A unique opportunity has arisen for a live-in property caretaker in France to care for a historic cottage in the rural Pays de la Loire region. This pre-French Revolution blacksmith’s home offers a chance to experience authentic village life while preserving a property full of character and history. Due to family health issues, the cottage has been lightly neglected and now requires attention to restore it to its full charm. The owners plan to move in permanently next year, so a resident caretaker is needed to maintain, spruce up, and prepare the property for future use. This opportunity suits those who enjoy practical, hands-on work and a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Live-in Property Caretaker in France: Tasks & Roles
The live-in property caretaker in France will provide a consistent presence at the cottage, ensuring it remains well looked after. Initial responsibilities include a deep clean, de-cobwebbing, and general tidying. Beyond this, ongoing duties involve regular domestic cleaning, liaising with builders or repair specialists, collecting and forwarding mail, and undertaking minor repairs. Painting external shutters, doors, and window frames is required, along with managing the garden and, if desired, planting flowers, vegetables, or fruit trees.
The roof also needs attention, so experience in roofing is beneficial, or otherwise coordinating inspections and repairs with local tradespeople. Additional projects may include building a small outhouse, establishing a petanque area, or caring for chickens. Overall, the caretaker is expected to treat the property as their own, ensuring it is functional, tidy, and preserved for the future.
Live-in Property Caretaker in France: Living & Getting There
Accommodation is provided in a single bedroom with a bed, wardrobe, and shutters, while caretakers have access to the entire property. The cottage comprises a large open living room, a dining area with basic appliances, a galley kitchen, two bedrooms, and a functional bathroom. Furniture is already supplied, though the property requires deep cleaning, painting, and small repairs.
The village is connected by a regular bus route to nearby towns, including La Guerche-de-Bretagne and Laval, which offers supermarkets, a hospital, colleges, and an SNCF train station with direct links to Paris in about 1 hour 30 minutes. Other travel options include Tours Airport, ferries at Saint-Malo, Le Havre, or Caen, driving from surrounding regions, or using ridesharing services such as BlaBlaCar. A local taxi driver familiar with the area can also provide pick-ups if necessary. The property is easily accessible, offering the charm of rural life with links to larger towns and essential services.
Live-in Property Caretaker in France: What Else
This role is ideal for adaptable, reliable, and friendly individuals who enjoy practical tasks and village life. While knowledge of French is useful for liaising with local businesses or authorities, it is not essential, as the owners can assist when needed. The cottage is simple to manage, mostly on one level with only a few small steps, and house rules are straightforward: no parties, no disturbances to neighbours, and no smoking or recreational drugs inside, though outdoor smoking is permitted.
Electricity costs are covered by the caretaker, and while there is currently no Wi-Fi, mobile data works well for communication. The surrounding area is picturesque, ideal for cycling and exploring local châteaux, markets, and natural landscapes. This long-stay opportunity allows a caretaker to live in a historic property, care for it with pride, and fully experience rural French village life while contributing to the preservation of a remarkable home.
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