Join us in out manor home in the heart of a vibrant town in Britttany, France

Details

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  Description

  Please note that I don't always seem to get email notifications from Workaway, so apologies in advance for any delayed replies.
  
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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 9 and identifies more as a cat than any nationality). 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 3 cats that live here. They're all friendly. One is old and moody, the other 2 are 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. The house is made of stone, and has interior woodwork, so if you want to learn those skills, we've got plenty for you here. Rick is well versed in all sorts of renovation skills and enjoys teaching others what he knows.
  
  What do we expect?
  
  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 organic ingredients.
  
  We are in town, so we have fiber with decent WiFi (yes!). We have a bike, a (one-person) kayak, a surfboard that is sadly too small for the waves around here, 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.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance
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  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).

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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're looking for people interested in learning DIY skills and getting their hands dirty. Experience isn't as important as a willingness to try.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  Thai: Beginner

  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.
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  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.

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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 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.

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  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.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Schroder (1 year)

  Orange cat. Waaaay too plump for his age. Super chill. Not afraid of anything except the vacuum.

  Linus (1 year)

  Orange cat. Cuddly, but skittish.

  Lucy (7 years)

  Black cat, moody and aloof.

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