Dependable Guardians for a hamlet in rural Provence, France

Details

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  Description

  (initial 6 months trial)
  
  
  This is initially, as a trial for 6 months October 2026- April 2027 but in an ideal world is a long term position for the right people.
  
  
  Hello, I'm Jax Hill-Wilson and I manage a charming 16th century stone hamlet perched on a hilltop in the Luberon area of Provence.
  
  It's a special place, a privately owned village where groups come to stay during the season May - October. Families, friends, retreat groups, cyclists, weddings and more. We are ideally looking for a couple to act as full time guardians throughout the year.
  
  
  This is a position of responsibility and we are looking for people who are happy to live in a remote countryside area and have experience of taking care of a large property. The position requires people to be on site overnight during the period agreed and to
  regularly survey the property and surrounding grounds;
  
  In the season April - October
  
  The initial period in April is spent in getting the property ready for incoming guests, re-painting and renovating where needed. A through spring clean is needed after 6 months of inactivity.
  
  There is also a need to help our gardener occasionally who is on site most days and is also responsible for the pool.
  
  We have 15 bedrooms and bathrooms for guests in a series of small houses and apartments. During the season these are cleaned every week and made ready for new incoming guests.
  
  The seasonal hours vary week by week and depend on the type of guests we have staying.
  
  We have a rota of cooks and outside caterers who help with the various events and wedding managers and planners who attend events that they have organised
  
  You must be able and happy to drive with a few years experience as the role includes helping with shopping, taking recycling to be collected and sometimes picking people up from the airport or buses. For your own needs its important that you have your own car to manage your own needs and to enjoy your life in the country. There is a car on site for work-related purposes
  
  Initially, you must be able to invoice for your hours spent as freelance /self employed persons and would be responsible for paying your own taxes.
  
  For a long term position a contract is offered

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Working within a hospitality environment provides many opportunities for learning and developing skills.
  There is opportunity to practice your culinary skills with our cooks and during the season you would be responsible for preparing breakfast and helping cooks with lunch and dinner for guests when needed.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  GUARDIANS ( OUT OF SEASON) 6 MONTHS
  
  We are looking for capable and trustworthy people to help the business manager with housekeeping, cleaning, DIY projects and security of the property during the months November 2026 - April 2027
  
  The on-site accommodation is a large apartment with kitchen, sitting room, bathroom, double bedroom with ensuite shower, and a small single bedroom
  
  Driving and owning a car is essential
  
  LONGER TERM POSITION APRIL 2027 ONWARDS
  
  There is a vacancy for a couple for the longer term
  
  One of the couple would be the full time guardian on a permanent salaried contract, managing the security and maintenance of the buildings.
  
  The other person would be employed on a fixed term, seasonal contract for minimum 6 months every year managing the housekeeping and seasonal cleaning staff.
  
  You need to be resourceful, practical, organised, happy to take both instruction and own iniative. You must be able to work alone and also as part of a team.
  
  Asa team member, there is a need to be open-minded and help others with whatever tasks are needed to ensure the smooth-running of the property for the enjoyment of others.
  
  You must speak French well enough to deal with French suppliers and other team members when needed and speak English well enough to communicate with the property owner, business manager and guests. You must both have full driving licences and working rights in France.
  
  If you think you have what it takes, send me a message

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  See description above

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  What else ...

  There will be some days in the winter where there will be little, or no work at all, just to maintain the security and guardianship of the property.
  
  You must be content to be alone as we are quite remote

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Gypsy

  The daughter of Pouffie. Pretty, chatty and often seen sun-bathing or in the guests arms. She like to join in ..
  
  

  Faline

  The oldest cat in the hamlet - black and skinny - rarely seen except when night-hunting in the orchard

  Pouffie

  Adopted with her sister 4 years ago. The most photographed person in the hamlet - a bundle of fur. Fierce hunter and a magnet for camera as she is very pretty

  Plume

  An adopted favourite of all the guests when on site. She belongs to the manager but thinks that she is the princess of the hamlet

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