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Aloha everyone,
My name is Philippe.
I came back to France after having lived 45 years in California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Oregon and Hawaii, and bought this sweet old house on 5000m2 in Creuse.
My "project" here is to care for this land, live simply, grow organic veggies, fruit, herbs, and host people interested in assisting me in creating an outdoor kitchen, and care for the gardens, orchard and trees, participate in setting in up a sweat lodge for body and soul purification ceremonies as taught and passed on to me by my friend Hunting Crow in Arizona.
I am 70 years old, vegetarian and in excellent health. I do not drink alcohol nor do I enjoy the company of drunkenness .
I love authenticity, being human, jamming, sharing stories, bicycling, circles, and being present as much as I remember to be.
I am responsible, response-able, and laid back.
I have worked in many different fields over the years including all around food service, ski resort areal tram crew, ski slope grooming crew, tree planting, farm truck driver, sawmill work, produce management in a food co-op, trained in jewelry making then had my own workshop/storefront in Arizona, then studied full time for 4 years and became a Registered Nurse for 16 years.
During those years I was a 24/7 single father with 3 children. Yllithia, now 44, lives in San Diego. Faye 42 lives in Oregon, and Raja 39 lives in Alaska. They were born at home... I am infinitely grateful to their amazing mother Alice. We have a close and loving relationship in spite of the physical distance.
Here, I do not own a car. I have an e-bike for errands to various villages and towns, and for pleasure rides. I am green friendly.
This county, Creuse, is the second least populated county in France.
It is a vast ocean of green forested hills, waterways, pastures, and countless villages.
Although my place is secluded; the closest neighbor is half a km away, the village-3km, the town-10km, I do not feel isolated, I have made many friends. There is a well connected network of people here who practice permaculture, are artisans, musicians, young families... Aiming to live sustainably and closer to the land.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Movies & TV
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Sustainability
Beach
Cycling
Dancing
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
Astronomy
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Languages
Music
Plant care
Events & social
LGBTQ
Pets
Politics / Social justice
Self development
Vegetarian or vegan
Books
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am a French national and, I have lived abroad most of my life. Including my childhood in Algeria and Tunisia between the ages of 6 and 14, and Greece from 14 to 19.
So I do not consider myself an impersonation of local french culture.
Here, in North Creuse, there is the older culture of natives Creusois, farmers, masons (the masons who built the great cathedrals, monuments and bridges of Paris and other French cities where from Creuse), hunters, cattle raising, horse loving people.
And there is the newer culture... The Neo Creusois who have moved here is the last 20 years seeking a saner sustainable lifestyle closer to nature. They are gardeners, artists, artisans, musicians, poets, world travellers, ex-nomads, bakers, stage actors...a rich Neo culture.
Help
I would like help with:
*Amending, planting, weeding the existing vegetable gardens.
*Erecting a simple structure for an outdoor common kitchen,
*installing a rainwater channeling system from the ground level gutter downspouts of the house to the pond.
We can work together, or if you prefer solitary work, there are many helpful ways one could choose to love this land.
If you are an artist and love to paint, there is a least one indoor wall that begs for a space-opening mural.
You will be helpful by participating in the activities of daily living such as light house cleaning, washing your dishes ...
I would also like to
*Share stories lived and learned on Turtle Island.
*How to set up a sweat lodge and participate in a purification ceremony, honoring and respecting its ancient tradition.
I would like, as well, to listen to you if you're inspired to share lived and learned stories
If you prefer to have silence, quiet solitude, and autonomy and want to share what you love, let's talk.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I'll speak with you in French or English. I'm interested in learning Spanish, Greek or...? What is your native language?
Accommodation
Downstairs, The house is rustic has a main room that currently serves as kitchen, dining room, living-room and music room with a piano. That's where the wood stove is.
There is my bedroom, a guestroom and a bathroom with hot shower and 5kg washing machine.
For warmer weather, I have a 5.5m (18ft) tipi with a hearth, liner and ozan which I use for sharing circles, gathering with friends or simply fire sitting...
It's has a bed and is also an awesome bedroom .
I also have a 5m pentagonal US army tent set up in a sweet spot on the land.
If you have a tent, I have a very nice flat and private camping space.
Water and electricity is available to all except the tipi.
Upstairs is a large (75m²) room with a newly re-done wood floor. The roof is not yet insulated but in warmer season, it is a beautiful space for yoga, dance, chant...
What else ...
There is no public transport here.
If you have a vehicle, the region has much to offer. Many unique villages and historical sites pepper the country side. There are countless hiking and VTT trails, it's is aussi a heaven for road bicycling. Nature is lush and abundant in hardwood forests, lakes and waterways. flowers, local and migratory birds, deer, fox, boar, wild cats, badgers and an occasional wolf. There is a wolf sanctuary close by.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have reliable and fast fiber Internet and a private room with a double bed, an armchair, a table and chair for desk, and a NW facing window with a beautiful view over the countryside.
Space for parking camper vans
There is room on my driveway for a camping-car or truck. Electric hookup and water is available
Can possibly accept pets
I adopted a skinny, wet and cold kitten from a wild mama cat a year ago. I gained her trust, installed a cat door... She now comes and goes freely throughout the day and night but spends most of her time outside. I always have food and fresh water for her inside. We love, understand and respect each other. If your four legged friend is cat/dog/people friendly, respects and listens to you, and does not poop in the gardens, you are welcome.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Kittycat (1 year)
She is a fierce hunter, very independent, spends most of her time out and about on the land. She is very affectionate, and interactive but not a lap buddy. She comes and goes freely through the cat door. Always has food and water in the house. Shy/cautious with people, when a dog appears, she disappears...
