Experience the peace and tranquility and help with various projects around my home in rural Occitanie, France

France

Favourited 751 times

Host rating
Feedback
44
Last activity
06/06/2021
Reply rate
88.9 %
Average reply time:
within 3 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description
I am an independent, free spirited 51 year old Australian who will be living most of the year in France when I am not running my charity overseas. I have been living the last 2 years in Florence, Italy but now it is time to return to France and do some much needed work around my house. I will be returning in June. I am qualified primary school teacher who has taught in the west (Australia, France, Italy and the UK) and in Tanzania, Ghana, Sudan, China, and Thailand. I founded a small community school in Thailand and for three years we had a constant stream of amazing workaways. I could not have achieved what I did without them. I also founded an educational maths charity that operates in Tanzania and Nepal.

I am a vegetarian, into mindfulness, breathworks and yoga and enjoy a laugh. My number one passion is backpacking, preferably on the road less travelled, followed closely by volunteering which I have done since I was a young child.

When I am at home I borrow my neighbours black Labrador each day when she goes to work so be aware that some days a very happy lab will be about.

If you have your own dog, it is of course most welcome in my home!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am an avid backpacker and have travelled to more than 100 countries, along with teaching, my passion is travel. I can share my knowledge of the world and you can experience the peace and tranquility of rural France.

I am an open minded person who values integrity and honesty in people.
Help
Projects.... I want to sort out my garden, I have a small forest area that I want to create something. I like the rustic feel and feel the area has potential, I just need some inspiration and helping hands. I also have a very big pit hole on my property that is a waste of space but I am not allowed fill it in so want to build a deck. As I have been away for a couple of years I also want to plant veggie gardens. As I have 140km views of the Pyrnees, I want to build a small deck for yoga or drinking G n T's on as the sun sets! I have a kitchen that is rather tired and I have a stack of oak wood from a tree that was chopped down so am also thinking of redoing the kitchen.

Help also includes mowing, gardening, wedding, pruning, helping me move some things around and general bits and bobs in the house.

.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
My house is gorgeous and has 140km views of the Pyrenees (on a good day). It is situated on a ridge. The closest town is 4 km away and there you can find just about everything. I am one hour south of Toulouse.

You will have your own bedroom and share the lounge, dining, kitchen and bathroom with me.
What else ...
You can take off for a walk from my house. There is an outdoor swimming pool in town. I have a bike you can borrow. The closest town is L'isle en Dodon. There is great walking in the Pyrenees and the Spanish border is about an hour away... a good day trip for tapas, good wine and cheaper petrol!

There is a local bus that cost just over 2 Euros that goes from Lisle En Dodon into Toulouse city if you wish to explore its sights!
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
I am surrounded by farm land so I am sure if we ask my farmer neighbour, you could park up your van.
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs most welcome
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (44)

01/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)

Amelia was with us for a couple of months. She got stuck in straight away and was a massive help to us. Each morning she set up activities and worked with groups of children in literacy and maths, taught art and ran sessions on her own.

Amelia showed initiative and organised a holiday program which she ran on her own. Amelia was firm yet fair… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Amelia) for host

We had a fantastic time volunteering with Celi and Huw at their beautiful little school. Celi and Huw were kind enough to make us feel welcome; pointing out where to shop, find gas for our bike, etc. They were very accommodating of my husband's online-work situation.
I covered Celi's class for a few days while she was away and Huw's support and… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Elise & Anna) for host

Words cannot even describe how incredible our experience was with Huw and Celi and the beautiful school. If I could give like 6000 smiley faces as my feedback, I would choose that option. First of all, Huw and Celi are the most dedicated human beings I've ever met, so full of energy and joy and just genuine LOVE for their kids. Secondly, they take… read more

(Excellent )

29/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Nelson)

Nelson was such a positive energy to have around. I know it's taken a while to give you feedback but that's not because you weren't any good, it's just that we've been super busy and neglected our workaway feedback! Thanks for coming to us, it was really great having you with us and hope everything is working out for you. If Nelson gets in touch… read more

(Excellent )

29/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Dominique & Adam)

So sorry it has taken us sooooooo long to reply!!!! What to say, Dominique and Adam were great. If you're thinking about hosting them, do it! Hope you guys are well.

(Excellent )

28/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Dominique & Adam) for host

Hue and Celi were incredible hosts, we instantly felt comfortable and were given a beautiful bedroom in a gorgeous house. They are easy going and very interesting people. They made things easy for us and the two excellent advice for both Phuket and our further travels.

We spent one glorious week helping out in their inspiring school. They have… read more

(Excellent )

29/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Kirsten)

Hey Kirsten, sorry it's taken us so long to reply, as always, very busy. Thank you for your kind words, you've written us a very nice review. Kirsten was great, seems like such a long time ago she was with us now. For certain we would recommend hosting her, she fitted in perfectly.

(Excellent )

02/11/2015

Left by Workawayer (Kirsten) for host

I cannot wait to visit again! I had a great time being hosted by Hue and Celi, they were beyond helpful providing tons of resources and advice that helped me get around easier and experience Phuket so much more. It was really easy to get in contact with them and if there was ever a concern they both were on it. Their like the perfect tag team.… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Steven & Rebecca) for host

Our 8 days living at the school in March were an unforgettable and unique Workaway experience! It is located in the heart of an real working class Thai neighborhood with friendly locals so you get a real feel for the rural Thai lifestyle with generous amounts of sun, humidity, critters and local street shops nearby which all contribute to the… read more

(Excellent )

05/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Steven & Rebecca)

After not having workaways for a while as we had Sophia with us for 2 months who did not come through workaway we have been very lucky to have 2 great lots. Firstly Ivan and then Steve and Rebecca, they were fantastic. We didn't get to spend a huge amount of time with them as we were on a course for 5 days but the jobs we left them while we were… read more

(Excellent )

31/03/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Ivan)

Ivan, thank you for all your amazing help! You came saying you did not have much experience with kids but you were great with them and they took to you instantly and were genuinely sad to see you go! Thanks for all the work you did on the garden (it looks great), the help you gave us with the lessons with the kids and of course walking the dogs!… read more

(Excellent )

19/02/2015

Left by Workawayer (Eloy & Ksenia ) for host

Huw, Celi thanks for everything!
We enjoyed the school, walks with the dogs and Phuket. Chopper and Rascal some times drive us crazy but we miss you!!!
All the best for you guys, have a great year.
Cheers!

Eloy & Kseniia

(Excellent )

03/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (VEDRAN & DAINA)

What fabulous volunteers. They looked after our school while we were on holidays and then had a couple of days with us when they kids came back. They got stuck into everything and were such a great help, whether it be working with the kids, painting, gardening, cleaning etc. nothing was ever too much trouble. We feel very fortunate to have such… read more

(Excellent )

01/11/2014

Left by Workawayer (VEDRAN & DAINA) for host

We would describe our workaway experience at the school more holiday like rather than working type of volunteering.
We enjoyed walking Chopper and Rascal as much as we enjoyed spending time in and around school.These guys are teaching kids with such enthusiasm and setting some great ethical values for them that we felt like going back to school… read more

(Excellent )

27/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Tyson & Marie-Andrée) for host

Huw and Celi are amazing. It is incredible what they have done with the School. They took us in even with basically next to no notice and got us all set up. The work there is lots of fun, during the day we mainly helped out in the classroom. Whether it was math or English, Huw and Celi managed to find ways for us to help. The kids there are great!… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Tyson & Marie-Andrée)

Tyson and Camille were excellent workdays! They came to us through another workaday host on the island and were a breath of fresh air. they got stuck in right away- looked after and walked our dogs and helped out through the school during lesson times. the kids loved them as they are open minded and friendly. Thanks for all your help. It was… read more

(Excellent )

07/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Richard) for host

What a brilliant school, Huw and Celi are amazing teachers and such great hosts. The kids are brilliant, the older kids are so mature, polite and well rounded and the younger ones are hilarious! Amazing facilities at the school plus I got to use their scooter to get to the beach and around the area. The whole experience was so chilled out. The… read more

(Excellent )

05/10/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Richard)

Richard was a superb workaway, in fact I would go as far as to say he was one of our best! He was great with kids and dogs and everyone loved him. We were very grateful for his independence and ability to just get stuck in with everything. We all wish you could have stayed longer. Thanks so much, you have only been gone one day and we miss you… read more

(Excellent )

16/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Laura & Craig) for host

We had an amazing time staying at the School! Huw and Celi are awesome teachers and wonderful hosts. We felt so comfortable from the start and wished we could have stayed longer than a week. The kids were great and we learned so much from them. The school is a beautiful place to stay and the area felt safe and was fun to explore. We had some… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Craig)

Craig and Laura were fantastic workaways and a breath of fresh air. They got stuck in straight away with the dogs and kids and helped out in so many ways - thank you, you have been a massive help to us all this past week! Chopper, our dog, loved them and they put a smile back on his doggy face- the kids also thought they were terrific and did a… read more

(Excellent )

13/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Andras Marcell)

Marcel got stuck right in with the kids and dogs. He gave a didgeridoo demonstration to the kids and we wondered where all that breath came from! He also taught them how to juggle and use fire sticks. On top of that he taught the kids film making. Although he was only with us a short time he crammed so much in. Thanks so much for all your help!

(Excellent )

12/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Andras Marcell) for host

On my way back to Bangkok I spent one and a half weeks in the school, where I loved every minute spent Celi Huw Tamara and the kids and the two prankster dogs:) Shortly after my return to the capital I also started to operate a small private school, and I am trying to adapt here the vasts of knowledge I exprienced in the School, as the tolerance… read more

(Excellent )

25/05/2014

Left by Workawayer (tamara) for host

Thank you Celi and Huw for giving me the opportunity to help and try something new in my life. It was my first experience in workawaing and I worried a little at the beginning but everything went perfect! I really enjoyed my time, kids and dogs around me for about two weeks, what can be better?!:)
The school is a super nice and cosy place with… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (tamara)

Tamara was an excellent and easy going workaway. She stayed with us for about 2 weeks and really helped us out at our school. She was fab with the kids and also our dogs who can be unruly at times. She got stuck in and helped with anything we asked. She has such a friendly and likeable personality. Thanks so much for all your help!

(Excellent )

18/01/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Judith)

We met Judith a couple of times before she came to us for workaway. She came to school for a couple of afternoons helping out in the garden with the kids. Over Christmas Judith stayed and looked after our dogs and tended to our garden. When we returned from holiday we were well impressed at all the things Judith had done in our garden, things we… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (hanna) for host

What a wonderful first work away experience! Huw and celi are really working hard to create a wonderful school and it truly shows. The children are all lovely, well behaved and lots of fun. The school is a lovely big house that's been converted which adds a lovely, cosy, warm family feel to the environment. The lesson with the Thai kids was fun… read more

(Excellent )

17/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (hanna)

Hanna stayed with us for 2 weeks and really did a great job with our after school English lessons to the local Thai children in the area. The classes got up to about 14 at one point, they were very popular, a big thank you for doing that, we know it wasn't easy. Hanna also helped with lessons in the morning and even did a bit of Algebra with the… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (guy & Sarah) for host

We stayed for 2 weeks at the school with our 3 year old twins. First week we were looking after Chopper whilst Celi and Hugh were on a much deserved holiday, second week we did some jobs in the garden and helped out in the school.

In the first week our kids were in heaven as they had lots of toys, space, books and dressing up clothes to play… read more with. In the first week I gradually learnt to ride the moped that was very kindly leant to us.
Second week our kids went along to some of the school story telling but at other times not. Celi and Hugh were very understanding that we had to look after our own kids first and then help out where possible secondly. We drilled holes in tyres, mowed the lawn, fixed a bit of a boat and generally tidied up.

On Fridays there is “community day” at school where they all go out and see something locally. We went to an orphanage on that day. The other day was Halloween with dressing up and apple bobbing and gingerbread man baking. The values underlying their school are admirable, particularly concerning emotional intelligence, if you have not checked out the website for the school then suggest you do that

Celi and Huw are understandably quite busy with running a new school but they always made time for a chat, were inclusive (taking us on shopping and mall trips) and approachable (never lost their temper even if they were in the midst of school), flexible and understanding (go to the beach this afternoon) and we all went for a meal together, used their pool a couple of times and their bbq and our kids could watch cartoons for a little while. These are little things but help to make this an even handed “exchange”

You will get to see a real part of Thailand in Thalang district, very far removed from Patong area of Phuket. There is a great night market on Tues and Friday. If you can use the moped then you can have a great time exploring the area in your spare time. Beaches are about 25 mins away on the bike but its safe enough. We were 4 up on one bike and really enjoyed it

I know they are looking for house sitters, so if you are couple or single person who values peace and quiet or a family who want your kids to have an oasis of play for a week then this is for you. Or if you are at all teachery (doesn’t have to be formal, just confident) then this workaway experience is for you.

Thanks Celi and Huw and good luck with your venture

(Excellent )

17/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (guy & Sarah)

We enjoyed having the Turton family with us for a couple of weeks. They looked after the school while we were away and then stayed on another week and helped with lessons, the garden and other jobs that needed doing around the school. They walked Chopper but think Sarah did this more than Guy, he wasn't really sure about Chopper I feel, neither… read more

(Excellent )

17/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Lotta)

Lotta was only with us for a week but made a big impact in that week. She helped with all aspect of life here, from helping our kids in the day to walking Chopper and helping with the English classes after school to the local Thai children. It was a shame she couldn't have stayed for longer, she was also very independent. Lotta, have a great time… read more

(Excellent )

12/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Lotta) for host

I stayed one week with celi and Huw and it was such an awesome und fun time. I had a really nice, clean and comfortable room with balcony and a nice view, at the school. Everyday I and the other voluntier girl hanna walked with the dog choper and we helped out during class with the kids. Sometimes we got seperated in different groups so everyone… read more

(Excellent )

04/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Dorothea) for host

Thanks Celi and Huw for having me in your house and letting me take care of your lovely dogs. I had a great time and loved staying in your house.
Thanks also for showing me what you created, a primary school, which is the best school I have ever seen in my life! I wish you all the best for your future and that the school will grow!

(Excellent )

29/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothea)

Doro, thanks so much for taking such good care of our dogs and our house! I thought I was clean but you are super clean!!!! It was great leaving our place in such capable hands and thanks for helping out with our school kids on community day.

(Excellent )

22/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Diarmuid)

Diarmuid stayed here for a couple of weeks . He helped us dig holes for our playground, transport plants, dig pathways, construct a compost, walk our dog and work with our kids in class and run PE lessons. Some of the kids still talk about him even now. He was easy going and keen to help. Huw also enjoyed his football talk with him, Celi doesn't… read more

(Excellent )

27/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (Diarmuid) for host

I stayed with huw and Celi in their wonderful creative forward thinking organic school and it was a blast.

They are great people with a great philosophy on life and education, and they made me feel very welcome.

They were really easy to chat with as we had a lot in common in terms of interests and life and I would really recommend doing… read more

(Excellent )

22/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Niamh)

Niamh was a workaway gem. Literally as soon as she walked in the door, she dropped her bags and started teaching the Thai kids in our community centre. Although Niam was only with us for a week she basically kick started our English program for Thai kids and they loved her. She was easy going, confident, independent and just got on with things… read more

(Excellent )

19/10/2013

Left by Workawayer (Niamh) for host

I had a wonderful time at the school. Both huw and ceili are friendly and welcoming. Their school is beautiful and colorful with an amazing garden - a children's paradise. I only wished I had gone to a school like theirs! Their teaching methods are progressive and creative and a lot of fun! The children were wonderful - both the students of the… read more

(Excellent )

25/09/2013

Left by Workawayer (David & Rebecca) for host

Me and Rebecca had a fantastic 2 weeks here and it was a shame that we couldn't stay longer for the grand opening of the school. We were involved in a wide range of activities from painting, power hosing, beach cleans, helping set up the library, cleaning recyclable goods to be used for art, dog walking and house sitting.

We couldn't have… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Rebecca)

David and Rebecca really were excellent volunteers. They were with us for about 10 days and it was a shame they could not stay for longer, especially for the opening of the school. That would have been great for them to see as they put in so much hard work and made the whole place look amazing with their painting and power washing skills. We wish… read more

(Excellent )

27/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Mona)

Mona and Rebecca were only with us for a short time but during that time they helped a lot. We didn't really get to know them but they seemed great and were fantastic with a paint brush and power hose. They also got on well with the other workaways staying with us.
We wish them all the best on their future travels and a bug thank you for helping… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host

I am so happy about this experience.
Yeeehh, I am the first volunteer who slept in your school, I arrived exactly the day you got the key ;-)
Wonderful call...always present during night time.
Thank you guys to have shared some story about your international teaching experiences and allowed me to get know some of your friends and places there… read more

(Excellent )

04/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)

Thank you so much for all your hard work Andrea although we hope it wasn't always hard work. We really appreciate what you did for us and think you saved us at least a few days work. Your strength when lifting also came in handy and sitting on the goal posts and telling Huw whether it was ok to go under the electric cables!
Good luck with your… read more

(Excellent )

28/07/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Penny )

It was fantastic hosting Tony and Penny for a week but a shame that they could only stay for a week. We would have loved for them to be with us for longer but events beyond all of control meant this could not happen. They sorted our books, walked our dogs and were open to anything. If we'd had the school building when they were here I'm sure they… read more

(Excellent )

16/07/2013

Left by Workawayer (Penny ) for host

Penny and I loved the week we spent with Huw and Celi in Phuket. They are genuine, caring people, and we were inspired by their commitment to working with kids. We also loved hearing their stories from traveling around the world.

Their part of the island is gorgeous and quiet. The school building had not been secured when we were staying… read more

(Excellent )

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