Join our busy, but happy and relaxed family home in the Charente, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi all, a little introduction; We are a family of five, there’s us and our 3 kids, boys of 18 & 15 & girl of 13 (and our little dogs, cat, chickens, chicks and rabbits) who moved to France from England for a simpler, less hectic lifestyle.
  We are currently undertaking DIY of our future home which is a C14 strong house in traditional methods and materials in the beautiful Charente countryside, within striking distance of some fantastic places. Bordeaux, Cognac, La Rochelle beach within 2 hours and ski slopes are within 3 hours. Poitiers, Angouleme, a subterranean cathedral, countless Chateau and attractions within 1 hour, two of the most picturesque villages in France less than 10 minutes away. Locally there are shops, restaurants, riverside bars, chateau, a C12 abbey and a river beach.
  
  Come and join us, helping around the house, with our organic, bio-diverse garden projects, bee keeping and honey production, wine making including tending vines and pressing, cider or elderflower champagne making, helping with the chickens and sometimes incubation if the hen quits the nest (all seasonal of course) , or watch and learn from local artisans and craftspeople we have working on the project and maybe help with some DIY!
  We have a swap and barter system with numerous french people and farmers where we exchange surplus produce, so experiencing french country living is all part of the experience. enjoy French culture at local markets and village bring and share meals, organic farmers markets with a twist (we buy our produce and some of it is cooked for us there and then) to sit and eat with friends, neighbours and equally those we’ve never met, all encouraging integration and sharing. So come and experience some new skills a new culture, lifestyle and have some fun along the way.
  
  We have places for up to 5 people from now onwards with a few bookings left for summer and autumn! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re planning a trip for this or next year! 😁
  
  We have guests from all over the world and learning about their cultures, cuisines and lifestyles is fascinating, recently we have learned to cook some new Spanish Italian and Moroccan dishes along with a few phrases in new languages here and there which is a real bonus for us.
  
  We only live once… we would like to experience as much from our guests as possible along the way!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  History

  

  Books

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Nature

  

  Winter sports

  

  Mountain

  

  Beach

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are all fluent in French English and in the process of learning Spanish , so learning at least the basics of a language if not more (from speaking it on a daily basis) would be possible. This would be a great opportunity to explore the French language, culture and history, from a great launch point in the heart of south west France. We regularly interact with our local village friends of many nationalities (most of whom speak English but encourage you to speak french - by pretending not to understand!) Along with this, learning traditional methods for the repair of historic buildings of this region which are very specific to the area, would benefit anyone wishing to understand the theory and practice of dying arts. There are markets, village meals, festivals and events every day of every weekend from spring until late Autumn, brocantes too, lot and lots to see and do.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  Help

  We are looking people to come and help us with some home improvement projects and sustainable biodiverse garden project, animal care and food production.
  The requirement is quite flexible, anyone who would like to join us could help with any of the above or general maintenance and garden tasks for a maximum of 5 hours a day 5 days a week, leaving long weekends to explore the region. This would probably look like 9am to 4pm (with a two hour typical french lunch) and would certainly be flexible, but it is sometimes hard work in the garden and some heavy lifting would be involved.
  
  Being a heritage buildings consultant who runs free training courses in varying subjects relating to historic buildings (from dry stone walling to pointing and building in traditional methods and materials), means everything regarding renovation of old buildings could be learned if you wish.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  We are offering for solo travelers and or couples/small families to share a cottage in the beautiful Charente countryside Next door to our house, directly in between two of the top 100 prettiest villages in France. It is well renovated and quirky, cool in summer and cozy in winter, for the duration of the stay (with no bills to pay). It is furnished with a double room and a double with two large single beds and the usual furniture. The use of bikes is available for the local villages 3km, lifts to town with train station 8km not a problem.
  
  Self catering with all food and soft drinks supplied while here, and shared meals with us such as BBQ’s on regular occasions, but equally privacy when you want it. There are always cereals, bread, toast and jams, tea, coffee pastas, rice and sauces, fruit, eggs from our chickens, honey from our bees and and veg from the garden and whatever other shopping you choose in particular to suit your preferences.

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  What else ...

  Locally there are numerous historic and cultural attractions, most weekends from spring to fall there are events locally ranging from open air art exhibitions, communal meals (hog roasts, steak/moules frites), fetes with fireworks, local markets, music events and evenings, numerous Brocantes and antiques markets. There are recreation facilities nearby, a river beach for swimming, canoeing, kyacking, treetop adventures and of course the perfect area for walking and cycling.
  Further afield there are countless historic and beautiful places, medieval towns and villages to visit, not to mention the multitude of tourist parks and attractions.
  As a small family we live quietly, politely and gently in our community, as such we are well thought of and integrated. Our ideal guests would have similar philosophies, not disturb neighbours and become friends.
  We visit and join in with local events and activities regularly, you would be welcome to join us. :0)

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  There’s power hookup, water and even access to a bathroom that has an outside door, it’s all on a slight slope so levelling blocks are on hand if you need them. Will fit large or small vans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Well behaved dogs who socialise well

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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