Live the dream in a homely villa nestled into the hills of Northern Tuscany, Italy

Details

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  Description

  POLITE REQUEST: I receive tonnes of generic messages without being addressed by name and it's no fun writing rejection letters. If you have none of the skills needed here, or don't take the time to respond PERSONALLY to my profile, please don't waste my typing fingers or yours.
  
  Conversely, if you've got experience in:
  *️️ Farming (you thrive cutting acres of grass/digging out brambles/playing with chainsaws)
  *️️ Carpentry/Building/expert DIY (you've already built/restored some impressive stuff)
  You'll be VERY welcome here! Drop me a line and tell me more about you.
  
  *** SUMMARY TO SAVE US ALL TIME ***
  
  ~ I ask only for LONGER-TERM helpers (3+ weeks) who can settle in, call this place 'home', and make a real contribution.
  
  ~ I have a chronic health condition, with limited energy (which I share between you, work and general life nonsense).
  I can't be your full-time cook/chauffeur/cleaner, or show you what to do all the time.
  Experience, true self-sufficiency and a really good work ethic is a MUST.
  (ie happy to do 5 hours of labour, clean tools, help prep dinner, and snuggle down for a fun, chilled evening at home).
  
  ~ I GIVE AS GOOD AS I GET.
  If you are super-helpful, respectful, easy company, you'll have supportive family, prosecco and a home in Italy for life.
  (If you clock watch, treat my place like a hotel, take a day to pull out a few weeds, trample mud through the house, leave dirty mugs on tables and skid marks in the loo and think you've been amazing, you wont get the above.)
  
  ~ Much of my diet contains local free-range eggs and cheese, so unfortunately it isn't suitable for vegans or restrictive eaters (veggies, pescatarians and celiacs are welcome).
  
  ~ I smoke.
  
  ~ Musicians get bonus points.
  
  ~ And finally, much as I adore dogs, unfortunately my cats don't.
  
  If you're still here, yay! Please keep reading... According to my wonderful workaway family, it's worth it :-)
  
  ***
  
  Ciao Workawayers!
  
  I am Juliet (49, Iranian/English, copywriter/editor) - a friendly and caring host of over 150 workawayers so far.
  
  I live in a comfortable, crumbly old villa in Lunigiana, together with 2-and-a-half rescue cats (the half is Jeff, and Jeff only cares if you have food). The view is breath-taking and ever-changing... rather like my homegrown wine :-) 16 years ago, myself and my now-ex restored everything with our blood, sweat and blisters. Now I'm managing the magical dustpit alone and looking for experienced and kind helping hands.
  
  Specific project details in the Help section below.
  
  My health condition means I'm in constant pain. I work like a demon when able, am fully independent with a passion for life and a deep care for others, but physically wobbly/get tired.
  
  So, experience, proper self-sufficiency and a really good work ethic is a MUST.
  As is being communicative, caring and - above all - wanting to work with someone who has both disabilities and dreams.
  
  Are you that rare gem who truly understands the exchange premise of workaway?
  Basically, can you leave my place (and me!) better than when you arrived?
  In turn, I'll give you everything I can, including gratitude, friendship, encouragement, tools, hugs, ice cream, comfy beds, cats, glowing references, entertainment (mainly bad jokes) and the satisfaction of knowing you've been a huge help and made a lasting difference.
  
  Please think CAREFULLY before you apply.
  
  To sum up/save disappointment, THOSE WELCOME HERE ARE:
  
  - Mature (attitude more important than age)
  - Truly hard working (my returners have spent their days digging out brambles or doing cement/stonework and still insist on making dinner for everyone with a smile on their face)
  - Energetic/fit/strong
  - Honest (I'd rather be impressed by those who underestimate their skills than disappointed in those who inflate them)
  - Brilliant at self-managing and self-motivating... Equally brilliant at asking questions/checking in if not sure.
  - Naturally helpful, even after hours - washing up, unloading the dishwasher, helping to unpack shopping, recycling etc, spotting wherever and whenever there's a need. It's your home too.
  - Considerate and respectful (cleaning tools, putting things back where they belong, cleaning the kitchen, shower and toilet after use)
  - Dependable and reliable, including staying for the time agreed
  - Adaptable and easy-going
  - Very positive, with a 'can-do' and 'no problem' mentality
  - Possessing of great communication skills
  - Able to follow instructions correctly (or ask if not sure)
  - Have the ethics/skills/attention to detail/care to do each job really well (For the duration, it is your home, so I hope you want to put love and pride into it.)
  - The conscientiousness to finish whatever is started
  - The elbow grease/energy to finish it in good time
  - A sense of humour :o)
  
  I know it's a long list, but the right folk will be nodding enthusiastically now.
  
  I LOVE hosting the right folk - with 150+ workawayers so far, many of whom have returned several times/become part of my family (have a peek at my feedback).
  
  I also love music (playing/listening/singing), quizzes, games, good food and great conversation, as well as quiet times - reading, flopping in the sunshine/by the fire and having a lie-in/watching films in my PJs at the weekends.
  
  So if a mix of hard work, play and peace in the golden light of Lunigiana appeals to you, please drop me a line and tell me which of the below projects you want to dive into!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Along the way, I've gained various skills, from cement mixing to paint effects and mosaics, which I am happy to share. (I still have a lot to learn, so your experience is most welcome in return.)
  
  I have run English classes for adults and children and I will help if English is not your first language. I speak just about enough Italian to get by and can pass on what I know. Se sei madrelingua in italiano, saró molto grato per conversazioni e correzioni :o)
  
  I love a good chat about life, the universe, equality, films, music and pangolins.
  
  I have been an organic gardener for many years and happy to demonstrate what little I know. Ditto with honing your writing skills. As an ex-NUJ journalist and published author, I run writers' workshops, which you are welcome to come along to if they coincide with your stay.
  
  After hours, I love to jam/noodle. On Friday nights, my neighbours and I have pizza and jamming sessions - you are very welcome to join us whether musically inclined or not.
  If you'd like to learn, I'd be very happy to teach you piano, handpan, ukulele or basic flute/guitar.
  Depending on the latest covid rules, musicians/singers are also very welcome to join me every Thursday afternoon for music therapy sessions at the wonderful local residential facility for adults (18+) with learning, emotional, behavioural and physical issues. It's chaotic but lots of fun!
  
  I'm also a bit of a nerd and love board games/card games/quizzes. No worries if you don't, but if you are happy to be taught/play something silly in the evenings, that would be great. A zillion biscuits are yours if you can teach me a fun new game.
  
  Buon viaggio...

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  Help

  Here are the projects I currently need help with. Take your pick or mix and match...
  
  (1) OUTSIDE - THERAPY POOL DECK + STEPS - (1-2 builders/carpenters)
  Seeking those with skills and maths!
  Thanks to an amazing team, my 10x6m therapy pool and surrounds are done, but the decking boards were wrong/are now rotten (weep!), so I'm looking for someone who can carefully unpick the nice top level and replace the underneath with something sturdier.
  Also needed is proper step access down to the deck. There are currently 12 wonky, steep log steps. I would love some proper stone stairs and sturdy handrails to get me to my much-needed daily swims. This involves cement work and someone who is really good with maths, angles and levelling.
  
  Tools, materials and encouraging 'whooping' noises will be provided.
  
  If you have time/experience and can fix some stone walls and/or build some raised beds, you get extra biscuits.
  
  (2) OUTSIDE - PARKING AREA (1-2 builders/carpenters)
  I have the sand and cement. I just need someone who can batten and build a level parking area for 1-2 cars, plus hopefully a gazebo/cover to protect them from leaves etc.
  
  (3) OUTSIDE - GENERAL LAND MANAGEMENT (1-2 farmers/heavy-duty gardeners)
  Are you super-practical, experienced in using a strimmer/weed-whacker/whipper-snipper, a petrol mower and a chainsaw... and strong enough to use them for hours at a time?
  
  I have quite a lot of land and steep terraces. This isn't a job for the faint-hearted or those used to a handkerchief-size garden (9 out of 10 who say they can weed, don't bring up the roots... so everything comes back within a week. That's no use to me. I'm looking for the 1 in 10).
  
  You will not be scared of hard work for projects like the bramble apocalypse, pick-axing streams, climbing/cutting trees, logging, weeding, weeding, weeding, managing bonfires safely and raking until you probably never want to see a rake again. You'll know which tool(s) to use for the job, how to use them properly without breaking them (or ask for a demo), how to clean and care for them daily and where to put them in their rightful spot afterwards. And finally, you'll know that a good day equates to sweat, achy muscles and mucky boots, and that thought makes you smile.
  
  ***
  
  FOR ALL TASKS: Much of what I used to do/now ask for help with is tough, especially in the heat of summer. I insist you take breaks, but please ONLY apply if you're fit, strong, hard-working, have oodles of energy and a really positive attitude.
  
  Please bring grippy, sturdy shoes/work-boots and suitable clothing (things you don't mind getting mucky/ripped by brambles/stained by paint/woodstain). There's also a cupboard of scruffy clothes donated by previous workawayers that you can have :-)
  
  ***
  
  This is your chance to immerse yourself in rural Tuscan life in a generous, loving, comfortable and fun home, and possibly to learn ukulele and get lovingly nibbled by a cat :o)
  
  If all this sounds like you, please apply with the reasons why you're the PERFECT fit (skills and experience, plus personality). Please include your availability (you'll need to be able to commit to the time you say you will - with my disabilities, little is worse than being let down). And finally, please mention the word 'Pizza' in your message so I know you've read everything.
  
  I'm really look forward to hearing from you and hopefully adopting you soon!
  
  And now for a description of daily living/accommodation/meals, how to get here and fun things to do at the weekends/days off (yay!)...

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Intermediate
  Persian (Farsi): Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  Juliet would love to learn Persian, improve her Italian and refresh her BSL (British Sign Language). In turn, she'd be happy to help you with her fluent English and flailing Italian :o)
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  Accommodation

  DAILY LIVING:
  It takes large coffees and small miracles for me to get going in the mornings :o) Depending on the weather and task, I generally work Monday-Friday from 10am (although sometimes as early as 7am in the summer). I'm really flexible - if you want time off, a long weekend etc - just give me a spot of notice and I'll work around you. My favourite people never clock-watch, they take a genuine pride in their work as I do. I have to juggle paid work, charity work, admin, trips to the market, DIY store, medical appointments etc. I also need to rest and have quiet times (very early mornings, weekend lie-ins and occasional siestas). Outside of those times, we have wheelbarrows of giggles, games, music and prosecco here with my crazy neighbours and friends!
  
  There's a comfortable king-sized bedroom or twin/double bedroom for you to settle into. Alternatively, you can have the downstairs den to yourself/selves in the summer (no heating and no bed, but comfy, huge, cushioned seating.) There's also a dedicated guest/workaway shower room downstairs. The main bathroom, kitchen and living spaces are shared between us all. As I generally host groups of volunteers together, you may need to share the twin room with another. I will let you know this in advance and I only ever invite people who I would feel happy sharing with too :o)
  
  You will need to be cat lovers, or at least tolerators! They are ex-feral and can be scared of strangers, except when it comes to thieving opportunities (unattended food disappears in a nanosecond). Tip: close your bedroom door unless you want one or more peeing on your rucksack, pooping on your bed, or sleeping on your head and singing an out-of-harmony 'We demand breakfast' song at 6am.
  
  I am a smoker. Although I do my best to aerate my home, please don't apply if you find smoke unpleasant.
  
  Internet is pretty fast and reliable here (except when it's not :o)).
  For bookworms, I have a library that you are welcome to delve into during your stay.
  For musos, you are fully encouraged to play any instrument you find here.
  
  MEALS:
  Breakfast and lunch: Everyone helps themselves, or takes it in turns to rustle up a group meal.
  Dinner: A chance for us all to cook together, sit together, learn about each other and have some great chats.
  
  *️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️Much of my diet contains local free-range eggs and cheese, so unfortunately it ISN'T SUITABLE FOR VEGANS or restrictive eaters.*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️
  That said, I am vegetarian, so veggies/pescatarians are welcome and there's gluten-free pasta for celiacs.
  Meat eaters are welcome too, but please don't expect much of it (or feel free to buy/prepare your own).
  
  Food is simple but delicious in this part of the world. Depending on the time of year, I have ample fresh organic veggies and fruit on my land.
  
  We go to the market on Tuesday mornings (inc. coffee and cake) and out for a cheap, delicious pizza or rustic local meal on Friday nights. When/where possible, I will also take you to touristy things/days at the beach/feste etc. Please bring pocket money for these.

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  What else ...

  GETTING HERE
  The nearest airport is Pisa (85 minutes away). The airports of Parma and Genova are about a 90-minute drive/2 hour train journey. Milan and Bologna are a bit further but also doable.
  
  If you don't have a car, it is easy to use the trains to get to me. The nearest major train station is AULLA (pronounced: ow-ooh-la) which is 25 minutes away. Trains leave regularly from Pisa Centrale to Aulla and take 1+ hours. (Trains from La Spezia , Florence and Genova are also easy and direct/1 change). From Aulla, if it doesn't involve a long wait, you can then catch a quick train to my local train station, FIVIZZANO-ROMETTA-SOLIERA (10 minutes from me) or a bus to FIVIZZANO BUS STATION (4 mins). But I can pick you up from any of the above stations.
  
  GETTING ABOUT WHILE YOU'RE HERE
  It's rural here - my place stand alone around the corner from a tiny hamlet, 2km above a little town. For those without a car, it's a 20 minute woodland walk/30 min road walk to town/Fivizzano. With advance notice/a driver's licence, you can use my old banger for short trips (over 25s only - sorry - Italian insurance). Otherwise, I will give you a lift to town and nearby train/bus stations when I can.
  
  TIME OFF
  Because of health, evenings are now generally spent at home getting to know each other, playing music/games/quizzes, reading, eating ice cream, watching films and binge-watching Netflix, usually covered in cats. So hopefully you'll like doing these things too. Or you can watch the bats, count the fireflies and find your own space.
  
  Weekends are all yours (YAY!). Time off for you also means precious time off for me. While you are welcome to flop here (helping with chores, just as you would at your place), and I will take you to a magical little waterfall and local events when possible, I love it when workawayers go off and have their own adventures so I can have naps or catch up on admin etc. I can lend you guidebooks, maps, swimming towels and help with travel planning. Here are some great places to visit while you're here:
  
  Local town
  The ancient walled town of Fivizzano is called the "Florence of the North" as it was once home to the Florentine administration and has striking palazzi and a fountain donated by Cosimo de Medici. It is small but it has some great festivals in the summer/autumn, various musical events, a fantastic charity bookshop (most languages), a tennis court and a weekly market, as well as the obligatory gelataria (yummy ice-cream and cakes), 3 pizzerie, a little co-operative supermarket, several bars, pharmacies, corner shop, newsagent etc.
  
  Castles
  The Lunigiana is sometimes described as 'The land of one hundred castles'. The castles were built by the oldest rich families, such as Malaspina, Bosi and Estensi, who fought to get control of this magical land.
  Verrucola is our local one - a fantastic castle and walled village about a 45 minute walk/7 minute drive from us. It also has a trattoria - a great place for a local, cheap eat.
  Further afield you will find: Piagnaro Castle in Pontremoli, Brunella Fortress in Aulla and Malaspina Castle in Fosdinovo. There are many others, each with a unique history.
  
  Medieval Villages
  Along the old pilgrim route and merchants' roads there are a smattering of picturesque medieval villages. Some of the most characterful worth a visit are: Filetto, Malgrate, Bagnone, Filattiera, Mulazzo and Pontremoli. Seasonal festivals are held in the villages throughout the year to celebrate everything from medieval archery to onions.
  
  Nearby cities:
  45 minutes south: Carrara and Pietrasanta - home of the world-famous marble (tours available) and interesting sculptor and artist workshops.
  1 hour south: Lucca, beautiful, walkable walled medieval city; birthplace of Puccini. Hire a bike and cycle the walls.
  85 minutes south: Pisa, with its famous tower, enchanting baptistry and bustling student life.
  90 minutes northwest: the lively port of Genova with art galleries, museums, funky wine bars and diverse restaurants.
  90 minutes northeast: picturesque Parma, for those with a craving for the famous ham.
  2 hours south: Florence, a must-visit if you haven't already been.
  
  The coast:
  The Gulf of La Spezia (45 minutes from us by car, or 25 minutes on the train from Aulla), otherwise known as the Gulf of Poets, has attracted many writers, artists and film-makers over the years. It was where the the Romantic poets Shelley and Byron set the artistic world on fire following in the Renaissance footsteps of Dante and Michelangelo. The colourful and quietly cosmopolitan coastal towns of Lerici, San Terenzo and Portovenere still retain their authenticity and charm.
  
  A little further along via train or boat, the Cinque Terre (5 lands) are a Unesco World Heritage Site consisting of five ancient fishing villages clinging to the cliffs overlooking the sparkling, turquoise Med with its hidden coves. This film-set-like location is a great place to go for a challenging walk, swim, potter or snooze on days off!
  
  A LAST BIT FOR FOODIES
  A large part of the Lunigiana is covered by chestnut woods. These nuts (castagne) constituted the local people's livelihood before and during the war. Nowadays, there are still many local dishes where the main ingredient is chestnut flour, such as panigacci - flatbreads baked in clay dishes and served with ricotta and salami, testaroli (large pancakes usually smothered in pesto), gnocchi mesci, pani del Fivizzanese and la marocca di Casola, as well as pani di Po, Agnino, Vinca, Regnano (breads cooked in the traditional wood ovens) and the focaccia made in Pontremoli.
  
  Other traditional foods are the fantastic local cheeses (ie il pecorino e la caciotta), homemade pastas, organic wines, vegetables and olives, tartufi (truffles), fagioli (beans), la mela rotella (apple), and to end with... elisir di China Clementi (a strong cure-all digestivo invented in Fivizzano that terrorises your throat).
  
  In Autumn/fall, at the local fairs and in many of the grocery shops, you will see a plump beige/brown mushroom in wicker baskets lined with chestnut leaves. The Lunigianese look forward to the beginning of the season when the funghi begin to grow. They are a great delicacy. You will find them served in restaurants with pasta in a cream sauce, or simply coated in flour and fried in oil. Buon appetito!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  5 (ish) hours a day, 5 days a week (max 25 hours/week)

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