Explore the region and learn new skills in Lucca, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Hi Workawayers – I’m Dominic, and this is Juno, my four-legged partner in crime 🐕. We live in my restored family home in Tuscany, just outside Lucca, surrounded by olive groves, woodland and gardens, with a swimming pool during the warmer months.
  
  It’s a peaceful and inspiring place – a bit of an oasis – and over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to host some fantastic people, many of whom have become great friends.
  
  A wonderful Italian couple, Massimo and Maria, help me and are here nearly every day. They speak virtually no English, so if improving your Italian is one of your goals, you’ll certainly get some practice! Don’t worry if you don’t speak Italian, though – they are very used to Workawayers and friends who don’t, and somehow everyone manages to communicate.
  
  ### Autumn 2026 – and the olive harvest
  
  Summer is nearly over, and I’m now looking for Workawayers to join us through the autumn and beyond.
  
  One particularly important period is **the end of October and the first two weeks of November, when we harvest the olives**. This is a very traditional part of life here and we will need a couple of Workawayers who are specifically happy to help with the harvest.
  
  It means being outside amongst the olive trees, working with us each day to collect the olives and get the harvest in. It’s practical, physical work, but also a lovely way to experience something very Tuscan – and you’ll be properly involved rather than simply watching from the sidelines.
  
  So, if you are interested in joining us specifically for the olive harvest, please say so when you message me.
  
  ### What else am I looking for?
  
  Outside the olive harvest, I’m deliberately keeping things pretty open.
  
  Rather than trying to fit everyone into a particular job description, I’m interested in **what you are good at** and whether there are things we can usefully work on together.
  
  You might be good at building, DIY, gardening or practical work. You might be a personal trainer or into fitness. Perhaps you are brilliant with video, photography or digital content. You might be an amazing cook, musician, organiser or creative person.
  
  Or perhaps you have a skill I haven't even thought of.
  
  **Tell me your superpower.** Tell me what you genuinely enjoy doing and what experience you have, and let's work out whether there is something useful – and hopefully enjoyable – we can do together while you're here.
  
  For any practical or outdoor work, please be honest about your experience, particularly with tools or machinery. Safety is important and Massimo needs to know what people are comfortable and competent doing.
  
  Inside the house, there are also occasional projects such as organising an office, sorting storage areas and generally bringing some order to things.
  
  I’m also very happy to welcome remote workers who want a calm, beautiful base with good Wi-Fi, fresh air and a bit of company alongside their own work.
  
  ### Life here
  
  The house is about 15 minutes from Lucca – around 20–30 minutes by bus – with easy train links to Florence, Pisa, Siena and the coast. The local village has everything you need, including a supermarket, pharmacy and bar, while Lucca itself is lively throughout the year with festivals, language schools, restaurants and a great atmosphere.
  
  In return for your help, you’ll have your own comfortable room, access to the kitchen, Wi-Fi, a small gym and beautiful surroundings. When the weather allows, there is also the swimming pool.
  
  Maria prepares many of our meals and we often eat together. Food and drink are provided, and depending on what is happening, Workawayers often join me for outings and other things going on locally.
  
  A little about me – I’ve worked internationally across a range of industries, but life here is a bit more balanced, combining work, projects, and enjoying Tuscany. It’s worth mentioning that I am gay – I say this simply so people know upfront, as it can matter depending on background. The most important thing for me is that people are open-minded, respectful, and comfortable in themselves and with others.
  
  From previous Workawayers, the feedback is that this is a comfortable and generous experience. I provide a lot – including your food and drink and sometimes outings – and I want people staying here to feel at home.
  
  In return, I’m looking for people who are easy-going and sociable and who enjoy being part of things rather than disappearing into their room all the time. Sharing meals, stories, walks, conversations and the occasional glass of wine is part of the experience here.
  
  So whether you fancy experiencing a **real Tuscan olive harvest**, have a practical skill that could be useful, or simply have an interesting superpower you think I should know about, send me a message.
  
  **Tell me a little about you, what you can bring to the party, and when you'd like to come – and let's see if Tuscany is calling you. 🌿🫒**

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  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.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  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.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

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  Accommodation

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

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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 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.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Juno

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