Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
10 Apr 2024
Reply rate
83.3 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We have a little organic farm in a small mountainvillage near Lucca, Tuscany,Italy. We are a family of children (13, 10 and 7 years) and their parents (Michela, 39 and Josef, 45). We are principally olive farmers, but we produce also vegetables, fruits and other things. We have some few animals (2 ponys, 1 dog, 3 cats and 5 chickens).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a family with two cultures (german and italian) and we are open to learn from others and to devide our life with others.
We are Vegetarians
We love bordgames and Josef looks always for someone who plays with him tabletennis :-)
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We need mostly in spring and autumn help at the farm, sometimes also in summer. Depending of the season work is very varied (seeding, care for and harvest fruits and vegetables, care for the animals, constructing things, cutting grass, making wood and much more).
Sometimes we need help with babysitting.
In Octobre and novembre is the time of olive harvest, where we also need a hand.
We offer three meals a day and we would like that the workaywayers help with cooking or cook one of the main meals (lunch or dinner)
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
We have an extra appartement for tourists, when its free (often from octobre to may) you can stay there, if you like.
We built in 2018 a nice gardenhouse with place for up to two persons, very rurely in the nature.
Last but not least we have also a lot of space in the garden and we can offer you one of our tents.
What else ...
We live in a small town between Lucca and Pisa at the edge of a forest. You can walk to the next busstation to reach for example Pisa, Lucca, Florence, the sea, the mountains and much more in about 30 minutes, but with a bit of flexibility you can go with us by car, we do the way often a day to bring the kids to school etc...
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 575629978517
Feedback (18)
1 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Clara) for host
Ciao!!
One of my dreams was to be part of an olive harvest, and that wish came true on the farm of Michela and Josef. 2 weeks (end of October) I helped with the harvest, got to know the family and loved them, played as many games as never before, celebrated my birthday, cooked, read a lot, visited Lucca & Cinque Terre (quite a great… read more
One of my dreams was to be part of an olive harvest, and that wish came true on the farm of Michela and Josef. 2 weeks (end of October) I helped with the harvest, got to know the family and loved them, played as many games as never before, celebrated my birthday, cooked, read a lot, visited Lucca & Cinque Terre (quite a great… read more
25 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Clara stayed about two weeks with us during the olive harvest. She was a great help and we also had a great time together at work and also in the evenings when after work we played or cooked together...
Also our kids loved the time with her. All the best for your further life, Clara!
Also our kids loved the time with her. All the best for your further life, Clara!
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Eliah & Carlotta) for host
I had a really great time, unfortunately it was way to short. Josef, Michela, Leira, Jua and Tonjo are all great people, who I had a lot of fun with. It was a beautiful week in a beautiful surrounding. Thank you and all the best to you :)
11 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Eliah & Carlotta)
Eliah was (unfortunately) only week with us but also in this short time we learned each other quite well and we had a very good time. He helped a lot with the vary garden work and he was also always hapy to stay with the kids or helping in the kitchen. Thanks verz much and all the best Eliah!
(Excellent
)
4 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosa)
Rosa was in springtime at our farm in tuscany and helped us with various things in the garden, with the kids and cooking.
She was a great help and I can only saz the best things about her, all our family enjoyed the time with her she really worked hard in the vegetable fields, also when it was very hot. Thanks again and you are alway welcome, Rosa!
She was a great help and I can only saz the best things about her, all our family enjoyed the time with her she really worked hard in the vegetable fields, also when it was very hot. Thanks again and you are alway welcome, Rosa!
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
1 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Clara) for host
Ciao!!
One of my dreams was to be part of an olive harvest, and that wish came true on the farm of Michela and Josef. 2 weeks (end of October) I helped with the harvest, got to know the family and loved them, played as many games as never before, celebrated my birthday, cooked, read a lot, visited Lucca & Cinque Terre (quite a great… read more
One of my dreams was to be part of an olive harvest, and that wish came true on the farm of Michela and Josef. 2 weeks (end of October) I helped with the harvest, got to know the family and loved them, played as many games as never before, celebrated my birthday, cooked, read a lot, visited Lucca & Cinque Terre (quite a great… read more
25 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara)
Clara stayed about two weeks with us during the olive harvest. She was a great help and we also had a great time together at work and also in the evenings when after work we played or cooked together...
Also our kids loved the time with her. All the best for your further life, Clara!
Also our kids loved the time with her. All the best for your further life, Clara!
(Excellent
)
25 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Eliah & Carlotta) for host
I had a really great time, unfortunately it was way to short. Josef, Michela, Leira, Jua and Tonjo are all great people, who I had a lot of fun with. It was a beautiful week in a beautiful surrounding. Thank you and all the best to you :)
11 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Eliah & Carlotta)
Eliah was (unfortunately) only week with us but also in this short time we learned each other quite well and we had a very good time. He helped a lot with the vary garden work and he was also always hapy to stay with the kids or helping in the kitchen. Thanks verz much and all the best Eliah!
(Excellent
)
4 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rosa)
Rosa was in springtime at our farm in tuscany and helped us with various things in the garden, with the kids and cooking.
She was a great help and I can only saz the best things about her, all our family enjoyed the time with her she really worked hard in the vegetable fields, also when it was very hot. Thanks again and you are alway welcome, Rosa!
She was a great help and I can only saz the best things about her, all our family enjoyed the time with her she really worked hard in the vegetable fields, also when it was very hot. Thanks again and you are alway welcome, Rosa!
(Excellent
)
18 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and it could not have been any better! This family is extremely welcoming, warm, funny, active and a real role model for my own future.
I helped with the olive harvest which was fun and we prepared meals together, explored the nearby woods (beautiful landscape!) and played music and theatre together. If you… read more
I helped with the olive harvest which was fun and we prepared meals together, explored the nearby woods (beautiful landscape!) and played music and theatre together. If you… read more
21 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Julia)
Julia helped with the olive harvest in autumn 2020. First it was thought that she stays only a week but it worked so good that she stayed much longer. She was a great help with the work outside, but also in the house with cooking and looking for the kids. It was a great pleasure to share time with her, playing bordgames like Kabul and memory and… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hanna) for host
My stay at the place was such a great time. I get a very warm and comfortable feeling, when I think of the Family.
I helped them with the work outside and inside the house. Michi and I exchanged some recepies, I played a lot with all of them and got to know some sipplings and friends who where also welcoming me with open arms.
I can clearly… read more
I helped them with the work outside and inside the house. Michi and I exchanged some recepies, I played a lot with all of them and got to know some sipplings and friends who where also welcoming me with open arms.
I can clearly… read more
7 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna)
Hanna was thought to stay about two weeks with us, but at the end she stayed almost two months. It was a great time for us, beside she helped us a lot with all the work what had to be done (doing wood, harvesting olives, making fire, looking after the kids and much more...) we enjoyed it a lot to pass time with her. She is uncomplicable helped us… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Doris)
Doris was about two weeks with us and we are very happy that she chose to come to us and help us. She helped us a lot with the oliveharvest, with the kids and she cooked also delicous meals. In the evening we had great time by playing board games. Wish you all the best Doris and hope to see you one time again! Grazie!!!
(Excellent
)
2 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Doris) for host
My first workaway experience couldn't have been better! Josef, Michela, Leira, Jua and Tonio were very welcoming from the start on and made me feel confortable.
I was there during the olive harvesting period and we worked on 2 shifts with the other workawayers (5 hours each shift). The work is fair and Josef takes extra care to explain it well and… read more
I was there during the olive harvesting period and we worked on 2 shifts with the other workawayers (5 hours each shift). The work is fair and Josef takes extra care to explain it well and… read more
23 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elchanan)
Eli (Elchanan) stayed about 4 weeks with us and it was a great time. I can only tell the best about him. He worked very hard and did all the works what have been done very well. Also he learned very fast, for example to cut wood with the chainsaw. We enjoyed also a lot the time we spent together after work. He was great with the kids, they are… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (evermore) for host
This was our first workaway experience and we honestly could not have had a better one! Josef, Michela and the kids made us feel welcome and as a part of the family immediately. The work was very fair, well coordinated, varied and all in all really manageable and fun. Josef and Michela communicated and explained everything very well, and we had a… read more
5 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (evermore)
Neta and Rosa helped us two weeks with different works outside in the garden, or also with kids. It was a pleasure, they are hardworking, very friendly and we enjoied a lot spending time together, also with a bordgame in the evening...
Can recommed them without doubts to other hosts!
Wish you all the best Neta and Rosa!!!
Can recommed them without doubts to other hosts!
Wish you all the best Neta and Rosa!!!
(Excellent
)
2 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ole) for host
This was my first workaway experience and Im very happy that I spent about two weeks at Podere Zaira.
I really enjoyed the time with the open-minded children and playing games with the whole family in the evening.
The work was fair, varied and most of the time it was also fun. ;-)
Im very thankful everbody treated me like a family member and… read more
I really enjoyed the time with the open-minded children and playing games with the whole family in the evening.
The work was fair, varied and most of the time it was also fun. ;-)
Im very thankful everbody treated me like a family member and… read more
20 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ole)
Ole stayed abput two weeks with us and he was a great help. If garden work, constructing things, harvesting fruits or babysitting he did a great work. Also we enjoyed the time together a lot, we played games and had a nice time. We recommend him of course to all other hosts. Thanks again, Ole, you are always welcome here :-)
(Excellent
)
20 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie & Aline)
Stephanie stayed with us for about two weeks and it was really a great time. She helped us a lot with the kids, outside and in the house. Very friendly and uncomplicated person. Thanks again!!!
(Excellent
)
4 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Luciano)
Luciano stayed one month with us in octobre, and we can only tell the best about him. He was a great help at the oliveharvest, but also with other things (making wood, clean the cropfields...) Also it was a pleasure to share freetime with him, he cooked delicious meals, played with the kids, we played games and laughed a lot together. We wish you… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Luciano) for host
hermosa familia, disfrute cada momento compartido. Micki y Ju fueron muy amables y divertidos, me dieron la posibilidad de desenvolverme, ser yo y dar vuelo a la iniciativa. Los niños ademas de ser amistosos rápidamente, fueron grandes maestros en el idioma... Disfrute cocinar, y el tiempo libre en esa estancia. Por supuesto que trabaje, pero la… read more
4 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Krisztina)
Krisztina stayed with us for two weeks in august 2018. It was her first experience as a workawayer and she always tried to give her best. She is very helpful, always with an open ear and she wants to learn a lot. Krizta should look for our smallest son, but he wasn`t in the best mood, the teeth were coming and I think also for Krizta it wasn`t the… read more
(Very good
)
3 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Krisztina) for host
I lived with Michela, Josef, Leira, Jua and Tonio for 3 weeks in September. I tried to help with Tonio- though most of the time he was in pain because his teeth, so he cried a lot- that's why i helped around the house, and the kichen. After some walks we became friends with the little one. Leira teached me Italian, and we played a lot after school… read more
19 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Aurelia & Matteo)
Aurelia was with us during olive harvest 2018. She stayed about 10 days but we would loved if she stayed longer. She is very creative, smart, sympathic and uncomplicated, always with a smile in her face. She helped us a lot and we got some interesting ideas from her to develop our place. Thanks again and wish you all the best!!!!
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Aurelia & Matteo) for host
What a lovely family. I really enjoyed staying with Josef, Michi, Leira, Jua and Tonjo! The work is fun and fair. Everyone is caring and open and I felt like being a part of the family. I can highly recommend to do workaway here! You can learn a lot about harmonious family-life, olive-harvest and farming and Michi is a great cook!
THANK YOOU… read more
THANK YOOU… read more
14 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Noémie)
Noemie is a very friendly person, she helped us a lot with the kids and we enjoied to spend time with her. Thanks for your help!
(Excellent
)
24 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ingrid)
Ingrid is a very friendly and uncomplicated person, she helped a lot in the house, with the kids and outside and we recommend her to all other hosts.
Also when its a bit late, thanks again a lot, Ingrid!
Also when its a bit late, thanks again a lot, Ingrid!
(Excellent
)
15 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara-Elena)
Clara stayed about two weeks at our farm during the olive harvest. It was a pleasure to host her, she was a great help and always available when we asked her something. Calm character and very friendly. Wish you all the best!
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Marta)
Marta stayed about ten days at our small farm, she was really a great help. She is a hardworking woman and very sympathic. She helped at the wineharvest, and other things at the farm and spend time with the kids. Thanks a lot and wish you all the best for your future!
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna helped us at the oliveharvest, and took care for the kids. Also she helped in the house with cooking. I can recommend her to all other hosts, thanks a lot for the help!
(Excellent
)
2 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Very sweet little family in a beautiful part of Italy. You can learn so many things about food, live and family there and are treated like a familymember.
I'm more than thankful for my time in Castelvecchio and would go back anytime.
I'm more than thankful for my time in Castelvecchio and would go back anytime.
10 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stefanie)
Steffi helped us octobre with several works at the farm before and during the olive harvest. She is hardworking and was really a great help . Also she cared a lot for the kids.
We loved sharing time together, we wish you all the best Steffi and hope to see you again next year!!!
We loved sharing time together, we wish you all the best Steffi and hope to see you again next year!!!
(Excellent
)
4 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Stefanie) for host
I spent two weeks with Josef, Michela and their three kids in October 2017 and I had the greatest time there! They are an amazing family who really care for you. I mostly helped Josef in the morning to prepare the estate for the olive harvest (cutting blackberries and grass) and even got a change to actually harvest some olives. :-) In the… read more
15 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Nozomi)
Nozomi stayed with us for about two weeks and it was great time for us. He is very nice and friendly, the kids loved him and he was great help in the house and in the garden. I can recommend him highly to all other hosts!
Thanks again Noz, wish you all the best!
Thanks again Noz, wish you all the best!
(Excellent
)
7 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Nozomi) for host
Fantastic family with 2 lovely kids (should be 3 by now)! I stayed here for 2 weeks and really enjoyed ;)
It was actually fun working at their organic vegetable garden with olive trees and animals around.
Josef was very caring and every often he asked me how I feel or if everything was ok.
To be honest I am a meat lover but their nice vegetarian… read more
It was actually fun working at their organic vegetable garden with olive trees and animals around.
Josef was very caring and every often he asked me how I feel or if everything was ok.
To be honest I am a meat lover but their nice vegetarian… read more
19 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Dorothea) for host
This is a very late reply, but since I spent such a pleasant time at Podere Zaira, I will remember it for quite a while longer! During my stay, Michela and Josef had a lot of visitors, so I got the chance to meet their very nice family and friends. I had a lot of fun harvesting olives and climbing the trees, playing with the kids, going for walks… read more
19 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothea)
Thea stayed about two weeks with us.
She was a great help, mainly she cared for the kids and helped at the olive harvest. She is a very friendly and easy-going person and we enjoyed a lot that she was a part of our family for this time. Wish you all the best, thanks again!
She was a great help, mainly she cared for the kids and helped at the olive harvest. She is a very friendly and easy-going person and we enjoyed a lot that she was a part of our family for this time. Wish you all the best, thanks again!
(Excellent
)
19 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Maisie)
Maisie stayed about two weeks at our farm and I can tell only the best about her. She is very kind and selfdependent. She helped a lot in the house, with the kids and especially in the garden during the olive harvest. She had always a smile and we loved a lot her presence in our house!
(Excellent
)
18 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Maisie) for host
This family was incredible! There is not one thing I would change about my stay here, they were welcoming and just lovely to be around! The kids are so sweet, playful and quick to laugh! Just one example of how nice they are; during my stay the US Presidential Elections were going on and the night of, Josef offered me a bottle of wine and a bar of… read more
2 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jasmin) for host
the little farm from Michaela and josef was my first place and it ws very beautiful. Michaela and josef are people where you can be yourself and leira and jua are open and very open. I m glad to got know this family and this beautiful place in the natur.
I hope leira is healthy again and I wish you a wonderful sommer...forse presto. abbraccio… read more
25 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jasmin)
Jasmin has been tree weeks at our farm and she was a great help, but better she is also an amazing woman and we all enjoyed the time we had together. She cared perfectly for the kids, she cooked delicious meals and helped also in vary works at the farm.
Thanks a lot and your are always welcome at Podere Zaira!
Thanks a lot and your are always welcome at Podere Zaira!
(Excellent
)
23 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Linda)
Thank you very much, Linda, Milena and Nina. It was a pleasure for our whole family to welcome you at our farm. You have been a great help in the garden, especially at the stone wall. The kids fell in love you and we enjoyed the time we spent together. You are always welcome, wish you all the best!
(Excellent
)
23 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
I spend 10 days at Michelas and Josef's place together with two friends and it was a very nice time. The family made us feel welcome all the time and put a lot of effort to ensure that we have a good time, that wa awesome! We always had our meals together which was nice, and in the evening we sometimes played games together.
The work was okay, we… read more
The work was okay, we… read more
22 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew & Jessica)
Matthew stayed about 10 days at our farm and I can tell only the best about him. He was a great help, very handy and he hadn't problems with any help I asked for. Very sympathic and friendly!!!
Thank you so much and we wish you all the best for your further plans, Matthew!
Thank you so much and we wish you all the best for your further plans, Matthew!
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Alina)
Alina stayed about 10 days with us and she was a great help. She cared for the kids and helped at the olive harvest. She is a very friendly and a warming character.
Thanky a lot, you are always welcome again at our place and all the best for you!
Thanky a lot, you are always welcome again at our place and all the best for you!
(Excellent
)
8 Dec 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Mauro)
Mauro has been only for a short time at our farm but in this time we had I can only say the best about him. He is very friendly, he helped in the house and played with the children. In the working time he helped picking the olives and he was a very good help.
Thanks to you and all the best for your further life!
Thanks to you and all the best for your further life!
(Excellent
)
6 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Mauro) for host
Josef has a beautiful family. Leira and Zua are wonderful kids, and will likely leave you a smile or a laugh. Josef is caring, the job and the workload are organized (5 hours daily), and consisted mostly of collecting olives (may vary with the season). The food is very tasty, healthy and sufficient too. The house is also beautiful, set in the… read more
