Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Jun 2025
Reply rate
85.7 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
27
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hello there!
It would be great if you would like to come and enjoy staying in a lovely 1820's restored stone farmhouse in exchange for helping me with my large garden over-looking fields and forest on the edge of a very quiet and peaceful hamlet in rural North Burgundy.
While I used to do a lot of gardening, unfortunately I've recently had trouble with my thumb, very annoying! The garden needs general maintenance, and if possible, I'd like to create some pathways with bricks .
There is also a rudimentary theatre barn that needs some maintenance & upkeep and another barn that needs help in clearing and cleaning.
The house is 1h30 south of Paris, in the Yonne (Puisaye-Forterre) district not far from the mediaeval town of JOIGNY which has a train station, and from where I can pick you up if you don't have a car.
As a native English speaker I can help anyone wishing to improve their English and if you would like to brush up on your French then there will be plenty of opportunity at the weekends.
We love the theatre and cinema - so if we're going we would happily invite you
We love to dance at live music concerts in local bars/restos - so if you'd like to come you'd be most welcome
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I love to exchange thoughts and ideas on all kinds of subjects, cultural and everything else!
As a native English speaker I can help anyone wishing to improve their English and if you would like to brush up on your French then there will be plenty of opportunity at the weekends.
Help
In a general way there will be gardening outside, putting down bricks/tiles for pathways, help with my barns inside, clearing and cleaning.
There is also possibly some painting/lacquering which would be very helpful!
If you are by chance a computer buff I would love to learn more about my computer/smartphone.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
There is a ground floor bedroom which is a nice, and large 22m² (or 66ft²) room with 2 single beds, also equipped with table and chairs, cupboards, sofa and soft furnishings. The bedroom is south-facing and looks out directly over the garden with a separate bathroom across the corridor where the ground floor lavatory is.
What else ...
In your leisure time, there are lovely walks around the area, and there are mediaeval towns and villages to visit, plus the Burgundy vineyards of Chabilis, Coulanges, etc.
We do have 2 second-hand bicycles if you'd like to bike.
And there's always the possibility you might like to just read, write or paint/photograph a beautiful local scene ... or simply be in the garden!
If you like Live Concerts, we sometimes go to free pop/rock/blues concerts in bars and restaurants at the weekend.
If you like Art, we sometimes go to preview/vernissage evenings at the various art galleries around - but of course it depends on their dates.
Sometimes we go to the Cinema (although it'll probably be in French) or the theatre, and we also have Netflix.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The wi-fi also works in your bedroom
Space for parking camper vans
There's a large courtyard for parking. Very happy to have you If you have a pet with your Campervan, that's not a problem...if nicely trained!!
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Feedback (12)
Many thanks John for all your kind help and fun knowledge - John knows a lot about a lot of things!! - which makes him very good company ::)
All the best, Nicky
Do come again next year, we'd be delighted.
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Many thanks John for all your kind help and fun knowledge - John knows a lot about a lot of things!! - which makes him very good company ::)
All the best, Nicky
Do come again next year, we'd be delighted.
We had amazing two weeks at Nicky's beautiful home in the French countryside. Nicky was without a doubt one of the best hosts we've ever had. She and Mimi (her partner) taught us so much about the region they live in. They took us to the market where we tasted the delicious French… read more
I gladly recommend them to all other Workaway Hosts in need of their help because you definitely won't… read more
I helped her in the garden during my stay, as it is a huge area. I held a presentation for Uni at… read more
I had an amazing time in her big but cozy country house.
I was supposed to do some gardening but it snowed so much that I helped with some construction help in the house instead (or at least I tryed... I am not that good at construction as Nicky will confirm, lol). fortunately,… read more
Very many thanks Vanessa!
They are proficient with chainsaws and know how to make bonfires out of a mass of wet leaves and thick branches - quite a feat!
I would highly recommend them to all other workaway hosts.
Many thanks to you both and come by to visit… read more
I would highly recommend her to all other Workaway hosts!
Thank you so much Paul for all your help which has made such a difference here!!
Wishing you all the best in your travels, Nicky
and I wish you all the best for your future. Nicky
Thank you Rob!
Nicky is a person with very deep and rich personality. This makes me feel like one week stay was to little to get to know each other better. I would definitely stay longer if I could, especially the… read more
He was good company, thoughtful and hugely helped me with the cutting of big branches in my large garden.
Thank you Cederique!
My work was clear: garden and reinforcing… read more
Good luck with your studies Tina!
10/10 would workaway here again :P
