Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
4 Apr 2024
Reply rate
72.2 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
24
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi we are Stefanie (American) and Rasmus (Danish) we met when Stefanie rented a room in Rasmus' Copenhagen apartment on a rental platform!
Now we are married with two kids and live in an old castle in Italy.
Our focus is to live a simpler life in a community setting surrounded by nature. To get away from the stress and the consumerism and get back to the earth and the love. To build, to learn and to create. We try to be as self-sustainable and waste-free as possible! We welcome any help and tips from you.
We are looking for cultural exchanges (1 month minimum). Most of our workaways stay a few months. Our current helpers have been here for 7 months :D
We welcome open, adventurous people who are hardworking and self-sufficient. Who want to surround themselves with mindful people and create a better world for ourselves, our children and our planet. You must want to be surrounded by nature, learning, teaching, doing, hard work, dirt, bugs, music, good food and joy.
We all take turns cooking and cleaning. Cooking, washing up for your own meals or cleaning your own apartment is not included in your work hours. It's just included in life...
Our favorite types of workaways are passsionate in something and use the castle to grow their passion. In the past we've had aspiring chefs, farmers, gardeners, teachers, yogis, carpenters, photographers... Maybe you are an artist who wants to create a sculpture to leave behind - or a social media whiz who can help us grow! In your message to us please write a specific talent or passion you could bring with you. Something that really excites you about coming to the castle!
Please come with an open mind, don't come expecting perfection. It may seem like a dream to live in a castle in Tuscany - but you must come knowing that it is a 1,000 year old castle! Things are old, things can break, the electricity or hot water can - and does - go out. We are all learning here every day.
DISCLAIMER We don't speak Italian very well yet. Our kids do though :D However if you want a purely Italian experience we cannot provide it. We all speak English together so if you would like to practice your English we can help you there!
Non-smokers only thank you.
We have chickens, ducks and bees.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can live in a 1,000 + year old castle in Italy!
Learn how to work as a team with different cultures.
Learn about gardening and bee keeping.
Enjoy the surrounding nature and pool.
Practice the English language with native speakers.
Rich of Italian culture and traditions, this area has preserved most of its architectural beauties intact. Tuscan art, culture, history, kitchen and traditions are appreciated all over the world. Tuscany is called the
Birthplace of the Renaissance, lots of artists and writers were born here and here they found their source of
inspiration. We hope you take some time by yourself to get to know the quiet beauty here.
We are a Danish and American family. You'll never know who else will be staying here or where they will be from until you arrive. If you crave an Italian culture we cannot provide that - you will have to seek it out in the surrounding areas and people.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
1. We are looking for a native Danish speaker to help care for the kids during the summer. Kids are 4 & 6 years. Your days would be a lot of playing outside and hanging out with them at the pool so you must know how to swim! You would also be expected to make lunch for them and yourself and help them keep their room clean.
2. For the non-Danes we are looking for help in the family garden. Planting, weeding, harvesting, drying, preserving. Help with care and cleaning for our ducks and chickens. Cleaning and organizing.
3. Would be happy to have a videographer here to make some fun videos and help us create a Youtube channel!
4. We'd love someone with building skills!
5. You tell us! What's your specialty? What's your passion? We'd love to learn from you!
Languages spoken
Danish: Fluent
English: Fluent
Italian: Beginner
Accommodation
You will stay onsite in an apartment adjacent to our home that you may share with other workawayers or if you are a couple/friend group it may be just yours. Includes small kitchen and your own bathroom.
You could share a large apartment and room with 3-4 others. Sometimes you could get your own room but low expectations = happiness.
We cannot accommodate dietary restrictions at this time.
We are a 20 min walk down to the bus stop and 30 min steep walk back up :)
You are welcome to enjoy our mountain bikes and pool during your stay!
*️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️Non-smokers only please
What else ...
We are a 20-30 minute walk from the nearest bus stop and shop. If you do not have a car we can pick you up at the nearest bus stop at Paterno A. Put in 'Castello di Ristonchi Pelago' to your maps.
During your time off you can enjoy the pool and the nature, so many beautiful trails to hike and bike around the mountains here. Some nights we have a movie night or dance party, other nights we chill with a beer around the fire pit. or play games. It's important that if you want to be social you initiate activities - don't just wait for someone else to invite you!
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 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (17)
Work consisted of olive harvesting, resetting for events, general labor like heavy lifting or cleanup, labeling olive oil… read more
It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about many things. I'd like to go back there and stay for a longer period.
If you're looking for a peaceful location with a healthy environment, this is the… read more
The work is varied, everything from deep… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.4)
Work consisted of olive harvesting, resetting for events, general labor like heavy lifting or cleanup, labeling olive oil… read more
It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about many things. I'd like to go back there and stay for a longer period.
If you're looking for a peaceful location with a healthy environment, this is the… read more
The work is varied, everything from deep… read more
The highlight of the stay was definitely big Thanksgiving dinner that we also could help out with.
People there were… read more
I stayed here for 3 weeks. It was the BEST experience; I recommend it 100%. So many things to say about it that I don´t know where to start. The place is really MAGICAL, that´s the word. It is surrounded by incredible nature, submerged in the most beautiful landscapes… read more
They were fantastic cleaners, chefs and Lea helped a lot with some online things as well.
It was a great… read more
You are both… read more
It's like a big community, Stephanie and Ramus are very energetic with lot of idees for the castel.
It's was a pleasure to stay with you, thank you for all !!
I miss you too !
She arrived at a very busy time and immediately worked hard with a big smile. She is great to be around and willing to help with anything. I think she made some nice friends here and the kids loved her. We hope she will come back to visit us at the castle many times and make some more… read more
