Help us look after an old renovated farm and farm house and grow organic produce near Pontremoli, Italy

Italy

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Feedback
57
Last activity
19/09/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
151
Reply rate
94.4 %
Average reply time:
within 10 days
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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Description
We are an English couple who have now relocated to Italy and are just finishing off renovating an old Tuscan farmhouse.
We have a standard poodle Tess who is 18 months old and is very people friendly
We have had multiple Workawayer's for the last three years but are now looking for single males or couples to work along side Greta a Workaway who has now been with us for several months
The main tasks will be working on finishing the house, hard landscaping and looking after the vegetable garden and fruit orchards We are at the beginning of starting up a collection of antique fruit varieties and are processing storing and preserving of Italian fruit and vegetables.
We are vegan and very much into food and cooking !!
Our minimum stay is two weeks This is a fantastic rustic area with wonderful culinary traditions and the locals are great .We are sure you will love it.
We work for 6 hours per day for four days a week (Mon -Friday) in exchange for board and lodgings.
We only cook and eat and buy plant based food and are really looking for vegans to join us
You will have your own bedroom in an apartment with Greta with its own kitchen and bathroom and living area We have wifi and a beautiful terrace with views of Apennine and Apuane mountains .
We prefer volunteers with some building/ land/gardening skills and who are happy to get involved in this type of work. .
We are only 30 minutes from the sea and 'Cinque Terra' and it is an hour from Pisa/Lucca and two hours from Florence .We love walking and would love to show you an undiscovered part of Italy famous for food and foraging and porcini mushrooms. Come and join us on our 'great escape' in an undiscovered part of Tuscany!!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Group of international helpers, house building , organic gardening skills, Italian life style
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Renovating old stone house, building work of all descriptions , clearing land , vegetable gardening
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
We are interested in improving our Italian and teaching English to Italian workaway
Accommodation
Tuscan farmhouse, own bedroom, kitchen and living room plus terrace Meals with hosts some days
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a very good wifi and the way we work will allow you plenty time to work on your business
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
We have a giant Poodle Tess who likes to play and chase. !!
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day (8am -1pm), 5 days a week

Photos

'I'orto' 2017

Any one for lunch

View of Apuane from house

Any one for Bruschetta

Harvet 2017

The project

Cinque Terra

Show all photos

John Linda Gene and Joanna This could be you !!!

Tomato harvest

The cottage

Feedback left by and about host (57)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(5.0)

06/05/2022

Left by Workawayer (Clementine & Sven) for host

We spent two weeks with Joanna, Chris, Greta and Tess in Pontremoli. We were welcomed with a a hug and a nice dinner. Joanna is a great cook and we felt very inspired by her love and knowledge of cooking and Italian products.
We did a variety of jobs but mostly planting lavender and preparing the area to build the pool. It was hard work and we… read more

(Excellent )

19/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Greta) for host

Absolutely amazing!!! 🤍🍀🐩🥑

It was my first experience with workaway and I dont have enough words to describe how grateful I am for the posibility to stay at Chris and Joanna's!

I and the other workawayer (Hi Daniele!😊) were working from the morning till lunch time, with a quick break. The jobs were different, Chris and Joanna were all the time… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Daniele) for host

I spent over a month in this quiet place in a fantastic land, I did various jobs like masonry work, grass cutting, wood working, house painting and many more.
Chris is a real hardworker who's been great always trying to make me do different jobs during the morning for fear of me getting fed up/weary.
Joanna very helpful with her advices and tips… read more

(Excellent )

03/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Rika & Christian) for host

Better late than never - Here's our late but due THANK YOU to Jo, Chris, Alessio and sweet Tess! We spent four weeks at their beautiful house in September/October and enjoyed it all so much! From learning about the art of Sauerkraut production, foraging for Porcini mushrooms or helping with stone walls and in the vegetable garden - our tasks were… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Rika & Christian)

Christian and Rikki stayed with us for four weeks in October of this year They are a lovely couple and we greatly enjoyed their company and all their time with us. They struck up a great friendship with Sam and Molly our other helpers
While they were here Christian spent a lot of time helping our stone mason with the calche and helping build a… read more

(Excellent )

14/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (John) for host

Absolutely loved this workaway! Chris and Johanna were lovely hosts and were very tentative to our needs. Although we got a lot of rain throughout my stay, I had a great experience. Our accommodation was great and included amenities like tv, 2 wood stoves, and a full kitchen. Would absolutely recommend to anyone wishing to see a less touristy side… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Gergo) for host

I spent 3 amazing weeks with Chris and Joanna and altough we weren't lucky with the wearher I still enjoyed my stay.
The work was ever changing, I've learned some stonemasonry and sharpened my basic plastering skills.
The houe was spacious and had everything I needed.
And then the food... It was amazing! Totally vegan but always different. Simply… read more

(Excellent )

16/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sam & Molly)

Sam and Molly were great couple they stayed with us for two weeks in October this year
along with a another german couple with whom they became great friends They both fully embraced their time here They were good company very social and worked hard during their stay
Sam spend a lot of his time helping our stonemason with calche on the exterior… read more

(Excellent )

11/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Shari & Michael) for host

This was our first time doing Workaway and we are looking forward to doing something like this again. We spent two weeks here during September. We arrived in the evening and were greeted and picked up at the train station and enjoyed dinner that night with them and another couple. I was delighted to see Chris and Jo had an adorable dog, Tess, who… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Tudor-Petre)

Tudor

We cant thank Tudor enough for everything he did while with us. He stayed with us for three weeks on his trip of Europe
Nothing was too much trouble for him always looking to help and make our life easier. A very practical guy who could turn his hand to almost anything. His attention to detail was great. He often worked beyond his… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tudor-Petre) for host

My stay with Chris and Joanna was fabulous. I was greeted with a hug from both of them and a quick walk through everything they have around and what they want to do with it. I really enjoyed that things were scheduled so I had a good idea of what my next day would look like. The accommodation is very comfortable and spacious and you do get a wide… read more

(Excellent )

29/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Mafi) for host

Volunteering with Joanna and Chris is like visiting with your favourite auntie and uncle!
Work is mainly in the morning starting at 8am with a coffee and fruit break around 11am.
The work is varied and can be adapted to your interests, skills and physical aptitude.
You usually finish by 1.30pm when you get served an absolutely incredible vegan… read more

(Excellent )

18/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Giovanni & Miguel Angel ) for host

Cordial greetings Criss and Johana, we want to thank the kindness and hospitality offered during our stay, were 15 days where they made us part of their day to day as a family. The space arranged for us was very comfortable, the works were varied supporting mainly the restoration of the old house and maintenance of gardens and meadows, we also… read more

(Excellent )

17/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sonny & Charley) for host

Well where to start with Chris and Jo (and Tess the gorgeous Poodle!). We can’t thank you enough for a wonderful first workaway experience in Italy. You guys really encompass everything that workaway should be. Caring hosts, plenty of chats and good food with the perfect balance of having your own space.
The work we did felt meaningful and useful… read more

(Excellent )

30/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sonny & Charley)

Sonny and Charlotte

What a great couple. We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us. One of our very best workaway couples. Sonny and Charlotte stayed with us for two weeks on their trip of Europe and extended it to three weeks
They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan food.
Charlotte spent a… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jeovane) for host

What a great way for a first experience as a workaway, I felt so welcomed by Cris and Jo since my arriving to my last day and I'm definitely going back to visiting them during my staying in Italy. We worked from 8 to 13 with a small break and the time would just fly. I was surprised everyday by the views, landscapes are just incredible over there.… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeovane)

Whats a great guy Joe is Truly passionate about life and what it has to offer It was a joy to have him with us We cooked together producing some amazing meals He worked so hard when he was here preparing land for the crops, cutting grass working with our stonemason
He is a great chef and we explored new vegan dishes together and can he chop… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Attila)

Attila What great workawayer !! Everything one could wish for in a helper
Full of enthusiasm ,happy to have ago at anything , relaxed and easy to get on with
He is a great worker and now a friend He loved Lunigiana and was so enthusiastic about the area Atilla cut the grass with both heavy duty trimmer and grass cutter He helped mix calche for… read more

(Excellent )

01/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Attila) for host

Once you are in the most original region in Italia, why would anyone go and stay with retired english people? Because you Joanna and Chris, you are caring and funny people, the rockstars of the valley :D
You are very welcoming and when we are at the table you just can't stop talking and telling stories about your interesting experiences and about… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Catalin & Adelina)

Catalin and Adelina stayed with us for the second time this winter continuing to work on our renovation and also house sitting for December and over Christmas and New year while we were away.

Catelina was working for the majority of the time on 'calche' ( lime mortar) with our stonemason Catelina is a very good plasterer and did a great job He… read more

(Excellent )

08/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Catalin & Adelina) for host

To write a review for a place where you come with great pleasure for the second time is far more difficult than it seems! Mainly because you want to include everything in the right words. The right thing to say about the impeccable hospitality of the hosts - Joanna and Chris. The splendor of the place, the Tuscan atmosphere, everything around you… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Dongming)

Dong Ming stayed with us for a week in April She was good little worker always trying her best Little shy to begin with she soon opened out She sowed a lot of seeds in the greenhouse tended the plants and also did some painting in her short stay
We would recommend her to any hosts

(Very good )

14/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jo Ann & Tyler) for host

My husband and I stayed for a little over three weeks helping Chris and Joanna. We actually only planned on two weeks, but ended up asking to extend our stay due to our extremely positive experience there and Chris and Joanna were flexible and happy to accommodate us.

Chris and Joanna are a lovely couple who were very kind and welcoming. They… read more

(Excellent )

01/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jo Ann & Tyler)

Jo Ann and Tyler

What a great couple.

We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us. Tyler and Jo stayed with us for three weeks on their trip to Europe extending their time with us by a week.
They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan food for whole time they were here.
Jo-Ann sowed seeds for… read more

(Excellent )

09/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Philip) for host

I had a very nice two weeks with Chris and Joanna. They are both thoughtful and warm people who make every effort to make you feel comfortable. I spent my time between helping in the garden with Chris and assisting the mason in the house, it was always fun and plenty of opportunities to learn. The work schedule was very good - 5hrs with a tea… read more

(Excellent )

09/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Philip)

Phil

We cant thank Phil enough for everything he did while with us. Phil stayed with us for two weeks on his trip to Europe. He was previously a super yacht chef so Joanna was a bit nervous about her cooking !!
Nothing was too much trouble for him always looking to help and make our life easier. A very practical guy who could turn his hand to… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Tom & Pluggy)

Tom and Pluggy
What a lovely couple. We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us. Tom and Pluggy stayed with us for four weeks on their trip of Europe
They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan food for the four weeks they were with us.
Pluggy spent a lot of time gardening, preparing vegetable… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tom & Pluggy) for host

Where to start! We spent a month with Chris and Joanna and we'd recommend it to anyone.

Chris works really hard to ensure you have variety in the jobs that you do, and seeing the progress in the renovation project and the garden was really fulfilling. The day is really well regimented so you know that when you finish at 1pm, the day is yours!… read more

(Excellent )

16/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Tracy) for host

A late response to a very positive experience in Pontremoli with Chris and Joanna. Wonderful hosts and very good accommodations, not to mention the great meals served overlooking the valley from their hilltop retreat. I would recommend finding your way to their home and trade your skills for the opportunity to visit a beautiful part of Italy.… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Tracy)

Tracy came with his friend Sylvia and what a great couple of helpers they were. We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us.

Tracy and Sylvia were travelling together and stayed with us for two weeks on their trip to Europe from Vancouver

They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan for the two… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Waldemar) for host

Joanna and Chris are two hard-working, nice people. They occupy an amazingly beautiful piece of land overlooking the charming valley and high mountains in the distance. I recommend this place because of the beautiful views.

The work related to the renewal of the old Tuscan home was very satisfying and educational for me. It was a very diverse… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sylvia) for host

I spent 2 weeks with Chris and Joanna in October. Joanna and I spent our time pickling, preserving and canning produce from her lovely garden. She also shared many of her delicious vegan recipes. They have an incredibly gorgeous view of the surrounding countryside. Quaint village below and mountains off in the distance. Many breathtaking sunsets… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sylvia)

Sylvia came with a friend Tracy and what a great couple of helpers they were We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us.

Tracy and Sylvia travelled together and stayed with us for two weeks on their trip to Europe from Vancouver

They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan for the two weeks they… read more

(Excellent )

04/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ron) for host

This was an absolutely wonderful experience. Chris and Joanna made me feel welcomed and appreciated. They went out of their way to include me in non-work experiences and helped me make the most of my stay in the Pontremoli area. They love being here and it shows. I can’t wait to see their project in its completed state. Thank you Chris and Joanna!

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ron)

What a great guy. Very humble and extremely polite We cant thank him enough for everything he did while with us. Ron stayed with us for two weeks on his Italian trip from Atlanta which was partly to research his Italian ancestry
We got on really well with and he was great fun
He embraced everything we asked of him including eating vegan for… read more

(Excellent )

07/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (David & Jenina)

What a great couple.
We can’t thank them enough for everything they did while with us. David and Jenina stayed with us for one week on their trip to Italy for their vacation from Vancouver
They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan food for the week they were with us. Jenina helped Joanna in the kitchen to prepare… read more

(Excellent )

03/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (David & Jenina) for host

We stayed with Chris and Joanna for one week in September; we had a fantastic time! They were very accommodating throughout the entire trip and picked us up at the train station when we arrived. We had such a memorable experience with them! They are a lovely, welcoming, warm couple who are full of energy. They are knowledgeable in what they are… read more

(Excellent )

20/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ed & Deb) for host

Our days at Chris and Joanna's amazingly beautiful property were one of our all time favorite travel experiences! They are wonderful and warm hosts who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived and the accommodations were perfect. Waking up each morning and gazing out the window at the gorgeous views as the sun rose above Pontremoli is an… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Ed & Deb)

What a great couple. We cannot thank them enough for everything they did while with us. Ed and Deb stayed with us for two weeks on their trip to Europe from Alabahama USA.
They both embraced everything we asked of them including eating vegan for the two weeks they were with us .
Deborah helped Joanna in the kitchen and also helped keep the place… read more

(Excellent )

26/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Monica) for host

Joanna and Chris are the greatest couple I have ever met! I stayed with them in Pontremoli, Italy, 21 marvelous days of my life where I helped them in the garden, cleaning and what I most enjoyed...cooking! Because it was August their garden was producing lots of cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, pumpkins... Joanna and I will spend most of the time… read more

(Excellent )

26/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Monica)

Monica stayed with us for 2 weeks having just walked the Camino which we much admired her for Monica arrived at a time when we had a huge amount of produce arriving daily form the garden Tomatoes , cucumbers , squashes,apples onions and so much more She is a bundle of positive energy and made the most wonderful chutneys ,pickles deserts and ice… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

Chris and Jo were very welcoming hosts for the time that myself and my friend Sam stayed with them. They went out of their way to show us the local area and have some great advice about things to do and see.

The work we did was general maintenance work outside around the property such as strimming and digging. Work begins at 8am and finish at… read more

(Excellent )

26/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David came to us for 10 days and was a thoroughly delightful guy He also came with his friend Sam who was a great helper .

He worked very hard and thoughtfully and was always and willing despite some unusually poor weather .

He made a flat pad for our portable pool and also did a lot of strimming and also mowing for us

He is very good at… read more

(Excellent )

05/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Michael & Sabrina ) for host

Chris and Joanna were absolutely amazing people and were a huge highlight of our travels. They picked us up from the train and took us back to their beautiful property on the Tuscan hills. We immediately fell in love with the view. We felt welcome and had a long chat getting to know each other over some tea. We got along great from the start and… read more shared a lot of laughs over our time with them.
The work was fair and enjoyable, usually went from 8-1. Joanna always found us for a break with coffee, fruit and biscuits ready. They were renovating a building on the property and told us about all the plans they are working towards, when it is done it will be lovely. Michael focused on a lot of the landscaping such as mowing the lawn, moving logs, stones, and wheel barrowing soil and sand (sometimes uphill). He definitely worked off his pasta! Whereas I spent a lot of time in the greenhouse labeling seeds and potting plants. I learned a lot and it's inspired me to grow my own at home! We even got to eat the microgreens I had potted the first day. We also did some weeding and cleaned up about the trees. I would help Joanna in the kitchen, she taught me how to make sauerkraut and kefir (which she gave me some to take back to Canada). Chris always kept us busy and switched up our jobs so we were not doing the same thing all the time.
There was another couple staying there at the time and we would sit and have long lunches and dinners all together. It felt like a second family. We had never tried being vegan before but it was definitely not hard when Joanna was cooking. She was so passionate about food and every meal outdid the next! I loved learning from her. It was always colourful and most of all, tasted amazing! I don't think we ever ate the same dish twice and always left the table feeling very satisfied, we did not miss meat at all. Our last night they shared a really nice bottle of wine with us and the next day sent us to our train with lunch and snacks for the road :)
Chris and Joanna had so many funny stories to share and are very warm people. They make it really easy to open up and share, they had a lot of wise advice and ideas. Just a great attitude towards life. They were so kind and generous. They sat down and helped us make itineraries for our weekend trips. They even contacted restaurants and hooked us up with the best seat in the house over the ocean! They would alter the work schedule so we could have 3 day weekends to go explore other parts of Tuscany. They would often offer us rides to town if they were headed in and Chris drove us around showing us all the best spots to go to.
I would love to come back one day and see the property after the renovations were done. I would definitely recommend contacting Joanna and Chris is you are in Tuscany. Such a rewarding experience and different way to travel. You will learn new things and explore areas you wouldn't have otherwise. Thank you both so much and we hope all is well!! xx

(Excellent )

26/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Sabrina )

Sabrina and Micheal are a thoroughly delightful couple. They spent two weeks with us and proved to be intelligent adaptable and hugely interested in our project. The weather was unfortunately terrible but they embraced every thing with a smiley face and a great attitude. We had many fun times eating together and they both loved the food we… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Stephen & Kelly) for host

What a lovely experience staying with Chris and Joanna! My husband and I stayed with them for 4 weeks in May 2018. Chris picked us up at the Pontremoli train station and then back at the house we met Joanna who was busy making dinner. OH MAN, what an amazing cook she is! Literally from day one, we were in awe of how good her vegan cooking is (no… read more

(Excellent )

26/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen & Kelly)

Stephen and Kelly came to us in early May. Originally for two weeks but extended to four when let down by another host What a great couple they were
They left United States having given up their jobs to see what the world had to offer them for the future. They had a great attitude despite the inclement weather never complaining about working in… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Paul)

Paul flew in from Canada to have two weeks of his annual leave with us in Tuscany Thats quite something to do !! We were very pleased to have him and to be part of his ‘bucket list’ of volunteering and visiting the Cinque Terra
The weather for the first few days was not great but Paul had come determined to wear shorts and so he did despite the… read more

(Very good )

25/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Paul) for host

My first Workaway trip.... Joanna and Chris were great hosts for my first Workaway trip and one I will never forget. From great location, fantastic food, to work that will make you appreciate what is needed to have what they have.
Great place to volunteer at if you want to visit Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Lucca and surrounding areas.

(Good )

29/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Masaab & Amanda)

What a great young couple. We cant thank them enough for everything they did Amanda helped Joanna who was not feeling very well at the time in the kitchen and also kept the place incredibly clean and tidy She was also a great cook and gave us many new recipe ideas. Nothing was too much trouble for her always looking to help and make our life… read more

(Excellent )

28/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Masaab & Amanda) for host

Chris and Joanne were our second workaway ever and what a great experience. We thoroughly enjoyed staying in their country home and the accommodation was more then we expected. Amazing healthy meals, lots of space and outstanding views. They were both very open to any questions and information we mights need about local places and were always… read more

(Excellent )

25/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Kenny & Tanja )

Kenny and Tanya came to visit and work with us for two weeks in March The weather was not exactly great It was cold and wet for quite a few days
Despite this they tackled all the jobs we gave them with great attitude They repainted a kitchen, helped clear land on the better days which was quite tough work, did some work in the 'orto' and stacked… read more

(Very good )

17/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kenny & Tanja ) for host

Chris and Joanna were lovely hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed the 12 days we stayed at their place. We would have come 2 days earlier but as it turned out the weather conditions didn’t allow it so we stayed one night in Pisa and Lucca respectively (two cities we can recommend to visit). They were so kind to let us stay in their guest room which we… read more

(Excellent )

20/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gene) for host

I hesitate to write this review fearing a no-win situation for me personally. If I downplay how amazing my time there was I become a liar. If I’m utterly truthful the competition to secure a spot with them might threaten my own return, making me a fool. Ok then, I’ll play the fool.

From late spring to early winter of 2017 I stayed with Chris and… read more Joanna at their stunning estate (literally) overlooking the quirky little Lunigiana town of Pontremoli, in the northern tip of Tuscany, pinched between Liguria and Emilia-Romagna.

When I first arrived at their home I had no intention of staying as long as I did. But it soon became difficult to think about leaving for any reason. If not for needing to return to the US for a family matter, I would still be there.

Like much formerly abandoned property throughout Tuscany, theirs has undergone great renovation over the years and has more yet to go. However, their volunteer accommodations are amongst the most comfortable I’ve ever enjoyed in Italy, and rapidly improving. No matter the time of year, their peaceful home and the adjacent volunteer apartment will leave you feeling safe, secure, warm, dry, and comforted. Sunlight, fresh air, hot water, and wifi are all plentiful. A seemingly endless supply of firewood and the wood stoves in the volunteer apartment made a delight out of cold, dark winter days spent felling trees.

The labor to be done at Chris and Joanna’s is diverse, both indoor and outdoor, lighter and heavier, manual and more technical work. Essentially the work you can do there will be as varied as the skill-set you bring to them. To that point, perhaps the most viable candidates are those with building, landscaping, and heavy machinery experience. If you have this kind of know-how, this is a great place for you and you will be appreciated for it. On the other hand, the lawn still needs mowing, the flowers pruning, and the fruit picking.

While there my own tasks ranged from lighter housework like washing windows to creating a garden to the more taxing mixing and pouring of cement. But no matter what I did, Chris and Joanna gave supervision when necessary and showed endless gratitude making it easy to work for them.

Chris and Joanna are both kind, fair, hardworking, inclusive, and most of all generous people. The work can be very hard, but the days are relatively short and well-structured leaving you with the certainty of ample free time. Weekends are yours to do as you please and Chris and Joanna are more than willing to drive you to town to start your journey, or to pick you up from the station. Or perhaps to invite you along with them on their excursions. I was invited to more cultural events and social gatherings than I can recall, enjoyed them all, and made friends while there.

And now most importantly, the food. Many hosts promise a bounty of the local offerings with an emphasis on homegrown, organic, and fresh produce being the focus of a vegetarian diet. Though you are welcome to eat as you wish, Chris and Joanna actually deliver on their promise, in the best way possible. For all of my time there, most if not all of what I ate came directly from their land. To my hearts content I filled my body with fruits and vegetables, from a garden I helped plant, picked moments before consumption. Often, if feeling peckish, I’d just eat the cherry, apple, or fig directly from the tree skipping the picking phase. Politics, philosophy, and lip-service aside, these hosts can introduce you to the actual, life-affirming, health-enhancing practice of true “clean eating” and what it could do for your mind, body, and soul.

In short, though I was there as a volunteer I was paid with kindness, fairness, generosity, and an endless supply of the healthiest food imaginable. I left with many blessings amongst them new friends, perspectives, mindset, and health.

If you are lucky enough to work with Chris and Joanna you too will have an experience worth paying for. If not, then I’ll simply return and have it for you.

alla prossima,
-Gene

(Excellent )

02/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Gene)

Gene stayed with us for seven months and was a delight to have as a helper
He has a happy personality and is always positive and willing to perform any task asked of him. He became one of the family and made many friends locally becoming part of the local community During his stay he did some real hard work excavating the footings of the house… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Luke)

Luke joined us in Tuscany for two weeks at the end of July He arrived with a very nice bottle of Malt Whiskey which we all enjoyed some of after dinner while he was here Thank you Luke !! A very pleasant surprise

This was Luke first assignment He joined three other helpx who were with us helping us to renovate our Tuscan farm house

Luke’s main… read more

(Excellent )

11/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Luke) for host

I spent a little over two weeks helping Chris and Joanna on their property in the hills of Tuscany. I had a great time and I highly recommend contacting them if you are keen to explore western Tuscany while volunteering.

There are a variety of tasks that need doing. I arrived when they were focused on the first stages of renovating a building… read more

(Excellent )

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