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We are a Belgian (Flemish) couple that left the home country in 1996 to start a new life in
the southwest of Ireland. We spend 7 years to renovate a small cottage and it's non-existing
garden (3/4 acres - 26 are) with the help of 39 WWOOFers (World Wide Opportunities on
Organic Farms).
We passed this treasure on to other people and in December 2003 we became proud owners
of this lovely farmhouse with 3 acres - 1.2 ha of land in the Coiron (a volcanic plateau in
Ardèche - France), situated in the triangle Montélimar-Privas-Aubenas, at 700 meters
altitude. Google Earth ; pointer 44°37'57.23"N / 4°31'59.51"E .
We are situated 200 meters from the village, which is very small, has about 20 inhabitants
and sadly doesn't have a shop or bar. The next village (6 km) has both.
Apart from the main house, there is a gîte (holiday cottage) that we rent out for about 4
months during the summer. Our next project is to convert the old loft / coach house into
another holiday let.
Since moving here we have already build a swimming pool, started a vegetable garden from
scratch, build several patios, walls, paths, steps, build a chicken house and run. We
decorated the gîte and the main house. In short : this place is an ongoing project that will
evolve over the years into an eco-friendly haven for wildlife and everyone passing through,
be it holiday-makers, volunteers, friends, family or the next people living here.
As from the summer 2007, we will be providing evening meals for holiday-makers. We will
be using organic and seasonal produce wherever possible. Omnivorous and on request,
vegetarian.
We also make our own bread and make lots of preserves from our garden produce.
About us :
Bert, in his forties (latter part already), owns a wholesales business in 'interconnections' for
computer technology (cables, etc). He is the breadwinner.
He enjoys animals, food, swimming, walking and science fiction books. He is the quiet type
and oh, he has a very dry sense of humour.
Patricia, also in her forties, trained as an art teacher, is creative, homemaker, Jack of all
trades, master of none. Loves animals, nature, gardening and food. Has a keen interest in
interior design and beware : she loves to sing. She is the outgoing type and a bit goofy
We have no children, but we do have 1 dog and 7 cats, give or take a few, as sometimes we
babysit friends' dogs and there is always a stray-cat or two hanging around and being fed
by us. We plan on having a few hens for eggs from spring 2007.
Our first language is Flemish (Dutch), but we speak English (almost perfectly) most of the
time. Bert is fluent in French, but Patricia still has a long way to go (she does understand
most and can get by in every day life)
Feel free to browse around our site, there's lots to see.
Bert & Patricia
Welcome
Updated February 2007
