Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
4 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
17
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
I am a ceramicist / sculptor, working with clay and mixed media - and also give classes in my home studio to local French people and expats. My work is all hand-built, it does not involve a wheel due to limitations with my hands. My dog and I live in a beautiful old stone house in a lovely hamlet in the south west of France, with views to the Pyrennees. This workaway opportunity will suit a FRENCH SPEAKER who is able to improve my French and wants to improve his/her English. It will be ideal for someone who can drive (my car is available to a responsible driver), is self-motivated and is happy with living "in the middle of nowhere". The tasks are varied - mainly help around the house (dusting/vacuuming, cleaning out fireplaces, bringing in fire wood, etc,), also taking the dog out for walks, helping with cooking, helping with loading / unloading the kiln, some DIY and general maintenance and some gardening. You can make artwork here and grow as an artist, as I have over 30 years of experience as an art teacher.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Events & social
Sustainability
Culture
Pets
Music
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Gardening
Cooking & food
Drawing & painting
Animals
Outdoor activities
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have a lot to offer you from an arts educator point of view. I am also familiar with and enthusiastic about this area of France, and can share that with you. Finally if you would like to improve your English I would be delighted to help you. French workaways would be especially welcome here as you can then help me improve my French.
Help
Do not worry about previous skills - all you need is willingness, a positive attitude, a desire to learn and the ability to live in a quiet, rural area (with trips to the nearby towns of Mirepoix, Pamiers, Castelnaudary and Carcassonne for occasional treats). We have a small, but lively community in our hamlet - with a monthly evening of food/wine/entertainment or interaction. I can introduce you also to friends who live not very far and always have workaways themselves.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I wish to improve my French
Accommodation
You will have your own cosy room and shower room. The internet is very good (most of the time). Phone signal normally ok.
What else ...
The closest train stations are Castelnaudary and Pamiers. The closest airports are Toulouse and Carcassonne. In your time off you can hike or cycle around the area, or using my car you can go to visit Cathar Castles, nearby historic towns and the amazing areas that surround us.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The wifi connection is pretty good most of the time but we are in a remote area. You are welcome to work on your own projects and the hours you work helping me are flexible (although some are morning tasks).
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Ziggy
Ziggy is an adorable , all sorts , mainly fox terrier, rescue dog.
Feedback (8)
Di is not only a brilliant ceramicist, but also a wonderfully patient and encouraging… read more
Steph stayed with me for 6 weeks . During this time he worked very hard doing many different tasks, all completed to a very high standard. He would also embark on projects that quite clearly needed doing around the house and garden, without me having to ask and as always with skill and… read more
Lily also formed a strong bond with my dog Ziggy .
I highly recommend Lily as she was easy to get along with, very intuitive and quickly became part of the household.
Ziggy and I miss her.
There was also the opportunity for Devi to experience ceramics for the first time and she created a very… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Di is not only a brilliant ceramicist, but also a wonderfully patient and encouraging… read more
Steph stayed with me for 6 weeks . During this time he worked very hard doing many different tasks, all completed to a very high standard. He would also embark on projects that quite clearly needed doing around the house and garden, without me having to ask and as always with skill and… read more
Lily also formed a strong bond with my dog Ziggy .
I highly recommend Lily as she was easy to get along with, very intuitive and quickly became part of the household.
Ziggy and I miss her.
There was also the opportunity for Devi to experience ceramics for the first time and she created a very… read more
They were quick to learn new skills (painting the exterior woodwork of my house and becoming totally immersed in making pottery and… read more
She is the most kind-hearted person we've ever met! She drove us to the most beautiful places of the region and we had the chance to… read more
During Isaac's time here he learned basic sculpture techniques then put them to good… read more
The work was very diverse, from painting doors, plinths, taking the dog for walks, gardening, cleaning, taking photographs of her beautiful artworks to… read more
I enjoyed their company throughout their stay, as did the people in my village and my ceramics classes.… read more
Diane is adorable... beautiful soul.
Ziggy always looking for cuddles and often wanted to be with me.
I miss you both 🌱
During his time here he completed, beyond my expectations, a diverse range of tasks.
He also became involved in village life and was liked by all.
This guy has a great work ethic, a passion for all things creative… read more
Abi will always be welcome here and I hope to see her again soon.
I am confident that… read more
Amazing… read more
