Help in an old family estate and discover the beautiful area of La Rochelle, France

Details

• 

  Description

  May, june and September 2024.
  
  Welcome at a 17th century house in the southwest of France ! Volunteer help welcomed may through september. 470 kms from Paris - 5 H (Train TGV, car pooling with blablacar). 120 kms from Bordeaux, 80 kms from La Rochelle, 20 kms from Cognac, 8 kms from Saintes, 40 kms to the long beaches of the Atlantic coast. Picturesque site. Bordered by the Charente river with our own access to the river ! House sometimes full of family members, relatives and friends (depending on their schedule and holidays), we never know who is coming and when, it may be me only there !
  The plan is to help around for general maintenance, 5 hours per day, fixed schedule, 2 days off per week. Don't worry : we have hammock, easy chairs also in the garden, bikes and even canoës :-)
  
  So if you like old stones « vieilles pierres », history, scenic site, and think you can help with any of the below tasks and would like a great working holiday in a beautiful historical place, please contact us !
  I am Nathalie – I'd love to get some help ;-) !!
  
  I will be happy to show you a rich part of France (food markets, scenery, architecture), to teach you new skills, french or english and yoga ;-)

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  So much to do around : swimming in the Charente river right there ! We have our onwn access to the river, go to the beach (40 kms away), beautiful islands, walking, fishing, great towns La Rochelle, Cognac, Saintes. Bicycles and kayaks available. We will pick you up at the nearby train station (Saintes 8 kms). We are about 1km from a small village with all commodities.
  
  During your spare time, you may visit the surroundings which offer large opportunities, gallo- romain vestiges, medieval churches, lots to discover about architecture, and/or spend some time with us, go to the markets, simply relax in the garden (hammock, lawnchairs, birds).
  
  I also love to be on myself, and work on my own various projects - I work with village women in India on a textile activity - check Les Indigotines website, I take care of an association to preserve the local site, its landscape and hamlet from irresponsible mass tourism, so you will understand I won't be entertaining you all the time, but I do pay attention to my guests !
  
  We speak french and english, we can practice either one for your benefit. I will be happy to have yoga - relaxation sessions with you.

• 

  Help

  Summer 2024 : No fixed plans yet about tasks but there will indoor or outdoor projects ***Like repainting doors, walls, shutters *** General help in the garden and in the house on various tasks here and there / small projects (maintaining windows and wooden furniture, clearing flower beds or removing ivy on trees, etc). *** And if you like internet and websites, you can help me in that field too.
  Ready ?!
  
  -
  There are varied jobs to be done, mostly house maintaining :
  * Doors - shutters : painting / sanding.
  * If you know masonery, it would be great, a stone wall could need some repointing; otherwise we have other projects.
  * Fixing things here and there. Like some wooden furniture that could be freshened up, glass windows, etc.
  * Gardening : flower beds, weeding, cutting branches, wood gathering for fireplace, etc.
  * Various help and maintenance tasks in the house.
  * Documenting of a website, as I am way behind managing content and photos.

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
• 

  Accommodation

  You will have your own bedroom (1
  double bed or 2 single beds), shared bathroom if family members are around or for you only, enjoy nice decoration for an old and preserved house (we like style, deco and comfortable home), 3 meals a day (but if you need strict schedule, don’t count on me especially in summertime -;)), washing machine, wifi – bring your own laptop, in return for 5 hours 5 days a week. Participation to meals preparation, barbecue, and clearing up will be appreciated. On weekends you’re free and manage on your own, breakfast and apéro will be provided only. Otherwise, we usually simplify lunch because it is summer time and get together for « apéro » (happy hour) and dinner. Vegetarians appreciated, but not an issue otherwise.

• 

  What else ...

  Please no special requirement for food, or allergies. Vegetarian OK. No smoking in the house. No camper vans and tents, no pets, sorry et merci.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  Workspace and WIFI available during your spare time for your own projects. But, being disconnected from time to time is precious ... ;-))))

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

• 

  Hours expected

  5 hours a day 5 days a week

Feedback (4)