Learn about building dry stone walls in the mountains of Ardèche, France

Details

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  Description

  I'm a British pensioner living in the mountains of Ardèche, France with my dog and several hens. More than 30 years ago I bought my old stone house in a remote and beautiful valley and have been gradually restoring the house, other buildings and the land around. However, old age has caught up with me and I haven't quite finished! I would like help with restoring several dry stone walls that are falling down.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There are several activities in the village (pétanque, walking group) that would allow visitors to meet the locals and practice their French. A nearby campsite has an affordable restaurant and theme nights in the summer. We have a small market on Thursdays selling local produce.

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  Help

  Experience with building dry stone walls to support terraces would be a plus but it wouldn't take long for a strong fit person (or persons) to learn how to to it. I took a course a few years ago and can demonstrate the techniques, though I am no longer able to lift the heavy stones.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  Portuguese: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  I was a teacher of English as a Foreign Language for many years and would be happy to give some lessons.
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  Accommodation

  Guest accommodation is a small independent house near my own with a bedroom (double bed), sitting room (with single bed), kitchen and bathroom. I won't provide food but the kitchen is equipped with basic cooking facilities (double hotplate, microwave, kettle etc.) and I would provide transport once a week to the local supermarkets.

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  What else ...

  There are many walking trails in the valley and up and down the mountains. A minibus goes down to the nearby town on market day. The Grotte Chauvet replica is not far away and there are many small picturesque villages to visit in the area.

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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

  My home is located in a rather blank zone with poor network service. I do have a wifi connection but it is limited by the thick walls of my house. There is no wifi in the guest house but visitors can receive messages in my kitchen if necessary.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I have a Golden Retriever who would be delighted to have a canine friend to play with. My cat, however does not like other cats.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 15 hours a week (food not provided)