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Volunteer at French castle on the banks of the river Saone

The experience

Hello, my name is Selina, and I live in a small castle by the banks of the Saone River in France, together with my husband and six cats. We have been in this area since 2011, settling in at the castle at the beginning of 2023. We live here all year round, and I take care of the ongoing restorations, as well as the large garden and grounds. I'm a cookbook author and photographer, and open the castle to host culinary events.

What you offer

12 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

4 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English

Over 25 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

I'm looking for help for garden works and, to a lesser degree, indoor restoration help from time to time. Living here, you'll work at least an afternoon a week with me, going after the various seasonal tasks that come with this large property. More specifically you must be able, or willing to learn how, to handle:
- big tools, such as chainsaw, trimmer etc.
- lawn mower tractor
- drive a trailer

Activities & Shift

You will also be responsible for keeping the cottage garden in shape and regularly mow the green. Other works include:
- moving furniture
-clear out garden space
-prepare the soil for planting
-fixing patches of dry stone walls
-help me create garden paths
-help building a shed
-help restoring and painting windows and shutters

I'm looking for someone with a hands on attitude who likes to work, being outside in the weather and not afraid to get muddy boots.

Rules

You are NOT expected to help with hosting/culinary part of my work, though I'm happy to share insights if you're interested into this part too. You are also NOT expected to take care of my pets, though cat sitting/feeding during short 2-3 days absences might be greatly appreciated.

All in all I'm looking for somebody with the intention of a longer term stay.