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Description
Hi, we are Julie and Ian, an English couple who have been living in France for the last 12 years with our 3 sons. We have an 18th century manor house close to Salies-de-Béarn, a lively medieval town famous for producing salt, in south-west France. We are located mid-way between the Pyrénées mountains and the Atlantic coast (Biarritz) and an hour from San Sebastian in Spain, at a point where the Béarn region meets the Pays Basque. The area is rich in history and culture, and where you will often hear both Béarnaise and Basque spoken (in addition to French of course!)
We would really appreciate help finishing off some renovation/DIY projects, taming the garden and organising the house.
Two of our sons are in further education and return home during the holidays, the oldest lives nearby. We also have a very friendly rescue dog called Harley, who loves nothing more than playing ball, and two aging cats, who love nothing more than sleeping!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We will include you in our social activities wherever possible, where you will be able to practice your French and/or English.
There are often fêtes - an essential ingredient of French life - happening in Salies and the surrounding villages. Almost anything can be celebrated, from cows to salt, and it’s basically an excuse for a great big street party where everyone’s invited!
At lunch or dinner you will be able to try the local produce such as Brebis (sheep) cheese, foire gras (duck pâté), confit de canard (duck) and Gateau Basque, or home cooked French and English dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew) and apple crumble.
Salies-de-Béarn also has an independent wine producer where you can visit the vineyard and taste their Béarn wines.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Current DIY projects include building a wooden terrace and creating a home studio, both in the early stages. There is also interior decorating and exterior painting to be done.
Ian has many skills that he has learnt over the years of renovating our homes, first in the UK and now in France, that he is happy to share, and he is also keen to add to his skill set.
I'm a trial and error gardener who dreams of a low maintenance garden - and then it all goes to pot once the growing season starts! There's always plenty of weeding, strimming, pruning, hedge trimming and grass cutting (ride on mower or tractor) to do. Plus, there always seems to be a flowerbed that needs to be thinned and tamed and pots to fill.
Depending on the project, we could be working together or independently.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
We offer one double bedroom with king size bed and ensuite shower room.
Breakfast will be help yourself (cereal, crossants, chocolatines, toast, eggs etc)
Lunch is casual, usually consisting of ham, cheese, salad and bread, or soup
Dinner will be eaten together and any help with preparation is welcome!
We are a non-smoking household, you are welcome to smoke outside
What else ...
Public transport is not great, so a car would be useful if you want to explore the area. There is a train station in Orthez, 20 minutes away, with good connections and we could collect /drop you if required.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Oscar
Bella
Harley
Harley is a very friendly Pointer cross (we think!), who came to us as a rescue in 2019. Given the opportunity, she would happily chase a ball all day long.
Photos
