tractor easier and more fun), there is a lot to clip, trim, mow and strim, all the clippings being used for permacultural purposes.
  
  We are slowly building up the old winecave (barn) into a house. From which the most important part obviously is the ground floor; the workshop ;-)
  
  Oh yeah we have 1 big dog and there are often people with more dogs ;-)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I don't know what to say, it's just a great place to be, with a special vibe, friends come and go, often in their own trucks and we are always busy doing jobs together on the terrain, in the house, renovating the barn into a house, and enjoying life. Living, cooking, working and having good times together with many different people is in our vains, since that's what we've always done and makes us happy.
  We are happy to welcome you into that lifestyle :-)
  We are still learning everyday about building, gardening and maintaining this property and have so many ideas about the possibilities on the terrain. We would like you to join us in this learning proces!
  
  Note: although it can be very sociable and lively here, sometimes we can be boring and just doing the couchpotatoe in front of the tv.. ;-) Therefore it's well appreciated if guests are independent and happy to enjoy themselves sometimes outside working times!

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  Help

  People who like to build things with recycled materials are always welcome and also people who like ecological gardening, both preferably with some experience.
  
  But don't worry we also have a big list of jobs that dont require specific skills ;-) Helping around the house and in the garden, painting, etc. , as long as you're a bit practical and not afraid to get your hands dirty!!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Our French is getting better but we'd love to perfectionize. Anyway I'd love to speak any language in the world ;-)
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  Accommodation

  We have a little guestroom next to the house, and one upstairs in the house.
  There is a chalet on the terrain, which is a bit primitive but very comfortable and it's nice you can have your own space. A composttoilet outside.
  We have a van with a bed, also a bit primitive but some love it ;-)
  When the caravan isn't rented out people can stay in the caravan
  
  Campers are obviously also welcome, no limit in size ;-)
  
  About food, we can provide food for sure but we cant promise to cook everyday. If we do ofcourse you're welcome to join. Daan is a very passionate and creative chef who makes lovely food, for example traditional Italian meals. Rosa is more into experimenting with lots of vegetables and preferably vegetarian/organic food. If you like cooking that's also very welcome. Giving us a list of what you'd like us to buy and then sorting yourself out can also be an option sometimes. I think we can figure it out together :-)

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  What else ...

  We live on a beautiful terrain in the middle of the vineyards, with a great view, on the foot of the Haute Languedoc on the side of the Mediterranean Sea, nearest beach about 25 km. The river is not even 10min. walk. It's a great area where you can swim, climb, hike, kayak, cycle, horseride, etc. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but the village is 7 min cycle and has a variety of boulangeries, restaurants and a small supermarket. The nearest city is Beziers, which is about 25km.

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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

  Obviously we have space for campers, size doesn't matter ;-)

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Love all animals as long as the owner takes responsabiltiy <3

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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

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