Painting and DIY in a small village in Tuscany, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Hello. My name is Dominick. I moved back to italy in 2020 to take care of my mother who had Alzheirmer's disease. My mother was finally freed from this terrible disease and is now at peace. I have decided to remain in italy and re-make my life here in this house we loved so much. But I would like to also make this home my own and I could use some help! There are many projects to be done and it's hard to do so alone. Especially with my limited experience. There are many projects that need to be done, but near the top of the list is painting the interior of the entire house. Many years ago the house experienced water and humidity damgae. The source of the damge has been rectified, but the damage left behind still needs to be remidied. Plaster is crumbling fromt the walls int a few places and the paint in general is dingy and sad looking. Hoping to find a person or couple that is well experienced in repairing plaster, knows what priming products are necessary to prevent against future humidity issues, and, ideally have painting experience. I am offering to host 1 person or a couple from mid February to end of March if necessary to get all the rooms done. There are 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and the kitchen/eating area. Creative people are encouraged to apply as I would like to really change the vibe of the house with colors.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The house is located south of Lucca, about 30km from Pisa airport. We are small village, but there are busses, and train stations not terribly far away. You can explore the country side of Tuscany, many hiking opportunities, or visit cities like Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, etc. The sea is also close by. Study italian!

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  Help

  Besides the painting project, I have other projects that would be great to complete by the end of 2024 if possible. Do you know how to build/erect a yurt? Or yurt-like structure? This one of the main projects I'd love to accomplish. If you have experience with this (what materials to buy, or good kits to purchase, and especially how to build a floor it), I would happily host you for a few weeks and provide one meal per day (as well as necessary supplies) in exchange for your assistance. There are other projects too: establishing a vegetable garden, cleaning out/purging garage, and a few other projects.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  I have a cottage that sleeps two in a queen size bed. Full kitchen, bathroom with shower, heating and cooling mono-split, and a fireplace. Very private. However, the cottage is not well insulated. So, if you come in the winter months (January and February) the cottage might be cold. But if that proves to be the case, we could arrange moving into the main house with me in a private bed room and shared bathroom. But there would be logistics to work out as those would be rooms that need to be painted. If you have the proper driver's license, it may be possible to borrow the car from time to time. And I can commit to preparing one joint meal per day, and offering a stipend for the rest of your meals and necessites. There may be days I could prepare more than one meal we'd share together. But I could not commit to that at this time.

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  What else ...

  If you have the proper driver's license, it may be possible to borrow the car from time to time. And I can commit to preparing one joint meal per day, and offering a stipend for the rest of your meals and necessites. There may be days I could prepare more than one meal we'd share together. But I could not commit to that at this time.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  I don't have a digital job exactly, but I could host those who do. My internet connection is strong and I have Orbi routers that carry the signal to the cottage where workaway people would be staying. The cottage is a one room studio. So there is not a private room to set up as an office but there is a table and chairs for you to work. Also, should the routers prove to be glitchy (which is possible in poor weather) We could set up a private desk area in one of the bedrooms in the main house if necessary.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  I have a space where a camper van could park as long as it is not not a very big one.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I have a cat and I am protective of her. However, your pet would be welcome for the length of your stay. But your bet would not be allowed in the main house and I would request we find a way to prevent your pet from venturing on to the terrace of the main house

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 4 days a week