Join our family and help with gardening and DIY renovations in the Cognac Region near Chaniers, France

Details

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  Description

  Hi My name is Dom, originally English but living in France for 30 years. I live with my 14 year old daughter.
  We live in an old french castle and the renovation project has been ongoing for 10 years now. We still need help with a few things..
  The chateau dates back to the 17th/18th centuries and is pretty much restored. Its a magical place in rural France - although not far from the local towns Saintes & Cognac
  At home we speak French or English, we're both bilingual so sometimes a mixture!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The chateau is in rural France in the Charente Maritime region. The local town Saintes was once the roman capital of the region, so there's a lot of roman heritage to discover. Then more further afield the Atlantic coast is 30 mins away (by car) with towns such as Royan, Mechers, and a bit further is La Rochelle and the amazing islands of Ré and Oléron.
  Work-wise it could be an opportunity to learn about lime mortar & stone techniques (building techniques that I have learned from masters here and have stood the test of time since before the Romain Empire) .
  The gardening projects will also explore gardening techniques and planting organic (and sometimes ancient grains).
  At home we'll speak french (unless you prefer English).

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  Help

  We're mainly looking for help in 2 areas:
  1. Renovation tasks on a loft space, and old stone staircase: this will include mainly decorating/sanding etc and sometimes lime mortar work re-pointing a wall with lime mortar, and whitewash painting. (called Badegeon à la Chaux- a beautiful wall painting technique) No previous experience is necessary except general DIY skills.
  
  2. In the garden there's always a lot to do, we're setting up a vegetable / fruit patch and possibly a new greenhouse, so any help here would be great. The idea is to have a permaculture garden one day... so this year will be mainly setting up this, and other general weeding of rose beds etc and lawn mowing etc. and some work around the pool area -preparing the swimming pool for the summer. No previous gardening knowledge is necessary, but would definitely be an advantage.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  One double room is available with en-suite bathroom (shower). The room has a beautiful view of the countryside.
  Meals will be provided :
  Breakfast - typically french style - coffee/tea/ croissants / french bread
  Lunch - (depending on activities) - A light lunch - sandwiches /salads etc
  Dinner - the evening meal would be all around the table together (no TV dinners in the rooms!) - of course this will give us plenty of time to exchange stories and ideas.
  It’s also encouraged that the guests cook a meal occasionally - it’s a great way to learn about different tastes & styles.

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  What else ...

  We can provide 2 bikes for our guests to discover the local countryside, but further afield a car would be necessary.
  The local town Saintes is 5km away and has railway services to the coast (la Rochelle /Royan).
  We have a pool from June - sept so this is always a great way to unwind.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  approx 5 hours a day, 5 days a week