Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Apr 2025
Reply rate
95.8 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
37
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
I have a 400 year old home in italy where i live with my step dog jose in one of the most beautiful places i can imagine. i am a cook by profession. i've have had great experiences with workawayers and helpX volunteers here in italy and at a farm i had in michigan some years ago. i've also met many other friends through the workaway program at my friend martin's house in lazio. I would like a couple or friends to share the second bedroom and one bathroom place for a week or two at a time which usually gets extended to longer. the house sits on the border of umbria and tuscany close to anghairi. The house is simply furnished but recently upgraded with all modern conveniences, it is not fancy but comfortable and cozy with exquisite surroundings, peace and quiet. There are two large bedrooms with queen-sized beds and is equipped with anything needed to live and be self sufficient. there is lightening fast internet, cable TV, central heat and a wood burning fireplace.
The house sits on seven acres of land with fruit trees and has a beautiful view of the medieval town of Lippiano (a town of only about 150 inhabitants) untouched by tourism and has remained unchanged and consists of only a post office and the town bar) with its castle and churches and the close nit people from the town. It is near all of the important historical cities while remaining off the beaten path. "Chiarella" is isolated but Monterchi is only five minutes away and where there are a stores, restaurants, banks, bars.
For days off le ville is 10 minutes away and from there one can take a bus to arezzo train station which is 20 minutes away has trains to just about anywhere in Italy and europe. Rome is approximately 2 hours on the fast train.
i hope to see you in umbria.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
i will help out with transportation to get to the places you want to visit
Help
building, painting, garden maintenance, help entertaining, cleaning, computer help, hanging out with my dog :)
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
own bedroom and shared bathroom
What else ...
i can to take you to Le Ville to catch a bus to arezzo where there is an international train station and we will make trips to the local towns for shopping, markets, etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 286376316996
Feedback (17)
19 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
i want to say first that if you have the opportunity to host simon do not pass it up! he's charming, positive, responsible and mature. he will find what needs to be done and figure it out himself so he is a great "self starter". the most valuable thing he left me with (besides having found a new friend and many other things) was helping organize… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
I recently spent two weeks with Laurie at her beautiful home in Umbria. From the beginning, communication was easy and effortless. I enjoyed our many chats, spending time with Jose and the opportunity to explore the area with Laurie. Whether it be a trip to the local bar, weekly market in Arezzo or a social event in the community. The work was… read more
3 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Franz & Beth) for host
We stayed with Laurie for a week in Lippiano and it was fantastic. Laurie was super relaxed, Chiarella was an awesome little villa - super peaceful and extremely beautiful. You sometimes can hear a pin drop!
Laurie is an incredible cook and she fed us WELL too, as two people that can eat a large quantity and had just arrived in Italy wanting to… read more
Laurie is an incredible cook and she fed us WELL too, as two people that can eat a large quantity and had just arrived in Italy wanting to… read more
23 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Franz & Beth)
beth and franz are a lovely couple who were so very helpful and up for anything. besides assisting in taking a very large tree down (due to desease) they finished up unfinished projects and took great care of my home and most importantly gave my dog lots of love and have become friends. i would be excited to have them back anytime and will… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Shane & Isabelle)
shane is now up there as one my all time favorite workawayers. he's polite and funny and great company.
he is a self starter and basically never had to be asked to do anything he found and knew what needed to be done.
i wish he would come back and bring some friends too!
thanks shane, see you in ireland.
he is a self starter and basically never had to be asked to do anything he found and knew what needed to be done.
i wish he would come back and bring some friends too!
thanks shane, see you in ireland.
(Excellent
)
19 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Shane & Isabelle) for host
I was lucky enough to spend a week with Laurie. She was amazing company and so easy to talk to. I was very comfortable here and felt sad to leave. The work consisted of helping around the house keeping it tidy which I was happy to do. I would recommend this experience as you won't get bored of Laurie's wonderful stories.
Thanks for the wonderful… read more
Thanks for the wonderful… read more
Photos
Feedback
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
19 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
i want to say first that if you have the opportunity to host simon do not pass it up! he's charming, positive, responsible and mature. he will find what needs to be done and figure it out himself so he is a great "self starter". the most valuable thing he left me with (besides having found a new friend and many other things) was helping organize… read more
(Excellent)
18 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
I recently spent two weeks with Laurie at her beautiful home in Umbria. From the beginning, communication was easy and effortless. I enjoyed our many chats, spending time with Jose and the opportunity to explore the area with Laurie. Whether it be a trip to the local bar, weekly market in Arezzo or a social event in the community. The work was… read more
3 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Franz & Beth) for host
We stayed with Laurie for a week in Lippiano and it was fantastic. Laurie was super relaxed, Chiarella was an awesome little villa - super peaceful and extremely beautiful. You sometimes can hear a pin drop!
Laurie is an incredible cook and she fed us WELL too, as two people that can eat a large quantity and had just arrived in Italy wanting to… read more
Laurie is an incredible cook and she fed us WELL too, as two people that can eat a large quantity and had just arrived in Italy wanting to… read more
23 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Franz & Beth)
beth and franz are a lovely couple who were so very helpful and up for anything. besides assisting in taking a very large tree down (due to desease) they finished up unfinished projects and took great care of my home and most importantly gave my dog lots of love and have become friends. i would be excited to have them back anytime and will… read more
(Excellent)
21 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Shane & Isabelle)
shane is now up there as one my all time favorite workawayers. he's polite and funny and great company.
he is a self starter and basically never had to be asked to do anything he found and knew what needed to be done.
i wish he would come back and bring some friends too!
thanks shane, see you in ireland.
he is a self starter and basically never had to be asked to do anything he found and knew what needed to be done.
i wish he would come back and bring some friends too!
thanks shane, see you in ireland.
(Excellent)
19 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Shane & Isabelle) for host
I was lucky enough to spend a week with Laurie. She was amazing company and so easy to talk to. I was very comfortable here and felt sad to leave. The work consisted of helping around the house keeping it tidy which I was happy to do. I would recommend this experience as you won't get bored of Laurie's wonderful stories.
Thanks for the wonderful… read more
Thanks for the wonderful… read more
5 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy)
lucy is so great, i learned so much from her and she was just a pleasure to have as a guest and helper. she is always ready to tackle any task with a smile and is quite a lovely vegetarian cook as well.if you have the pleasure of making a workaway connection with lucy i wouldn't turn it down.
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucy) for host
I stayed with Laurie in her beautiful and peaceful home in Umbria in February 2024 for about 11 days. I had been travelling around quite a lot, and really needed some days to rest, regroup, learn about life in central Italy, and support Laurie's projects - and this is exactly what I found. I cooked, did some general cleaning, painted the guest… read more
5 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)
claudia is not only a lovely person but an excellent workawayer and guest to have. she is always eager to help with everything and she is quite an exceptional baker as well. this is meant as more of a fact than compliment that claudia is the smartest of all of my workawayers in 15 years and i learned a ton from her. i feel that we've become… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Arina)
alina is lovely and we had a great time together. she was always there waiting to help in every situation with her own calm energy - always smiling and generous. alina is multicultural and worldly, i really learned so much during her stay. my door is always not only "open" but you are expected back soon. if you are lucky enough to have the chance… read more
(Excellent)
6 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe & Kevin)
chloe and kevin were great to have here as workaway guests. as far as pure efficiency, self motivation and problem solving the couple is quite a powerhouse but also personally a joy to be around - i learned so much from them.
thanks for a great experience guys!
thanks for a great experience guys!
(Excellent)
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Chloe & Kevin) for host
we spent a very comfortable two weeks at Laurie's cozy countryside home. she's a great and generous cook, has lived in the area a long time and we met many of her interesting friends during our stay. There were plenty quaint and authentic umbrian towns to visit nearby and Laurie was great to take us around the area. We look forward to visiting… read more
5 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marilyn)
marilyn is an interesting person, helper, listener, problem solver, story teller and now friend. she has literally traveled the world and doesn't seem to be hesitant about going anywhere that calls her. she seems to always has a plan. i am not great at giving direction or instruction with my workawayer's but marilyn didn't need any of that, she… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Marilyn) for host
I had a fabulous week at Laurie's place and wish I could have stayed much longer. Laurie is very generous and kind, and so full of humor and zest for life. Never a dull moment, very fun and enjoyable. As all workawayers have noted, she is a top- notch chef- rustic traditional Italian cuisine - the most authentic you will find. Laurie has excellent… read more
14 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Joe & Chris)
Just by their way of communicating, i felt a connection with them straight away. besides being perfectly polite they are willing and able to do everything needed and more, never running out of energy and easy to live with. they made me feel safe and made me laugh. if you have a chance to host these guys, do not pass it up. joe and chris promised… read more
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Joe & Chris) for host
Laurie was a fantastic host! As soon as we arrived we were made to feel welcome, the home is set in a perfect peaceful location and Laurie is without a doubt the best cook 👩🍳 we have had the pleasure of experiencing. We could of not have asked for a better first workaway experience. Laurie took us to some very nice places close to her location… read more
28 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Matteo)
Matteo is extremely positive, hard-working and open-minded. He contributed to chores around the house and helped me with my personal mission elevating my understanding of exercise and nutrition. He is not only very nice person but a great problem solver and always knows how to find the bright side! I can heartily recommend Matteo for the future… read more
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Matteo) for host
What an experience at Laurie's place. She is a very nice, easy-going, funny and interesting person. Always up for an interesting discussion or to drive you around the medieval historical places of Val Tiberina.
My time there has been really valuable not only as a workawayer but as a person in general. I learned so much and I met a new friend.
If… read more
My time there has been really valuable not only as a workawayer but as a person in general. I learned so much and I met a new friend.
If… read more
27 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Danielle & Renata)
if you have the chance to host renata and danielle, don't pass it up. they are polite, responsible, fun and easy to be with and are willing to learn and try anything new always doing a little more than you asked. it immediately felt like i was at home with my nieces so interested, warm and beyond appreciative. come back and visit anytime girls.… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Danielle & Renata) for host
What an amazing experience! Everyday was unique and full of learning. Was incredible working on the land and see the results so fast. The house is surrounded by nature, with beautiful views and such a peaceful place to be.
Laurie is an amazing woman, very generous and human. We spent three wonderful weeks with her in La Chiarella and she made us… read more
Laurie is an amazing woman, very generous and human. We spent three wonderful weeks with her in La Chiarella and she made us… read more
27 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Liam & Marret)
Liam and marret have so much to offer anyone they meet. They are both very knowledgable always sharing their own cultural experiences, history and insights about the world - it was never boring. They were easy-going and patient with me and comfortable to be around. Marret's meticulous nature ensured that the tiny house was sparkling clean while… read more
(Excellent)
27 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Liam & Marret) for host
Laurie; you are super!
You're going to go down in our minds as our American-Italian Aunty. You looked after us like a dream!
Our room was comfortable, clean, homely and welcoming. Your food was always tasty and plentiful. And the late night conversations even more so!
We simply don't know what to say, except we look forward to seeing you again… read more
You're going to go down in our minds as our American-Italian Aunty. You looked after us like a dream!
Our room was comfortable, clean, homely and welcoming. Your food was always tasty and plentiful. And the late night conversations even more so!
We simply don't know what to say, except we look forward to seeing you again… read more
10 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Pedro)
waking up to pedro's big inviting smile everyday was such a pleasure. he is charming and positive, a real self starter and problem solver with many good and helpful suggestions on how to make my old home better. he is a builder and can do some of everything an old house would need, as well as repairing things and working with wood.
i highly… read more
i highly… read more
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Pedro) for host
What can I say about this beautiful place Laurie what a beautiful woman, what nice Cook What a nice host. Worst three lovely weeks in this lovely place I enjoyed every single Project I did and hopefully we will see again in Portugal. 😘😘😘
5 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hugo)
hugo is kind, compassionate, inquisitive and willing to take on anything. he is outstanding with children and outgoing with friends who only speak only italian although he is only just beginning to learn the language. hugo has become a friend and we will see each other again. i am thankful we found each other.
(Excellent)
4 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Hugo) for host
I stayed with Laurie for the better part of a month. She was a terrific host. She is a brilliant woman, full of interesting insights into Italian culture, cooking, and life itself. I would recommend this Workaway to people with handyman skills - building and fixing furniture, installing shelves, etc - and those who like to work with nature.… read more
6 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Henryworkingaway)
I really want to thank henry, i cannot imagine a better experience with a workawayer - he has been of great help. he is attentive, polite, considerate, clever and energetic bringing a good mood to the house; can work independently and is absolutely reliable. All the best with your travel and your next adventures henry! You have my admiration and… read more
(Excellent)
4 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Henryworkingaway) for host
I had the most wonderful stay with Laurie for 3 weeks over October 2019. Laurie is a very warm and generous person who made sure I was comfortable in her home. She's also got a great sense of humour and we had many interesting conversations long into the night.
Contributing to the renovation and the gardening duties was very satisfying and the… read more
Contributing to the renovation and the gardening duties was very satisfying and the… read more
10 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Nikolaj Christian & Félix Elkær)
A great group of guys - there are actually 4 of them. they are smart, interesting and fun also hard workers.
highly recommended.
highly recommended.
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Joseph)
Joseph can do just about anything you ask including carpentry, plumbing and electrician. He works well alone or with others and is completely self- sufficient. He is an asset to any project and I hope he returns here one day because the friends he made here are asking for him.
(Excellent)
29 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy & Aimee)
I had an excellent workaway experience with Lucy and Aimee. They are extremely low maintenance, fun and willing to try and do everything. they are welcome back anytime.
(Excellent)
28 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lucy & Aimee) for host
We had a great stay with Laurie and Barbara, they are a lovely couple and we would definitely recommend staying here! Laurie showed us around all the local villages and always took us to find the best Gelato (won’t be forgotten). The food is amazing and will definitely be missed. The days spent here were always fun and the views around the house… read more
3 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Egor & Anastasia) for host
Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute
22 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ingrid)
ingrid and mike are the perfect workawayers and now friends, hopefully for a very long time. i need a lot of help with my house, property and getting organized in general and they were always ready with suggestions and help even before i realized which problem to solve first. i can promise an amazing workaway experience with either or both of them.
(Excellent)
18 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Tallie & Hannah) for host
Great place to spend some time in a beautiful small town atmosphere. The company was wonderful and the food was unbelievable, you will not go hungry here. Grateful to have spent some time with some great hosts!
13 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
Laurie and Barbara are fantastic hosts and I had a great time at this workaway. Laurie cooks the best food and the property is a great place to relax when you’re not working. I would highly recommend it for anyone passing through this area.
6 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Mikey is such a joy to be around and full of love, hard work and music. I can highly recommend him to any hosts looking for a positive experience. Hope to see you soon Mikey!
(Excellent)
