We are a married couple with grown up children and grandchildren. After working as full time teachers in UK schools for many years, we both took early retirement and fulfilled our lifelong dream of moving permanently to France.
We own two lovely horses who keep us busy but, having been teachers for such a long time, we do find that we miss this kind of interaction and sincerely look forward to being able to share our knowledge, skills and lifestyle with our students.
We welcome students aged 16 +.
We are able to accommodate up to 4 students at any one time. At times when we have more than one student, it may be necessary for students to share a room but this would be discussed and agreed prior to the stay. We accept students 16 +.
Between 7am and 9am, we're up and simple, hearty breakfasts are served.
9.30am to 10.30am, we tend to our horses (feeding, grooming etc.).
11am to 12.15pm, a program of planned, formal English language lessons will be delivered (as very experienced teachers we both value the importance of a happy student being a happy learner. Consequently many of the activities will be games-based). From 12.15 to 1.15, a hearty, healthy lunch will be prepared and served. In the afternoon, we will provide a variety of activities either home-based or in the local environs (Le Mont St Michel, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Granville, various museums, swimming and other activities).
Between 18.00 and 19.00 we will share the preparation, cooking and clearing up of an evening meal with our students. From 19.30 to 21.00 we will play a variety of family English board games and cards.
Throughout the stay, all conversation and interaction with our students will be in English (although we are both reasonably able French speakers).
We live in attractive, rural area of Southern Normandie in a small hamlet of 3 other households, all French. We are 4 kms from Mortain with its dramatic waterfalls and history of WW2. St Hilaire du Harcouet is a bustling town with a weekly market is 20 minutes away. The coast is about an hour away with Le Mont St Michel, Granville and beaches easily accessible.
If circumstances change during the week (weather/ special events locally etc.) we will be flexible in trying to include these events into our timetable.
Mathys a souhaité retourner chez Patrick et Helen pour un second séjour qui s’est de nouveau super bien passé. Un accueil chaleureux, bienveillant, pédagogique ! Tous les ingrédients sont réunis pour passer du bon temps en apprenant la langue. Que du bonheur !
des gens adorables, très accueillants , conviviaux un chat adorable et s occuper des chevaux c est du bonheur à recommander
We are delighted with both the progress and the welcome and exchange. So great. See you soon.
Notre fille a été très bien accueillie et bien accompagnée. Patrick et Helen sont de bon contact et aiment partager. Immersion en anglais, y compris les chaînes de télévision. Beaucoup de jeux de société. Des activités variées et la possibilité de s'occuper des chevaux.
Nous avons été mis en confiance immédiatement en rencontrant Helen et Patrick. Ensuite Mathys a été parfaitement encadré dans des activités variées, toujours en Anglais, entouré d'un esprit familial et bienveillant.
Le séjour de Léane s'est très bien passé. Patrick et Helen sont très chaleureux et enthousiastes, ils ont proposé des activités variées. Léane a beaucoup progressé dans l'aisance orale. Elle hâte de les revoir.
Ma fille Amandine a été ravie de son séjour chez Patrick et Helen. Ils se sont bien occupés d'elle et on proposé beaucoup d'activités
Desde 740 € / sem