Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Oct 2023
Feedback
2
Email verified
Details
Description
Our manifestation has come true.
On our way to Italy I literally ran into it, in France. Sjoerd and I stayed with friends and went for a run and passed a farm that had been empty for years. The place never let go of us, even when we looked at many houses after that, this place was it. The fit was so well and we went for it.
Now we are in full swing with renovating and the dream is gradually becoming reality:
A property with 2,5 ha of land, in the beautiful countryside in France, self-sufficient, off-grid. Surrounded by lush nature, green hills and forests, which look like a fairy tale. It's quiet and peaceful. We are surrounded by loved ones, family, friends and like-minded people and are lovingly connected to each other. Together we enjoy the richness of life, everyone lives their full potential and is healthy. We eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables from our garden and drink spring water from our well.
This is a non-profit project, where we are living and working together as a community; eating, singing, make music & campfires, chilling, meditating, enjoying the sunshine and the endlessly rich nature. Your are invited to contribute to what resonates at that moment with you. We also invite new creative input and a fresh view, it is wonderful to be able to share and receive in that way. Creating together is so much richer. At the same time feel free to take as much private time and space as you need.
Taking steps in the process of slowly and organically unfolding, creating a new future.
Irene and Sjoerd (54 and 59 years old) are originally from Amsterdam, the Netherlands and have been pioneers in many different work areas. They are always looking to work on projects that are sustainable, nature friendly, progressive and creative.
Sjoerd has been working as a landscape architect for 25 years, specialized in rural landscape projects. After that he pursued his dream career as a musician and became an American oldtimer cars restaurateur. Irene started her career off as a professional photographer, which lasted for 16 years. After that she became a raw food and superfood entrepreneur and owner of a international raw chocolate brand. Nowadays, her focus is on being a spiritual teacher.Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco ProjectsTeachingDIY and building projectsUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Being an experienced builder with regard to previously building his own house and being a landscape architect, Sjoerd has tons of experience in building up from scratch. As a landscape architect he has been shaping squares, streets, parks, markets, etc.
Irene is providing a space where there is room for reflection, winding down, creating room for interconnectedness from the heart.
Regarding the building we are working with sustainable and eco friendly materials. Also using the natural stone, a way of masonry which is the speciality way of working of this area, the Creuse. Recycling building materials as much a possible, like refurbishing stone, wood, pipes, steel, etc.Help
We are in the process of building the entire center off grid and using:
Recycled building materials,
Insulating with natural material (sheep wool)
Work with natural stone from the environment
Water from our own well
Clay plaster work (Leemstuc)
Organic and natural paint
Woodwork
Pipe work
Masonry
Painting
Heat pipes
Helophyte filter
Placing treesLanguages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: FluentAccommodation
We have build a temporary appartement in the barn, which is equipped with a large kitchen and dining/sitting room. Also we have build 3 small and basic guest rooms, which have comfortable 1-person beds (Hastens). Next to the bedrooms there are 2 toilets and a shower. Food is provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinners are cooked in turns and enjoyed together. Breakfast is often shared together and we have lunch together or separate, depending on the needs and workflow.
What else ...
Our property is connected to all kinds of beautiful hiking and biking trails. One of them leads to the tour of Sermur, a ruin that stems from 1100 AC where you can find amazing views. For transport, we have several bikes and a moped.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
At our 2 ha plot, we have sufficient space for private camping with a camper van.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
What I found was a welcoming environment where I met fantastic people. Irene and Sjoerd are an amazing couple, attentive to the needs of others. With them and their friend Teo, I laughed, sang, cooked, danced, but I also got… read more
A lof of building skills can be learned with Sjoerd and there is space to meditate and do yoga 🧘♂️ I biked and hiked in the area.
You really feel welcomed… read more
Feedback
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Cultural exchange:
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What I found was a welcoming environment where I met fantastic people. Irene and Sjoerd are an amazing couple, attentive to the needs of others. With them and their friend Teo, I laughed, sang, cooked, danced, but I also got… read more
A lof of building skills can be learned with Sjoerd and there is space to meditate and do yoga 🧘♂️ I biked and hiked in the area.
You really feel welcomed… read more