Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
2 May 2025
Reply rate
97.1 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
66
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Badges (5)
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Details
Description
We are a family of three - our son Hugo is 16 years old - and we live in central France, hosting French students and adults for English (sometimes Theatre-in-English) Immersion a week at a time. We have an old 'once-upon-a-farm' property, Chapière, that we are renovating very slowly (but we live most of the time in Noyant d'Allier, 25-minutes away, where there are also projects needing completion).
We moved here - from London, via 5 yrs in the Scottish Highlands - pretty much full time several years ago and Hugo is at a Steiner school here and completely bilingual. As are we. Almost. Hugo frequently corrects his parents' pronunciation!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Fully bilingual family (though English spoken at home) deeply immersed in French rural life. My wife and I were both professional actors and now use theatre in teaching English, particularly in our 'Theatre-in-English' 'séjours'.
Our son goes to a Waldorf Steiner school (in the middle of the forest!) and we're quite involved in the school and all its activities, markets, fêtes etc..
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
General physical help is what's needed but anyone with roofing, building, woodworking, tree management, farming, gardening (etc.) experience more than welcome. But extra - willing but unskilled! - pairs of hands are just as welcome.
Good food and wine guaranteed; my wife, Tanya, is a dab-hand at Thai, French, Italian, English and Japanese cooking.
And we don't work too ridiculously hard, either; plenty of time and opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment of the area.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Japanese: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
One double bedroom in the (already-renovated!) house available at the moment (NON-SMOKING). But one early project is to renovate the 'bread-oven' into self-contained accommodation - and it'snot too far fromcompletion.
In fact, right now, we'd all probably stay 25-mins away in my father-in-law's 5-bedroom house (where we do the English Immersion teaching) in Noyant d'Allier (NON-SMOKING!!), and travel to Chapière, the farmhouse outside Saint Plaisir when working there, although there are jobs aplenty to be done on the Noyant house, as it is a lovely old early 20thC 'Townhouse' - on the edge of the village! The village itself has a large Vietnamese population, so there is a temple and a 6m golden Buddha, as well as an excellent restaurant, 'Le Petit d'Asie'. There is also a Mining Museum, a beautiful 'Chateau-fort' and a Velorail. Not bad for a tiny French country village!
What else ...
VERY peaceful, rural, unspoiled part of beautiful France. Two beautiful towns close by - Moulins and Montluçon - and two bigger just an hour away - Nevers and Bourges. Paris 2.5hrs by train. Volcanic region of Puy-de-Dôme and the regional capital, Clermont-Ferrand, 75 mins away.
Bikes and buses available but we're always in and out of Moulins, so happy to ferry you there - or to the station.
We live a pretty relaxed way of life and really only have one absolute no-no which is smoking.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
No limits
Can possibly accept pets
Not with us at Noyant (it's my father-in-law's house) but if you're happy to stay at Chapière (read profile for info), then, with some restrictions, pets might be considered.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 812885236137
Feedback (29)
6 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Randolphe) for host
J'ai passé deux bonne semaines chez Jonathan, Tanya, Malcom et Hugo (Que je n'ai malheureusement pas vu pendant mon séjour). Jai eu la chance également de pratiquer mon anglais et de beaucoup apprendre aussi d'eux. Tellement de chance que j'étais avec trois magnifiques colombiens et un Italien (aussi magnifique) avec qui j'ai travaillé sur… read more
6 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Natali)
This feedback is more for Jhon and Andrès because they stayed 2 weeks longer than Natali. And they were amazing; really responsive, really productive and really creative. And completely autonomous when I couldn't be present.
Natali, too, was great - a fanatical and effective cleaner and organiser.
The 3 of them worked marvels. I highly recommend… read more
Natali, too, was great - a fanatical and effective cleaner and organiser.
The 3 of them worked marvels. I highly recommend… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Fabrizio) for host
I got into my first experience here and i can say that has been perfect. I only stayed 10 days because the country life don’t fit me and the place is more isolated than I expected but the family is very very pleasent. Jonathan know how to entertain you as well as Malcom with his philosophical conversation and Tanya with her stories… and food!(she… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
6 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Randolphe) for host
J'ai passé deux bonne semaines chez Jonathan, Tanya, Malcom et Hugo (Que je n'ai malheureusement pas vu pendant mon séjour). Jai eu la chance également de pratiquer mon anglais et de beaucoup apprendre aussi d'eux. Tellement de chance que j'étais avec trois magnifiques colombiens et un Italien (aussi magnifique) avec qui j'ai travaillé sur… read more
6 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Natali)
This feedback is more for Jhon and Andrès because they stayed 2 weeks longer than Natali. And they were amazing; really responsive, really productive and really creative. And completely autonomous when I couldn't be present.
Natali, too, was great - a fanatical and effective cleaner and organiser.
The 3 of them worked marvels. I highly recommend… read more
Natali, too, was great - a fanatical and effective cleaner and organiser.
The 3 of them worked marvels. I highly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
15 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Fabrizio) for host
I got into my first experience here and i can say that has been perfect. I only stayed 10 days because the country life don’t fit me and the place is more isolated than I expected but the family is very very pleasent. Jonathan know how to entertain you as well as Malcom with his philosophical conversation and Tanya with her stories… and food!(she… read more
13 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Vladimir)
Yes, 5* because he knew his stuff and worked very well.
Only caveat is that when he gets going on a subject he knows, he's a locomotive! But our family enjoys a good debate, so not an issue really...
Vladimir got a job and left much earlier than planned, so that was a little bit disruptive. But just a bit...
Definitely worth having, overall - a… read more
Only caveat is that when he gets going on a subject he knows, he's a locomotive! But our family enjoys a good debate, so not an issue really...
Vladimir got a job and left much earlier than planned, so that was a little bit disruptive. But just a bit...
Definitely worth having, overall - a… read more
(Excellent)
31 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Jonathan and his family hosted me for three weeks in their house in Noyant-d'Allier. I had contacted them because the host I was supposed to go to had cancelled my stay at the last minute; therefore, they were my saviours.
During my time there I learnt how to do many different crafts with Jonathan, learnt some international cooking from Tanya,… read more
During my time there I learnt how to do many different crafts with Jonathan, learnt some international cooking from Tanya,… read more
17 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma arrived about a week before another Workawayer, also 26 but from Ireland, and luckily they got on very well. In fact, they definitely got through more work together than individually - they formed a really productive team! Emma was industrious and applied herself well to each and every one of the various tasks she was given. She was always… read more
(Excellent)
17 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ciana & Laura)
Ciana arrived about a week after another Workawayer, also 26 but from Italy, and luckily they got on very well. In fact, Ciana's presence seemed to MORE than double the work the two got through! She was industrious, never said never, applied herself fully to each and every one of the various and variable tasks she was given, and was always smiling… read more
(Excellent)
29 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ciana & Laura) for host
I recently stayed with Jonathan’s family and had a wonderful time. Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm are fantastic hosts, and help you feel welcome and at home from day one. As a family, they are extremely open and generous with their time, energy and home, and Tanya makes the most delicious meals! We could borrow their bikes and enjoy the… read more
3 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandro)
Alessandro was amazing. He fitted in to our family and our family routine - or rather lack of routine! - really well. He accepted and accomplished any tasks given to him, and participated in family life, from cooking to shopping to outings, with positivity and cheerfulness.
He's welcome back any time 👍🏼🤗
He's welcome back any time 👍🏼🤗
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alessandro) for host
I stayed with this family for about a month; this was my first workaway experience. During my stay I felt welcomed like part of the family. Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm were excellent in making me feel at home, it was nice to have lunch and talk with them while eating good food cooked by Tanya. With Jonathan we repaired part of the garage… read more
18 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jiaxin) for host
my very first workaway experience with Jonathan’s family was amazing just like i had dreamed of!! words are not enough to explain how special it was for me and i enjoyed every single moment with them. i could not have asked for more. it was just perfect. my perfect summer with them will never be replaced by anything. i learned many new skills and… read more
13 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jiaxin)
Jiaxin came to help us with our first Theatre-in-English week - in July - but arrived in early june and ended up staying for the second week - in August - and then stuck around until early October!! And we loved every minute! (Except when she beat me at Pictionary!😤).
She helped in every way possible, cooking, cleaning, gardening, building and was… read more
She helped in every way possible, cooking, cleaning, gardening, building and was… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (marron31)
Short and sweet ✨️. Not Arisa but her stay with us. She was an excellent Workawayer; did everything asked of her. Oh and of course she IS sweet! She helped us at our busiest time, helping with the cooking, cleaning etc,
You're welcome back any time, Arisa.
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo 😊🤗😊
You're welcome back any time, Arisa.
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo 😊🤗😊
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelie)
Short and sweet ✨️. Not Amelie but her stay with us. Although, of course, she is very sweet! She was an excellent Workawayer; did everything asked of her and more. She was more concerned with finishing a task than how long she'd been working.
As a temporary part of the family, too - she fitted right in, helping at mealtimes, doing more than her… read more
As a temporary part of the family, too - she fitted right in, helping at mealtimes, doing more than her… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lautaro)
Last message from Lautaro was "yes, yes May 23rd", confirming his date of arrival. I replied:
"Hey Lautaro, have you got a time, yet, for tomorrow 😉? Or if you want to arrive on Wednesday, Hugo'll be playing a 3×3 basketball tournament in the centre of Moulins, the Place d'Allier, all afternoon...???
Jonathan
P.S. you can WhatsApp me… read more
"Hey Lautaro, have you got a time, yet, for tomorrow 😉? Or if you want to arrive on Wednesday, Hugo'll be playing a 3×3 basketball tournament in the centre of Moulins, the Place d'Allier, all afternoon...???
Jonathan
P.S. you can WhatsApp me… read more
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
31 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Takeru)
Thank you for your lovely feedback, Takeru, and you're welcome back any time! Especially during the Theatre Weeks next summer - a Japanese flavour to the meals would be amazing!
Takeru was with us briefly and didn't have much experience but he applied himself to whatever tasks I set him with goodwill and effort and he made a difference. He never… read more
Takeru was with us briefly and didn't have much experience but he applied himself to whatever tasks I set him with goodwill and effort and he made a difference. He never… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Takeru) for host
I am so happy to have my first workaway experience with Jonathan, Tanya, and Hugo. Even though I only stayed less than a week, Jonathan was always keen to show me how to do the tasks and he made sure to say "Thank you" to me at the end of the day, which made me so happy and motivated. Also, as a Japanese person, I really loved Thai or Japanese… read more
8 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
My first Workaway experience could not have been better. Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm are such a unique, friendly and kind family. From day one, I felt at ease. All the tasks are easy and Jonathan always makes sure you understand everything, so you always know exactly what to do. The meals, mostly prepared by Tanya, were always delicious. I… read more
4 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie was lovely to have around; respectful, helpful, thoughtful and considerate. And although she's just 19 and doesn't have many practical, DIY-type skills, she accepted every single task without complaint and helped considerably in the progress of various projects. You'll be happy to hear, Sophie, that Hugo's basketball 'court' is finally… read more
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassidy)
Cassie, Iris (and briefly, Eva) were lovely to have around; respectful, helpful, thoughtful and considerate. And although they're just 22 and don't have a load of practical, DIY-type skills, they accepted every single task without complaint and helped considerably in the progress of various projects.
You'll be happy to hear that Hugo's basketball… read more
You'll be happy to hear that Hugo's basketball… read more
(Excellent)
22 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Cassidy) for host
Our first workaway experience with Johnathan, Tanya, and Hugo was incredible! My friend Iris, Eva, and I stayed at Chapiere for a weekend, and then Iris and I stayed with the family for 2 weeks longer. No matter where we stayed, we had everything we needed and felt very welcomed! We had a lot of odd jobs here and there, but definitely accomplished… read more
4 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Miroslava)
Mira was great. Anything we asked her to do, she did it. And more. In fact, always more.
And she got on famously with our other Workawayer at the time, 74-year old Troy from Arkansas. By no means a guaranteed thing!
They got lots done, the 2 of them and they're both highly recommended.
And she got on famously with our other Workawayer at the time, 74-year old Troy from Arkansas. By no means a guaranteed thing!
They got lots done, the 2 of them and they're both highly recommended.
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Troy)
Didn't know what to expect of a 75-year old Workawayer but Troy surpassed all expectations. Anything we asked him to do, he did it. And more. In fact, always more. Completing a job is much more important to Troy than how many hours he's worked.
And he got on famously with our other Workawayer at the time, 24-year old Mira from Bratislava.
They… read more
And he got on famously with our other Workawayer at the time, 24-year old Mira from Bratislava.
They… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Troy) for host
This was my first Workaway experience, and I could not have asked for a better family. Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo are wonderful people who went out of their way to make me feel at home while staying with them. The work was mostly DIY and Jonathan was constantly checking to make sure we were OK with what he asked us to do, and was always concerned… read more
2 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Patricia)
Patricia was amazing; not much practical experience but happy, no, more than that, KEEN to learn as much as possible. Whatever I asked of her, she leapt into the challenge and worked hard to do a good job.
She was also a great house guest, respecting all our individual..ities!..and joining in whole heartedly when invited.
We'd have her back any… read more
She was also a great house guest, respecting all our individual..ities!..and joining in whole heartedly when invited.
We'd have her back any… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Patricia) for host
My stay here was nothing but wonderful. They are a lovely family that welcomed me so warmly into their home. I learned many new skills from this experience from how to use power tools and change a tire to how to check gas tanks and plaster walls! I feel that I got twice the amount of cultural exchange living with a UK couple in the french… read more
8 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Maximiliano & Paula)
Maximiliano & Paula:- what can I say? They were amazing. Did everything asked of them and then some! Fitted in with family meals and craziness as and when necessary (!!!) . They were thrown straight in at Hugo's Steiner school Christmas Market, came with us to supper at friends who also had Workawayers, cleaned windows, insulated walls - did… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maximiliano & Paula) for host
We had the pleasure to share around 2 weeks (between November/December 2021) with Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm. They are very kind, funny and friendly people. Sharing that time with them was a very nice experience. They welcomed us with open arms, smiles and delicious food! (Tanya is the best at cooking!). They are willing to help you with… read more
7 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Francesca)
Francesca's brief visit was a great success. Her first Workaway experience but she accepted every task and, always asking if she wasn't sure how to do something (MUCH preferred than doing it wrong!), she applied herself diligently and got lots of jobs completed. She didn't flinch at our whirlwind family life and schedule and did everything asked… read more
(Excellent)
7 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Francesca) for host
This was my first Workaway ever so I didn't really know what to expect but Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm are so easygoing and interesting to be with that the week I stayed with them finished in the blink of an eye. There's always plenty to do inside and outside the house so everybody can find the most suitable job to do or to learn how to do.… read more
6 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Gianluca & Veronica) for host
We stayed with Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo almost 2 months the last summer, helping with the kitchen and then with the renovation work at Chapière. It was the first Workaway experience for us, and it couldn't be better, because they are the best hosts you can find! They are patient, welcoming and very nice people, and furthermore you will be amazed… read more
18 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Gianluca & Veronica)
Veronica and Gianluca came primarily to help us with our theatre workshops, providing the meals. And they did an excellent job. Many more mouths than they are used to feeding but with Tanya's menus and guidance, they came up trumps! Really good food - especially the lasagne! 😋
When they were helping me at Chapière with renovation work, they were… read more
When they were helping me at Chapière with renovation work, they were… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny & Ben)
Not easy this because Ben & family only stayed 2 days in the end. We've had many Workawayers staying longer than planned but never anyone leaving early. I'm still not 100% clear as to whether it was my fault or just because it was their first experience of Workaway and they were unsure what to expect. Because they are still looking for Workaway… read more
(Very good)
23 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mia)
Wow! I repeat - wow! Mia. Mighty Mia. Amazing Mia..... Mia did everything she was asked to do and LOADS more! Never stopped, hardly took a break; really way beyond what is expected of Workawayers.
And she is delightful - intelligent, eager to learn, easy to get on with, respectful, considerate, generous, thoughtful...oh, I could go on...!
Ok,… read more
And she is delightful - intelligent, eager to learn, easy to get on with, respectful, considerate, generous, thoughtful...oh, I could go on...!
Ok,… read more
(Excellent)
22 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Mia) for host
2 weeks at this family home = 2 weeks of fun, adventure, learning, relaxing, eating, watching, listening, chatting -> a wonderful time! I can only recommend everyone to go and visit Jonathan and his lovely family. He offers not only a cozy accommodation at Chapière, but also a great time that includes work combined with fun.
In the small village… read more
In the small village… read more
25 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tatiana)
Tatyana and Olivier were lovely to have helping us, both at Chapière and at Noyant. This was their first actual Workaway experience but they're not without 'life' experience and they are intelligent, interesting people.
They also are keen to learn, which is just as well, because we asked them to help with many and varied tasks, from painting to… read more
They also are keen to learn, which is just as well, because we asked them to help with many and varied tasks, from painting to… read more
(Excellent)
21 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tatiana) for host
Thanks Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo for the lovely experience and hospitality! We have learned a lot and we hope to be seeing you again soon
24 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Vitali) for host
Had a good time with Jonathan and a family . Feel relaxed and welcomed , everything from accommodation , food,drinks and jobs was tuned to my needs , just the way I like it . The area is beautiful and diverse , walk and cycle trough the forests , hills with small farms and villages , lakes to swim in a hot summer times . Quite location without… read more
20 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Vitali)
Just to confirm the universal opinion of Vitali - he is immensely practical and can turn his hand to pretty much anything, with the lightest guidance but also without! We discovered his real talent for renovating furniture - and he rescued many long-suffering tables and chairs! - but he helped with roofs, doors, walls, manual labour, bicycles,… read more
(Excellent)
27 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Marcin)
Marcin was with us for over 4 weeks and we were his first Workaway experience. He took a while to get into the swing of things, wasn't the fastest worker, but did everything that was asked of him....which was varied and...quite a lot. He worked better with other Workawayers, who went at it 'hammer and tongs'! He took advice in good spirit - needed… read more
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Marcin) for host
My stay with Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcolm was incredible. I spent 4 weeks with them and always felt almost like a part of family. We shared our meals - Tanya is amazing cook. We worked together at Chapiere, which I believe, will sooner or later, with work of volunteers, become a place for theatre workshops for students. I admire Jonathan for… read more
21 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilia & Nina)
Emilia and Nina were amazing! Young and energetic and, despite such little life - let alone construction/renovation/landscaping - experience, they put everything into every task they did and always achieved a helluva lot in their 5hrs of working...
On top of that, they are intelligent, interesting and interestED! No subject round the dinner table… read more
On top of that, they are intelligent, interesting and interestED! No subject round the dinner table… read more
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2020
Left by Workawayer (Emilia & Nina) for host
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo were our very first Workaway experience. We stayed for 10 days in Chapière, a very very cozy place, where we worked everyday for approximately 5 hours. The work was very physical but not exhausting and in addition we always did two breaks. Everyday Tanya prepared food for lunch and when we came to Noyant (where they live)… read more
27 Aug 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Cas was great - we wish he could've stayed longer. He came in our busiest period, when we had a house full of students and no spare bed to offer him and no time, really, either. He was happy in our big tent (just to say; this was pre-agreed!) and put up with all the vagaries of our busy hive of students, friends and other visitors coming and… read more
(Excellent)
29 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Corentin) for host
Had a great week with Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo, they made me feel at home ever since I arrived. They live in a beautiful area and Chapières is a little natural paradise.
Thank you guys, and I hope I'll have the chance to come again!
Thank you guys, and I hope I'll have the chance to come again!
27 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Corentin)
Corentin came for 3 weeks or more but had to leave after just a week because of his girlfriend falling ill back at home. But while he was with us, he was the perfect house guest, while contributing continually to the upkeep of the house - transforming the garage space into a usable workshop space, cutting and sorting wood, and completely clearing… read more
(Excellent)
2 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Tuomas) for host
Jonathan, Tanya, Hugo and Malcom were such a fun family to stay with! I spent 12 days with them, mostly doing wood work and helping with heating system of the house.
Very kind and generous family and I got a chance to participate in a bit of their life in the absolutely beautiful French countryside. I hope you´re into card games or backgammon… read more
Very kind and generous family and I got a chance to participate in a bit of their life in the absolutely beautiful French countryside. I hope you´re into card games or backgammon… read more
19 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Tuomas)
Tuomas was great, easily fitted into our crazy rhythm, played well with Hugo, helped well with anything I asked him to. And had skills he hadn't advertised (plumbing!), which proved very useful. He hurt his back during the tree-dismantling process, which slowed him down a bit but he still found ways of helping.
Would definitely welcome Tuomas… read more
Would definitely welcome Tuomas… read more
(Excellent)
19 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Verena & Patrick)
Verena and Patrick and Rosa were great. Rosa needs to bulk up a bit but at 9 months we forgave her lack of contribution! Verena was also otherwise occupied (with Rosa!) but helped whenever she could. And Patrick was amazing; working independently and thoroughly and I'm still finding jobs he'd done that I didn't even know about! He also helped… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolyn & Frederick)
Carrie and Freddie were a bit tentative at first, this being their first Workaway experience, but quickly relaxed and warmed up to us and our sometimes somewhat disordered way of getting things done!
They were both willing and able and attacked jobs that weren't even on the 'to do' list, producing nice surprises from time to time, when I turned up… read more
They were both willing and able and attacked jobs that weren't even on the 'to do' list, producing nice surprises from time to time, when I turned up… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Carolyn & Frederick) for host
We stayed for 3 weeks in May 2019. This was our first workaway experience but Jonathan made us feel at ease pretty much immediately! We spent a few nights at their house in Noyant, but we usually worked and stayed at Chapière, where we lived very comfortably.
Our time was mostly spent clearing the land, but we had a few odd jobs at Noyant as… read more
Our time was mostly spent clearing the land, but we had a few odd jobs at Noyant as… read more
1 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Dieter & Cecilia) for host
This was our first workaway, and traveling as a family, it required some extra work from both parties. The work was extremely satisfying, especially cutting away the brambles :) Getting the last basher up just before nightfall on our final afternoon was the icing on the cake.
The cottage at Chapiere was perfect for the family, and had everything… read more
The cottage at Chapiere was perfect for the family, and had everything… read more
6 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dieter & Cecilia)
This was our first Workaway family experience, so quite a lot of flexibility and adaptability was required - from both parties! And I think both parties did adapt. A whole lot of work got done in the two weeks they were here, a lot of it without any nudging from me at all; things like strimming, clearing, tidying, moving, stacking etc.. But the… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mauro) for host
How lucky I was to have my first workaway experience with Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo. They were nice and welcoming from the beginning. I felt comfortable and free to be myself the 12 days I stayed with then. They both, Tanya and Jonathan, had lived a few places around the world so they are open minded and interesting people to talk to. They took me… read more
4 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mauro)
Mauro was a delight to have around. He helped willingly and intelligently with whatever he was asked to do, he was great with our 10-year old son and he educated us about Argentina. We'd have him back in a blink of an eye.
Bon courage avec le français, Mauro! (Your English is already excellent!)
Jonathan, Tanya & Hugo
Bon courage avec le français, Mauro! (Your English is already excellent!)
Jonathan, Tanya & Hugo
(Excellent)
3 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Senthil kumar & Joao) for host
We stayed one week in this project. This is an amazing place and we are very happy that we had a luck to volunteer there .we met the authentic positive kind family and gain some knowledge, made unforgettable memories. We would like to come again and spend more time. we hope to see Hugo again playing Basketball :)
15 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Senthil kumar & Joao)
Senthil & Joao were great. They only stayed a week but applied themselves to whatever task they were given, mostly at Chapière but also in the garden at Noyant d'Allier. They were easy to have around, willing to try their hand at anything, and were great 'after hours', in the house; Senthil cooking some delicious curries and Joao entertaining us… read more
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Cristina ) for host
We spend three weeks with Jonathan, Tania and their son Hugo and of course, all those nice kids and adolecent that were there during that time. They're a very welcoming family that was always worried about made us felt comfortable and good feed.
It was a different experience where we could apply all our culinary knowledge hahaha and our creativity… read more
It was a different experience where we could apply all our culinary knowledge hahaha and our creativity… read more
29 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Cristina )
This was a really lovely experience, having Juan and Cristina help us out this August. Primarily, they were asked to run the kitchen for our week-long 'Learn English through Theatre' workshop, here in the heart of Bourbonnais France. Their profiles said - and through communication they confirmed - that they weren't expert cooks but enjoyed… read more
(Excellent)
24 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Han)
Han and Anton stayed with us for 10 days and were excellent guests and excellent Workawayers. We'd love to have you back any time, guys. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Elke & Martin)
Elke was almost overly grateful because, via a mutual friend, we 'rescued' her from a not-so-good experience.
However, because we had students occupying all rooms at Noyant, Elke had to stay on her own at our 'project' home, 20-minutes away but I think she enjoyed the cosiness of Chapière and she certainly worked hard on any jobs I could give her.… read more
However, because we had students occupying all rooms at Noyant, Elke had to stay on her own at our 'project' home, 20-minutes away but I think she enjoyed the cosiness of Chapière and she certainly worked hard on any jobs I could give her.… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Elke & Martin) for host
I've stayed with the family 2 weeks in November 2017. I will always be thankful that they have helped me out with my last minute request. They welcomed me with an open heart and I am going to miss them.
I had the farm house all to myself and they have provided me with more than I needed. I went to their house a couple of times to interact with the… read more
I had the farm house all to myself and they have provided me with more than I needed. I went to their house a couple of times to interact with the… read more
26 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Angie) for host
Jonathan, Tanja and Hugo (and Malcolm of course) are perfect hosts! They are warm-hearted, welcoming and did everything to make me feel at home. I spent a great week with them helping with renovating, gardening and general maintenance on their beautiful old farm and in the equally beautiful house in Noyant.
Unfortunately due to other commitments I… read more
Unfortunately due to other commitments I… read more
24 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Angie)
Angie was helpful, knowledgeable and patient. She did her best to fit in with our sometimes-random rhythm of life and was great with our 8-year old son, Hugo. (Your Treasure Hunt suggestions worked a treat, Angie; thanks! )
Welcome back any time....
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo
Welcome back any time....
Jonathan, Tanya and Hugo
(Excellent)
21 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (annaraffa)
Raffael and Anne-Catherine were our very first Workaways and were very helpful; not least in helping us understand what's expected, both of hosts and of workaways..
They've had many experiences as workaways and I'm pretty sure every one of them was more prepared and organised than we were! Nevertheless, we got a lot of stuff done - and a few… read more
They've had many experiences as workaways and I'm pretty sure every one of them was more prepared and organised than we were! Nevertheless, we got a lot of stuff done - and a few… read more
(Very good)
19 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (annaraffa) for host
We stayed mid October 2016 for ten days. We worked two long days at their secluded farm house mainly cutting brambles and moving some stuff around. The other days we worked shorter at their current living place where we had some DIY-jobs to do and some gardening as well. We left enough work for future helpers! We enjoyed our stay with this… read more
