Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
3 Dec 2023
Reply rate
66.7 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
My name is Cathy and I moved from the UK to the beautiful Charentais countryside a year ago. We are a family of four, myself, Bebe and Frankie the dogs and Morris the cat. I’m passionate about gardening and learning French. The animals are my greatest source of joy, I love walking and sometimes (literally) getting lost in the countryside.
Our house sits on the edge of a quiet village. However we do have a funky bar with music at weekends and a very busy kayak and paddle board hire place at the end of the road.
Our biggest gift we can offer people wanting to stay is the garden! Part woodland, part terrace, full riverside with an orchard and veggie patch. It’s a hidden paradise with red squirrels and golden oriels singing high up in the poplars.
Everyday I appreciate how lucky we are to be here. Also I want other people to experience it and enjoy it too.
I love sharing stories and ideas, I’m a very open person. The main reason for joining the site is to get help and gain knowledge about the garden. Maybe some days help with walking the dogs.. sharing meals and speaking French would also be wonderful!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
Animal Care
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I adore French food and that beautiful continental way of sitting down for at least 2 hours to enjoy lunch or dinner. Using produce from the garden makes me so happy! My very first vegetable patch was this year!
I river swim most days and would highly recommend it to anyone who stays. It’s magical🦋🌾🪻🌻
I have been learning French for a year, and would love to practice, Or if someone needs help with English that’s also wonderful.
Anyone who would like an experience of simple living in the South West of 🇫🇷 France
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Gardening help and knowledge. Garden design ideas. I need help to build terrace stairs to join the top garden to the riverside. Clearing fallen wood, vegetable patch maintenance, setting up a chicken coup and fox proof run. Caring for the orchard.
Cat cuddles, walking dogs some mornings, possibly painting the shutters (if I can ever decide what colour I’d like)😂
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I’m learning French, anyone else who is learning French or French speakers very welcome
Accommodation
The house has 2 large double bedrooms and an office. Large lounge and kitchen downstairs, off of the lounge there is a terrace with river and woodland views across the garden. Depending on the season or stayers preference I have a large bell tent with small log burner that I pitch under the walnut trees.
I’d love to share at least 1 meal together each day, I enjoy cooking but also happy to give the kitchen over to anyone who also enjoys it.
What else ...
There is a local market twice a week, and lovely places to eat 10min drive away.Many beautiful chateau villages around. Bordeaux is a two hour drive away, such a beautiful city! There is a train station 10mins away by car. Im happy to drive/pick up if someone doesn’t have a car. Im planning to get some bikes at some point.
Before I settled down and got the animals I used to live on a narrow boat. This was a very special time for me. Meeting wonderful people with open and kind hearts.
So I guess really anyone who is open and kind and can appreciate the small beautiful things in the world would be my ideal match.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have fibre internet connection
Space for parking camper vans
The perfect spot under the walnut trees, track best suited to 4x4 in wet months
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
