Help with DIY and gardening in the Tarn in the South West of France

Details

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  Description

  We are a couple renovating a house and garden in the Tarn in the South West of France. The main building work is complete but we need help with renovation of the garden and some general maintenance of the buildings.
  
  Our main interests are music (we have an association which hosts a number of classical concerts each year), renovating historic houses and gardening. We have two adult children in the UK and a young grandson as well as our gorgeous dog who is with us in France. Our house is on the edge of a small village in a wine region with lovely walks or cycle rides from the house in open countryside and vinyards. We are only 15 minutes away from the beautiful city of Albi, 10 minutes from Gaillac and 45 minutes from Toulouse. You will stay in our "maison d'amis" which is a 4 bedroom house with pool and outdoor eating space. Our house is right next door, so you will have some independence from us but also close by to share meals etc

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are located in rural France in the centre of a wine producing region. It doesn't come more French than that! Few people locally speak English so it is ideal if you want to practice your French or explore the local vineyards which all do tastings etc. The nearby cities of Albi and Toulouse are both cultural centres with a particular focus on the arts. We also have a large music room which may appeal to those with an interest in classical music or jazz and would like a practice space to play in.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We have a number of project and maintenance on the go! The garden was landscaped last year but we now need help with some new planting, finishing the landscaping and general maintenance. We have a number of outbuildings /barns which we would like to clear out and tidy. This includes a beautiful wine 'cellar' which we want to bring back into use and a music room which needs some general help to finish it. None of the work requires any particular skills but some of it could be heavy and messy!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are both intermediate French speakers but we are trying to improve our level, so would welcome French or English speaking people
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  Accommodation

  You will stay in our newly renovated "maison d'amis" which is right next door to the main house. It has 4 double bedrooms (2 with double beds and 2 with twin beds). It has a fully equipped kitchen, a sitting room, 2 bathrooms and an open barn with a BBQ for outdoor eating. It has heating and air cooling. You will be able to cook for yourselves in your own kitchen if you wish and you will also be able to share meals with us. You will have use of our electric bikes and of the music rooms if you wish.

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  What else ...

  We are just 45 minutes from Toulouse airport and 10 minutes from the railway station in Gaillac. We would be happy to take you to visit some of the many local beautiful villages such as Cordes sure Ciel, or to the city of Albi for you to explore the wonderful historic city centre. We are surrounded by vineyards which can be reached by bike from the house. There are lots of local walks through countryside including vineyards and sunflower fields. Our village is quiet and rural and we try to always respect the peace and privacy of local people. Life here is peaceful and at a slower pace than the UK so ideal for a peaceful get away!

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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 have a good Wi-Fi connection which operates from anywhere on our site. There are plenty of space to work from too.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have outdoor space which could take a moderately sized campervan.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week