Looking for help in our home in Tuscany, Italy

Italy

Favourited 684 times

Host rating
Feedback
61
Last activity
24/04/2021
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description
We have 2 places available for people with skills to help build a gazebo and small fence and paint it. Also able to strim and clear near fencing and help dig up and replant a flower bed. If you think you can help we would love to hear from you.

We offer for about 5 hours help each day 5 days a week, all meals and accommodation. The rest of the time is free for you to relax and explore Tuscany and the area at your leisure. We tend to work together outside on the land, garden and in the house.

We speak perfect English and Italian and live in a farm house in the hills of Bagni di Lucca, a beautiful thermal spa town 25 minutes north of Lucca city. We are within a train ride to Lucca, Pisa and Florence. In the mountains, great for walking and those who like outdoor pursuits.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will learn about rural life in Tuscany and enjoy being part of an Italian community. They will taste good slow food and learn how to enjoy the Italian pace of life. Working with ourselves and other workawayers they will also get to meet new people and make new friends.
Help
We have work including

- Gardening
- Painting
- Helping build a gazebo and fence
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate
This 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
The accommodation is on the ground floor of our house and has its own shower room, outside seating and amazing Tuscan mountain views.
What else ...
We will collect you and take you to the local train station in Bagni Di Lucca when you leave us.

Bagni di Lucca is a rural Tuscan area, famous for its thermal spa centres. We live in the nearest village Guzzano, loc Pieve di Controne. This is a traditional Tuscan village filled with locals, where most people either farm produce for their families, have allotments, or work cutting woods in the woodland. The village Guzzano has few foreign families. it is filled with friendly local people and we have here a real sense of community here. Bagni di Lucca centre filled with bars, shops and restaurants, La Villa, is 4 km away with buses running daily, to good transports links for Florence, the Versilian coast, Lucca, Pisa and the Cinque Terre. We tend to go down to the centre every day, so getting a lift for our work aways is no problem.

PLEASE NOTE - We do not insure our workaways, it is the responsibility of our workaways to organise their own insurance prior to arrival
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
VW sized campervan welcome private parking outside property
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day

Photos

Show all photos

Pisa is a bus or train ride away 1 hour by car

Enjoying a day on the Versilian coast only a 1 hour drive or train ride away.

Florence a 1 hour drive or train ride away from our home.

Ariel view of Lucca city a 30 minute drive or bus ride away

Joanna, Antonio and Massimiliano when we started with workawayers

Bagni di Lucca, one of its thermal spa areas a 40 minute walk away or a 5 minute drive

Bagni di Lucca centre with its river views and walks, bars shops and restaurants, a 30 minute walk from our home or a 5 minute drive away

Bagni di Lucca village main street in winter

Antonio and Massimiliano as a child checking out the local wildlife ( a butterfly that landed on his sleeve)

the house

Feedback left by and about host (61)

27/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Em-J)

Amazing person it was a joy to meet and host her. Would recommend her to any host family. Thank you for all your hard work and good luck in the future.

(Excellent )

27/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Bedirhan)

Words cannot describe how hard working genuine, respectful kind and thoughtful Bedirhan was. It is rare to get such an amazing workawayer and is the best we have ever had. Host families if you want an amazing person as your workawayer you simply couldn't ask for better. Thank you for all you have done to help us and please stay in touch B.

(Excellent )

27/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (octavio)

He was a nice person it unfortunately just didn't seem to work out for us all. We wish him luck in his future placements.

(Neutral )

14/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (martin)

If you are as a host looking for help you would be crazy not to choose this person. Martin is amazing, hard working and will turn his hand to anything and do it well. From painting, cooking, helping with Spanish school work to gardening.
He gets on well with people of all ages and works well with other people. He is always positive, happy and… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Edward) for host

What a fantastic experience! Thank you so much Joanna, Antonio and Massimiliano for having me for an incredible 10 days. It was lovely to meet you all and I had a wonderfully cultural and sociable 10 days, seeing the sights of Bagni di Lucca and Lucca as well as exploring the hills around Guzzano. It was also great to share the experience with two… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Vincent)

Vincent was an amazing help to us and our family, helping my son with his French schoolwork, painting, cleaning, gardening and doing the most amazing photos for our website. He has a fantastic sense of humor, fitting in well with the other workawayers who formed a strong bond very quickly, between themselves and the family. We were sad to see him… read more

(Excellent )

01/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Annie) for host

I can't imagine having a better workaway experience. Joanna, Antonio and Massimiliano are a wonderful family. I also worked with two other delightful workaway volunteers Sebastiano and Paulina. We worked hard but had great fun. The house is gorgeous and the scenery spectacular. I fell in love with Joanna and her family and would love for them to… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Annie)

Annie came to help us in Tuscany and she is one of the best people we have met on work away. Smiley, helpful with loads of energy and a great can do attitude. If you are a host looking for a work awayer you would be crazy not to have Annie. She just fit into every situation and fit into our family perfectly. Thanks so much for all your help Annie… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Juan Sebastián & Paulina) for host

Its hard to describe what a wonderful family Joanna has. We stayed with them for almost two weeks and our job was to prepare the house for their customers. Although there was a lot to do, they managed to make our job fun and rewarding. Joanna, Antonio and Massi are so passionate, happy and connected to nature that at the end, we didn't want to… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Juan Sebastián & Paulina)

A great couple. Really fun to be around, musical, hardworking and we loved having them come to help. We would so recommend other hosts to choose these guys they fit into the family perfectly. Our son loved playing guitar with them and has learnt some new songs too as well as being able to practise his Spanish. Thank you so much to you both for all… read more

(Excellent )

29/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)

(No show)

07/06/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Adam & Verity)

Adam and Verity were a great couple to have around. hard working and considerate. They would give anything a go and were not afraid of hard work. Good luck with your future travels guys!

(Excellent )

25/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Adam & Verity) for host

We had a great time with Joanna, Antonio and Massi. Their house is beautiful, up in the mountains with great views. Our work was varied, including tying up olive trees, painting, some gardening and cleaning, both at their home and two rental properties. They were generous and considerate hosts, and being cooked for was a real treat for us after a… read more

(Excellent )

02/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Efthimios_Aris) for host

My first workaway experience and it could not be better..such a joyful and respectful family..lovely area especially for hiking and biking lovers..accommodation and food was great as well..good luck with everything ...hope that we will meet again...

(Excellent )

22/03/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Efthimios_Aris)

Aris was a fantastic workawayer. He stayed with us and our family in Tuscany, helping us with light farm work, decorating, cleaning, helping with the olive trees as well as gardening. We found him really enthusiastic, always asking if there was anything else he could do to help us once he had done. He worked well on his own, as well as with… read more

(Excellent )

29/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Isaac & Carol) for host

Our stay with Joanna, Antonio, Massi and Co in Tuscany was brilliant! This family are extremely friendly, incredibly generous and just good fun! Their grounds and the surrounding area are gorgeous - great for exploring - and if you'd prefer to hang around inside Massi's always up for a challenger on the PlayStation! There was a lot of variety… read more

(Excellent )

26/10/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Isaac & Carol)

What a lovely couple, great to have around, nice and friendly and a real help to us on the farm. Thanks ever so guys for all your hard work you really helped us make a difference in the weeks you were with us. From cleaning to grass cutting these guys did a bit of everything. Massi says thanks for the card (it is pinned to his special board in his… read more

(Excellent )

13/09/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Philip)

Some of the most awesome workawayers we have had. Both Phil & Mike were superb. Great fun to have around, so hard working and as older workawayers they had a wealth of knowledge they were able to share with us on watering systems, and other building projects we were involved in doing. Would highly, highly recommend these two to any host family… read more

(Excellent )

31/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Laura & Conor) for host

Antonio, Joanna and Massi are a wonderful family who took us into their home and treated us like members of the family without it ever seeming like too much trouble.
The work was all doable and the rewards were more than worth it, providing us with a great room to stay in, a lovely atmosphere and above all, beautiful Tuscan food.
The places they… read more

(Excellent )

27/07/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Conor)

What an amazing couple. Hardworking, fun to be around and great with animals, kids and people of all ages. Connor & Laura did all kinds of work to help us from strimming grass to housework nothing seemed to be too much trouble. We would highly, highly recommend these guys to anyone. Thanks to both of you for all your hard work you helped us make… read more

(Excellent )

10/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (John)

John was only with us for short time however he was lovely, gave anything a go, was hardworking would recommend him to any host family.

(Excellent )

06/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Jaideep) for host

working together with the Nobile household was a joy and I was immediately made to feel part of the family. the work consisted of gardening, weeding, grass cutting and cleaning up the house and you will not be asked to do anything that you find uncomfortable doing. living here in Bagni di Lucca with the magnificent mountain views and with a family… read more

(Excellent )

26/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Jaideep)

The perfect gentleman!. Hard working and simply a really nice guy. Jaideep was a joy to have as a work away and made such a difference to our farm with the help he gave us. Thank you for all you did to help us Jaideep and don't forget you are always welcome back anytime. Joanna & family

(Excellent )

29/05/2014

Left by Workawayer (George) for host

Such a relaxed atmosphere and the friendliest of people. Although the Yorkshire accents maybe unintelligible, I would be surprised if a person didn't get on with Jo, Ant and Mass (possibly not the cats but certainly Franz).

Beautiful scenery, wonderful house. Satisfying and hearty work. You will need to be flexible as work may depend on what… read more

(Excellent )

26/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (George)

Fun guy, amazing grass cutter, a really hard worker and will give any thing a go. He has been a real help on the farm during his weeks stay. Big thanks George for all your help and good luck in your travels. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Joanna & family

(Excellent )

17/04/2014

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

I had a fantastic experience with the Nobile family, they are caring, hardworking and very very generous. Such a beautiful family that welcome you in at the get-go, also every moment spent is one with laughter, which equals a good time . I cannot thank this family enough for allowing me into their lives for a short period, whilst taking care of me… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

Sarah was fab!! She is polite, hardworking with a real can do positive attitude. She helped us with the olives, cleaning, weeding and helping in the kitchen. If you are thinking of having Sarah as your work awayer, our recommendation having had her with us is . .. you would be mad not to!! Thanks Sarah for all your hard work you really made a… read more

(Excellent )

14/04/2014

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

What a wonderful family. I only arranged to come last minute, but right from the start Jo and Antonio made me feel entirely comfortable. The work is stress-free, enjoyable yet rewarding. Jo would have to be the best exponent of Yorkshire-Tuscan fusion food in the world, an expert in both that made every meal a highlight in itself! Franz is… read more

(Excellent )

11/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (David)

David is hardworking and polite he gives anything a go and attacks it with gusto!!! He helped us with the olives, gardening, and helping with general things around the farm. If you are thinking of having David as your work awayer, we would highly recommendation him. A big thank you to David for all your hard work you really have helped us and made… read more

(Excellent )

28/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Miro)

We have had Miro with us as our workawayer for only a short time. He is a quiet gentle person, who works really well especially unsupervised, he just gets on with it which for us superb! . He has helped us with weeding and tiding up on the farm, he looked after our home and dog while we were away for a couple of days too. He is great, really… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

23/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Gavin)

Gavin came to us in the Spring and he is still with us now it is Autumn, Why? because simply he is so good, we didn't want to let him go!!!!. He is fantastic, hard working, conscientious, will turn his hand to anything, he loves the farm work and is great with all types of outdoor work. You can give him any amount of responsibility as he is the… read more

(Excellent )

24/07/2013

Left by Workawayer (Jordan) for host

The time I spent with the Nobile family was definitely one to remember. Their wonderful and warm family home is located in a beautiful little tuscan village full of lovely, welcoming locals and amazing views. Jo and Tony have an excellent understanding of what the work away experience should be. The balance between working, eating Jo's delicious… read more

(Excellent )

18/07/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan)

Jordan was with us as a host family for several weeks and he was a joy to work with. He is friendly, keen to find out about the cultures and the places he is travelling to and bonded really well with the family, our other workaway person and the locals. He was always keen to give anything a go and during his stay helped us with gardening, picking… read more

(Excellent )

04/07/2013

Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host

I had a fantastic time working with this family and I couldn't have asked for a better first experience as a workawayer! The work was fun and engaging and I saw loads of Bagni di Lucca and the local community goings-on meaning I really learnt a lot (perhaps not so much of the language!) Can't thank you all enough for how at home I felt and I would… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)

Maddy as we fondly called her was super. A good worker, great at helping around the house and with the child care as well as working alongside another work awayer and ourselves on the farm. She is polite, friendly and tried to mix with the locals, even though she didn't speak Italian she still gave it a go!. Thanks for all your help Maddy, it was… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2013

Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host

I couldn't have asked for a better experience than what I received with Jo, Antonio, and Massi. I felt as though I was part of the family the moment I met them. The family have a great understanding of what the workaway experience is supposed to be. As a workaway, you will not forget the time spent with this family. They work along side you and… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)

We have just had the pleasure of having Andrew come and stay with us as our work away. He is a really, really cool guy, nice manners, pleasant and hardworking. Nothing is too much trouble for him, from cleaning and animal care to farming and childcare. He has done a bit of everything for us and has been just super. We would highly recommend Andrew… read more

(Excellent )

20/05/2013

Left by Workawayer (Colin) for host

Well, well, well. What can I say. I have never been made to feel so comfortable, so far from home. I got everything I was looking for with this family and more. I will definitely be swinging by for another visit when I get back to Italy. Good work ethic, happy family. Massi is a cracking wee roaster and I see good things for him in the… read more

(Excellent )

25/04/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Colin)

No words can describe what an amazing person Colin is. Hard working, funny and musical. He works well on his own initiative and is the life an soul of any dinner party. If you are a host family looking for a workaway please choose Colin, he is simply fantasic and we were really, really sad to see him go to his next host family. If is was up to my… read more

(Excellent )

05/02/2013

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

My time with Jo, Tony, and Massi (and Franz!) was wonderful. This family is so welcoming, kind, and fun to be around. Jo and Tony both wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to see the surrounding areas, and they gave me lots of recommendations for things to do, which was really nice. This area of Italy is beautiful, especially the view from… read more

(Excellent )

25/01/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

Hannah is exceptional, she has been a joy to host. With our son she has been like a big sister and we were sorry to see her go. She is great with children, a hard worker and super on computers and research. We agree with the other review written by her previous host, dont be put off by her age she is one of the most adult 18 year olds we have ever… read more

(Excellent )

16/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host

I spent 5 months in Italy doing volunteer work in different places and taking all my experiences into account I can say that Joanna and Antonio's place is great to go to. For me volunteering like this works well when both the host and the volunteer understand the concept, and here they really do because they want you to work but equally to enjoy… read more

(Excellent )

04/12/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)

What can we say to future hosts, don't say no to this guy. He is brilliant, friendly, hard working and nothing is too much trouble. He was with us for just over a week and made such a difference on our farm with the work he helped us to do. We would recommend him to anyone wanting a workaway who is willing to learn, hard working and who wants to… read more

(Excellent )

13/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Maximiliano & Stephanie) for host

Joanna, Antonio and Massimiliano (and Franz!) are a wonderful family with a lovely home. Joanna is a world-class chef who is always willing to share a cooking secret or two. Antonio and her have hilarious stories to tell and we enjoyed all our dinner conversations. The work was pretty simple, and the days passed quickly. We are very grateful for… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Maximiliano & Stephanie)

We have hosted this couple, for several weeks. They have helped us with
painting, on the farm with the animals, gardening and cleaning. If you are
a host who has work awayers housed away from your home, don't say no to
these guys they are great! We don't think however that they are suitable
for hosts with families, where they live with the… read more

(Excellent )

27/11/2012

Left by Workawayer (stephanie & David) for host

Our first workaway experience was with the Nobiles and we could not have had a better experience! The work was really interesting and varied from painting, weeding, picking saffron and olives to housework and computer help. Joanna really let us develop what we enjoyed doing with Dave helping to create a logo for the saffron and myself learning how… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (stephanie & David)

What can we say about these two absolutley fabulous. If you are a host looking for a couple of fantastic workaways you would be mad not to choose these guys. They have helped us with housework, ironing, internal decorating, outside building work, collecting olives, making chutney, weeding, gardening, grass cutting, looking after the geese and… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2012

Left by Workawayer (Louisa) for host

Workingaway for Jo and Antonio was great they are lovely hosts who are very reasonable with the work (in Nov I was asked to help with weeding, household chores, preparing the soil around their olive trees, nothing too hard at all and they encouraged us to do see the greater area during time off. Awesome relaxed family, I really enjoyed the… read more

(Excellent )

11/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Louisa)

We would highly recommend Louisa to any hosts thinking of taking her on as a work away. She is a very conscientious worker and tackles tasks with gusto! Lousia has helped with cooking, cleaning, looking after the farm animals, gardening and collecting the Saffron. Thank you Louisa for all you hard work you been a great help and really have made a… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

(No show)

01/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Christy)

Thank you for the great feedback so glad you have loved being with us. We really enjoyed having you. We were so sorry you had to leave us due to a family crisis. Good luck in the future Christy and if you ever want to visit Tuscany we would love to see you again. Take care and good luck in the future in Milan! Jo, Antonio and Massimiliano x

(Excellent )

31/10/2012

Left by Workawayer (Christy) for host

Thank you Joanna, Antonio and Massi! What a lovely family and their property is stunning!!! Work awayer's it is a lovely place to visit and you won't be disappointed. The home is welcoming and very comfortable and the work is varied, there is always lots to do! Good luck and all the best.
PS I will be back to rent for a vacation instead of… read more

(Excellent )

24/10/2012

Left by Workawayer (Victoria) for host

Sorry guys it took me so long for feedback! This place is perfect for workawaying! I enjoyed a lot staying with this beautiful relaxed family at their lovely house. It was a great feeling being useful in helping with some work and relax and enjoy beautiful Tuscany after! Village and nature are amazing, and I was lucky to eat all the great Tuscan… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria)

What a great person Victoria is. Personable easy to get along with and hard working. She helped us so much and and really became like part of the family. She was willing to help with lots of work and did so with Gusto!! She weeded the Saffron field, the gardens, helped cleaning the house, ironing, cooking and looked after the geese and chickens.… read more

(Excellent )

14/10/2012

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

This was our first Workaway experience and it was brilliant, we had the chance to get involved with a variety of different projects such as - weeding the saffron patch, strimming the olive grove, catering for Massi's birthday party and helping with the geese and chickens!
Jo, Antonio and Massi were really welcoming; their house and the… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

What fantastic girls these two are. Personable easy to get along with and hard working. They were willing to help us and did so with Gusto!! While they were with us the weeded the Saffron field, strimmed the olive grove, cleared around the olive trees, cleaned the house, did ironing, cooking and catered for 40 hungry Italians a typical English… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Kate)

Wow is all we can say about Kate. She is friendly easy to get along with mixed well trying her Italian with the locals and boy does she work hard. Kate helped us with painting furniture, weeding the saffron field, gardening, cooking, cleaning and pointing the patio. She was willing to try anything and really bonded with us as a family. We were… read more

(Excellent )

03/10/2012

Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host

This was my first workaway experience and I have had the most amazing time!! From the moment I arrived at their beautiful farmhouse in the mountain village of Guzzano, I felt like I was part of the family. Jo, Antonio and Massi are such a lovely family and a lot of fun to hang out with. The work was very varied from housebuilding, to painting, to… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)

Sam has been a gem of a work away. He is able to turn his hand to all kinds of things and has embraced most jobs with gusto!!
He is kind courteous and friendly. For us as hosts he has been a joy to have around. Thank you Sam for all your help and good luck in the future keep in touch. Joanna, Antonio and Massimo
Sam it was a joy to have you… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2012

Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host

I had a great 2 weeks in Guzzano with Antonio, Jo, Massi, Franz the dog, the geese, the chickens, and Massimo the crazy tractor guy! They were very welcoming and helped make my second workaway experience a good one. The work was widely varied and I gained experience in a range of areas. During my free time I really enjoyed exploring round Lucca,… read more

(Excellent )

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