Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
60
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Badges (2)
Details
Description
Italy! In the beautiful hills of Oltrepo Pavese , Just South of Milan !
Oltrepo Pavese is relatively tourist free, I call it real Italy , my husband and I have a old 150 year old Cascina, which means old farmhouse, we share our home with dogs, cats , and local wildlife, deer, rabbits, sometimes we see wild boar.
Note ;- WE ARE NOT A WORKING FARM OR A VINEYARD , it is a family home !
I am British, my husband is Italian, we have three children, not soo much children anymore !
Oltrepo Pavese is the largest wine area in Italy, second globally to California, if you do not like wine then we suggest you do not visit us.
The surrounding vineyards and hills are south facing , many refer to this area as the jewel of the crown, in some ways it is similar to Tuscany , however, without major tourists.
Our life is our home, our family, small wine cellar, food and local culture play a large part of our daily life, in the Spring and Summer we dine most evening under our Cascina al fresco Vita Bella .
Nearby, we have everything from the border of Liguria with the coastal regions of the famous 5 cities , Genova, Milan, Tornio, and many beautiful local villages ready to explore .
Venice is reachable by train and an overnight stay is possible !
Our home is large, always plenty to do , we have a swimming pool in the summer months , bikes, and a very outdoor life in the spring and summer .
Weekends usually are spent off in the hills , with a bottle of wine , bread, cheese , exploring local vineyards, new wines waiting to be tasted or off to the sea or just relaxing in the garden and pool .
It is important that you have experience with dogs and cats and enjoy experiencing different cultures.
I always have a video call before committing to anything and please note we do not Mediate , we are Not Spiritual,
if this is something you are looking for then we are not the hosts for you .
I always try to reply to messages, please don't be disappointed if it doesn't work out, I receive many generic emails which I never usually answer , it is important that people coming to our home read our profile.
No smoking in the house, and you must be fully vaccinated in line with the Green, Super Green Pass, or relevant country equivalent, we do not accept No Vaccinated guests.
Please do try to communicate in English, once I respond to your emails I expect an answer within a week as we receive a significant amount of requests.
PS if you have any sailing experiences or qualification please do share this with me as this could be of a great help as in our spare time we love to sail.
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you X
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
All visitors will be treated like friends and family , this is real Italy with a focus on local culture , food and wines, you will be part of our lives, enjoying and learning perhaps the many other sides of mainstream Italy .
My husband is a gentleman with a expert knowledge of Italian history and wines - perhaps improve your Italian if you wish .
You will meet many locals who are all our friends .
Enjoy x
Help
We have a large ish garden - mowing the lawn , hedges , lawn mower , painting, plastering small areas , renovation works . House and home help with cleaning .
Family home , must like dogs, cats and have experiences with these .
*** If you decide that you want to join us, consider that all the activities require manual and physical help. Gardening in a 1 to 1 acre it is not the same of gardening in the backyard.
Please note we are always looking for workways who maybe interested in taking on a housekeeping role, please let me know and we can discuss.
You will help 5 hours a day / 5 days a week and I will choose the best task for you according to your skills, experience and attitude.
You will normally have your own bedroom,and bathroom, but sometimes you may have to share .
We are always to share our experience and knowledge in Italian culture and cuisine.
Please before you apply consider the following:
- during the autumn / winter we have breakfast at 8 am and we start working at 9 pm
- during the summer, temperatures can easily reach above 38°C degrees and for this reason we start working at 8 00 AM.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Latin: Fluent
German: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am English, I do Not require any help with English , my husband and I are happy to help with teaching some Italian and Italian culture or even English . If you speak Italian that s great (but not at all necessary, Please Note We are unable to host any workaways that are looking for a long term commitment with a family whilst processing an Italian Citizenship . Sorry . We do not Mediate , we are Not Spiritual, so if this is something you are looking for then sadly we are not the family for you .
Accommodation
Bed Breakfast all meals , we do not cater for Vegans.
Wifi and Sat TV .
Breakfast tea, coffee and continental style , no cooked breakfasts, light lunch , evening meals will mainly consist of local produce , pasta, vegetables, we have a relatively healthy diet, of course with local wines .
You will help out with loading the dishwasher, getting stuck in .
It is important you like Dogs/Cats.
No smoking in any part of our home, we can cater for vegetarians, however, we can not cater for Vegan .
All guests must be vaccinated against Covid .
What else ...
During your free time, we recommend you explore the local area, we can take you to the nearby train station , only 40 minutes to Milano , bike rides in the hills, local markets and cultural events all throughout the year.
Milan is nearby, so much to see, the beautiful areas of Liguria, Piemonte , Venice ,Switzerland are all nearby . If you sail or have experiences please do share this with us x
Finally we are a family environment not a hotel theme , with check in on the days before please please if we have agreed to host you , keep in touch, communicate communicate with us , if we do not hear from you we will assume you are a No Show.
Cant wait to meet 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 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (31)
He arrived here travelling in his car and for such a young man he is independent and confident .
Independent that he did actually let us down , it was agreed prior he was going to dog sit for a few days and he then said he didn't feel confident enough to do so, which we understood & respected ,
I… read more
We had a great time together,watched movies, went out,had great laughs and had wonderful meals together, cooked Claire which she did brillantly.
On one night Claire was even my wingman and had me go out with two girls my age. I won't forget… read more
Educated, knowledgeable and extremely positive about what life has to offer them and they are on a journey to absorb learn and absorb the Italian culture.
Andrea and I left them for a few days in our home to animal sit , house… read more
I should have known better when I never heard from them for nearly 3 months in any communication , however , they promised that everything was okay and that they would arrive .
I am sure that they will have their own reason s why they have left me down last minute .
From my vast… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
He arrived here travelling in his car and for such a young man he is independent and confident .
Independent that he did actually let us down , it was agreed prior he was going to dog sit for a few days and he then said he didn't feel confident enough to do so, which we understood & respected ,
I… read more
We had a great time together,watched movies, went out,had great laughs and had wonderful meals together, cooked Claire which she did brillantly.
On one night Claire was even my wingman and had me go out with two girls my age. I won't forget… read more
Educated, knowledgeable and extremely positive about what life has to offer them and they are on a journey to absorb learn and absorb the Italian culture.
Andrea and I left them for a few days in our home to animal sit , house… read more
I should have known better when I never heard from them for nearly 3 months in any communication , however , they promised that everything was okay and that they would arrive .
I am sure that they will have their own reason s why they have left me down last minute .
From my vast… read more
When she arrived we had to go away for a few days , she was left in charge of the house and animals and she did an amazing job, when we returned everything was perfect and she just fitted straight back in… read more
Initially I did have some doubts during the interview stages where we get to know each other, as Anderson said , he had no previous experiences in the things we do , but I gave him a chance!
thank goodness we did, he came and immediately he was part of our family , he is a perfect gentleman hes kind he is everything you want… read more
In the midst of chaotic office life in Brazil, I decided to take a break of everything and embark on an adventure that I didn't know what to expect,… read more
Andrea and I really enjoyed spending time with Elena, she is supper switched on, highly educated and knowledgeable , and we thoroughly enjoyed our conversations together .
Elena whilst not super fast , she is methodical and did a sterling job of re organising our extensive book shelves , I knew this was a… read more
I think its important to stress and you did so perfectly in your summary that indeed we are a big family and a friendly environment and we only want workaways who are looking for this aspect of an experience, Andrea and I were indeed very lucky to have you join us in our home and for… read more
It was my first workaway and before my trip I had some doubts if it's for me, as I'm a bit older. I'm glad I went as I couldn't have asked for a better experience!
I felt very welcomed from the intial interview with Claire and the… read more
Lorenzo arrived when we had just rescued a large mountain dog who was petrified of life , she spent one week in our wardrobe, and Lorenzo spent hours and hours talking to her and encouraging her to come downstairs, he has been played a very important role of her transformation, Indie our doggie is ow… read more
For starters: the family always made sure we were safe, if there was a problem with our train they came to get us. We had a great room, clean, good bed. They've put a lot of confidence in us, leaving us alone with their animals and house. We were encouraged to visit Venice, which was… read more
My husband and I left the girls in charge of our home and animals, on our return we found everything in terms of house keeping immaculate, all tasks were completed and exceed our expectations . They went above and beyond.
Smiling,… read more
George whilst young has a unique adventurous… read more
As I write this on the way to my next adventure, I think of the first night I spent at Claire and Andrea’s. The weather was horrendous as soon as I got off the… read more
We understand that it's harder to belive one negative review than a bunch of nice ones, we… read more
Indeed hes loves animals, we thoroughly recommend him, also was a great outdoor guy, cutting up logs, cleaned weeds and paths and winter garden maintenance..
Welcome back any… read more
Both the dogs and cats were great fun to be around, walking and playing with Lulu and Dante was a highlight.
They stay true to what they say in their profile and are straightforward about what they want to be done.
Thanks for having me!
Its hard to believe that Rimini is in her early 20s, she is so knowledgeable and has the unique ability for someone so young to understand not only so many topics, but interactions with all situations, are that of someone with older experiences, she is indeed unique.
My… read more
First off if you get the chance to come and stay with Claire, Andrea, and the pets you 1000000% should. Before I arrived Claire and I spoke about what to expect with work and the stay and was very upfront and clear about… read more
Wow. Where do I even start?
From the get go, Claire was very straightforward about what she expected from us and what we should expect from her. She required a phone call before agreeing to host us which was reassuring as well. Once we arrived at Claire and Andrea's beautiful farm house, we could immediately feel the… read more
Right from the beginning the communication was superb, professional and I could tell they really wanted to come, they were excited, full of positive energy and their smiles on their profiles is actually a true reflection of who they are positive positive girls .
From day one the girls were… read more
It was indeed our pleasure to host you both, you are both kind and gentle people , our pets loved you !
Andrea and I gave you a huge responsibility when we left you in charge of our home , on our return everything was just perfect, the house was immaculate… read more
There's no amount of words that can do justice to the experience we had at this place! Since the moment we were collected from the train station we felt like part of the family. Claire and Andrea welcomed us by preparing a gorgeous meal accompanied by delicious wine and conversation.
Most days we enjoyed lunch and dinner… read more
Uuno is quiet , deep thinker,analytic and he poses a wonderful dry sense of humour, during our meals together , he would surprise us all with one liners that… read more
They have a nice house with a garden where you have always something to do. My tasks were usually outside and varied from mowing the lawn to fixing a shelve and planting a tree. I… read more
I personally found her amazing, I loved her personality and out look on life , I have been in senior management for many years and if only I had team players like her. Always positive and a great team player.
Workaway she was up… read more
I loved this experience from start to finish. From the moment I was picked up from the train station I felt at home, Claire and Andrea truly know how to be amazing hosts as they make you feel safe, at home, and important, like they really want you there.
The days where very enjoyable, with entertaining jobs to do, amazing… read more
Our dogs loved spending time together, my husband and I had to disappear for a few days and C just took control and managed the house , work tasks and dogs brilliantly , even looking after the gold fish too .
The workaway tasks included stripping… read more
This was my first Workaway experience and Claire and Andrea could not have made it any better if they were paid to. The epitome of excellent hosts they are now amongst those I call friends.
Andrea is a wealth of knowledge about everything from language to history. Even when he was ill and bedridden he still… read more
He has a wonderful healthy appetite, he is an easy going vegetarian, super fit enjoying running and activities which he enjoys.
My husband and I totally trusted him , he house sat the farmhouse , the dogs and cats whilst we went away for a few day s , he always answered my calls to him and is a good… read more
I initially planned to stay only a week, but it became a month long stay. Mostly due to Andrea's and Clares kindness. I felt totally at home, and it gave me a great… read more
Angelina accepted the date changes , and we kept in constant positive communication until she arrived at our… read more
On Ivo's first day my elderly father fell , resulting in bed rest for 30 days , Ivo really was super helpful and… read more
I shared a room with another workawayer and we had our… read more
I enjoyed all the works what Claire asked me to do around the house. Most of them was interesting and very relaxing like painting walls and trimming grass.
I liked our conversations around dinner table. Wine and food was delicious.… read more
I stayed for a month and it went super quick. When I arrived, I was warmly welcome by Claire’s parents, her two daughters, a German and Netherlander workaway. We discussed many things over delicious wines and meals cooked by Claire and Andrea.
As for the work, from 9 AM to 2 PM, there… read more
I've loved the food, the wine and trips to nearby villages and town.
The work was enjoyable and quite diverse; from mowing the lawn to painting cabinets.
I would recommend anyone to spend some time here and get to know the italian life!
Nothing was too much trouble, James is a highly motivated, determined and hard working individual, any host or organisation would be privileged to have him on board as part of their team.
Every day he exceled at what he did, went above and beyond all tasks, in our… read more
During my time in Oltrepo Pavese I wanted to understand and experience true Italian culture, this is what I got. Claire cooked delicious Italian dishes whilst Andrea taught me about Italian wine. Food and drink aside, both of them are knowledgable people. Claire has a great… read more
I lived here for a week. I had a very nice spacious room and tried Italian dishes and wines in wonderful atmosphere of interesting conversations.
The work I was doing was fixing an old wall and stairs with plaster. Аpplied primer in 2 layers and then painting.… read more
It is difficult to define in words these two guys , so lets start at the beginning !
On arrival in our home they got "stuck in " straight away " . Our kitchen became their home, they are superb cooks and not only do they both know how to cook , however more , they are immaculate, they left the kitchen perfect every time, no mater… read more
From our arrival we felt part of the family.
They are both really nice, welcoming, generous and interesting people.
We enjoyed the long evening diners speaking for hours, eating delicious food (they are both super cookers too) and discovering Italian wine.
The place is really comfortable: it's a very nice… read more
All the best in the future, enjoy your summer and you are welcome back any time !
