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Help restore a magnificent 13th-century castle inspired by the Palace of Versailles
Join one of the most exciting private château restoration projects in France and work alongside an ambitious vision to bring this extraordinary historic property back to life.
We're looking for skilled and motivated volunteers with experience or a strong interesting renovation, craftsmanship, and restoration.
25 hours of help per week
Arts: Help with painting, graffiti, sculpting or drawing.
Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.
Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!
Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!
Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.
Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.
Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.
Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.
Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.
Holistic Therapies: You can take part in any of our therapeutic activities for free.
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
Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely
Intermediate English or Beginner French
Between 18 and 60 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
This personal project of mine is a 13th Century Chateau that I purchased 5 years ago in Marcillat-en-Combraille France at the age of 36. This spectacular 49 Room Castle was built in 1280 AD over top of a 2,000 year old Roman Palace. The archaeological significance is incredible as the famous Roman Consul General Marcellus was buried on the estate: hence the name of the village “Marcillat-en-Combraille”. This quaint and perfectly French Country Village still looks like it did the several hundred years ago. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in the heart of France, the area is lush and green with spectacular rolling hills, and beautiful sustainable organic farms as far as the eye can see.
The reason I specifically chose this Castle in particular is because of its Fairytale beauty and my vision is to transform the interior to resemble the Palace of Versailles. I have personally spent millions of dollars renovating all 49 rooms including adding insulation, adding drywall, marble floors, decadent cornice, skirting boards, revitalizing wood panels from the 1500’s, adding over forty 24 carat gold Chandeliers & 100 wall sconces, elaborate reproductions of original masterpiece paintings with gold frames and revarnishing original oak floors from the 1500’s. We are also completely transforming the landscape by planting over 50 new trees, adding a hedge maze and have recently planted more than 4,000 Dhalias, Roses, Stargazer Lillies and Fresias.
In addition to a free stay on an estate of this Castle, you will also receive free delicious meals with fresh French Produce and organic meat and vegetables. We will have opportunities to take occasional trips to special destinations in France such as the Palaces in Loire Valley, wine tasting in Bordeaux and the Alps in Switzerland.
We are specifically looking for extremely hard working individuals who want to live on the estate of a 49 Room Castle in the guard house or attic rooms of the castle and experience the cultural heart of France. We are very selective about who stays in this exclusive property and we are looking for someone with skills in the following categories:
🪵 Fine woodworking and custom oak door construction.
✨ Applying 24-carat gold leaf and decorative gilding.
🎨 Painting intricate decorative mouldings and architectural details.
🧱 Masonry and restoration of historic castle walls.
🏠Drywall installation, sanding, finishing, and painting.
🪚 Sanding and varnishing original oak flooring.
🔨 General handyman and restoration work.
Every day brings a different challenge while working inside a château with nearly 750 years of history.
We expect our guests to help 25 hours per week and we will offer full accommodation, amazing meals, and learning opportunities as well. Drugs are not allowed and smoking is not allowed inside the castle or surrounding buildings.
We have extremely high speed internet throughout the entire castle with over 16 routers. We also have a jacuzzi in the back courtyard.
We are Very Welcoming but we do require our guests to respect each other’s space, to clean up after themselves and to keep loud noises down late at night.
