Domestic couple Chinon (37)

We are looking for a couple to be the Guardians for a large French country house with gardens, swimming pool, truffle orchard, woodland, gite and two small dogs.

The owner’s occupancy is intermittent; the gite is rented out via Airbnb

Responsibilities are:
- looking after the house, garden, grounds and swimming pool
- working the soil in the truffle orchard using a tractor; annual pruning of truffle trees
- housekeeping / cleaning of main house / general handyman skills
- rental management of gite (linen change, cleaning, welcoming guests etc – diary management of rental bookings is done by owner)
- looking after 2 small dogs
- feeding chickens
- mowing and rolling newly seeded formal lawns
- maintenance of formal rose garden
- removing ivy from trees, weeding, pruning, planting veg garden, general garden maintenance
- emptying gutters
- planting bulbs and fruit trees at relevant times of year
- competent with chain saw
- carpentry skills are a plus
- painting skills
- clean driving license
- occasional pick ups from Chinon when owners are in residence (after dinner)
- occasional airport pick ups (Charles de Galle)
- driving cars back to the UK on occasion
- it is an advantage if you speak French, but not a strict requirement
- references are required and will be checked

This is a chance to live in a beautiful part of France, close to Chinon in the Loire Valley.

It is around 1 hour from the city of Tours and Chinon is a 10-minute drive away. There nearest shops are just a few minutes away.

Accommodation is provided by way of a 2-bedroom former signalman’s cottage which acts as a gatehouse. You would also have the use of a car.

This is not a post intended for people looking for a long, paid holiday.

This is a real chance to change lifestyle, this position is available immediately and it is a long-term position.

Please apply via email to: froglette@me. com