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Discover the joy of the French countryside in Foissac, France

France
Last activity : 29 Apr 2025

Profile information

Host rating
80 %
Last replied
12 Mar 2025
Feedback
3
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Availability

2025

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description
Hi, my name is Julia and I have just moved from Australia to France. I have purchased a petit chateau on 15 acres with many outbuildings, a woodland, old walled gardens and a grotto that fills a seasonal lake.

My background is in interior design and art, so I want to create a beautiful artistic, creative space, where people can come, relax and create.

The property is a combination of the main house, needing renovation, a one bedroom cottage, a studio, a small barn to renovate into a 2 bedroom cottage and a huge barn ideal for creative workshops and functions.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The joy of the French countryside while making new friends and working together on a project. I am happy to share and pass on all my knowledge as an interior designer, as we work together to create beautiful artistic spaces, in the house and in the gardens.

The property is located between Figeac, and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, being only a 20 minute drive away and both with train stations. Villeneuve and Cajarc are only 10 minutes away. There are so many wonderful villages and towns in the area with great local markets and historical sites to visit.
Help
I will have several different projects that I need help with, such as gardening, general tidying of the woodland, and general maintenance work around the property.

You need to be an enthusiastic, happy, positive person who enjoys getting in and helping.

I have a background in art and design and I intend to use all me skills in creating beautiful spaces in my buildings and gardens. I am happy to share and pass on my knowledge in design.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation available will either be a room in the main house, or if a couple would like to come and help, the use of the one bedroom cottage.

I would like 5 hours of work a day, 5 day per week.

A well stocked kitchen to help yourself to for breakfast and lunch and we all come together for dinner.

workaways are to provide their own wine and alchol.
What else ...
We are situated 15 minutes from Figeac and 15 minutes from Villefranche-de-Rouergue in Aveyron (Department 12).

Rodez is just 45 minutes away.

There are several amazing historical sites and places of interest within a one hour's drive in all directions.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two

Host ref number: 572246796586

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Feedback (2)

30 Jun 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (ABCdaireFleuri)

Anais, is a friendly, happy, energetic person who will gladly help out where ever she can, she will think on her feet and will anticipate what you may need done and when. she is fun and friendly company and with her excellent French speaking skills she was very helpful to me personally.
I would gladly welcome her back anytime.

(Very good )

25 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (ABCdaireFleuri) for host

I stayed with Julia for 10 days in June. Her “petit château” is magnificent, and surrounding grounds are simply magical.

Accommodation is simple at the moment, as renovations have only begun. My bedroom had amazing brownish wallpaper, but was very comfortable nonetheless.

During my stay, I battled against giant weeds in the garden, treated the… read more

(Very good )

17 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (Ian) for host

What an amazing opportunity and experience to visit and help out at Julia’s new home in France. Nestled in beautiful rural countryside amongst adjacent farms, the location is very tranquil and private.

The nearby village of Foissac is within 20 minutes walk and has a simple shop/bar to buy a few items as well as a cold beer or glass of wine.… read more Foissac also has an amazing Grotte (underground natural cave system) and museum which is well worth a visit, including a guided tour of just over an hour (both in English and French). The underground river system actually links to Julia’s property! There are also numerous small Bastide towns around the area which make for interesting visits to stroll around, find refreshments at a cafe / restaurant and for local brocantes (street markets).

Julia has relocated from Australia to purchased her dream house and develop it into both a home and an artists in residence location. I arrived just 1 week after she took possession and was the first Workaway to help. I stayed a total of 4 weeks.

Within a couple of weeks, from just a few beds and basic furniture, a container of Julia’s possessions arrived from Australia and the house soon became filled with boxes and furniture. It soon became apparent how Julia’s expert eye and experience for interior design made it look like everything was meant to be.

Having said all this there was work needing to be done! It is a large property and requires people with different skills and interests. Julia is employing local trades people to do the major renovation work but there’s plenty of help needed and to keep it a tidy and functioning home. I had my own knowledge and skills to help get the telephone and internet services working, configure the television setup and arrange a few small electrical wiring changes. The other help was moving furniture into the outbuildings, clearing up and removing the piles of wallpaper and plaster that were being created each day. Mowing the areas of land which had become completely overgrown with grass and nettles. Basically helping with anything that was needed to make life a little easier in the everyday organisation of a grand home.

Julia had the support from two of her three sisters during my visit and we all contributed towards making everyday tasks go as smoothly as possible. The days passed very quickly due to their caring, humorous and relaxed attitude to everything, including mealtimes and evenings socialising.

Julia is very generous as a hostess and was happy to offer food and beverages to my own liking. I was more than happy to accept what was already offered and contributed towards making a few meals to add to the variety of food being created. I guess I was very lucky to arrive at a time when the sisters were more than happy to prepare evening meals but I’m sure anyone with cooking skills will be more than welcome to contribute once she is there on her own.

Thanks again Julia for your hospitality, a wonderful experience and for making me feel so welcome. I’m sure we will remain in contact and I look forward to visit again :)

(Excellent )

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