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Stay in our historic Château and help with gardening and childcare in the Dordogne Valley, France

  • Favourited 6 times
  • Last activity: 6 May 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hey everyone!

    We're a family of four hailing from Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Mama Ivana, Papa Igor, Naja, our little daugter (6 years old), and Dorian, our big brother (9 years old). After a fast-paced life in Malta for 10 years, we decided to embark on a big change. We've recently relocated to a charming rural area in France, specifically the Dordogne Valley (Aquantone), nestled in the picturesque village of St. Agnan, also known as the flower village.

    Our new home is close to the heart of the village, where you can find everything from restaurants to supermarket. Not far from us stands the famous historical Chateau Hautefort, once inhabited by the Baron the Bastard, who interestingly enough resided in our house before acquiring the Chateau.

    As newcomers to this serene way of life, we could use some helping hands around the house, particularly with gardening tasks like pruning, cutting, trimming, and moving old trunks. If you happen to have experience making homemade jam, you're in luck – we have an abundance of blackberries waiting to be transformed!

    Additionally, we're eager to learn and establish our own small farm for growing fruits and vegetables, so anyone knowledgeable in this area would be greatly appreciated to lend us a hand and share their expertise.

    When it comes to our kids, we'd love some assistance, especially during busy times, and in exchange, you'll have the opportunity to improve your French while teaching them. Our son has a keen interest in reptiles and even runs his own channel where he shares his passion through videos. If you share his enthusiasm, you'll find our place a treasure trove of reptiles, including some rare species.

    Housekeeping and tidying up are also on our to-do list, so if you enjoy keeping things neat and organized, your help would be invaluable.

    Furthermore, we have a small project in mind that we hope to bring to life, so if you have any constructive skills in painting, plastering, shaping, etc., we'd love for you to be a part of it.

    As you can see, there's plenty to do and learn here, offering a beautiful experience for anyone who joins us. Whether you're single or a couple, if you're interested in embarking on this journey with us, we're eagerly awaiting your arrival.

    Our only requirement is a stay of at least a week. We'll provide all meals and transportation if needed, and you'll have your own private space in our house.

    Oh, and we can't forget to mention our lovely dog and some chickens that add to the charm of our home.

    Our workawayers will assist us with various tasks such as gardening, childcare, projects, and maintenance, catering to our private needs.

    That's pretty much us! We can't wait to meet you soon.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer a rewarding experience in a breathtaking setting, abundant with opportunities for exploration and discovery. You will enjoy complimentary accommodation and meals throughout your stay, as well as some transportation assistance to nearby attractions.
    1. *Cultural Exchange*: Volunteers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and language of the Dordogne region, learning French from the local community and sharing their own English language skills.

    2. *Hands-On Experience*: Volunteers will gain practical experience in gardening, landscaping, and possibly even construction, acquiring valuable skills that can be applied in various contexts.

    3. *Childcare Experience*: Those assisting with childcare will develop nurturing and supervisory skills while engaging in creative activities with the children, fostering a rewarding bond and contributing to their educational development.

    4. *Free Accommodation and Meals*: Volunteers will enjoy complimentary accommodation in the cozy cottage, along with delicious meals provided during their stay, eliminating the cost of lodging and food.

    5. *Transportation Assistance*: Some transportation support will be provided, allowing volunteers to explore the scenic surroundings and nearby attractions, enhancing their cultural experience and leisure time.

    6. *Beautiful Surroundings*: Volunteers will have the opportunity to reside in the stunning countryside of St. Agnan, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and abundant natural beauty, offering a serene and rejuvenating environment.

    7. *Community Engagement*: By volunteering, individuals become an integral part of the local community, forging meaningful connections with fellow volunteers, residents, and guests, fostering a sense of belonging and fulfillment.

    Overall, volunteering in this picturesque setting offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and making a positive impact, all while enjoying the beauty and hospitality of the Dordogne region.

    Join us in our idyllic haven amidst the beauty of Dordogne, where your contributions will be cherished, and unforgettable memories await.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    Join our vibrant family as a dedicated volunteer from April to August and become part of our exciting journey! Nestled on our picturesque property with vast land, we're in need of enthusiastic individuals to assist us in sorting and managing our woodland and fallen wood barks.

    As volunteers, your support will be invaluable across a range of tasks, including:

    - Land management and veggie/fruit farm development: Dive into gardening, planting, pruning, trimming, and meticulously maintaining our grounds with care and precision.
    - Cleaning management: Pitch in with household duties, cleaning, dusting, and tidying to keep our space sparkling.
    - Childcare: We're also on the lookout for nurturing individuals to provide care and supervision for our two wonderful children, aged 6 (a girl) and 9 (a boy). Foster their creativity, impart knowledge of the French language, and benefit from their English language skills. If you're into reptiles, even better—our son is a reptile lover and has his own YouTube channel where he shares his expertise!
    - Construction and woodwork assistance: If you have construction skills, we'd greatly appreciate your expertise in assisting with various projects around the property.

    Come join us and be part of a fulfilling experience where your skills and passion will make a real difference. We can't wait to welcome you into our energetic family!this

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Bulgarian: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Macedonian: Fluent
    Serbo-Croatian: Fluent
    Serbian: Fluent
    French: Beginner
    Italian: Beginner

    This 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

    Accommodation

    The accommodation for volunteers consists cottage or a studio apartment nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of St. Agnan in Dordogne.. Volunteers will enjoy the serene ambiance and rustic charm of their accommodations, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    In their free time, volunteers in the St. Agnan area of Dordogne have a plethora of activities to enjoy amidst the stunning surroundings:

    1. *Exploration*: Volunteers can explore the quaint village of St. Agnan, taking leisurely strolls through its charming streets and admiring the rustic architecture.

    2. *Outdoor Adventures*: Surrounding lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying a peaceful lakeside picnic.

    3. *Sightseeing*: Volunteers can visit nearby cities like Périgueux and Brive to explore their historic sites, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions.

    4. *Cave Exploration*: The region is home to fascinating caves such as Lascaux and Padirac, where volunteers can embark on guided tours to discover ancient rock art and geological wonders.

    5. *Hiking and Nature Walks*: Dordogne is renowned for its scenic hiking trails and nature reserves, providing volunteers with opportunities to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty.

    6. *Swimming and Relaxation*: The on-site swimming pool offers a refreshing oasis for volunteers to relax and unwind after a day of activities.

    7. *Language Practice*: Volunteers can engage in language exchange sessions with locals or fellow volunteers, practicing their French while sharing their English language skills.

    With such a diverse range of activities available, volunteers in St. Agnan are sure to find plenty of ways to enjoy their free time and make the most of their experience in this beautiful region.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We do have planty of space where you can park your camper.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Yes , we accept all kind of pets.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 926866329548

Photos

Feedback

We would love to exchange and could use some help in our house and garden (with pool) in Saint Etienne sur Chalaronne, France
Community renovation/gardening, eco insulation, caravan pimping or creating vegetable plot in a hamlet in rural France