Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
20 Oct 2023
Feedback
-
Email verified
Details
Description
We're an international couple (German/Belgium), lived many years abroad (last ones were in China) and landed two years ago in a tiny mountain village in Ariege, France. We had enough of the big city life, we wanted to reconnect with nature, climb mountains and become more and more self sufficient.
We had two wonderful experiences as Workawayers before to get the keys of our place, and we just loved it. Now that we are a bit settled, we feel ready to host and share our various experiences with motivated and curious people.
I was a chef for 14 years, working mainly for bigger famous chefs.....in very "demanding and stressful restaurants".
I am now becoming a carpenter. Karin was in the corporate industry.
Our place is stunning, it fits us perfectly. Very few neighbours, water and mountains everywhere. We're at 800m altitude. We have cats , dogs and chickens.
Our green house + garden is running full power, watered by the mountain's stream behind the house. An orchard, a forest where we get our fire wood from and a renovation project just next door.
I (Vincent) am currently spending a lot of time working home, and I would welcome a bit of help. The project list is long, and very diversified. We choose the projects together, and I believe it is a good thing if you can finish it. It's more satisfying. However, most of the projects require a bit of physical strength. If you are fit, motivated, disciplined, a positive person and ready to share some good food / laughs / good company of us and our amazing animals in a wild setting - you are right here!
Please add in your message the (workaway) experiences you have had so far, your profession, your expectation and ambition for the stay with us.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are speaking English at home, my mother-tongue is French, I can talk Italian, and Karin is speaking German, Bavarian and English.
We start to have a decent experience in many fields, I believe we have a lot to share, from our past experiences and our current seek for self sufficiency.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Several projects are pending : Fish pond / Walipini Green house to replace the old pool / Ground work and bedroom floor and wall renovation / Sanding and Painting of Doors, Chairs, Garden Hut / General maintenance of the land / Gardening (i.e. watering, removing weeds..). Cooking can be either done together or in a rotation.. we are open to discuss - and of course, Vincent is happy to share some professional kitchen tricks with you!
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
Couple of options. Your own van, or tent, including the bathroom of the gîte which is not rented this year. Or a bedroom in the gîte, which is 75% renovated. We have tried it ourselves, it's a fantastic place.
What else ...
The best is for you to have your own car. We live at 800m altitude, you need good legs if you want to do everything on a bicycle. You can go hiking, you have an endless amount of paths in front of the house, in the mountains. Cycling, climbing, canoe, canyoning, sightseeing (we have the biggest cave in Europe here 15 min from the house and some other nice caves, a Prehistoric Parc, Andorra for cheap shopping 45 min,) etc.....Ariege is a very rich area for nature lovers!
If you are a climber - we know almost all the crags here. We are happy to share our advices with you!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
