Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Feedback
47
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We live in the Charente, in the South West of France and would love some help, diverse requirements.
We are a lively English family who moved here more than 23 years ago and still have lots of exciting projects to do. Our youngest is still living at home and has just finished his final year at school. Adrian has always worked in aviation, however we are both working together on an exciting project in Angoulême: spa, yoga/pilates, alternative medicine centre amongst other things. We have lots of animals; 2 naughty dogs, sheep, goats, hens.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a bilingual and bicultural family who have a very dynamic and fun life in the french countryside. We love sharing our experiences with others, we live in a beautiful part of the France with plenty of things to explore. The pool is a magnet - anyone who likes molky, Kubbs, croquet, tennis there is usually someone on hand to oblige!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Hello workawayers, seriously looking for some last minute help - predominantly working on a light building project (plaster board and painting), always things to do on the gardening front. There could be some cooking if someone was interested as team support. :) Actually it is quite variable. Looking forward to hearing from you
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation would be in the house. unless we have a lot at one time then there is the mobihome - we all eat together and everyone mucks in a meal time.
What else ...
We live in a beautiful part of France, in the centre of a very culturally rich area in the south-west.
Close to a station and airport you can get to us easily and hop on a train or a bus to go and discover Angoulême (close-by), Bordeaux, Cognac, Aubeterre, La Rochelle
You can visit numerous sites of architectural interest, Atlantic beaches an hour an half away and a river beach 20 mins away, markets, tour cognac distilleries and bordeaux wine chateaux, one of the most famous monolithic churches in france is near and easy to visit, Futuroscope theme park and many more wonderful things to do and events to get involved in for the more mobile or adventurous.
When staying with us you can go on walks, use our tennis-court, swimming-pool, relax, spend time with the animals walk them with me if you wish. We are a busy and enthusiastic family who love to meet people and have fun but are also hard-working and expect a good work ethic so that the visit is mutually beneficial. Hours are always flexible around visits and trips that you may plan and where we can we are on hand to drop off to buses, trains give advise, play cards etc
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours/day, 5 days/week please :)
Host ref number: 465962186132
Feedback (24)
8 Dec 2019
Only now, after almost two months from leaving, I’ve got the chance to finally write a review about our (mine and my boyfriend’s) experience in the beautiful Lafont House (sorry for the delay!):
Joanna is absolutely amazing: easy to talk to, extremely helping and caring, funny, great mom, smart and comprehensive. She gave me a Marmite for my… read more
Joanna is absolutely amazing: easy to talk to, extremely helping and caring, funny, great mom, smart and comprehensive. She gave me a Marmite for my… read more
19 Oct 2019
Thank you so much for such a great time with you Joanna and Adrian. This was my first workaway stay and it was really great. I got to know the whole family, everyone is so warm and cares so much for you. The tasks are varied and I was always supported by everyone if I had questions. Many thanks for everything and keep in touch!
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Caro )
First class workaway. Caro is a very lovely person and she and Marion did us proud during their visit. Caro is SO easy to have around. Works hard, so cheerful, enthusiastic and fits in. I hope we will see her again and if you get a chance to enjoy this lovely workaway - do not hesitate. Thanks for everything you helped with Caro
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marion)
We miss Marion and Gigi and Lottie have been looking for her since she left. Absoutley no problem recommending Marion. She had gargantuan tasks when she arrived and managed brilliantly, always with a smile. A very positive young lady with an exciting year ahead of her. This is a workaway not to miss. Fun, interesting and hard working - what more… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2019
Honestly, I couldn't imagine having a better introduction to workaway than with the Mitchells.
Immediately after my arrival, I felt so welcome and integrated into their family life.
Besides from my language skills, I improved my renovating skills, my cooking skills with Joanna's recipes (I swear she can make every vegetable tasty!) and made so… read more
Immediately after my arrival, I felt so welcome and integrated into their family life.
Besides from my language skills, I improved my renovating skills, my cooking skills with Joanna's recipes (I swear she can make every vegetable tasty!) and made so… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
8 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host
Only now, after almost two months from leaving, I’ve got the chance to finally write a review about our (mine and my boyfriend’s) experience in the beautiful Lafont House (sorry for the delay!):
Joanna is absolutely amazing: easy to talk to, extremely helping and caring, funny, great mom, smart and comprehensive. She gave me a Marmite for my… read more
Joanna is absolutely amazing: easy to talk to, extremely helping and caring, funny, great mom, smart and comprehensive. She gave me a Marmite for my… read more
19 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Caro ) for host
Thank you so much for such a great time with you Joanna and Adrian. This was my first workaway stay and it was really great. I got to know the whole family, everyone is so warm and cares so much for you. The tasks are varied and I was always supported by everyone if I had questions. Many thanks for everything and keep in touch!
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Caro )
First class workaway. Caro is a very lovely person and she and Marion did us proud during their visit. Caro is SO easy to have around. Works hard, so cheerful, enthusiastic and fits in. I hope we will see her again and if you get a chance to enjoy this lovely workaway - do not hesitate. Thanks for everything you helped with Caro
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marion)
We miss Marion and Gigi and Lottie have been looking for her since she left. Absoutley no problem recommending Marion. She had gargantuan tasks when she arrived and managed brilliantly, always with a smile. A very positive young lady with an exciting year ahead of her. This is a workaway not to miss. Fun, interesting and hard working - what more… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marion) for host
Honestly, I couldn't imagine having a better introduction to workaway than with the Mitchells.
Immediately after my arrival, I felt so welcome and integrated into their family life.
Besides from my language skills, I improved my renovating skills, my cooking skills with Joanna's recipes (I swear she can make every vegetable tasty!) and made so… read more
Immediately after my arrival, I felt so welcome and integrated into their family life.
Besides from my language skills, I improved my renovating skills, my cooking skills with Joanna's recipes (I swear she can make every vegetable tasty!) and made so… read more
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (SANDRINE)
Sandrine is definitely a workaway to choose, she is cheerful, helpful, enthusiastic, positive and works well on her own. She mucked in with family life easily and enjoyed the dogs. I can whole-heartedly recommend her as a very positive workaway.
Thank you so much for all your work - it was a joy. A revoir
Thank you so much for all your work - it was a joy. A revoir
(Excellent
)
16 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (SANDRINE) for host
I spent an excellent Journey in this sweet family !
We shared many discussions and very good homemadecooking,
Their way of life was perfect for me it was a very positive expérience
I wish them all the best in this beautiful area.
Kind regards
Sandrine
We shared many discussions and very good homemadecooking,
Their way of life was perfect for me it was a very positive expérience
I wish them all the best in this beautiful area.
Kind regards
Sandrine
14 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandro)
Alex has been with us the longest and we enjoyed him being here. He worked well, listened and got on with things on his own, without supervision! Good mason and good welder which was a great help for our projects. A very friendly, independent guy. We can recommend him.
Thanks Alex for all your input and best of luck with your future plans.
Thanks Alex for all your input and best of luck with your future plans.
(Excellent
)
7 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host
I stayed with the Mitchells for around three weeks altogether and I had an amazing time: they are very humorous, open, lively and the most uncomplicated family I have ever met. I felt at home very quickly. The surrounding area is lovely, the dogs are the best and there was always great food and company. Joanna and Adrian both know a lot and they… read more
3 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela)
Michaela is great, if she requests a visit accept with open arms, she is hard working, fun, funny, a real pleasure. If you have a pool she'll swim in it even in February! Her pretzels are legendary. Micka thanks so much for all your help and sunshine. Don't hesitate to visit, best of luck with your studies. XX Joanna et al
(Excellent
)
5 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Livia)
We were very impressed with Livia! - she is super independent and so really made the most of her time off. Always cheerful and a great worker and member of the team. Both Adrian and I are very grateful for all that she did with us. Miss you Livia - very good luck with your travels and thanks again. Come and see us again when everything is up and… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Livia) for host
The Mitchell’s were very welcoming and generous, always trying to accommodate you the best way possible. The work was renovating a building they own in Angoulême, about a half hour drive from their home. If you looking for something directly in a city, this is probably not for you but I visited both Bordeaux and La Rochelle easily on the weekends… read more
9 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
The two and a half weeks I spent with Joanna and her family were the best introduction to workaway that I could have asked for! This family takes you in like one of their own and you can expect satisfaction from the hard work you will do here. At the end of the day, it always felt good to sit down over a cup of tea and enjoy each others’ company.… read more
1 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
Sophie is a delight - full of energy, ideas and enthusiasm. A great member of the team, attacking everything with energy. Lovely chats and recipe exchanges - a wonderful cook - so all I can say is if Sophie crosses your path don't miss the opportunity to meet her. I know we will stay in touch. Have an amazing 2019 - I know Europe will be… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter & Elaine)
Peter and Elaine - What can we say but ..... an enormous thank you for your very fine and intelligent work you did for us. You were great members of the team here and the work you did not the pisé floor bears testiment to your thoughtful dilligence, it is really looking great, amongst all the other tasks you completed. We will keep you posted with… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Peter & Elaine) for host
Thank you to Adrian, Joanna and all the family for a great stay. Your hospitality knows no bounds! Nice to be just part of the family and to be given tasks and just left to get on with them. We hope all our efforts with the floor will be worthwhile! We wish you good fortune in all your many endeavors.
Best wishes,
Peter and Elaine
Best wishes,
Peter and Elaine
2 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Miló) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it was amazing! The Mitchells are a very lovely, helpful, intelligent and generous family. They treated me like I was a member of the family and it was so hard to leave them. I can only recommend them to any workawayer! :)
I wish you the best for 2019 and thank you for everything Joanna! :)
I wish you the best for 2019 and thank you for everything Joanna! :)
1 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Miló)
Laszlo is a lovely guy - not to be missed. A very easy member of a team - kind, helpful, polite and effective- what more could one want! Thank you for all your help and we all wish you a very exciting 2019.
(Excellent
)
30 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Karolína) for host
The Mitchells are such a lovely family. I’ve spent one month with them and from the moment I arrived I felt welcome like I was one of them. I loved their family dinner discussions and how kind they were to me.
The work I’ve done wasn’t hard, so I had always time to relax and chill by the pool.
After comming back home I realized home many new… read more
The work I’ve done wasn’t hard, so I had always time to relax and chill by the pool.
After comming back home I realized home many new… read more
20 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Karolína)
Karolina - stayed with us for a month. Such a pleasure having her to stay, very helpful, intelligent willing, cheerful and generally lovely. The jobs she helped us with were not always easy but always done with a smile. A pleasure to have to stay. We all wish her luck in her studies and life xx
(Excellent
)
19 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
I had an absolutely amazing time with this lovely family. I am so happy I came to stay here. It was my 1st time as workawayer. And they accepted you immedietaly. Adrian corrected my english - thank you so much. Joanna teached me a lot of stuff such as cooking, ironing etc. I use my notes for cooking and garlic became my favorite now!
It was my… read more
It was my… read more
6 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Chrissy & James) for host
Joanna and Adrian are brilliant hosts, we had a great time here helping them get a building ready to do laser tag. Really interesting and fun people. Would love to go back someday. Joanna was like a doctor, she really took care of us. All the kids were great fun and very helpful and the other workaways were fun too :D
22 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I stayed for three weeks with this wonderful family! It was my first Workaway experience and they made it awesome!
I enjoyed working with the ducks, chickens and sheep. I loved preparing the meals together and learning a lot about cooking from Joanna! I liked working in the garden! But the most lovely thing was the family and other workawayers!… read more
I enjoyed working with the ducks, chickens and sheep. I loved preparing the meals together and learning a lot about cooking from Joanna! I liked working in the garden! But the most lovely thing was the family and other workawayers!… read more
22 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Csaba)
Csaba I am so ashamed to have taken so long to write you a feedback when we enjoyed SO much meeting you, helping you with your English, learning lots about your family and country. You were a great member of the team, your laugh always made us laugh! You were so helpful on so many things but obviously Adrian and I were particularly grateful for… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Csaba) for host
This was my first experience with workaway and I´m glad that I came to spend my time to this beautiful place! I´ve spent a month with this family and it was a great fun. Joanna, Alicia and Adrian are a great hosting family, they were very helpful, patient with me and my lower english level. They helped me improve my english and i helped them with… read more
22 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Sze mei)
Mei thank you for all your hard work, it was wonderful meeting you and having you as part of the family. There was a lot to do and you always helped with a smile, we were sorry to see you go! your sunshine attitude makes it wonderful to have you around. Good luck with your life and if and when you come back to France we look forward to seeing… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Sze mei) for host
If you cherish the fantasy of the heart-warming family meal when everyone discusses their day and the table resounds with chat and loving laughter, this is Da House where the fantasy has come alive. Beware that one's level of privacy is constantly keeping at the lowest where there's no secret that is not known in the house. Broad spectrum of… read more
23 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Armin)
Armin is a really great guy to have around, great fun, hard working, he uses his head and goes out of his way to be as independant as possible in his tasks. Everything is done with a smile and a joke wherever posible. House trained and so great to live with, helping around mealtimes too. We all missed him for a long time after he left. He is… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Armin) for host
I stayed a month with this family but it felt like only one week. The time passed too fast. This host is just perfect. Since the first day I felt like a part of the family and I enjoyed it so much to stay with this amazing family! I didn`t have one boring moment during the whole time, there was always something going on and it was huge fun to… read more
23 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I had a great time here with the family. And the ducks, sheep, goats, diog and cat. I hooe you get all your projects finished!! What a shame i could not stay for more than one week!!
5 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Genny)
Genny is top number one person to have around. She is cheerful, always, helpful beyond the call of duty she uses her intiative and I don't think I need to explain things twice! Such a lovely additiion to any household or team. No one needs to question whether or not to engage her. The only sad thing is when Genny decideds to move on she… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Genny) for host
What to say if not THANK YOU very much! I really enjoyed my three weeks there and at the end I was really upset to leave them.
Among sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, gardening, cooking... there was always something to do and something new to learn.
Super family, they let me feel at home from the first time I arrived.
Big and healthy meals all… read more
Among sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, gardening, cooking... there was always something to do and something new to learn.
Super family, they let me feel at home from the first time I arrived.
Big and healthy meals all… read more
29 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Chris)
(No show)
29 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Christopher)
(No show)
11 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Yuan) for host
It was an amazing journey working in Joanna's farm! Perfect amount of daily work, joyful working atmosphere, which involved both muscle and brain! It was like working in an paradise of nature. As a member of the farm, I was able to see its growing process everyday and that was so satisfying. The farm is promising and the working environment was so… read more
10 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Yuan)
Yuan, Thank you for coming to spend your first Christmas with us, we LOVED having you, If you ever want to do workaway again I would have to say you are a great, determined sunny worker. A complete pleasure to have around and when you left we all missed you hugely,.good luck with everything you do. When you played your viola it was so… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jan 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Scott)
Just incase Scotty should need a reference we give him full stars, a delight to have around, positive, motivated, hardworking and above all uses his initiative. We all enjoyed him hugely, hope he stays in touch, and we wish him the very best of luck in the future. I am sure we will see you again but thanks alot Scotty for all you did and always… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Gemma & Chris)
Thank you both for all you have done, we so enjoyed you staying and really can't thank you enough for all your help and always with a smile. We managed to really get things going. I would highly recommend you both as hard workers, good fun and courteous guests at all times. We wish you the very best in your next ventures, keep in touch and… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Gemma & Chris) for host
Joanna, Adrian, Patrick and Fynn (not to mention Gigi the dog and Rose the cat) were amazing hosts and we had a really great time throughout our stay.
The work was really rewarding - helping to finish off the new duckling tunnels with doors, putting up fencing and fox wire, and helping with the animals on the farm (aside from ducklings there… read more
The work was really rewarding - helping to finish off the new duckling tunnels with doors, putting up fencing and fox wire, and helping with the animals on the farm (aside from ducklings there… read more
17 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathan & Katy)
The house is FAR too calm, Nathan mentions Adrian's jokes but seriously good humour here. Both Katy and Nathan are very serious about the projects they are undertaking. Not a moan on them no matter what the weather is doing. Huge fun, cheerful and willing. We still miss them even our current workaway who only spent 3 days with them. So many… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Nathan & Katy) for host
We had an amazing time at this wonderful home. We had a brilliant experiance and so many laughs and memories made. Adrian and jo are the perfect workaway hosts and we hope that our future hosts are half as nice as these two. The lads are ace and real good fun to have around there both extremely talanted . If it isnt the boys playing the violins… read more
9 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernard)
Bernard was a pleasure to have to stay with us. His work ethic is amazing you have to remind him to stop. His strength, his initiative and hard work made for easy days. I have to say we missed his dry wit after he left and hope that he finds an excuse to pass through the Charente again one day and pops over to inspect the fruits of his work. … read more
(Excellent
)
2 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Bernard) for host
I stayed with Joanna and Adrian for a week and found them to be the perfect workaway hosts. It s a complete experience in rural french living. If you like to be on a beautiful farm with lots of ducks,goats,chickens and like working in the open fields fixing fences or helping round the farm doing useful things then you ll love this place. If… read more
10 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David will be a difficult act to follow, everyone here enjoyed him, he works too hard! uses his own initiative, ideas and designs, how cool is that. We got a huge amount done thanks to him and then more. He mucks in in the kitchen, is interested in everything and taught me to cook bread that we all love!
We will and do miss him, Enjoy David… read more
We will and do miss him, Enjoy David… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
This family are wonderful and generous hosts, and there is never a dull moment on their farm. Delicious food, an amazing and hectic family and social life, and good honest work on the farm all contribute to a fantastic experience. They also live in a very beautiful part of France so your stay is guaranteed to be very rewarding. I would definitely… read more
2 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Anouska Isabella Ingerdahl )
Anouska and Jonathan were enormous fun to have around, they added to the admosphere and we are left with some gorgeous photos and such fun memories of a pair of demon pingpong players and hard workers. The amount of things they manage to do and move here was monumental and always with the most beautiful smiles.
We miss you too, and I can… read more
We miss you too, and I can… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Anouska Isabella Ingerdahl ) for host
The month spent with the family was absolutely fantastic! We experienced so much, learned a lot about the daily care of a large old farm as well as the essence of family life! With great facilities, beautiful surroundings and a charming French house - it was all like a dream.
Working hard through hot summer days was all worth it for all the fun… read more
Working hard through hot summer days was all worth it for all the fun… read more
