Pet care and housesitting in Aquitaine, France

Details

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  Description

  We are Nigel and Jane, an English couple in our 60's and we moved to the south west France about 5 years ago, from Normandy. We have been in this wonderful country for 15 years now. We live with our 2 dogs , a border collie and a pure bred mongrel!
  
  We have almost finished renovating our farmhouse slowly and have a lot to do on the 2.5 hectares of mixed woodland and fields, to improve the biodiversity. For many generations it was a vineyard. However, we also like to take time out to spend a little time with our neighbours and to enjoy this delightful part of the country.
  
  We are very lucky here as we have beautiful forests on our doorstep, the ocean, with endless beaches, fantastic for surfing as well as swimming, lakes and the Pyrenees to the south, all within easy reach. The Spanish border is 1.5 hours away, Bordeaux is 2 hrs and Toulouse 3 hrs.
  
  We are at the crossroads of the Gascon, Basque, French and Spanish cultures, and you will hear all of these languages spoken around here, a great mix of cultures. We look forward to meeting and sharing our home and ideas with you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  As we would not be present for the majority of time for your stay, we would not be able to pass on skills. Your own transport would be very useful. We can advise on the great things to do or see in the area, and if you have a special interest, let us know before you come and we will do some research for you.

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  Help

  From time to time we will look for a house/dog sitter so we can get away for a break. So we are looking for people who have experience with dogs and will keep the house clean and tidy plus minimal garden care. You would need to spend time and walk the dogs but there would be plenty of time for your self/ves, to enjoy the area.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  The house is set on the edge of a village with woodland and countryside from the back door. You would have 2 rooms and a bathroom to use. We will provide basic food for your stay with your preferences in mind. You can have free access to the internet, which is not bad here, and to Orange TV . We do not allow smoking in the house but its fine outside as long as you pick up your butts.

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  What else ...

  There is no public transport from our village but from about 3Km away there is a minimal bus service that links to the town of Dax and Saint Sever and the villages in between. From these towns there are good train and bus services to explore further afield. Blabla Car is also active in the area and can be a very cheap way of getting about. We can lend you bikes to get about locally. The nearest bakery, store and bar/cafe is 2Km. Cinema, various groups and classes, such as yoga, supermarket shops and weekly market at 5Km. Our village does have various events that you could join . The area offers a multitude of outdoor activities from Easter to the end of October. Surfing, sailing and all the ocean related sports, gorgeous beaches for lounging and tanning. The forests offer peace and wildlife, with many trails and cycle paths, organised walks or just get lost on your own. There are some stunning lakes and river walks too. If you are into wine, come and discover the local Chalosse and Tursan vineyards and wines. The history of the area is long and varied so there are interesting museums, churches (our own village church is a little gem) and chateaux to visit. The Pyrenees are within easy reach and offer different experiences, depending upon the season. Dax is a hot spa town with history going back to Roman times. Visits to the cities of Bayonne, Bordeaux and San Sebastian, are a must. They are culturally so very different from each other.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  Both of the rooms that would be available for you to use have desk and storage space. there is a fibreoptic internet connection which we think is pretty good.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Up to 7M parking on gravel in winter and grass in summer

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have 2 female dogs so other dogs are ok but no cats, birds or anything else they can eat!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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