Short Description
We are looking for two people who would like to live in a small, remote hamlet in the hills of Southern France (40 minutes from Nice) – and help shape this place with heart, hands and a sense of community. If you think of yourself as someone who feels at ease living in a remote setting, is good with the land, competent at fixing things around the house, and has a broad range of technical skills, we would love to hear from you! This is a position that requires a mix of manual labor and social skills, though they could be split between two people.
Maison Marcelle is a residency for artists, writers, activists and people on an inner journey of discovery. Every year, around 15 fellows, a few workshop groups and meditators spend time at this special place. The residency is largely self-organised; fellows cook for themselves, among other things.
Starting in January 2026, we are looking for two Guardian & Residency Host at Maison Marcelle who will…
Look after and maintain this place:
- Supervision of four houses, a studio, two yurts, paths and adjacent land
- Gardening work around the houses and terraces (the maintenance of around 200 olive trees is carried out by a professional)
- Looking after the pool
- Maintaining the technical infrastructure with tradespeople (water, electricity, plumbing)
- Coordinating the cleaning and preparation of the houses
- Occasional driving (e.g. to Nice Airport / St. Raphael train station)
Support the residency:
- Help design the programme and select the fellows
- Coordinate the stays (approx. 15 fellows per year + retreat groups)
- Be the local contact person for all questions and concerns
- Host welcome dinners and other social events
- Developing communication and community rituals
- Working with an external cleaner
What you should bring:
- Enjoyment of a nature-oriented, self-determined lifestyle
- Ability to take on responsibility – both technical and interpersonal
- The guardian must have a good knowledge of basic handy work (this is essential)
- Ability to problem solve in an independent and competent way
- Enthusiasm for community building and mindful hosting
- Good French and English skills (German welcome)
- Ideally, you have your own projects or an activity that is compatible with the tasks on site
- Your own car (necessary for mobility)
- Ability to legally work and live in the EU (this is a must, we cannot provide a visa)
- The intention to help shape the place in the long term
What we offer:
- A rent-free, typical southern French stone house with a large living room and three small bedrooms
- Living surrounded by nature, space and tranquillity
- A monthly financial compensation (negotiable)
- A four-month transition period with the previous guardians
- Long-term collaboration with a committed family who initiated the residency and are also on site for about half of the year
How to Apply
We look forward to receiving your informal application with information about yourself, your skills and your motivations. Write to: joana.breidenbach@betterplace.org
Subject: ‘Guardian & Residency Host – Application’
Entry Fee
None
Location
France
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 13 September 2025
Website Link: https://maisonmarcelle.org/open-positions/
