32M. SW France. Creating a resilient homestead.

Hey,

A bit surprised I'm posting here but I think it's worth a try.

I find my self on this piece of land which I would like to share with a person and eventually multiple people/families. I would like to create a resilient space that can provide food, purpose, income and safety for my family and friends in the present and future. (with a very unstable climate and worsening economy in mind). I'm not a "prepper" but I am fairly future-oriented and am concerned about the multiple crises that are here and on the horizon.

The farm is 40 hectares of very sloped south facing forest bordering two rivers within walking distance. There are no neighbors in sight here, so it feels isolated but the village is a 3 minute drive from the house. The local village is called Vabre 81330.

The land was co-purchased with my mom in 2016 who lives in the village and helps out running a guest house in one of the houses here on the land. She also does mushroom tours and is a source of advice and support (we have a very good relationship though it can be rocky sometimes).

Besides renovations and forest management, I plant fruit trees and maintain the gardens. There is also a lot of physical space for more ag related activities and my hope has always been to see several families live and use the land. Finding the right people with the right projects at the right time has always been the difficult part and I have participated in three attempts at intentional communities here and have learned a lot but I'm taking a break with that.

My toddler, who I love, comes to visit me during vacations but she is based in Germany with her mother. A lot of lessons learned there which I do not wish to repeat!

About me? I have French-american citizenship, though I do not plan on going back to the States. Je parle Français couramment. And also speak Spanish and bits of German. I'm not religious but I do believe in the "power of nature". I love edible plants and trees, ecology, wild river exploration, hiking, dumpster diving, climbing stuff, teaching, acrobatics with my daughter. I play tennis, chess, ultimate frisbee and some circus. Can cook, clean, do laundry, build/plumb/basic electricity, make my own firewood, love history (which is what I studied in college), political debates, documentaries. Movies/series but no horror. I do not smoke cigarettes (someone one who frequently smokes tobacco would be a deal breaker...). Drink socially. I occasionally play a video game but not regularly. Can be very extroverted one-on-one but an introvert in bigger groups.

I've been told I have a strong personality but I just think I know what I want (most of the time). I work a lot and very hard (and enjoy it) so that when my daughter is here I feel good about spending huge amounts of time with her but also because I feel fulfilled in improving the space. I have friends in the village and local farmers who I visit occasionally, and enjoy the community in the area as well as the (too) many events that are happening. I would describe myself as an anti-capitalist and a feminist. I am never bored. There is always something useful to do here and I love the life I have.

SEEKING: I guess I'm looking for someone who I'm attracted to on multiple levels, haha aren't we all. Definitely on the physical level. Someone who gets fulfillment from her daily activities. Who is herself seeking something stable yet adventurous. Someone who can be extroverted (you need to be that if you wanna make friends with the locals =P) but who is also happy alone during her thing on the land... someone who has is an agricultural/home-steady project in mind with the skills, ambition, resources and energy to make it happen. Also, someone clean and organised. French language comprehension is somewhat important too xD

Children, sure! I think someone who doesn't ever want to have children might not be compatible with me.

Bouteille jetée à la mer =)

Dear Max, your posting resonates strongly with me, although I am much older (46) and i am done with kids (I have a teenage daughter). But I am a French native and spent my summers in nearby Cévennes where my family is from; almost bought an abandoned farm there last summer, but decided against as my life is in the US for now until my daughter is grown. But wanted to drop a few words of encouragement and good luck! You have a beautiful land and spirits. Be well!

Gabrielle Hoa wrote:Dear Max, your posting resonates strongly with me, although I am much older (46) and i am done with kids (I have a teenage daughter). But I am a French native and spent my summers in nearby Cévennes where my family is from; almost bought an abandoned farm there last summer, but decided against as my life is in the US for now until my daughter is grown. But wanted to drop a few words of encouragement and good luck! You have a beautiful land and spirits. Be well!

Hey, thanks for your motivational words.
Yeah i love the Cevennes too, very happy to see all these chestnut producing regions in France/Europe still with loads of potential. We just need more people of all ages to maintain the "native food forests" for them not to fall into disuse =P.  

Halte à exode rural et le viellissement des campagnes! Vive la Conféderation Paysanne

Wishing you well in the US!

Hi Max,

Your land is lovely! I'm in Portugal at the moment on my little plot of land.

It's been hard because I've been isolated for so long, even before Covid and way before moving to Portugal - I'm thinking of moving to Taiwan. Also, I'm so unskilled in homesteading, if I don't get help soon, I'm probably going back to regular city life.

Good luck with everything.

Thanks for your message of support.

It takes a long time, learning the homesteading ropes.

I hope your adventures continue in a positive direction Eva =)

eva guo wrote:Hi Max,

Your land is lovely! I'm in Portugal at the moment on my little plot of land.

It's been hard because I've been isolated for so long, even before Covid and way before moving to Portugal - I'm thinking of moving to Taiwan. Also, I'm so unskilled in homesteading, if I don't get help soon, I'm probably going back to regular city life.

Good luck with everything.

Thank you, Max!!

Wishing we both do well and find what we seek!

Max Daix wrote:Thanks for your message of support.

It takes a long time, learning the homesteading ropes.

I hope your adventures continue in a positive direction Eva =)

eva guo wrote:Hi Max,

Your land is lovely! I'm in Portugal at the moment on my little plot of land.

It's been hard because I've been isolated for so long, even before Covid and way before moving to Portugal - I'm thinking of moving to Taiwan. Also, I'm so unskilled in homesteading, if I don't get help soon, I'm probably going back to regular city life.

Good luck with everything.

Being proactive and bumping my post for more visibility, there's gotta be someone for me out there! =)

Hey,
It's been another 6 months so I'm gonna go ahead and bump my post for some visibility.

Still looking

Hey there Max,

My name is Emily, 34/F, in CA (USA).

I align with much of what you shared in your original post. I’m wary of meeting people on line and have only looked at this website once before (the first time I read The Ringing Cedars).

Almost didn’t reply but seeing you posted last yesterday , how could I not?(!)

Would be interested to chat
Not sure next steps,
Cheers,
Em

Bonsoir Max,

Hope you've found who you're looking for? I'm (29F) a Kiwi currently based in the UK but have been dreaming of living self sufficiently in France or Greece in the future (when the language comprehension is hopefully a bit better ). For the time being I'm enjoying working on my small allotment, using Charles Dowding as inspiration, and building upon experience from working on an organic farm in Scotland and WWOOFing/Workaway stints.
I was excited to read about your project - it would be great to get your insight into the successes and challenges of the region and if you're ever opening up to WWOOFers(/equiv), please let me know. Would also be keen to see if we're compatible on other levels if you fancy a chat

Hope to hear from ya but wishing you great success nonetheless!

Warmly, Hannah.