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Update, Nov2024:
After pausing our listing for all of 2024, we're now making plans to quit our jobs in January and work full time on our house in 2025. We'll have a lot more opportunities, so if our listing appeals to you, please reach out!
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My wife and I were volunteers with Workaway and other platforms for a few years. We loved the adventure and the community around it all. There were some amazing farmsteads, but usually with nothing much going on in the immediate vicinity. We always looked for somewhere to volunteer near somewhere that had a bit more activity in the area, but never found it. Well, if you've been wanting the same, look no further.
Where are we?
Our 500-year-old house is right in the heart of Basse-Ville Quimperle. There are street festivals most weekends in the summer, there's a guy down the block who DJs from his balcony when the weather is nice, and there is an entire book of activities organized by the town. There are 4 bars within a three-minute walking distance. Oh, and the beach is only 17 minutes away. There is a TGV train station in town, exactly 1km away, so even if you don't have transport, we're still good to host you. (We're 3.5 hours from Paris by TGV)
Who are we?
We're Rick (American) and Fanette (French) and Jules (aged 8 and identifies more as a cat than any nationality). We're in our late 40's going on 21. We met while backpacking in Thailand. We liked it there so we stayed there for 8 years, then headed off for other adventures for a decade which ended with us impulse-buying this house in need of a renovation. Fanette has worked as a professional food photographer for the past 6 years. Rick worked in IT for the past 12 years, but quit in January of 2025 to work full time on the house. We eat mostly vegetarian, but are not strict about it. There are also 2 cats that live here. They're both friendly. One is old and slow, the other is young and feisty. Everyone in the house is fluent in English, but we probably speak French 60% of the time.
So what do we need help with?
In a word: everything. We have a lot of ideas, but sometimes get so overwhelmed we decide to figure things out later and have some wine. Our plans for 2025 involve getting some apartments built out in the house. So that means installing kitchens and bathrooms, taking down some old walls and putting up some new ones, changing out a few windows, sanding floors, etc. We have a lot of old stone walls that need re-pointing too. We're ok to take on keen learners, but we'd prefer someone who has some experience working with tools. There is also a lot of gardening that could be done. Yes, despite being in the middle of a town, we have a huge backyard. If you're an artistic type, we'd love you to come and pitch a vision for one of the rooms, or create some artwork for our bare walls (we'll buy the supplies)!
What do we expect?
The things we'll be working on will benefit from some experience with stonework, concrete work, woodwork, or plumbing. It will require being comfortable working on a ladder. We don't track hours, as in 'X hours in exchange for room and board'. Just come, give an honest effort at the projects, and enjoy your time in our town.
What can we offer?
Some great conversation about traveling, the occasional glass of wine, and an introduction to the people and activities of Quimperle (there's a lot going on here). Rick is very active with a local cultural/language exchange group and you'd be welcome to come to one of the group outings or one of the French lessons every Wednesday or Saturday - all levels are welcome.
What we found works for meals is that we all have breakfast together, then we're all on our own for lunch, then get together for a dinner, Sometime we'll cook dinner, sometimes you might cook, and sometimes we'll cook together. There are two great weekly farmers markets in town, always stocked with fresh ingredients.
We are in town, so we have decent WiFi (yes!). We have a bike and there are a ton of walking trails nearby. There is a river you can rent canoes on in the summer. There are dozens of small shops within walking distance, and a grocery store about 1km away. Fair warning, we live above a pizza shop and the scents will have you wanting pizza every night.
What would your accommodations be?
A suite with a private bath. It's ideal for one person or a couple. The last workawayers who stayed said it was the nicest room they stayed in. As we build out more apartments, we'll let workawayers stay there if they like.
Who are we looking for?
We prefer couples (or groups) because it makes it easier for us to have some family time without feeling like we're leaving a solo guest on their own. But we're open to anyone. We'd prefer someone who is passionate about old buildings and traveling, just like us.Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can learn some French or English if that interests you. Rick attends a French speaking and cultural exchange group, and anyone is welcome to join. Culturally, there are a lot of things going on in the area (more in the summer than winter).
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We're looking for people with DIY skills. Mostly we have stonework and woodwork to be done. I plan to install a lot of windows (I think there are 18 or so needing replaced). There will be a little pluming and electrical, but not much and I typically do that myself. There will be painting too. Just a lot of general fixin' stuff. Experience isn't as critical as a willingness to try.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Thai: BeginnerThis 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
We have several open bedrooms, one is a private little apartment. Where you stay will depend on which rooms might be under construction at the time.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a very reliable 300Mbps Fiber connection. We have an office set up, but it may be moving around with the renovations. If you need space to work, we can make that happen. We have a printer, scanner, and external monitor, all of which you can use if needed.
Space for parking camper vans
We have a really big garage. It would fit a van-based camper, but not a full sized one (2M max height). We could figure how to get you water and electric. I love working on cars and have all sorts of tools, parts, and jacks if you need to make repairs. There are also several parking lots nearby that you can park a camper for free. However, I don't think they have water/elec. I know the town has a camper lot, but it's a few euros a day.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two