Help us create a self-sustainable paradise in Cessenon-sur-Orb, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi there!
  
  We are Daan and Rosa, 43 and 40 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 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 almost always some friends over, staying in their trucks or in the house. We are still living mostly in our trucks aswell.
  We are completely independent, 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 :-)
  
  We would like to do the veggie garden again but don't have time cause of all the work. One of our dreams is to start a food forest and learn more about permaculture but we are in the very beginning of this idea, and have no experience in this.
  
  Besides pomme granades, apples and other trees there are prunes and when they will be ripe and we would like to try to make grappa!
  
  We have a lot of idea's but not really a clear futureplan; I think the mainline is that we would like to develop this place into a self-sustainable paradise that we can share with people we feel good with.
  
  The garden is big and much to maintain, and at the moment we renovate the smaller house that used to be the workers house in the old time, and we are slowly building up the old winecave (barn) into a house.
  
  Oh yeah we have 2 big dogs ;-)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  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, we have many friends visiting regularly, 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. And we definately love a good rave from time to time ;-)
  We are very 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!

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  Help

  People who know about construction tasks such as working with concrete, and wood etc. are very welcome at the moment and also people who are experienced in gardening, soil, planting trees, permaculture and food forest design.
  
  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.
  
  It would be handy though if you know how to handle machines such as a battery screwing drill or a lawnmower

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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

  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. There is a tap with a jerrycan and a little cooker and a composttoilet outside. There are also other options part of the house.
  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. I think we could figure that 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

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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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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