We are seeking long term caretakers for our property in southwest France. This would be for a minimum of 12 months, starting in March/April, 2019.
The property consists of a main house, built in 1835 and a guest house, along with approximately 1/2 acre (2,ooo s.m) of grounds and gardens. It is surrounded by a high stone wall and electric, wrought iron gates. The property is in pristine condition overall, so minimal maintenance.
The guest house - gite - is a two story, freestanding building at the entrance with living, dining and state of the art kitchen on the groumd floor and 2 bedrooms and bath on the first floor. It is fully furnished and freshly painted. There is high speed internet and cable in the gite and comprehensive sercuity in the main house. There is ample parking on the grounds and all amenities are within 10 minute walk, including the daily farmer's market, butchers, 6 bakeries, chocolatier, etc. There are also 2 national supermarkets nearby.
The property is located in Jarnac, Charente which is a town on the Charente River, surrounded by vineyards and headquarters for several renowned cognac producers. Cognac is 10 minutes away and Paris is 2 hours by bullet train. The coast is 35 minutes drive, while Bordeaux is 90 minutes' drive. Jarnac is a popular tourist town as well as an Olympic training site for canoeing and kyaking. There are excellent restaurants including 2 Michelin starred within 10 minutes' drive.
I am a retired international business executive; my wife is a Radiation Oncologist, both Americans. We have homes in USA and the UK and will use this property for vacations and as a base for travel throughout Europe. We plan to visit 2-3 times per year for the next few years with each visit about 1-3 weeks. Thus, the caretakers will have considerable free time.
We seek long term caretakers - a minimum of 12 months, hopefully longer - to attend to the garden and grounds, light housekeeping, basic maintenance and look over any larger works by local contractors. During our visits, we would want some light houskeeping assistance, but in our absence there would be no routine work required in the main house.
In exchange, we offer the guest house and most of the utilities paid. We prefer a couple that enjoy gardening, are self sufficient and speak passable French and English, valid driver license, good health.
I believe this is an excellent opportunity for a retired couple wishing to live in the finest wine region in the world, with excellent weather (300 days/year sunshine) and near major cities and the coast.
If this opportunity appeals to you, please contact us.