Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
11 Jun 2019
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Details
Description
My name is Nigel, and I live a relatively busy life running an art gallery in London for 9 months or so out of the year. I love to learn new things (especially anything relating to building or DIY - hence me doing the restoration independently!), and have studied a variety of degrees - Acupuncture, Industrial design and Fine Art. This house is kind of like my sanctuary away from a very busy city and life, and you can feel that when you arrive. Its extremely quiet in the evenings, and I dedicate a lot of love and good energy into building and making the house an amazing place to go. I also have a small boat on Lake Trasimeno which is near that I take out every once in a while. The house, although a sort of abode from the London life, is aiming towards acting as an eventual artist residency as well. This will mean creative people could come after completed to stay for an allotted period of time to focus on their practice. This wont likely happen till 2019 or 2020, so at the moment, its more acting as a fun place to come experience Italian culture and learn cool new things!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Language practice
Art Projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I think this can be of benefit in so many ways. I am English, and fluent in Italian, so they person staying would have the comforts of both sides of the coin. I would be able to assist with an introduction basic Italian, and translate when necessary. Equally, as I previously mentioned, I have tons of different DIY skills. Welding, carpentry, construction (iE foundation / building knowledge), plumbing, electrics, and Im also a good cook ;). I would be happy to share all these skills, so the person that comes would walk away with some new things they have learned. Finally, Im quite integrated in the local community of the small neighbourhood. Its mostly people that have grown up there, so the visitor gets an absolutely authentic Italian experience, whilst not being in the total deep end and also able to speak English. I run a successful art gallery in London, so I also have lots of interesting insights into art which Im very willing to share.
Help
I have had this house for about three years - Originally it was not habitable, but I have taken it on as a personal restoration project. I have decided to do absolutely everything without contracting others in - So this means I have learned a multitude of trades, and skills. The help I usually would require is assisting me on general projects, for which the person(s) would also learn many new things. These tasks can have flexible levels of challenge, between rendering / building walls, to gardening / planting plants.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
The house at the moment is composed of two very near properties. The main building has a sort of Kitchen and living room, one bathroom, and two separate bedrooms. I would be in one and the visitor(s) would be in another. Apart from this there is a second house, much smaller which Im transforming into an artist residency (slowly!), but right now it has only one of two floors completed. There is an infared sauna in it as well :)
What else ...
As for what you can do with time off - The house is very near umbertide, citta di castello, perugia, assisi, and many other places. Its not the most well connected in terms of public transport, but its definitely possible to get there! I have a motorcycle, and can give a ride locally with no problem - to a train station for example. Apart from this there is a cute local supermarket and bar - I usually go to the bar in the eve fro an aperol sprits (or two ;) after I work on the house. Its a sweet local community, so you get to know people pretty quick. Other things that arent too far are hot springs, lake trasimeno, and a plethora of restaurants which are super good!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
