Helping around the home and garden in beautiful Brie sous Chalais, France

Details

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  Description

  I am a Cornish-born sound mixer with over 40 years experience in the film industry, now navigating a new chapter in my life, exploring and enjoying the beautiful South Charente. After a career spent traveling the world for major film and TV projects, I have settled into this beautiful region between Chalais and Barbezieux, where I also keep myself busy in local real estate. My life here is a blend of quiet rural beauty and creative professional energy, and my primary goal in hosting is to build a small, vibrant community of curious minds.
  
  My home is situated in what we call "Little Tuscany," a stunning part of Southwest France just an hour from Bordeaux. It is a place of sunflower fields, ancient vineyards, and quiet stone villages. I am passionate about technology, sustainable gardening, motorcycling and boating. I am looking for guests who want to do more than just help out - I am looking for people to share in the "Art de Vivre" that makes this region so special.
  
  You will be treated as part of the household, not just a visitor. When we aren't working on the property, I am happy to show you my favourite "secret" routes through the vineyards or give you tips on navigating French culture. You will have access to a bicycle to explore local gems like the monolithic church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne or the thermal springs of Jonzac. Whether we are discussing film sound or local history, the goal is a genuine, two-way friendship.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Van life

  

  Technology

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Art & design

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Animals

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Cycling
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Discover Southwest France, the culture and landscape. You can expect to learn some French, local history and have access to a bicycle for trips around the local area if you wish.
  
  The heart of your stay will be the interaction we share. As a BAFTA winner who has spent nearly half a century on film sets, I have a lifetime of stories to share about the industry, sound production, and global travel. For me, hosting is about opening my home to new perspectives. We will share three meals a day together, which is where the real magic happens. I consider myself a good cook and love preparing traditional Cornish pasties, Quiche Lorraine, or a classic Pasta Carbonara to enjoy over a bottle of local wine and deep conversation.
  
  I am eager to learn from you as well. I am always looking to stay current with new technology and love hearing about my guests' own creative passions, whether you are a digital nomad, an artist, or a fellow traveler. I hope to learn about your home culture and your own "hacks" for life on the road or sustainable living. My aim is that we both leave this exchange with new skills and a broader view of the world.

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  Help

  Practical skills will be useful. Gardening and help with various projects would be great.
  
  While I have projects around the house and gardens, I view these as collaborative efforts rather than a list of chores. We might spend a morning tidying the wooded areas or doing a small DIY project, but the focus is always on learning together and sharing skills. I am also very keen on language exchange; I am a native English speaker and would love to help you refine your English while you may be able to help me master the nuances of my intermediate French.
  
  Workawayers won't be helping with any tasks relating to a business activity / rentals / gîte and in spaces for paying guests

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  German: Beginner
  Spanish: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  Happy to teach a little English (my first language) and French if needed.
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  Accommodation

  Own room with double bed and nearby shower and toilet.
  
  You will have your own private, comfortable room with a double bed and a private shower and toilet just steps away. For those working remotely, we have high-speed fiber Wi-Fi. During the season, the swimming pool is available for your use whenever the gîte is not occupied. It is a peaceful, inspiring environment perfect for someone looking to experience the authentic French countryside.

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  What else ...

  Loan of a bicycle if needed.
  Use of swimming pool when the gîte isn't rented out.
  Workawayers won't be helping with any tasks relating to a business activity / rentals / gîte or in spaces reserved for paying guests.

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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 high speed fibre wi-fi.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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