Help us with gardening and maintenance on our beautiful estate in the Dordogne, France

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are Hans & Liesbeth from The Netherlands, aged end-seventies, living 50/50 in Amsterdam and in our house in Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne region, France. The estate is in our family for over 60 years, and we take tremendous pride and pleasure in maintaining it in good order for ourselves and the next generations (3 daughters, 9 grandchildren) The property of 12 hectares(30 acres) lies just outside -but within walking distance of -Beynac village (500 inhabitants) officially rated as one of the "most beautiful villages" of France, in the famous Dordogne river valley. The main house dates originally from the 15th century -but modernized since- ,once belonged to the 12th.C Beynac castle. Adjacent to the main house there is a very cosy and comfortable ,fully equipped -separate- guest house, available for you. We have a swimming pool as well (may-oct) Early spring and late fall are generally the best times to be in Beynac and do work. In the typical French holiday season July and August, it may be too hot outdoors to do tasks (and too crowded in the area). The estate is ideally suited to have guests, and we love to have young people around. Usually, our guests enjoy to live at their own pace , but we will always be with you when working, and we have dinner together.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Beynac is in the "Golden Triangle" of the Dordogne province of France, an area with abundance of (pre)historic places, villages, castles ad caves (we have our own) -the 12th century Beynac Fortress is our neighbour-, local markets, and the stunning medieval town of Sarlat. We can tell you everything about the history of the area, prehistoric times and the "100 years war", that left so many castles and fortified towns around us. If you like hiking, there is a dense network of ancient footpaths, we know the area inside out and can guide you on hikes. And you can explore the Dordogne river by canoe ,or use our zodiac.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We have always done the maintenance of garden, land and house ourselves, with some help of a gardener. But we are ageing and sometimes lacking enough force and energy, the tasks never stop, and there's always need for small repairs and improvements. Unskilled help mostly, but you must be handy in general and love to be outdoors - in a spectacular setting. Preferably you have some agility in handling small machines -lawnmower,bushcutter etc. We have a fully equipped repair workshop in the house, Hans' professional background is in (aeronautical)engineering and physics, and he will be glad to teach you some new skills as you wish. He is an accomplished amateur artist as well and if you feel like sculpting, sketching or painting, you are welcome, we have all the materials.
    We have strong preference for two friends or a couple.

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Fully-equipped, separate guest house with kitchen, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

    For food, there is a small shopping center in our own village, and supermarkets in St.Cyprien (8km) and Sarlat (10km)

    You will have lunch and supper with us in the main house, we will provide ingredients for breakfast in your own house.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    electric bikes available
    swimming pool available (April-Sept)

  • 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

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 962283922198

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Photos

The image depicts a serene scene of a large house with a sprawling yard, featuring a well-manicured lawn and a picturesque garden, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky.
The image depicts an elderly couple sitting together in a field, with the man on the left and the woman on the right, both smiling at the camera.
The image depicts a large, open area with a grassy field and a body of water in the background, featuring a few trees and a clear sky. The scene is serene and peaceful.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a grassy field with trees, a body of water, and a clear sky, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts a cozy room with a fireplace, featuring a wooden table and chairs, a large window, and a bookshelf, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.
The image depicts a serene scene of a large house with a sprawling yard, featuring a pool and lush greenery, set against a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky.
The image depicts a majestic castle situated atop a mountain, with a prominent stone structure and towers, surrounded by lush trees and a serene blue sky.
The image depicts a serene scene of a river with a grassy bank, featuring a small bridge, and a tree-lined path, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

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