Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
25 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
6
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Badges (2)
Details
Description
Join us in preserving an age-old Tuscan olive culture in a creative, heart-centered space
Description:
We, Angela (landscape ecologist, Insightouch therapist, born 1966) and Marcus (landscape architect, born 1964), have committed ourselves to steward a small property (approximately 3.5 hectares) featuring an olive grove and forest in Castiglion Fiorentino (in the region of Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy). Since November 2021 we have been working to conserve and sustainably develop this segment of the cultural landscape.
About us:
Marcus, born and raised in the Munich area of Bavaria, Germany, pursued landscape architecture at TU Munich-Weihenstephan following his apprenticeship in gardening and landscaping. He is still practicing as an independent landscape architect in the Munich region.
Born and raised in Lower Bavaria, Germany, Angela shares a close connection with nature and the landscapes where she lives, just like her husband Marcus, with whom she has three adult sons. Angela worked as a landscape ecologist, supporting and overseeing projects for nature and landscape preservation at the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment. However, witnessing the continuous loss of species and resources and her interest in fundamental connections led her to focus on understanding human nature and actions. This knowledge led her into the realm of body and awareness therapy. Since 2017 she has been practicing as a trained and certified Insightouch therapist. Since 2021 she is offering body-based mindfulness massages and is working as an author on the small property in Tuscany, Italy.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are excited about the prospect of exchanging ideas with you, regardless of your culture or nationality. We are interested in hearing your views on 'the future' and your personal visions for your life. We are pleased to offer you a place in a wonderful natural and cultural landscape where you can discover your potentials and what inspires you. You will have the opportunity to participate in the development of the place. If you are musically inclined, feel free to bring your instrument (we have a piano, saxophone and a guitar here).
Help
We are seeking your support in maintaining the property, especially in the area of the olive grove ("Oliveto", approximately 3ha) and the small forest ("Bosco", approximately 1ha). This terraced landscape is part of an agricultural culture that has shaped the identity of the Val di Chio slopes for centuries.
We greatly appreciate assistance with caring for the olive trees, mowing the meadows and banks, freeing the olive trees from competing vegetation such as blackberries, and producing firewood. We hope you enjoy physical tasks and spending time outdoors. However, you can also lend a hand with daily household tasks (cooking, sweeping, tending to the flower beds, maintaining the swimming pool). We also have several interesting projects planned (e.g., repairing a well, building a photovoltaic system), in which you can participate depending on the stage of implementation.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
As you will be living with us in the house (you`ll of course have your own room and your own bathroom), we expect you to participate in daily tasks as a family member would, including cooking, cleaning, maintaining the bathroom, and laundry. Rest assured, there will be ample space and opportunities for personal time and relaxation.
What else ...
Our property is situated on the slopes of the Val di Chio, a brisk 20-minute walk from the lively town of Castiglion Fiorentino (with approximately 15.000 inhabitants). Here, you will find all necessary shops for daily living and a warm, welcoming coffee bar culture. Castiglion Fiorentino's central location in Tuscany allows you to visit several well-known and interesting Italian locations by bus/train: Arezzo (10 min), Siena (45 min), Florence (75 min), Perugia (45 min), Montepulciano (about 60 min). Even Rome and the coasts are approximately two hours away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (3)
In February, I had the pleasure of staying with you guys for 2 weeks. This was my first ever workaway and it could not have been any better. After coming back for 2 months I always look back to this time fondly. From the most beautiful place in Italy to the sweetest and most hospitable hosts ever, it was such a memorable… read more
Nick is a very warm hearted, interested and open minded young man with humour and joy in life. We really laughed a lot together. But he also has fun moving things forward and so he supported us in many things on our farm. He worked self-employed and encouraged, but also used his time… read more
I spent two weeks (Sep-Nov '23) with Angela and Marcus in their home in Castiglion Fiorentino. They are very welcoming, friendly and open-minded. Angela and Marcus are amazing hosts that make you feel at home from the moment you get there. Their house is located on a hill and has… read more
Damian is a calm and sympathetic, but also open minded and communicative young man. Through his intelligent and interested nature we had great fun together, especially also in our conversations, in which we were changing between the languages English and Italian.
Damian supported us in our… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
In February, I had the pleasure of staying with you guys for 2 weeks. This was my first ever workaway and it could not have been any better. After coming back for 2 months I always look back to this time fondly. From the most beautiful place in Italy to the sweetest and most hospitable hosts ever, it was such a memorable… read more
Nick is a very warm hearted, interested and open minded young man with humour and joy in life. We really laughed a lot together. But he also has fun moving things forward and so he supported us in many things on our farm. He worked self-employed and encouraged, but also used his time… read more
I spent two weeks (Sep-Nov '23) with Angela and Marcus in their home in Castiglion Fiorentino. They are very welcoming, friendly and open-minded. Angela and Marcus are amazing hosts that make you feel at home from the moment you get there. Their house is located on a hill and has… read more
Damian is a calm and sympathetic, but also open minded and communicative young man. Through his intelligent and interested nature we had great fun together, especially also in our conversations, in which we were changing between the languages English and Italian.
Damian supported us in our… read more
