Francia
386 “me gusta”
Hello there. We are a Matt, Ali, and our kids Olea (10) and Simeon (8), who in 2015 bought a large hill farm in the Vallespir, and we have been working hard and renovating it and creating holiday accommodation ever since.
We are a British family living in France; so the language at home is English.
Matt has done lots of things including working as a diver, a Marine, then a computer technician and is now a forester/farmer/builder! He competes most years in the local triathlon (Bearman Xtri) and loves pushing himself physically; and recently has been doing a lot of cold water immersion. He is now the forester, land manager, electrician, plumber, technical manager and general handy man!
Ali worked for many years as a chef on private sailing boats all around the world so has a background mainly in hospitality. I am an avid animal lover which is why we have so many! I love our long hikes in the mountains with the donkeys and dogs and like to practice yoga. I am design chief on the build, I manage bookings, do changeovers, feed the family, take care of guests and also do a lot of varnishing and animal care.
We both enjoy the great outdoors, long lunches, friends, family & animals!
We live in part of the main mas and Ali's parents live in their own house, which is in one of the outbuildings. We have no neighbours, and the village is only 5 minutes away down the track, the Mediterranean coast (and Collioure) is only 1 hour drive away and we are very close to the Spanish border so trips into Spain are very easy, even just for lunch.
We built all the guests accommodation and we now host wellness retreats and family nature holidays.
Using wood from our own forest, a band saw and a good workshop we can make almost anything out of mostly chestnut & oak. Anyone who enjoys working with wood will have many opportunities.
We also have a poly tunnel and large organic vegetable garden, and are starting to learn about and adopt permaculture methods.
Our aim when we have stopped building, is to become as self sufficient as possible, both terms of food and energy but we're not there yet! We are still making improvements to the property in the winter, Spring we have a lot of retreats but also try to get as many vegetables planted as we can. Summer is family holidays; very sociable and fun. Autumn; usually more retreats and some maintenance and harvesting.
There is so much to do here! We welcome practical, open minded and fun people to help out.
We have lots of animals; 3 donkeys who we take for camping trips, 2 dogs, 4 cats, 25 chickens, 2 pet pigs, a few pet sheep and a goat; It's a great place for animal lovers! We are somewhere between a petting farm and a rescue centre!
Práctica de idiomas
Ayuda en proyectos ecológicos
Enseñanza
Jardinería
Proyectos de construcción y bricolaje
Cuidado de animales
Ayuda en una granja
Cuidado de niños y juegos creativos
Cocinar para toda la familia
Ayuda doméstica
Mantenimiento general
Apart from exploring this beautiful part of France, you could also learn about animal care, organic vegetable growing, the English language! This is also a perfect place for people interested in forestry, ecological farming & permaculture.
En este proyecto podría haber niños. Para obtener más información, consulta nuestras directrices y consejos aquí.
Our set up is best adapted to host a couple. I am sorry, we do not have room for families at this time.
We like our helpers to have a friend to go exploring with and to enjoy their free time together so 2 people is perfect.
We need help in the Spring to help with the yoga retreats; but also a little painting, possibly some varnishing and gardening.
In the summer, we organise activities for guests and kids; things like walks with donkeys and stopping for a picnic, guided hikes, tours around the animals and lessons is taking care of animals, and showing kids how to tend to a vegetable garden. There will be help needed with animal care, taking kids to the pool etc and doing light domestic chores (a bit of washing up after meals and getting kids to tidy up after themselves!).
We have a big wood working workshop and are always making something out of wood grown here. Lots to learn and help with there.
We can use pretty much any practical skills and can adapt jobs to peoples interests or skills. People who can speak French and English is helpful.
Spring and Autumn is retreat season for us and half term holidays so we are still busy with guests doing yoga, meditation etc and can use help around the farm, prepping/serving meals and with the animals etc.
Most of all we like positive, independent, practical and fun people who work well as part of a team but also enjoy some quiet time, and would enjoy sharing this wonderful place with us for 3 weeks- 2 months or more.
Best suited for a couple who have their own car who don't mind living remotely and enjoy nature, hiking etc.
Inglés: Fluido
Francés: Fluido
Español: Principiante
We can offer a basic mobile home in a secluded spot with double bed, South facing terrace, compost toilet and hot water shower, wood burning stove. Double bed and kitchenette with fridge. Comfy sofa on terrace. Wifi.
Over the winter when we are closed, we can offer one of our very comfortable gites.
There are buses that go from the village into Perpignan for 1 euro and we can offer lifts wherever we are going. There could be occasional use of a car when it's not needed; but having your own car is best!
This location is ideal for walkers, mountain bikers & climbers and lovers of peace and nature. There are many beautiful villages and small towns up & down the valley to visit, all the way to the white sandy beaches on the coast of France & Spain. Collioure is 'our St Tropez' (1 hour drive), Ceret is our biggest local town (30 mins drive) which has a great Saturday market, art galleries, restaurants etc. Barcelona is 2 and a half hours drive away.
Acceso a Internet
Acceso a Internet limitado
Tenemos animales
Somos fumadores
Puede alojar familias
Yes; there is wifi in the accommodation.
Dos
Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week
Son opciones de calificación adicionales para cuando los miembros dejan sus comentarios. Se muestra la calificación media dejada en cada opción.
Precisión del perfil:
(5.0)
Intercambio cultural:
(5.0)
Comunicación:
(5.0)
