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

  • Favourited 64 times
  • Last activity: 23 Jan 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    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

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    DIY and building projects
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    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

    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

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    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.

  • What else ...

    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

    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

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

  • 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: 943455315268

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Accuracy of profile: (5.0)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (5.0)