Happy, busy but relaxed home in the Charente, France

Infos

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  Description

  Hi all, a little introduction; We are a family of five, there’s us and our 3 kids, boys of 17 & 14 & girl of 13 (and our little dogs, cat, chickens, chicks and rabbits) who moved to France from England for a simpler, less hectic lifestyle.
  We are renovating a C14 strong house in traditional methods and materials in the beautiful Charente countryside, within striking distance of some fantastic places. Bordeaux, Cognac, La Rochelle beach within 2 hours and ski slopes are within 3 hours. Poitiers, Angouleme, a subterranean cathedral, countless Chateau and attractions within 1 hour, two of the most picturesque villages in France less than 10 minutes away. Locally there are shops, restaurants, riverside bars, chateau, a C12 abbey and a river beach.
  
  Come and join us, helping around the house, organic, bio-diverse garden projects or with the renovation project, enjoy French culture, learn some new skills and have some fun along the way.
  
  We have places for one or several people with good DIY, gardening or building experience from now onwards with a few bookings for spring and summer so far! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re planning a trip for this year! 😁

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  We are all fluent in French English and in the process of learning Spanish , so learning at least the basics of a language if not more (from speaking it on a daily basis) would be possible. This would be a great opportunity to explore the French language, culture and history, from a great launch point in the heart of south west France. Along with this, learning traditional methods for the repair of historic buildings would benefit anyone wishing to understand the theory and practice of dying arts. There are markets, village meals, festivals and events every day of every weekend from spring until late Autumn, brocantes too, lot and lots to see and do.

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  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  We are looking people to come and help us with our renovation project and sustainable garden project.
  The requirement is quite flexible, anyone who would like to join us could help with the renovation project or general maintenance and gardening say 4 days a week, leaving long weekends to explore the region. This would probably look like 9am to 4pm and would certainly be flexible, but it is manual labour and some heavy lifting would be involved.
  
  Experience in renovations or construction would be a bonus, manual work and good diy skills at a minimum. Being a heritage buildings consultant who runs training courses in varying subjects relating to historic building repair (from dry stone walling to pointing and building in traditional methods and materials), means everything regarding renovation of old buildings could be learned if you wish.
  A desire to learn traditional methods of construction from a heritage master craftsman and some high quality DIY expérience would be well received :0)

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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant
  Français: Courant
  Espagnol: Débutant

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  Hébergement

  We are offering for solo travelers and or couples/small families to share a cottage in the beautiful Charente countryside directly in between two of the top 100 prettiest villages in France. It is well renovated and quirky, cool in summer and cozy in winter, for the duration of the stay (with no bills to pay). It is furnished with a double room and a double with two large single beds and the usual furniture. The use of bikes is available for the local villages 3km, lifts to town with train station 8km not a problem.
  
  Self catering with all food and soft drinks supplied while here, cereals, bread, toast and jams, tea, coffee pastas, rice and sauces, fruit, eggs from our chickens, honey from our bees and and veg from the garden and whatever other shopping you choose in particular.

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  Autres infos...

  Locally there are numerous historic and cultural attractions, most weekends from spring to fall there are events locally ranging from open air art exhibitions, communal meals (hog roasts, steak/moules frites), fetes with fireworks, local markets, music events and evenings, numerous Brocantes and antiques markets. There are recreation facilities nearby, a river beach for swimming, canoeing, kyacking, treetop adventures and of course the perfect area for walking and cycling.
  Further afield there are countless historic and beautiful places, medieval towns and villages to visit, not to mention the multitude of tourist parks and attractions.
  As a small family we live quietly, politely and gently in our community, as such we are well thought of and integrated. Our ideal guests would have similar philosophies, not disturb neighbours and become friends.
  We visit and join in with local events and activities regularly, you would be welcome to join us. :0) vaccinated or not, all are welcome.

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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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  Espace pour garer des vans

  There’s power hookup, water and even access to a bathroom that has an outside door, it’s all on a slight slope so levelling blocks are on hand if you need them. Will fit large or small vans.

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  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  Well behaved dogs who socialise well

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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