Explore the region or relax by the pool (summer) after helping around the property in Lucca, Italy

Details

• 

  Description

  (If you have found me before or are coming back please check out what I need help with which is updated)
  
  Hi Workawayers - Im Dominic and I have bought my family home in Tuscany Italy. A beautiful oasis looking over the hills and set within its own land of woods, olives, garden along with a lovely swimming pool and small gym.
  
  I live here part time with my dog and and get help from a wonderful Italian couple. However we need more help to get on top of the growing list of work in the garden, woods and around the property.
  
  I am happy to be a little flexible but in essence I am looking for one or two workawayers to come and stay here for a 2-4 weeks at a time. I would even consider someone staying for 3-4 months if they were going to attend the language schools nearby.
  
  In return for a room, food, and a comfortable home near the sea, Florence, Pisa, Siena , and of course the swimming pool, I would like 4-5 hours per day of help around the property - clearing areas in the woods, tidying up, painting etc. Flexibility is important as we do not operate to fixed times and it is about when Massimo is around to help when needed or when you can work on your own.
  
  I am 15 mins drive from Lucca, 20-30 mins bus ride away where trains go to all over Tuscany. The house is 50-60 mins from the sea. A local village has a supermarket, pharmacy and small local bar. Lucca has language schools and is a bustling tourist site from May - October and then still busy out of season.
  
  So what am I looking for help with. Over the next 2-4 months we will need different help:
  
  March - April - this will be a period of focusing on preparing and finishing a landscaping / planting project. What we need help with is preparing a large area for planting, laying sheets, planting about 150 plants and helping to establish an irrigation system. You will also be clearing some drainage channels and then protecting these with protectors. (Useful Skills - general, yard work, gardening, digging, plumbing, carpentry for building a gazebo, organising and just carrying and moving stuff).
  
  May - as the weather gets warmer painting the outside of a building, generally cleaning up the property, pruning some hedges and wood clearing. (Useful skills: generalists ok, some gardening good)
  
  June - July - preparing the swimming pool area, olive grove. (Useful skills: heavy lifting, carrying, general, gardening,)
  
  Around the property I need people that can paint walls (inside and out), clear overgrown areas of land, help put up fencing, carpentry, brick laying or fixing a wall, irrigation experience to name a few.
  
  I am also keen to having someone that can help me - If you happen to want to teach me something then I am open to various things - in the gym, yoga, other fitness ideas, or music keen to learn to read, play guitar, sing. Digitally - if you are creative with photographic and editing skills this is of huge interest too.
  
  In all cases, I am looking for people who are good company, happy to relax watching a movie in the evening or chat after a day of work or exploring.
  
  
  If improving Italian is what you need then my Italian couple are here each day to practice with.
  
  I live between London and Italy - so spend about 10 days here then a 3-4 days in London and vice versa so there may be times when you could be alone in the property for a few days but never without seeing the fabulous Italian couple that are here every day.
  
  Your own room, use of kitchen, often food is prepared for you, bathroom, pool, wifi etc all available along with most things you could need.
  
  It is worth pointing out that I am gay and whilst in this day and age it should not be necessary to say, I realise that travellers from some parts of the world or beliefs will be uncomfortable with this.
  
  Anyway…at this point I am curious to see who is interested and what you may be able to bring to my Italian paradise that I am keen to share with others from around the world. Send me a message if you are interested and tell me how you might be able to offer to help. When offering help in an area please do tell me how skilled you are. I have had instances where people have said they can do something and it turns out they had done it once in their life with little real experience.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Tuscany is one of the most beautiful areas and sitting near Lucca a beautiful completely walled town - once voted one of the best places to live in the world - will give any traverller a fabulous start on Tuscany. Near Florence, Siena, San Gimigano and Pisa there is an endless supply of options. Or go to the language schools in Lucca.

• 

  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

• 

  Help

  There is so much to do - clearing the woods, replanting in the garden, painting an outhouse, preparing a field, sorting inside, filing, reorganising office, and more. Just tell me what you can do and we can see if they’re something relevant. My goal is to provide a fair exchange, enjoy a break or explore Tuscany with free board in exchange for help and conversation.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

• 

  Accommodation

  Own room, use of own or shared bathroom, kitchen, WiFi, shared sitting room, tv, swimming pool, garden to relax.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  I have a good internet connection - around 100-125mbps download and 10mbps upload. There are spaces around the house and in your room with desks or places to work quietly.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  Hours expected

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

Feedback (2)