Come help look after pets, garden and/or assist restoring a little medieval house in the centre of France (with cats and ducks)

Infos

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  Description

  Looking for help with my little house, garden and/or looking after my pets.
  
  I recently purchased a very old house with walled garden that I am restoring, in the centre of France. My home includes 3 pet ducks and 3 cats who are all very friendly. I'm looking for someone to pet sit, maybe help with gardening. Also would like someone with artisan or DIY skills to help me with any restorations: building, masonry, carpentry, plumbing, sanding, painting, etc. Really anything.
  
  Helpers appreciated and in exchange I am happy to be flexible about helping hours and days. I am more project orientated than hourly. But general idea would be either half day/4-5 hours, 5 days a week, or full day (8 - 10 hours) with next day off. Looking for 12 - 15 hours a week, more if it suits you.
  
  Please note : I live in a renovation project. Accommodation is currently basic, but I am continuously improving it all the time. You would have a room of your own. Shared facilities. The house has a toilet and running water/a sink, but no shower. Hot water by kettle until a hot water heater is installed. I do have a camping shower set up outside, completely private. There is also a bath tub in the not overlooked garden, which can be used. And if you are a dab hand at building a rocket stove, then I would love you to come and help me build a hot water system for the tub.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  S’occuper des animaux

  Entretien général
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  I am a tour guide, so knowledgeable on history, culture and wine of France. Also a keen gardener and happy to educate, as well as learn. Happy to assist with practice of French or English. My French is basic, but if you are a beginner, I can assist you. English is my native language. As I work in tourism, I can give you insight into what there is to see in the area, as well as other places in France.

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  Aide

  At the moment I am particularly looking for people with restoration experience, building construction experience or DIY knowledge - plumbing, masonry, wood stove fitting, rocket stove build, carpentry/wood working, painting, sanding, wall paper stripping - really anything that will help me see this lovely wee house come back to its glory.
  
  I am employing local artisans and trades people, so my house is up to code and receives all the necessary certificates, but there are lots of little in between tasks that I could do with some help on depending on your experience (or lack there of and simply wish to learn.) You would be helping alongside me, as other than professionals I hire, I am doing all the work myself. I am happy to learn from your expertise, or teach you mine.
  
  There are also garden tasks, helping me build a trellis and a shaded bench, as well as planting, harvesting and canning.
  
  And/or looking after my animals. So really all areas welcome!

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Français: Intermédiaire
  Espagnol: Débutant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  English is my native language - both British and American English. Happy to assist if you wish to improve your English. Or if you are a French speaker, I would love assistance with improving my French.
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  Hébergement

  Choice of room of your own, not en-suite. Or outside (under cover) bed. Shared very basic facilities: Toilet, sink. No hot water tank as yet, but a priority.
  
  My house is medieval in age and design, so each room flows into the next. Only the salon/bedroom can be closed off.
  It's a work in progress, so improving all the time. But anticipate it is a bit like glamping, but drier. And with more rooms.
  
  I am looking for about 12-15 hours a week, and will provide a cooked dinner or lunch, as the volunteer prefers. (Here in France the main meal is lunch, but I understand some prefer a hearty meal in the evenings.) In addition, I will provide ingredients breakfast and lunch or dinner as desired. If you wish or prefer to help additional hours, full meals can be provided.
  
  I eat everything, but am predominantly vegetarian. I can cater for dietary restrictions/desires. Simple sandwich lunch fixings provided, so you can eat when you wish, or pack a picnic for exploring. I am not much of a breakfast eater, so breakfast is up to you. (There is a bakery 2 minutes walk away). Coffee/tea available at all times. There is also a great local authentic French Bistro if you wish a change (not expensive). Duck eggs to eat in season. And seasonal vegetables from the garden.

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  Autres infos...

  The village is extremely old, dating back to Roman times. Most of its centre is medieval houses, with cobbled pathways.
  It has the basic amenities: convenience store, bar/tabac, bakery, bistro, hair salon, post office, doctor.
  Limited bus service into nearby bigger towns. Train station 8km away. Vintage Dutch bike available to use.
  Great area to explore, cycle, walk and fish. There is a river down the hill 200 meters away.
  The Tour de France comes through the village in July.
  
  I am more project orientated then hourly. Ideally I would like you to help in the mornings and then go explore or relax in the afternoon, but flexible. Or if you get into a flow or we are trying to finish something together and help through the day, then this would be offset with a day off. As long as you are willing to help me towards completing projects, we will make sure you also get equal time to yourself.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  My internet connection is very good. I maintain a business from home, as well as guiding (to get me out of the house). There is a desk area, and various tables, as well as a great bistro cafe and also bar/cafe that have wifi and welcome people with laptops.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  I have parking available for a small camper van - maximum Sprinter van size. Larger camper vans - there is free parking at the Town hall. There is also a secure camping car park at the edge of the village, but there is a cost.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  12-15 hours a week