Help with our family home and learn new skills in Laprade, France

Details

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  Description

  We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our project as soon as possible. We can accommodate either a couple and one single volunteer or two single volunteers, offering two separate rooms in our family home.
  
  We are a family of four—Amanda (57), Michael (59), Daisy (32), and Peter (33)—renovating a future family home for Daisy and Peter. The property is situated on 2.5 acres of land alongside the beautiful river Dronne in rural South West France. While prior experience isn’t necessary, we are looking for individuals who enjoy hands-on DIY tasks and are eager to contribute.
  
  The Tasks
  We need help with a variety of smaller DIY tasks, including:
  -Sanding and painting window frames and shutters
  -Cleaning and organizing our attic
  -Clearing and tidying our small allotment
  -General maintenance tasks around the garden and property
  
  Larger renovation tasks, such as structural work, will be handled by us. Volunteers are welcome to assist with these if they feel comfortable, but it’s not a requirement.
  
  Living Arrangements
  
  Volunteers will stay in one of two double rooms in our family home. The house includes a shared bathroom, two WCs, and access to household amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, and high-speed fibre internet. While the decor is a work in progress, the house is functional, and we aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Please note that the house currently lacks heating and air conditioning, but these will be installed as part of future renovations.
  
  Food and Leisure
  We provide all meals, including family dinners, and encourage volunteers to join us on weekly supermarket trips to pick out their preferred foods. Evenings often include board games or occasional outings for meals. In the summer, we enjoy rowing on the river to the local bar with our small boat.
  
  For those who enjoy exploring, bicycles are available to use, and we can offer transport to and from the local train station, which connects to major cities like Angoulême and Bordeaux. Additionally, a nearby supermarket offers affordable car rentals, providing the opportunity for wider exploration during days off.
  
  A Bit About Us
  We share the property with four friendly outdoor cats, Socks, Fluff, Tails, and Dennis, who have adopted us since we moved here. While they are well-loved and cared for, they remain outdoor animals and do not come into the house.
  
  If this sounds like a project you'd like to be part of or if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Travellers stand to gain immensely from our cultural exchange opportunities. Being situated within a 30-minute walk of the charming Aubeterre village, guests have easy access to immerse themselves in the local culture, exploring its picturesque streets and historic sites. For those eager to venture further, bicycles are available, offering a delightful way to discover the stunning countryside surrounding our home. Additionally, we're conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Chalais, where trains provide connections to bustling cities like Angoulême and Bordeaux, presenting ample opportunities for further cultural exploration. Through these experiences, travellers can learn about the rich history, traditions, and way of life in our region, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of French culture

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  Help

  We are seeking enthusiastic travellers to help with various DIY and maintenance tasks around our property. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to engage and contribute.
  
  For those interested, guidance and instruction will be provided for learning new DIY skills, but tasks will be kept manageable and suitable for all experience levels.
  
  We encourage cultural exchange and provide opportunities to explore the beautiful South West of France.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We're interested in engaging in a language exchange to further our language skills. Our native language is English, and we are eager to learn French. In exchange, we are more than willing to assist others in improving their English proficiency.
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  Accommodation

  Our accommodation comprises comfortable bedrooms within our family home, offering options of two double bedrooms with access to a shared bathroom. Additionally, our guests will have full access to all household facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay

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  What else ...

  In addition to cultural immersion opportunities, travellers can make the most of their time off by engaging in various activities with our family. Board games and game evenings are a common occurrence, providing a fun and sociable way to unwind together. Moreover, we love to explore our local area, discovering new and exciting places while practicing our language skills. Guests can join us on these adventures, gaining insights into the region's hidden gems and vibrant culture. For those interested in contributing to our project's documentation, we are filming our progress and require volunteers comfortable with appearing on camera. Permission will be sought before posting any footage online.

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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

  We are equipped to host digital nomads with ease, our high-speed fiber internet ensures seamless connectivity, a feature that has been consistently reliable since its installation. It's worth noting that many of our family and friends frequently work remotely during their visits, attesting to the conducive environment for remote work.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We can accommodate Workawayers traveling in campervans by providing ample space to park on our driveway. Additionally, within a convenient 5-minute drive, there are local amenities tailored specifically for campervans, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Whether Workawayers with campervans are passing through or planning an extended visit, they're welcome to make our place their home base during their adventures.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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