Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Aug 2023
Feedback
49
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We have one of those big old houses where there is always something that needs to be done! We are looking for someone to help with the general upkeep - cleaning, repairs, or some of the initial work we did that needs to be done again after several years, such as painting, plastering, etc.
We are Paul from England and Áine from Ireland and we have been very lucky over the years to have hosted some lovely people from various parts of the world. It has been fun sharing experiences and hearing about everyone’s travels.
We live in a friendly village which has all the day to day things you might need – shops, pharmacy, bar, café, pizzeria, post office with ATM and a train station.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Lunigiana is an area rich in history, in the northern tip of Tuscany and part of Liguria. Often referred to as the land of 100 castles there are still about 30 intact most of which you can visit. There are many interesting and picturesque towns and villages to visit with museums, churches, caves and generally amazing scenery with a backdrop of the beautiful rugged Alpi Apuane where Carrara marble has been quarried since Roman times. Many villages have a “sagra” which is a food festival celebrating their particular food e.g. apples, chestnuts, pork, mushrooms, etc. and there are lots of traditional local dishes served in restaurants.
Help
We need help generally with cleaning and maintenance – we are always trying to sort out and clear out somewhere. We have a lot of windows which need cleaning, repairs, painting and the same for the shutters. We are doing some retiling and there are always bits of plastering or painting to be done.
It is mostly lots of small jobs. We don't require you to have any special skills but of course if you have particular skills which may be put to use then all the better.
We would like someone who will help out generally keeping the house clean and tidy. It’s not a requirement but we love having people who like to cook.
We are in the centre of the village and don’t have any land so there is no gardening - just occasional care of the pots and troughs on our two large terraces.
If this sounds ok so far you can contact us if you would like any more specific info.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate
Accommodation
Depending whether you are a couple, a single person or friends sharing we have different set ups to offer but all the bedrooms are en-suite.
We have our main meal in the evening and we are happy for you to share the cooking if you wish. We do not have a breakfast or lunch routine so will provide food for you to help yourself.
What else ...
We are flexible with the hours and days off, e.g. if you want to work longer days to take an extra day off or work at weekends to avail of the quieter days to visit tourist attractions midweek. Likewise we may ask you to help out at weekends.
A car would be ideal for exploring but there is a bus service and a train station so it is possible to make day trips, for example, to Lucca and the Garfagnana and in the other direction the coast – La Spezia, Cinque Terre etc.
There are walking trails in the area and lots of festas throughout the Summer in the surrounding villages.
We don't smoke so the house is non-smoking but you may smoke outside on either of the terraces.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day 5 days a week
Host ref number: 111316156331
Feedback (22)
22 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen & Todd)
Ellen and Todd stayed with us for two weeks at the end of September beginning of October. They arrived late at night due to transport delays but were still eager to get started first thing next morning. The main work we did was restoring windows, doors and shutters, so lots of prepping, cleaning, sanding and painting. They are both very capable… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ellen & Todd) for host
We had a wonderful two-week stay at the end of September, as the weather was nice and warm. Paul and Aine were very hospitable. Paul was the perfect "boss": giving good guidance of his expectations without micromanaging every step of the work. Ellen and Aine enjoyed cooking together while chatting away about life in Italy. The accommodations in… read more
20 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alice & Emily)
It was a pleasure to host Emily & Alice. They were with us for two weeks and fit in straight away, eager to help with whatever needing doing (including spider removal even though they hated it!!!). They were happy to start earlier some mornings too as we were experiencing very high temperatures during those few weeks. They helped with lots of… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alice & Emily) for host
We stayed at Aine and Pauls for 2 weeks and loved our time there. The work was very flexible and nothing too difficult! It was mainly cleaning and some maintenance jobs on the house; we learnt how to plaster and paint an outside wall which was good fun. The house is big and there’s so much space which is really nice for your time off as it felt… read more
26 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Scott & Katie)
Scott stayed with us for just over two weeks and we found him to be a very diligent, hard worker. He is very obliging and often worked beyond the normal hours to help get tasks finished. Among the many and varied things he helped us with were window repairs and painting, installing a fence, some furniture restoration and in particular he did a… read more
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
22 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen & Todd)
Ellen and Todd stayed with us for two weeks at the end of September beginning of October. They arrived late at night due to transport delays but were still eager to get started first thing next morning. The main work we did was restoring windows, doors and shutters, so lots of prepping, cleaning, sanding and painting. They are both very capable… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ellen & Todd) for host
We had a wonderful two-week stay at the end of September, as the weather was nice and warm. Paul and Aine were very hospitable. Paul was the perfect "boss": giving good guidance of his expectations without micromanaging every step of the work. Ellen and Aine enjoyed cooking together while chatting away about life in Italy. The accommodations in… read more
20 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alice & Emily)
It was a pleasure to host Emily & Alice. They were with us for two weeks and fit in straight away, eager to help with whatever needing doing (including spider removal even though they hated it!!!). They were happy to start earlier some mornings too as we were experiencing very high temperatures during those few weeks. They helped with lots of… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alice & Emily) for host
We stayed at Aine and Pauls for 2 weeks and loved our time there. The work was very flexible and nothing too difficult! It was mainly cleaning and some maintenance jobs on the house; we learnt how to plaster and paint an outside wall which was good fun. The house is big and there’s so much space which is really nice for your time off as it felt… read more
26 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Scott & Katie)
Scott stayed with us for just over two weeks and we found him to be a very diligent, hard worker. He is very obliging and often worked beyond the normal hours to help get tasks finished. Among the many and varied things he helped us with were window repairs and painting, installing a fence, some furniture restoration and in particular he did a… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Diego Andrés & Julieta Marlene) for host
We spent 12 amazing days with Áine and Paul in our first Workaway experience.
They're such a great couple! You could tell from the first talk with Áine that she's a very sensitive and nice woman. 😊 She's always checking that you're OK or if you need something. And she's also a very good chef! Paul has the soul of an inventor. He has almost every… read more
They're such a great couple! You could tell from the first talk with Áine that she's a very sensitive and nice woman. 😊 She's always checking that you're OK or if you need something. And she's also a very good chef! Paul has the soul of an inventor. He has almost every… read more
5 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Diego Andrés & Julieta Marlene)
We really loved having Juli and Diego stay with us – they were here almost two weeks and we would have been happy if they could have stayed longer. From the start, they were eager to help with anything we needed. Specifically, they helped thoroughly cleaning two rooms before they sealed the cotto tile floors. They worked on our terraces cleaning… read more
(Excellent
)
7 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sinéad & Cormac)
We very much enjoyed having Cormac stay with us, from the moment he arrived he fitted right in. During the two weeks he was with us he helped out with a diverse range of projects. He was keen to help out with whatever tasks we had and did a great job at painting, plastering, organising cantina storage and gardening work looking after our terrace… read more
(Excellent
)
4 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sinéad & Cormac) for host
I absolutely loved my time with aine & Paul. Their kindness, generosity and great company was an absolute pleasure to experience. I stayed for 2 weeks and from my first night i was met with friendless and warmth. I primarily worked with Paul during my time here. Paul knows a lot and is great at communicating how to do whatever the task is. I… read more
22 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Dmitrij)
In the short time Dimi was with us we got a lot done. He was always ready to start when we agreed and eager to tackle any tasks. He did a lot of heavy lifting and helped to repair and paint some external shutters. He also helped with grouting a large terrace and adding a new electrical extension. All of these were new tasks for him, but he… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nick & Julie) for host
Aine and Paul very kindly took us in at the last minute when a workaway went sour on us. They live in a beautiful corner of the Apuan alps in a village which has been there forever, you could not ask for a more charming and peaceful place.
They are kind, generous hosts and Paul was very patient in teaching fumble fingered Nick new skills.
Should… read more
They are kind, generous hosts and Paul was very patient in teaching fumble fingered Nick new skills.
Should… read more
5 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nick & Julie)
Luckily Nick and Julie had a last minute change of plans and so we were delighted that they could come and stay in response to our last minute request. They settled in straight away and were happy to take on any of our many and varied tasks. Nick helped Paul with some tiling on the terrace; it was his first time doing it, but he picked it up… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Roisin ) for host
We were so lucky to have Paul and Aine as our first ever workaway, lucky that they took a chance on us and double lucky because they are the kindest, most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet.
They immediately made us feel welcome in their home and in their hearts and leaving them was like saying goodbye to family. We extended our stay an… read more
They immediately made us feel welcome in their home and in their hearts and leaving them was like saying goodbye to family. We extended our stay an… read more
11 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Roisin )
Ro & Johnny were the perfect Workawayers and any host will be lucky to get them. They settled in right away and within a few hours of their arrival we had already agreed to extend their stay with us by a week - we would have been happy if it had been even longer. They are both very hard workers and happy to take on any challenges, including early… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Benedek) for host
Paul and Aine were very kind to us and made an enormous favour at beginning of the two weeks. Our plane was delayed, and we would have not been able to get to Gragnola, but they were flexible, and picked us up in the agreed place. We always discussed when to begin the work in the next day. The amount of work was fair, we were very pleased to see… read more
15 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Benedek)
Anna and Benedek carried out many different tasks during the two weeks they stayed with us. They prepared some doors and windows for repainting (cleaning, sanding etc.), did various painting including walls and some garden furniture and assisted with some general tidying up and cleaning as well. Benedek also helped with some external tiling. Both… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jule & Maya)
Ayla and Jule stayed with us for 2 weeks during which time the main project was helping Paul tidying up his cantina storage and workshop areas – one of those jobs we keep going back to but this time we are really delighted with the progress they made. Although sometimes tedious work, they tackled it with enthusiasm – even down to sorting boxes of… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie & Grace)
We put ourselves on the last minute list and Sophie and Gracie very kindly changed their plans so they could be here for the specific week we needed help.
They were very kind to Áine’s mum who was here for their first few days and she really enjoyed their company. Their first night here they cooked a lovely meal for all of us. They are very good… read more
They were very kind to Áine’s mum who was here for their first few days and she really enjoyed their company. Their first night here they cooked a lovely meal for all of us. They are very good… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sophie & Grace) for host
What a week! Thank you so much to Aine and Paul for having us! We were so lucky to spend a week in Gragnola in their lovely palazzo. Whilst we were staying, we overlapped with Aine's mother and brother, who were great company - you'll be lucky if you get to meet them. Aine and Paul were a great duo who couldn't have been more generous and… read more
23 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen )
It was lovely having Karen to stay with us. She was here for a week and was a great help to us generally around the house doing the various chores in the mornings and then, in the afternoons, exploring the area or doing some sketching, writing or listening to music. She is a friendly, interesting person and was keen to meet new people. It was fun… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Karen ) for host
Having my first workaway experience with Aine and Paul has been amazing. They are really kind and I loved helping them for some days. I enjoyed our dinners together and they made me feel at home.
11 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny)
Our circumstances were different this time as my mum and brother were staying and we don’t usually host while they are here. Jenny’s email was timely though and we thought it might be nice to have another person to help out generally around the house, so we had a chat and agreed to try it for a few days. Jenny fitted in right away and became part… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host
I just finished spending 3 lovely weeks staying in Gragnola with Áine & Paul (and also this time Áine's mum and brother who wouldn't normally be there). I was mainly helping out with cleaning (it's a big house!), and some sorting out, as well as keeping everyone supplied with cakes :-)
Everyone was really friendly and relaxed, and flexible around… read more
Everyone was really friendly and relaxed, and flexible around… read more
14 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Niclas)
It was a pleasure to host Niclas and Divyank for two weeks. Again, our projects were many and varied with priorities changing depending on weather, timings etc. and they were both happy tackling whatever was required. Even when they weren’t sure how to do something they followed instructions and picked it up soon enough. They did plastering,… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Niclas) for host
Me and my friend had a wonderful time staying with Aine, Paul and their sweet cat Leo! The little village Gragnola is a lovely place and has everything you need: a pizzeria, two bars, a supermarket, a train station and a lot of nature surrounding it.
Paul and Aine are a super friendly couple who supported us with everything we need! The stay was… read more
Paul and Aine are a super friendly couple who supported us with everything we need! The stay was… read more
12 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Divyank) for host
I visited Áine and Paul with a friend of mine for two weeks. They were our first Workawayers and it was a great experience! They welcomed us into their home and always made sure we had enough to eat. Not only did they show great hospitality - they helped us find the best places to visit nearby and activities to do in our free time.
We had our own… read more
We had our own… read more
11 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Divyank)
It was a pleasure to host Niclas and Divyank for two weeks. Again, our projects were many and varied with priorities changing depending on weather, timings etc. and they were both happy tackling whatever was required. Even when they weren’t sure how to do something they followed instructions and picked it up soon enough. They did plastering,… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Diana) for host
This was my first experience as a workaawayer and my friend Elena decided to join me in this experience; we had a great time with Paul and Áine!
We spent two weeks with them and they made us feel welcome from the very first moment. They went above and beyond what we expected; they took us places like the beach at Carrara, for sushi in Sarzana, on… read more
We spent two weeks with them and they made us feel welcome from the very first moment. They went above and beyond what we expected; they took us places like the beach at Carrara, for sushi in Sarzana, on… read more
23 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Diana)
We’ve had all sorts of different projects on the go recently (often depending on the weather - boiling hot one day and raining the next) and so we were delighted to find that Diana and Elena were willing to try their hand at everything during the two weeks they spent with us! They tackled plastering, painting and tiling, as well as a special… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Alzbeta & Malachy) for host
We were lucky to spend a week working with Aina and Paul. From the very first moment, we felt really welcomed and felt like at home. Both, Aina and Paul are very kind people, we truly enjoyed our chats and laughs during and after dinner each evening. We also spent some time together watching soccer. They both are great cooks, but we can't forget… read more
28 Jun 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Alzbeta & Malachy)
It is so nice to get back to having Workawayers again – we missed them last year and we got off to a great start with our first couple this year, Alzbeta and Mael. Our main task was retiling a large terrace which is an arduous task, especially in the current high temperatures, but they were keen to start early to avoid the heat of the day. They… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Emilia & Zuzanna) for host
We are terribly sorry that it took us so long to leave our feedback, but sometimes it's just difficult to bring back the good summer memories when stuck in consuming grey reality... and the memories we have from our stay with Áine and Paul are just amazing! They are the kind of hosts that really go out of their way to make you enjoy your time and… read more
6 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emilia & Zuzanna)
We loved having Emilia and Zuzu to stay with us – two lovely, interesting, entertaining and hardworking young ladies. They were here for two weeks and not only were they hard workers but so eager and lots of fun. They tackled every task they were given with great enthusiasm and we enjoyed hearing their laughter as they worked.
As well as keeping… read more
As well as keeping… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Frances & Liam)
It was great to host Frankie and Liam who stayed with us for a week. Given the short time they were here, the tasks they helped with were many and varied. Frankie was great helping around the house in general; cleaning, organising, looking after the plants and helping Áine to plan a new watering system :) and of course getting to know Leo and… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nóra) for host
I stayed for about 3 weeks with Áine and Paul, and I have to say, I couldn't have wished for a more welcoming, interesting and memorable workaway experience. Both of them were so kind to me, and we had so many great conversations over the dinner table! It was amazing to hear their stories and opinions on so many diverse topics, I learnt a lot from… read more
3 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Nóra)
Nóri stayed with us for about three weeks and helped with a range of tasks during that time. She helped around the house generally, keeping on top of day to day cleaning, watering plants etc. and with preparation for the arrival of guests. She did a good job of different types of painting (and tidied up afterwards). She looked after the house and… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
Claire arrived at a time when things were a little more chaotic than usual for us, but she took us as she found us and settled in right away. Once we got organised, her duties were keeping on top of day to day household chores leaving us free to deal with other tasks but she also helped out with a variety of other jobs – looking after the plants,… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Annabelle) for host
Spent a lovely three weeks with Paul And Áine in May in the picturesque village of Gragnola, I went for amazing hikes around the area in Equi Terme which was a feast for the eyes and marvelled at the beautiful bright coloured houses and old churches dotted around the lush valleys. I even was able to swim in the turquoise river (which was fairly… read more
7 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Annabelle)
Annabelle is a conscientious and enthusiastic worker and persevered at jobs where we would have given up! It was a very productive three weeks – we got lots of long overdue painting done and she did an amazing job of giving a new lease of life to old marble that had not weathered well over the years. Also a great job helping with general… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Stoyan & Boyka) for host
We were so happy to stay with Aine and Paul, that we felt we are at home! Living and working together for only a week left us as long-years friends! And Leo and Cleo are such a fun and joy to have around! The house is quite a palazzo and we were content to give as much as possible to the atmosphere it radiates and makes such places a dream to live… read more
12 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Stoyan & Boyka)
We enjoyed having Boyka and Stoyan stay with us. They are a lovely, friendly and interesting couple with lots of knowledge to share. The week flew by but we got a lot done – painting, helping with plants, lots of cleaning and generally helping to keep on top of day to day chores.
Our two cats Leo and Cleo, who are getting more used to having… read more
Our two cats Leo and Cleo, who are getting more used to having… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Marit) for host
I had a great time staying at Aine and Paul! They really welcomed me into their home and always made sure I was feeling well. I got to help them with daily work and chores and they were both greatfull for the work I did. Their cats are also always there to welcome you and they are really a part of the family. They both have their own character and… read more
28 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Marit)
We loved having Marit stay with us – it was only for a week – not long enough. From the moment she arrived she fitted right in. She is friendly, chatty, warm and caring, always happy and smiling. She loves everything especially pancakes and olives - though not necessarily together!
She is a very keen, hard worker - we told her what we needed her… read more
She is a very keen, hard worker - we told her what we needed her… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (David & Arwen) for host
Our time with Paul & Aine was short. We only had a little over one week with a big task in front of us. The word had gotten out about our cleaning and organization skills. So we came to the small village of Gragnola to sort out the cantina and computer room. We think we made some serious headway and wish we had a little more time to tie up the… read more
18 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (David & Arwen)
It was great having Arwen and Dave stay with us. They tackled a job that was long overdue – clearing out the cantina and helping Paul sort out his tools. They did an amazing job and we really appreciate what they’ve done. Also Paul was pleased to get some welding advice from Dave; Arwen was a great help doing laundry and helping with cleaning.… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hamed & Maryam) for host
Aine and Paul, a highly respected couple, and together with Leo and Cleo make a lovely and kind family. They behave in such a way that we felt their home is ours. Despite of being busy with her other tasks, Aine always tried to cook delicious food, and in this way, we spent lots of time to talk and chat about different issues during and after… read more
11 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Hamed & Maryam)
We really enjoyed having Mary and Hami to stay with us. They are a lovely, warm, funny, quiet and respectful couple. They tackled everything we asked them to do with enthusiasm and we got some great work done – in fact it was sometimes difficult to get them to stop!
We got to sample some wonderful Persian food, learned a few words in Farsi and… read more
We got to sample some wonderful Persian food, learned a few words in Farsi and… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Raul & Anabella) for host
Lovely Couple in Beautiful Tuscany
We were very lucky to spend two weeks working for Áine and Paul. They are both really good people: nice, kind, generous, warm-hearted, empathetic and with a great sense of humour. They always cared for our well-being and they gave us delicious food. We were happy to be able to help them. We had our own private… read more
We were very lucky to spend two weeks working for Áine and Paul. They are both really good people: nice, kind, generous, warm-hearted, empathetic and with a great sense of humour. They always cared for our well-being and they gave us delicious food. We were happy to be able to help them. We had our own private… read more
29 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Raul & Anabella)
It was a pleasure meeting Anabella and Raúl and having them stay with us for almost two weeks. They were our first Workawayers and we could not have asked for better. There was so much to do we didn’t know where to start but they soon had us shipshape! They were hard working and enthusiastic – great motivators - and we can’t thank them enough for… read more
(Excellent
)
