Sustainable restoration of an old farmhouse in the middle of rural France

Details

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  Description

  During a visit off my old teacher in France I was told that a farm that had been empty for years was for sale. The place never let go of me, even when looking many houses after that, this place was it. The fit was so well and i went for it.
  Now i am in full swing with the rénovation
  ( four years now) 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.
  
  This is a non-profit organization.
  Your are invited to contributie and work both on construction, maintenances and in the garden.We also invite new creative input and a fresh view.
  Taking steps in the process of slowly and organically unfolding, creating a new future.
  
  Sjoerd is are originally from Amsterdam, the Netherlands and has been a pioneer in many different work areas, 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. He also devoleped a methode to coop with tinnitus in daily live.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  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.

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  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 trees

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  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.

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  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.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  At our 2 ha plot, we have sufficient space for private camping with a camper van.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

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

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