Italy
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Hi. I am Shakeeb the caretaker of a farm in the beautiful Sabine hills some 60 kms north of Rome.
I believe that the future of humanity lies in the adoption of a shared economy which works in harmony with nature. The farm is not a commercial business.
The farm covers three hectares with traditionally planted olive trees, a vineyard and fruit tree and a magnificent area suitable for market gardening. Landscaped gardens and meditative spaces surround the farm’s many structures (7 bedroom farmhouse, dining hall & kitchen, traditional wood oven, barn, workshop, sauna & hamam).
Since becoming caretaker in late 2020 I have set out to transform the farm towards policulture regenerative agriculture (permaculture and no dig) with the aim of becoming self-sufficient and capable of supporting a vibrant community of eco-conscious travellers.
So far the farm has achieved self-sufficiency in electricity. A rainwater harvesting system is being developed, and firewood production organised for heating and cooking. Composting and biomass recycling is being developed to sustain a vegetable garden and the traditional monoculture fruit orchids are being reorganised into food forests.
I am interested in the many new eco technologies emerging around the world (mini wind and solar), as well as the many innovative recycling ideas (such as converting petrol cars to electric, repurposing wood pellets) and I would be happy to partner with anyone willing and able to organise an eco-recycling workshop.
My farm is also offered as post-pandemic cultural reanimation retreat for street performers and artists in which to flex their artistic muscles.
There is good G4 reception. You will need to use your own data plan for internet access.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
You will be expected to participate positively in the social & cultural life of the farm, be ‘situationally aware’ and ‘mindful’ at all times, and be respectful and considerate in your interactions with others.
Meal times are important moments in the cultural life of the farm and an opportunity for good conversation and conviviality, as well as practical daily planning and communication.
You will be expected to work up to a maximum of 5 hours a day, Monday to Friday. Physical manual work can be done by those without any farming related skills and experience. There is always plenty of work for those with trade skills such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, masonry, etc.
You will be expected to help with the household chores at all times, including weekends - preparing meals, food conservation, clearing up, keeping common areas clean & tidy, etc. Household chores are not considered part of your voluntary work.
Aiming for self-sufficiency involves learning how to make many of the things we buy. Preparing a meal is not limited to cooking but also involves food processing and conservation (jams, pickling, drying, yogurt, breads, biscuits, etc).
You must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and have the legal right to do voluntary work in Italy.
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Bengali (Bangla): Intermediate
French: Intermediate
There are 6 guest bedrooms available in the farmhouse, all with attached shower bathrooms.
Single workawayers may be asked to share a room, while couples and families will be offered private rooms.
There is one room with wheelchair access with a disability enabled shower bathroom.
Healthy vegetarian meals will be provided for breakfast lunch and dinner. You will be expected to help in the preparation,washing up and cleaning of all meals.
The kitchen is open to all who enjoy baking and preparing snacks and treats.
The nearest town, Magliano Sabina, is 3 kms away. The train station is also about 3 kms away from where I can pick and drop you. There are trains once and hour for Rome which takes about an hour.
The farm borders Viterbo, Rieti and Umbria. This is reflected in the diversity of the many small hill-top towns in the vicinity.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
There is good G4 connectivity on the farm. You will be expected to use own internet data plan.
This host can provide space for campervans.
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, Monday to Friday.
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