Be surrounded by picturesque villages and beautiful nature helping run the land and animals near Vichy, France

Description

We are an active, friendly British couple; who left London to create our dream home in France a number of years ago. We have lovingly restored an old stone farmhouse and currently have two stable blocks, a swimming pool, and a gite in addition to the main house. We are near Vichy; near a ski resort which is a good summer hiking spot, plus we are surrounded by picturesque villages and beautiful fields and woodlands. We need help with the day to day running of the land and the animals: we currently have three horses, one donkey and one Shetland pony, as well as one lovely large dog called Lily and a beautiful black cat.

Type of help

Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Farmstay
Help in the house
Animal care

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Everyone around us is French speaking: This is not an area populated by the British, so it is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the language. Vichy is an amazing bijou town which flourished in the nineteenth century as a place to take curative waters. This tradition continues to draw in visitors to this day - off the tourist trail, but full of cultural heritage, theatre and opera. Anyone who loves horses - we have the ideal place to stay. You can ride a horse around acres of woods and countryside (and come back for a dip in the pool at the end of the day).

Help

We would like to host WorkAwayers who can help with any or all of the following: further heavy building work; eco pruning, cutting and maintenance of fields and woodland; restoration of a pond; and daily help with the horses - grooming, riding, cleaning stables. Preference will be given to people who some prior experience in some of these areas.

Languages spoken

English, French, some Spanish

Accommodation

Double bedroom with ensuite. Clean and well decorated: Access to all areas. Internet: British TV.

What else ...

In your time off, if you do not have a car, we can lend you bikes: Also we can offer lifts to Vichy and other main sites of beauty

A little more information

• 

  Internet access

• 

  Limited internet access

• 

  We have pets

• 

  We are smokers

How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two

Hours expected

Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week