The image depicts a serene white house with a gray roof, nestled among trees and a lush green lawn, exuding a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts two individuals paddling a canoe on a serene body of water, surrounded by lush greenery, conveying a sense of tranquility and leisurely activity.
A person is jumping on a large inflatable ball, possibly a beach ball, in a body of water, likely a lake or river, with a shoreline in the background.
The image depicts a bedroom with a bed, dresser, and nightstand, featuring a white headboard and a white dresser, with a white nightstand and a white bed frame. The room is well-lit.
The image depicts a serene scene of a large tree with sprawling branches and lush green leaves, set against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and a grassy field.
The image depicts a serene scene of a house with a large yard, featuring a driveway and a lawn, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a clear sky in the background.
The image depicts a cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, a wooden table, and a bookshelf, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. The room is well-lit and inviting.
The image depicts a serene scene of a lake or pond, surrounded by trees and featuring a prominent tree trunk, with a clear sky and a few clouds, evoking a sense of tranquility.
The image depicts a serene scene of a lake or river, with a vibrant green tree line and a clear sky, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility.
The image shows a woman standing in front of a kitchen counter, with a large bowl of food on the counter and a table with a tablecloth in the background. The scene appears to be a family gathering or celebration.
The image depicts a living room with a couch, coffee table, and TV stand, featuring a large window with a view of a body of water and a mountain range in the background.
The image shows a selfie of a woman and two children in a restaurant, with the woman wearing a yellow top and the children smiling at the camera.
The image shows two small dogs, likely a pair of puppies, with short fur, standing on a wooden floor, possibly in a house, with a white wall behind them.
The image depicts a serene outdoor scene featuring a grassy area with trees and a body of water, likely a lake or river, surrounded by a natural landscape with a clear sky.
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Join our family for cultural exchange in Desertines, France

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    23 Jun 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 1 day

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    8

  • ID verified

    ID verified

  • Email verified

    Email verified

Country info

If you are not an EU Citizen and planning to visit France to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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What's this?

Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are Steve and Iryna.
    I’m a retired UK Police Officer and my Wife a retired nurse.
    We have 2 children, a Girl and a Boy, aged 14 and 16.
    There are 5 languages spoken fluently in the household: English, French, Russian, Spanish and Polish.
    We live on the Normandy/Brittany border in a quiet area know as Desertines (53190) careful as there is another one further south !!
    We have a beautiful, wooden garden opposite a private lake, with no close neighbours.
    There is a small village with an English pub,, The Red Lion, 10 minutes walk away and a large town, with all amenities, a 10 minute drive away.
    I’m recovering from an operation so need help around the garden mainly but May also include some other, supervised work (Painting, routine DIY), if within the Workawayers capabilities. We never ask for unreasonable work or anything too strenuous.
    We have 4 lovely double rooms in our house for singles or couples
    My Wife cooks lovely food and we have a big bbq for warmer days, there’s a Fire pit and we are just completing a heated indoor pool as well.
    The night sky is amazing, full of visible stars as there is no unnatural light.
    In the day time, the bird song is beautiful. The garden sometimes has visits from Deer, Foxes and Badgers. It is truly an amazing place to relax and de stress.
    We have bikes if you fancy an explore.
    We are a 60 minute drive from the beautiful beaches of St. Malo and Mont Saint Michel is only 50 minutes away.
    There is a possibility of collecting from Rennes airport (please ask/check with us), but Laval train station is preferable as there is a regular, 3€ bus transfer to Mayenne whereas we can pick up from, most days between 9am and 7pm

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Light maintenance
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Politics / Social justice
    Pets
    LGBTQ
    Movies & TV
    Photography
    Performing arts
    History
    Gardening
    Drawing & painting
    DIY & crafts
    Cooking & food
    Carpentry
    Architecture
    Animals
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Learn new skills in DIY, Gardening, learn French or Russian. Iryna speaks fluent polish and Russian.
    Mainly, unwind, chill out and de stress and try wine tasting with the hosts.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Lawn mowing (ride on or push)
    Strimming, pruning, small planting, some minor DIY projects. Nothing very strenuous.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Polish: Fluent
    Russian: Fluent
    Ukrainian: Intermediate

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    4 double rooms in the main house for singles or couples

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Day trips available with the hosts transport. Beaches, lakes, Churches, Markets, war cemeteries, go carting and much much more.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Possibly depending what (no lions or Tigers)

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Cookie and Bear

    2 x Chihuahuas

Host ref number: 763562418813

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.7)

Communication:
(5.0)

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