Help needed with DIY and gardening in lively Rieux-Volvestre, France

Details

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  Description

  I am a retired medic / Physiotherapist who worked most of my professional life with my husband and family in Zambia and Eswatini. We both pioneered Occupational Medicine and Physiotherapy.I launched a Cheshire Home in 1982 where we pioneerd rehabilitation of the handicapped. My husband Geoffrey implimented First Aid training through St John Ambulance, for the Police and Army for which he was awarded a Knight of St John.
  Our time in Southern Africa gave me experience in running a small mango farm with cows and beef cattle. This was our family home.
  We returned to live in England in 2000, working back in the NHS. Upon retirement, we bought a large property in France. The project was originally to set up for permaculture projects and Co-housing with 6 partners. This was successful until Covid. My husband was very ill and died last year. Another partner also died leaving only 4 partners. Only 2 remain active including myself.
  I now live alone and we let out some of the apartments in the summer (Gites) to help pay the bills.This is proving to get busy and I need help mostly with DIY and the large garden.
  This extraordinary farmhouse operates as a retreat from the hurl-burly of life. We have no light pollution so starlit evenings and magnificent sunsets delight all. The property has 27 hectares of land and woodland overlooking the long range of the Pyrennees. It is loved by all who visit because of its unique position.
  The local area, Les Volvestres, 35 mins from Toulouse offers many varied activities to entertain and enjoy French culture.
  A partner visits frequently to help and my daughter and 2 grand children live nearby.My son visits 3-4 times a year from overseas.
  I am a fluent French speaker.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The area has activities such as Yoga, hiking, bicycling. Restaurants, many markets. I am near to places to hire electric bikes, registered hitch- hiking, Bla Bla car. Several varied musical events including concerts at my home for local musicians.Choirs
  Have lived in different cultures so can share. Experienced pianist,singer.
  Studied Permaculture and bio diversity

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  Help

  Any work provided will not be associated with the Gite rentals and only in my private homestead and garden. The house was fully renovated 1993 -2014. We bought 10 years ago. The principle of tasks will be repairs and maintenance. Sanding and painting of wooden doors and frames, pruning and management of trees & fruit trees, continued development and maintenance of the garden. I help along side and supervise. I have many skills to share and I speak fluent French. My main hobby is playing the piano so pianists are welcome.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  Can offer English and French
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  Accommodation

  I offer a fully furnished flat with independent access . As there is a kitchen and cooking facilities, no food will be provided. Occasional sharing of meals, I will only offer meals on arrival and departure days plus a pack of basic food .

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  What else ...

  I am an easy going person - expect mutual respect of uses of the spaces available

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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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