Help at a small farm sanctuary in Normandy, France

Details

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  Description

  Update: currently looking for house/petsitters in September.
  I'll be away from 14th till 30th September.
  More information below:
  
  Hi there!
  
  My name is Karen, I'm 38 years old, I'm originally from Belgium but I moved to Normandy in 2020 where I live on an old farm with my animals.
  There are cats, horses and chinchillas.
  I have struggled with Lyme disease for much of my life and although I'm doing much better, I'm still living life in the slow lane.
  I'm a calm person and I really enjoy the little things life has to offer.
  I love traveling, learning about other cultures and meeting new people but it's not easy to travel when you have to take care of so many animals! :)
  I would like to find volunteers who want to look after them while I'm away visiting family and friends or traveling.
  You would of course arrive earlier so we can meet each other, spend some time together and I can show you the routine.
  You're more than welcome to stay longer too!
  
  If you love the peace and quiet of the countryside, taking care of animals and/or working in the garden, this might be the place for you.
  Don't hesitate to send me a message! :)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  History

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking
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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

  If you are interested in the Second World War, there is a lot to see in the area.
  My place is located on the border of Orne with Calvados.
  The closest city is Falaise where you can shop or visit the Falaise memorial museum, William the Conqueror's Castle and a few beautiful churches.
  Nearby, you can also visit the lake of Rabodanges and the Roche d'Oëtre.
  There are lots of pretty little villages and the bigger city of Caen is only a 30min drive away.
  The D-day landing beaches Juno, Omaha, Gold and Sword are about an hour's drive away (Utah is 1h30min).
  
  I can also teach you a thing or two about caring for animals! :)

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  Help

  Help with the care of the animals and the maintenance of the garden.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  I have a small guest room and you'll also have your own private bathroom right next to your room.

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  What else ...

  Normandy is simply beautiful in spring and summer, there is much to see and discover.
  There is no public transport in the vicinity.
  The nearest train station is Argentan (20km) where you can take the train to Paris (1h50min)
  Nearest airport: Caen 50 km
  Nearest city: Falaise 10 km
  The lake of Rabodanges is less than 4 km away.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  The internet connection is good and there are rarely outages, unless there is a very heavy storm.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  I only have room for one person or a couple in the house but there is plenty of space to camp in the garden.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Freddy

  Freddy is a former stray cat who was adopted by our neighbors. After they moved abroad, he came to live with me. Freddy has his own caravan in the garden because he doesn't get along with other cats. He spends most of his time outdoors, keeping the mouse population under control and enjoying long naps in the sun. Freddy is the biggest cuddle bear in the family.

  

  Bollie (12 years)

  Bollie is the oldest cat of the family. After Oona, she is also the most social. She's very affectionate and loves attention and treats. She has developed an age-related heart condition and takes medication daily.

  

  Dolly (8 years)

  Dolly is another foster fail :)
  She comes from a litter of kittens I found in my father's shed. Her mother was a stray. All the kittens were adopted, but Dolly stayed with me. Dolly is very sweet and submissive. She snores in her sleep, so if you hear any strange noises, it's probably Dolly!

  

  Wolf (6 years)

  Wolf is Oscar's sister. They came from a different litter than Oona and Odette, but they were also very ill. Like Oscar, she tends to be dominant toward other cats. Wolf is the talkative one of the family.

  

  Oscar (6 years)

  Oscar is Wolf's brother. They came from a different litter than Oona and Odette, but they were also very ill. Oscar has a strong character and is very dominant with the other cats. He's very sweet with people and loves treats.

  

  Odette (6 years)

  Odette is Oona's sister. They were foster kittens who were very ill. After a long recovery period and in the midst of the COVID lockdown, I couldn't find a home for them so they ended up staying with me. Odette has a strong character; she can be very sweet, but on her own terms.

  

  Oona (6 years)

  Oona is Odette's sister. They were foster kittens who were very ill. After a long recovery period and in the midst of the COVID lockdown, I couldn't find a home for them so they ended up staying with me. Oona is the most sociable cat in the family. She's always the first to greet everyone. She has asthma and takes daily medication.

  

  Cookie (5 years)

  Cookie is a kitten from a litter of stray cats that lived in the garden when I moved here. I was able to catch them all, have them neutered, and rehomed. Cookie stole my heart and stayed on the farm. She's the sweetest soul with the softest fur and she loves cuddles.

  

  Forest (16 years)

  Forest is a Norwegian Fjord horse. He was born in a nature reserve in the Netherlands. I saved him from slaughter when he was 10 months old. He has been with the family ever since. Like a true fjord horse, he's obsessed with food and can be quite stubborn. The concept of personal space is foreign to him and he can be pushy when it comes to food but he wouldn't hurt a fly.

  

  Chester aka Tink (17 years)

  Chester is an Irish Cob. He was born on a horse dairy farm and joined the family in 2009. He's the biggest horse in the herd but he's a gentle giant who steals everyone's heart.

  

  Lilly (17 years)

  Lilly is a Quarter horse mare. She was born in the USA. She was used as a breeding mare her entire life and is now enjoying her retirement. She joined the family in December 2023 when she was pregnant with Charlie. She is the sweetest and most gentle mare. She loves attention and cuddles.

  

  Charlie (1 year)

  Charlie is Lilly's son. He was born on the farm and he is the sweetest, most gentle, curious and playful boy.

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