Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Apr 2024
Reply rate
62.5 %
Usually responds within 46 days
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a family of 4, the children are 18 and 16 years old. Our home is an isolated, peaceful farm, the closest shops are a short bike ride away.
We would welcome help in and around the house, gardening, trimming, weeding, tidying , carpentry, woodwork, tidying, sorting, gutter emptying, decorating, painting, mucking out horses, work is always varied according to weather, all would be great..Whatever suits your talents!
We can help you with your English and / or French if you want to.
Any length of time considered.........
...we like people who are strong, fit, fun (and funny!) and motivated..
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Possibility to learn French and or English, this area is steeped in history - the kings of France lived in the castles here. It's also known as the garden of France because of the rich soil for vegetable growing.
Leonardo de Vinci lived in the Loire Valley, and you can visit his house and designs in Amboise. The châteaux of Chenonceau, Chaumont sur Loire, Chambord, Amboise, Blois, Loches and Tours are not far away.. Tours and Orleans are accessible by train.
There are bicycle rides and Beauval zoo too.
Help
General help around the house, especially gardening, leaf sweeping, cleaning, tidying and painting, ...and I sometimes need help with house cleaning/tidying too. People who like baking and cooking are always welcome, but it's not essential. We'd love your to show us cooking from your country.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
You might be asked to feed pets, horses, prepare vegetables, if you enjoy cooking we love tasting different foods, -- Activities with the children are especially welcomed: it's not really babysitting, but more like bicycle rides, basketball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, swimming, playing cards and board games and non-screen craft ideas are really appreciated.
If you have untreated hay or cat or animal allergies, it is not suitable for you.
We do expect you to keep your room and the shower tidy and clean, and to help us with cleaning and clearing and washing up after meals.
The days are very varied and we try to adapt them to your desires, your abilities and skill level.
We can help you learn French, we speak and teach English too.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis 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
Own room (quite small) (towels and bedding) one double bed, with separate shower room, food & wifi..
(We expect you to supply your own shampoos, dental care and toiletries)
We generally aim to eat our meals altogether, and we try and eat locally produced food. For these reasons vegetarian diets will cause us problems as we believe that we would not be able to provide a suitable balanced type of diet.
We eat meat and try and have a balanced diet with lots of our usually home grown vegetables when in season.
Our farm is out in the country - the nearest night life is 20 minutes away by car. If you like the peace of the countryside you'll appreciate living with nature and the good walks and runs all round us. There are bicycles available.
What else ...
Loire Valley castles, bike rides, walks, you're welcome to come on outings with us.
Canoeing/boating on the rivers.
2h train to and from Paris
Châteaux Chambord , Cheverny, Chenonceau are not far away.
Matra museum, Cadre Noir.
We are near the Tours - Orleans - Paris train line, and Tours - Lyon train line. There are bus links to Blois.
Tours airport.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
3 - 5 hours a day 5 days a week
Host ref number: 935255186667
Feedback (19)
23 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Shayne) for host
My feedback is roughly two months late now, but I still remember my time with Eric, Jane, Tom and Anna very easily. The family are really cool, nice, caring and fun. You are well looked after when you are with them.
Jane and Eric have two properties, and I spent time between both of them. One property, I was mainly gardening and clearing… read more
Jane and Eric have two properties, and I spent time between both of them. One property, I was mainly gardening and clearing… read more
2 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Shayne)
Excellent Excellent Excellent! Shayne is completely reliable, conscientious and works soooo hard! He determinedly cleared a field of horrible bramble thorns and weeds - he's great at outdoor work - doesn't need guidance, and so helpful in the house and kitchen too.
We all really enjoyed his company here - he's full of initiative, very tidy and… read more
We all really enjoyed his company here - he's full of initiative, very tidy and… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Dustin) for host
Great first Workaway experience. Jane is a great mom and welcomed me like a member of the family. Thank you for everything.
16 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dustin)
Dustin is quiet and discrete and a really hard worker. He's studying his French language assiduously and knows loads of vocabulary. He's completely responsible and reliable - we left him looking after the house and the horses while I had to go away for a few days. He managed amazingly well because he follows instructions with great care. He did… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Beth)
We we were sorry to see Beth go. She was such à help. Work included cleaning stables and helping prépare holiday house, gardening, à méga cleaning/tidying job in an outbuilding, all sorts of things - she's fun, adaptable and reliable to have around. Thanks for everything Beth. Hope to sée you again anytime.
(Excellent
)
24 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Beth) for host
Jane, Eric and the kids welcomed me into their home so easily! A true countryside abode, a mix of jobs to do, and a bit of everything. You’ll never be bored! I visited Châteaux, kayaked and hung out around the house. Jane always let me know what needed doing each day, and I just helped out where I could! Definitely worth it, and a great… read more
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:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
23 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Shayne) for host
My feedback is roughly two months late now, but I still remember my time with Eric, Jane, Tom and Anna very easily. The family are really cool, nice, caring and fun. You are well looked after when you are with them.
Jane and Eric have two properties, and I spent time between both of them. One property, I was mainly gardening and clearing… read more
Jane and Eric have two properties, and I spent time between both of them. One property, I was mainly gardening and clearing… read more
2 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Shayne)
Excellent Excellent Excellent! Shayne is completely reliable, conscientious and works soooo hard! He determinedly cleared a field of horrible bramble thorns and weeds - he's great at outdoor work - doesn't need guidance, and so helpful in the house and kitchen too.
We all really enjoyed his company here - he's full of initiative, very tidy and… read more
We all really enjoyed his company here - he's full of initiative, very tidy and… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Dustin) for host
Great first Workaway experience. Jane is a great mom and welcomed me like a member of the family. Thank you for everything.
16 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dustin)
Dustin is quiet and discrete and a really hard worker. He's studying his French language assiduously and knows loads of vocabulary. He's completely responsible and reliable - we left him looking after the house and the horses while I had to go away for a few days. He managed amazingly well because he follows instructions with great care. He did… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Beth)
We we were sorry to see Beth go. She was such à help. Work included cleaning stables and helping prépare holiday house, gardening, à méga cleaning/tidying job in an outbuilding, all sorts of things - she's fun, adaptable and reliable to have around. Thanks for everything Beth. Hope to sée you again anytime.
(Excellent
)
24 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Beth) for host
Jane, Eric and the kids welcomed me into their home so easily! A true countryside abode, a mix of jobs to do, and a bit of everything. You’ll never be bored! I visited Châteaux, kayaked and hung out around the house. Jane always let me know what needed doing each day, and I just helped out where I could! Definitely worth it, and a great… read more
26 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne-Kathrin & Fabian)
Anne-Kathrin & Fabian are great workers, (they did an enormous garden clearance job, and Fabien did brilliant electrics) either together or their using own individual skills. Come back and see us sometime!!
(Excellent
)
25 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver)
Time went too quickly while Oliver was here, we really enjoyed his company here, interesting chats with us and good with the children. Everything in his profile is completely true plus more!! He French is amazing for someone who has only been learning it for a few weeks, he's very determined and completely reliable, untiring and full of initiative… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Oliver) for host
I stayed with Jane and Eric for 2 weeks and had a blast! They're a lovely, welcoming family with fun and interesting kids. The food and bedroom were good, and I enjoyed the work, with pretty much all of it being manual outside work (they made this clear before and it was exactly what I wanted). The other people I met out there were awesome and… read more
3 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Pavel) for host
All three weeks I spent with Jane and Eric, Tom and Anna will forever stay with me, as one of the brightest memories! Kind and sympathetic, pleasant and hospitable, Jane and Eric create an incredible atmosphere for guests. From the first day, I was surrounded by incredible care and attention, pleasant moments and friendly conversations about… read more
27 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Pavel)
There aren't enough stars to note you Pavel!! Thank you so much for all your diligent help and conscientiousness, such tact and discretion. We really loved having you, and learning more about Russia. Chatting with you was always a delight - thank you for sharing your immense cultural and philosophical knowledge - very enriching. Good luck in your… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
This the first time we were disappointed with a workaway.
(Neutral
)
19 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Disappointing experience for my first test in hosts. If you want to learn or improve your English, it's not the right address and what is said is wrong about learning English or French. Eric is a very nice person and it is very nice to share a conversation with him, but unfortunately only in French. As for the meals, they are well offered but bad… read more
23 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rianna)
What a lovely, smiley, responsable, reliable person. Rianna was willing to do anything we asked her with great care and conscientiousness, thank you for all the help and company, I hope you had a great time with your family in Europe.. Come again anytime!
(Excellent
)
28 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex)
Alex is a musthave workaway person! She is great to have around, good humoured, patient, and flexible, really interesting conversations, full of intriguing facts.
We really enjoyed having you to stay with us, Alex, hope your European marathon trip went well! Do come and see us again anytime.
We really enjoyed having you to stay with us, Alex, hope your European marathon trip went well! Do come and see us again anytime.
(Excellent
)
31 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
I think Marie should have atleast 7 stars!! She fitted in straight away with a fun-loving, flexible, discreet and positive attitude... great with the children, lots of leaf sweeping, and gîte cleaning, so hard working. Thank you Marie for all your help and sorting out meals for me when I was working.; Happy 2018 - hope to see you again whenever… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ido)
Hi Ido, we enjoyed having you here, so organized, and loved learning more about your country, and your great cooking, I wish we had had more time to appreciate it - I was often away at work, so couldn't appreciate you enough!
(Excellent
)
22 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ido) for host
Thankful for my time with Janvier family ! They made my first Workaway experience less stressful then I thought that will be. Wonderful time Thank you Jane and your family! :-)))
26 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Franziska & Florian) for host
I really loved the stay in beautiful Loire-Valley with Jane and her amazing family. We had a nice time painting a room, cooking and playing with the kids, Tom and Anna.
They helped us with all our concerns and gave us advices which places are best to visit!
We really miss you and would love to come back in the future :-)
They helped us with all our concerns and gave us advices which places are best to visit!
We really miss you and would love to come back in the future :-)
24 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Franziska & Florian)
Here is another 5 star person!! Franziska came with her friend Pia, they were fantastic and great fun. They painted a whole room, (within the tight time limit I set them) as well as other jobs, with great initiative and conscientiousness, tidying and cleaning up after themselves. They also so kindly cooked us a feast of German specialities, they… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alfonso & Tamara)
We wish Alfonso and Tamara could have stayed longer, COME BACK AND SEE US!!
- they are soooo delightful, and so helpful, full of initiative - I didn't have enough time to guide them very much in their work, but they did everything so carefully and thoughtfully, and we really enjoyed their company, and the children loved being with them. They told… read more
- they are soooo delightful, and so helpful, full of initiative - I didn't have enough time to guide them very much in their work, but they did everything so carefully and thoughtfully, and we really enjoyed their company, and the children loved being with them. They told… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Alfonso & Tamara) for host
Jane, Eric, Tom and Anna are an amazing family. We spent a month working in a gite they rent out to guests and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The place is right the middle of the French countryside and we could enjoy some peace and quiet as well as some breathtaking scenery. Jane made sure we had everything we needed - from the… read more
15 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Eliska) for host
Janvier family are really great people! Very nice, friendly, caring and easy to talk with, they always made me feel welcome at their home. My job was mostly to look after kids, or help a little bit around the house, which never felt like work at all! I loved playing with Anna and Tom, I will definitelly miss that!
I enjoyed every minute of my… read more
I enjoyed every minute of my… read more
14 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Eliska)
Eliska is exactly as she describes in her profile - PLUS she's modest, patient, discreet, efficient and resourceful -- in fact positively delightful. I'm very fond of Eliska, and admire her approach to life, any future hosts or employers will not be disappointed. Bonne chance aux Etats Unis!
(Excellent
)
14 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Allon)
Allon was our first workaway from the Asian continent, it was so interesting for us and the children to hear all about life in Singapore and to hear Allon's experiences and angles on Europe. We really enjoyed his visit, and he was a huge help, cleaning, feeding the horses, taking children to and from sport, playing sport and bicycle rides with the… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Vasili & Rebecca)
There aren't enough stars to describe these people, fantastic in every way. Fun, independent, reliable, flexible, conscientious, great at card games 'n' all. Thank you- you two for all your great work, the holiday house rented well through the summer. Come and see us any time.
(Excellent
)
19 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
I had a lovely two weeks with Jane and her family on the farm. So many lovely memories and so much laughter!!
I had a great time playing badminton, basketball and lots of card games with the kids and gite cleaning with Jane - I have learned a host of new vocabulary (farm words, food - always important - and lots of sporting terms thanks to the… read more
I had a great time playing badminton, basketball and lots of card games with the kids and gite cleaning with Jane - I have learned a host of new vocabulary (farm words, food - always important - and lots of sporting terms thanks to the… read more
19 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)
We adored having Jessica with us, good fun, conscientious -she's is such a worker. Full of initiative and at the same time very responsible and reliable.
There should be a 5 smiles rating, merci beaucoup pour tout Jessica..Please come and visit anytime..
There should be a 5 smiles rating, merci beaucoup pour tout Jessica..Please come and visit anytime..
(Excellent
)
1 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tanja)
Hello Tanja, I'm sorry I didn't see your comment to respond earlier.. Tanja was a great help to me, and all the family, a good "allrounder " ... she's fantastic at gymnastics, and piano playing too! The children adored the card game Libretto to add to the offline entertainments that I so love too! Merci Tanja, and I hope your gymnastics… read more
(Excellent
)
26 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tanja) for host
I really enjoyed my stay with this family. I spent about six weeks with them and from the moment I arrived I felt like being a part of the family. My intention was to work abroad while learning French. I asked the family to be only talked to in French to improve my skills. So eventhough Jane, the mother, speaks English to her children, they all… read more
13 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)
We miss Martin. He was huge help and fitted in really easily. He's conscientious and very thoughtful, and turned his hand to anything we asked him to, leaf sweeping, cleaning , looking after the children, feeding animals..
We do hope we'll see you again soon, you're welcome back any time.
We do hope we'll see you again soon, you're welcome back any time.
(Excellent
)
9 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
This was my first time as a Workawayer, and it couldn't have been better! I stayed with Jane, Eric, Tom, Anna and the pets for a month. They made me feel part of the family right away and they were always showing me the local customs while learning some French. They are all bilinguals, and the kids are French-English compound bilinguals so that… read more
6 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)
We were delighted that the animals and the house were looked after so well by Andy while we were away. He was a great help pitching in wherever possible during the post Christmas bustle, relaying messages, tidying, meeting and greeting, and Misti the dog loved her daily walks. Hope to see you again, good luck on your next project.
(Excellent
)
6 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host
I carried out my first workaway with Jane and Eric and their family - what an experience! I house-sat for them while they were away and looked after their pets. When they returned home they made me feel like one of the family and I could not have had a better Christmas and New Year.
Jane, Eric and the children are multi-lingual and such a fun,… read more
Jane, Eric and the children are multi-lingual and such a fun,… read more
13 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (yurena)
Yurena came to stay with us on her own, she was great! We met Charles, and he's charming too. Yarn is very capable, both responsible and conscientious, and she helped with all sorts of different chores: from cleaning and gardening to fencing, child care, and dung clearing.. You're welcome to come and stay any time Yurena, good luck in your… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Livia & Ángel)
Livia and Angel are brilliant people!! Very hard working and consciencious, great cooks and very responsible, they even looked after our house and animals enabling us a quick getaway.
We loved Angel's piano playing, and Livia's great Swiss delicacies.. lots of love to you both _ we are very grateful to you for all you did.
Come back soon!
We loved Angel's piano playing, and Livia's great Swiss delicacies.. lots of love to you both _ we are very grateful to you for all you did.
Come back soon!
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Livia & Ángel) for host
Our stay at Jane's house was more than excellent. They are a very kind family and the children are adorable. Jane is very welcoming and we quickly felt at home. The work we did was varied and we also had free time for us. In the evening it was always interesting to talk to Jane and Eric, and we miss playing with the kids a lot! It's a pity that we… read more
16 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Matt) for host
This family were amazing. Very welcoming and hospitable. They put a lot of effort in to helping me learn French and also took me to some of the nearby towns and cities. Definitely recommended.
22 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Matt)
Matt stayed with us for nearly a month, he was not only great company, but discrete, helpful, humorous, and easy to have around. He was a great help in the house and kitchen (washing up, folding, tidying, cleaning, gardening, planting, cleaning the b and b, as well as totally honest and responsible. All the best, come back any time, Matt -- keep… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Nienke)
It was lovely to have you with us Nienke, we miss you! Nienke was a huge help to us, having another responsable adult around is always appreciated when you have children, and she also did some great leave sweeping, painting, and general cleaning up.. Do come and see us again, some time, thanks for all your help and good luck in the future, Nienke.
(Excellent
)
14 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Nienke) for host
This was my first experience with workaway and it was so nice! I stayed with this family of four for the month of October. They are very welcoming, friendly, polite… I really felt at home. The kids are also just so lovely! Ok sometimes they can be a little bad or have a little fight with each other, but that was really manageable and they can also… read more
30 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Josh) for host
I had a great time with Jane and her lovely family. They did everything possible to make sure I had a enjoyable stay and made me part of the family instantly. It was lovely spending time we've them even though it was for such a short time. I really hope to catch up with them in future.
Thanks again for having me!
Thanks again for having me!
28 Sep 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Josh)
We really loved having Josh with us, and the children adored him. In the short time he was with us he did loads of great work - tackling an overgrown jungle of weeds, helping me with the cleaning of the gite, clearing out a shed, always with great enthusiasm and conscientiousness.. Thanks Josh for all your help and hardwork. I hope your travels… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Sep 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)
Thanks Jessica, we really loved having you. This was my first work away host experience, and Jessica was great. She is someone who is incredibly worldly and sensible, and yet very mature, modest and responsible at the same time. She attacked any task I set her with great cheer (from clearing a field to picking fruit and veg) and has a lot of… read more
(Very good
)
29 Aug 2014
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
When I first contacted Jane I had no idea what to expect. I ended up staying with this gorgeous family for a whole month! I came at a busy time for the family; it was the second week of school holidays and harvest was going on. Plus Jane had an amazing horse riding compitition to prepare for and attend. With all the hussel I got little down time,… read more
