Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
21 Jul 2026
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Reply rate
95.2 %
Usually responds within 3 days
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Feedback
70
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Email verified
Country info
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Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
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Details
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Description
WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE OLIVE HARVEST IN NOVEMBER 2026 (EXCACT DATES TO BE DECIDED). PLEASE ONLY CONTACT US REGARDING THIS PROJECT.
We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to help us with the olive harvest in November 2026. The exact dates will depend on when the olives are ripe, so please contact us and follow updates here. Once we start, we work intensively to get the olives to the press. When it is not raining we will both mornings and afternoons, with a picnic lunch in the field. We will offer extra days off to make up for the longer work days.
We live in a remote, peaceful hamlet of 3 farmhouses in a forest above the small mountain village of Baggio, in northern Tuscany, 10km from Pistoia - a beautiful medieval city between Florence and Lucca. This place was abandoned after WWII and the houses, fields and orchards have been gradually restored by our family since the 1960s. We are off-road (except by 4WD) so there is a 10-min walk up a stone mule path.
Location and transportation:
The nearest city, Pistoia, is well-connected by train and bus. The closest airports are Florence, Pisa, and Bologna. The house is off a forest road above a small mountain village. A paved road ends a short 5 minute walk from the house. To drive to the house, 4WD is needed. The bus stop is also a 15min walk from the house, and has regular service to the city of Pistoia (40min ride).
About us:
We are Jethro and Olivia (mid-60s). Jethro is a social scientist, activist and former university teacher, and Olivia is a writer and former teacher. We are American, lived in the UK for many years, and have been coming here for 50+ years. We now live in Italy year-round and are involved with community groups dedicated to providing spaces and activities for people to reconnect with nature. Volunteers become part of this wider community of friends, families and pilgrims. Sometimes we are also joined by our 3 children (in their 30s), their partners and children,and Olivia's mother (early 90s).
We're creating an organic permaculture homestead, and restoring the buildings and landscape for a sustainable future. We have bees, orchards, gardens, olives and a friendly dog. For those who enjoy outdoor projects, there is always plenty to do, managing our gardens, chestnut woods, fruit trees, olive groves, fields, fences, walking trails, forest roads, farmhouses, outbuildings and swimming pond!
Come by car, bike, or train+local bus, or if we are here, we'll meet you at Pistoia station. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Light maintenance
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Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Performing arts
Music
Languages
History
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Art & design
Books
Architecture
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
Hiking -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Baggio is a traditional Tuscan mountain village (pop 120) with an active community association that runs a bar and occasional pizza restaurant in the summer, and a small museum dedicated to the village's charcoal-making days. The village dates from 900 AD if not earlier, and our farm is on an ancient stone-paved pilgrimage route from Roman times. Local families tend their olive orchards, gardens and chickens, manage their chestnut woods for fuel and timber, collect mushrooms and hunt wild boar, in addition to their day jobs in nearby Pistoia. Volunteers can meet local families if they wish, and take part in community activities or go for walks through the farmland, olives and chestnut woods. We are the last inhabited house on this part of the mountain, and behind us is a vast forest wilderness with trails and forest roads leading up into the high Apennines, with well-marked hiking trails and endless wildlife... boar, deer, wolves, porcupines, badgers, foxes, birds of prey, insects and reptiles. Pistoia (12km away) is a charming, well-preserved medieval Tuscan city with historic churches, museums, bars, restaurants, shops and vibrant open markets. Volunteers often explore the local region, going by bus/train to visit Pistoia, Lucca, Florence, and beyond.
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Help
We are looking for 4-5 volunteers to help us with the olive harvest in November 2026. The exact dates will depend on when the olives are ripe, so please contact us and follow updates here. Once we start, we work intensively to get the olives to the press. When it is not raining we will both mornings and afternoons, with a picnic lunch in the field. We will offer extra days off to make up for the longer work days.
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Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate -
Accommodation
We provide comfortable rooms and beds with linens and towels, share bathrooms, sometimes a kitchen space if not using our kitchen, in warm houses heated by wood, and with reasonable WiFi.
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What else ...
We expect volunteers to help out in the kitchen (cooking or washing up) in addition to volunteer time. You are free to relax around here or explore the area in your time off. This place is on the edge of a mountain wilderness perfect for adventurous walks or a dip in the secluded waterfall 20 mins walk away, or explore the village of Baggio and get to know our neighbours. The local bar is open on summer evenings where villagers congregate on a large terrace with a panoramic view. Just down the valley by bus is the beautiful medieval city of Pistoia, with spectacular churches, architecture, museums, markets, festivals and a trendy cafe and restaurant scene (frequented mainly by Italians escaping from the big tourist cities in Tuscany!) There are frequent train connections to Florence, Lucca and Pisa. Non-smokers only and no drugs please. Please contact us only if you are available for the dates mentioned in our profile.
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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
Good wifi (20 Mbps) suitable for video calls and streaming
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Caleb (7 years)
friendly
Host ref number: 371526742839
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+27
Feedback (33)
20 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Selina & Joachim) for host
We had a great time with Olivia and Jethro during olive harvest, learning all about the harvest itself and the olive oil pressing. The food throughout our stay was delicious, both Olivia and Jethro are amazing cooks using fresh ingredients to serve Italian dishes. We ate together every dinner over interesting conversations and cultural exchange.
… read more
29 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hattie)
Hattie is an energetic and cheerful person. She was quick to learn how to use the wood saw and the wood-splitter. She also helped us clear the grass and brambles in preparation for the olive harvest. Everyone was very impressed with the professional ease with which she helped to serve over 100 people at a local fundraising dinner. We enjoyed her
… read more
29 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Darya)
We enjoyed having Hattie as a volunteer. She is cheerful and energetic and learned quickly how use the machines to cut and split wood and to cut the long grass. Her expert help at a fundraising dinner in the local community center was appreciated by everyone and she is good company to have around. She left her living space clean as well. All in
… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+27
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
20 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Selina & Joachim) for host
We had a great time with Olivia and Jethro during olive harvest, learning all about the harvest itself and the olive oil pressing. The food throughout our stay was delicious, both Olivia and Jethro are amazing cooks using fresh ingredients to serve Italian dishes. We ate together every dinner over interesting conversations and cultural exchange.
… read more
29 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hattie)
Hattie is an energetic and cheerful person. She was quick to learn how to use the wood saw and the wood-splitter. She also helped us clear the grass and brambles in preparation for the olive harvest. Everyone was very impressed with the professional ease with which she helped to serve over 100 people at a local fundraising dinner. We enjoyed her
… read more
29 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Darya)
We enjoyed having Hattie as a volunteer. She is cheerful and energetic and learned quickly how use the machines to cut and split wood and to cut the long grass. Her expert help at a fundraising dinner in the local community center was appreciated by everyone and she is good company to have around. She left her living space clean as well. All in
… read more
26 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Meghan) for host
What a wonderful experience! I was lucky enough to enjoy 2 weeks here with Olivia, Jethro and two other fantastic Workawayers. Olivia and Jethro were so patient and generous in taking the time to share their knowledge on tending the land (pruning trees, growing the garden, and clearing the ancient camino) and maintaining the old houses on the
… read more
26 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host
I spent two wonderful weeks here! Jethro and Olivia are great hosts, very open and communicative. They had a lot of interesting stories to tell. I was really excited about all their knowledge about the history of the place, politics and philosophical topics.
The work was great! I was lucky enough to work on the shutters. We made some additions, … read more
The work was great! I was lucky enough to work on the shutters. We made some additions, … read more
23 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Annabell) for host
This was my first time doing a Workaway and Olivia and Jethro made me feel so welcomed and treated me so well. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them!
The work overall was amazing and always good planned. I've had so much fun doing the varied tasks. They've also kept an eye on the time and made sure that we … read more
The work overall was amazing and always good planned. I've had so much fun doing the varied tasks. They've also kept an eye on the time and made sure that we … read more
17 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Cameron) for host
I stayed at Il Cannicio in late October/ early November, mainly chopping wood with two other workawayers. We worked four hours in the morning, stopping for once snacks and finishing at lunch. The work environment was fun, and communication was clear and easy as Jethro and Olivia worked with us. We had the rest of the day off to spend as we liked.
… read more
13 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Cameron)
Cameron is a hard worker and cheerful person to have around. She enjoyed helping us cut, split and stack the firewood for our winter use and was enthusiastic about learning how to spit wood with an axe. Even though we had lots of rain during her visit, she remained positive about the work. She and the other two volunteers found a good rhythm and
… read more
14 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Tara) for host
a couple days ago my two weeks stay with jethro, olivia and kaleb came to an end. and what a wonderful, enriching time that was!
us three (handpicked 😉) volunteers had il canniccio, a beautifully restored, cozy chestnut drying house for our own use and olivia and jethros house was always an open place for the best homecooked meals, interesting … read more
us three (handpicked 😉) volunteers had il canniccio, a beautifully restored, cozy chestnut drying house for our own use and olivia and jethros house was always an open place for the best homecooked meals, interesting … read more
13 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tara)
Tara is a hard worker and obviously enjoys working within a group. She was very enthusiastic and skilled at splitting wood with an axe but was also happy to help with cutting logs and stacking the firewood. A cheerful member of the work team, she was not bothered by all the rain we experienced and got along well with everyone. When we moved
… read more
13 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Tallulah)
Tallulah was a hard worker and remained positive despite the particularly rainy time. She and the other two volunteers found a good rhythm as they helped us cut, spit and stack firewood for the winter and they took turns at the different tasks so that all three became adept at each task. She was also very happy to help deep clean our kitchen
… read more
3 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kincso) for host
I had an amazing 2 weeks at Jethro and Olivia's. All communication was quick and clear from the beginning, they even provided meg with tips on my trip.
The farmhouse is in a beatiful area with a lot to explore, a great place for nature-lovers. Both Olivia and Jethro are kind and open hosts happy to share their stories and curious about those of … read more
The farmhouse is in a beatiful area with a lot to explore, a great place for nature-lovers. Both Olivia and Jethro are kind and open hosts happy to share their stories and curious about those of … read more
1 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Phoebe) for host
My time was beyond delightful. From the get go I felt so comfortable (as well as a tad awestruck from the beautiful hills). We shared all mealtimes (extremely accomodating to vegan diets!), worked as a team on a variety of tasks, and had the freedom to explore the surrounding nature.
Thank you Olivia and Jethro for opening your home to us; freely … read more
Thank you Olivia and Jethro for opening your home to us; freely … read more
6 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Phoebe)
Phoebe and Rowan are a fun pair. Not only are they steady workers, they also enjoy cooking and we all relished the meals they prepared for us. Their first project entailed digging holes in very hard, dry dirt to plant a hedge of about 40 plants. Once they’d finished, they made mosquito screens for windows of various sizes, measuring, cutting,
… read more
6 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna & Petra)
Anna is an enthusiastic young woman, eager to improve her language skills and curious to learn about other people and their perspectives. Although she had a short work stay with us, she worked hard and is a quick learner. Besides painting the walls of an old building, she stripped, sanded and varnished an old plate cupboard and did a beautiful
… read more
1 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anna & Petra) for host
I want to start with saying how super helpful Olivia and Jethro were with me. First of all, they took me last minute because I ended up in a difficult situation and without a host. Then I fell ill with covid during my stay there and they took great care of me and made sure I had everything while quarantining.
And even with these difficulties, I … read more
And even with these difficulties, I … read more
6 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah and Katie are lovely – both are cheerful, thoughtful and helpful, happy to work on any project thrown their way. While with us, they helped us erect a shade canopy for our vegetables and worked on the renovation of an old farm building, whitewashing the walls. Using carpentry and power tools, Katie and Hannah worked diligently at making
… read more
31 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Our stay with Olivia and Jethro was simply incredible! They are beautiful people and made it their priority to welcome us, teach us new skills and the history and culture of Pistoia and Baggio.
During our stay, we helped to harvest fruit and vegetables in their garden and to renovate the old chestnut roasting house into a place for pilgrims to … read more
During our stay, we helped to harvest fruit and vegetables in their garden and to renovate the old chestnut roasting house into a place for pilgrims to … read more
22 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Olivia and Jethro, Thank you so much for your tremendous hospitality. Everything was so beautiful. I had such a wonderful time staying with you and working on the Metato. I’m so excited to see how it turns out, hopefully one day I’ll be able see it in person! It was such a pleasure learning about your work and all the conversations we had.
I had … read more
I had … read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna was part of a team of super hard-working volunteers. We had three last-minute cancellations and the volunteers picked up on the unusual circumstances and put in extra hours to finish the tasks they had started. She is very adept at using tools like drills and the table saw and is an independent worker and a great problem solver. She and
… read more
23 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Zoe) for host
Thank you Olivia and Jethro!
This was my first workaway and and great one to start with, I had an amazing two weeks staying with Olivia and Jethro and I have memories I will treasure forever!
I loved the shared meals and family atmosphere and I learned a lot about gardening. Olivia and Jethro were always willing to let me try new experiences and … read more
This was my first workaway and and great one to start with, I had an amazing two weeks staying with Olivia and Jethro and I have memories I will treasure forever!
I loved the shared meals and family atmosphere and I learned a lot about gardening. Olivia and Jethro were always willing to let me try new experiences and … read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Zoe)
Zoe was part of a team of super hard-working volunteers. We had three last-minute cancellations and the volunteers picked up on the exceptional circumstances and put in extra hours to finish the tasks they had started. Zoe helped to put in our summer vegetable garden, preparing the earth and planting poles for the tomatoes. She was so keen to
… read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Tahlia)
Tahlia came for only a week but worked very hard in her time here. She helped in the vegetable garden, watering, planting seeds and weeding, trimmed our camellia tree, sorted rubble into different piles (not the most glamorous job), put together a flat-packed cupboard and was part of the team that put in the wooden planks of the loft floor. Tahlia
… read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ron)
Ron was part of a team of super hard-working volunteers. We had three last-minute cancellations and the volunteers picked up on the exceptional circumstances and put in extra hours to finish the tasks they had started. Ron helped to put in our summer vegetable garden sharing some helpful strategies for retaining moisture in the earth from his home
… read more
15 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ron) for host
first off all, Thank you!
Jethro and Olivia you both created a little paradiae and I enjoyed being part of it for 2 weeks.
they way you treat your workawayers is so special, working together, hosts and workawayers, eat together that all made a feeling of community.
Jethro and Olivia both are great cooks! so the culinary part was rich every day … read more
Jethro and Olivia you both created a little paradiae and I enjoyed being part of it for 2 weeks.
they way you treat your workawayers is so special, working together, hosts and workawayers, eat together that all made a feeling of community.
Jethro and Olivia both are great cooks! so the culinary part was rich every day … read more
2 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jackson & Hana)
We are really sorry that this couple cancelled with only 24 hours notice after we had bought food for their stay, saved three beds and declined offers by other volunteers. Their excuse was that they wouldn't be able to visit Florence on their days off. Although we immediately responded that Florence isn't far and that our volunteers almost always
… read more
29 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Elliott)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
22 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lauren & Jesse) for host
This was my first workaway, and I really feel like I lucked out! Olivia and Jethro are extremely kind and thoughtful people who have a deep love for Italy & their village of Baggio, and their passion was infectious. Their home is located within the mountains and surrounded by nature, but I never felt isolated as it was such a peaceful spot and
… read more
21 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren & Jesse)
Lauren has spent the last month with us, working on numerous springtime projects from pruning shrubs and olive trees and hauling and stacking firewood to planting seeds and transplanting seedlings and cleaning and painting. In everything, whether she had done it before or never done it, she worked hard and efficiently and always picked up on the
… read more
15 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabella)
What a lovely person! Isabella is beautiful and kind, fun, generous and hard-working. Not only was she experienced in building fences and handling our rambunctious puppy, but she was happy to work on the wood crew mostly stacking wood for the winter. Her timing in offering to help in the kitchen was exemplary, whether to prepare meals or to clean
… read more
15 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
Were we ever lucky to have Tom join our team of volunteers! He is both hard-working and easy-going. His experience in using a chainsaw meant that he was able to supervise the other volunteers who joined him in cutting, chopping and stacking this winter's wood supply. He also helped to secure fence posts and stretch fencing wire across them. His
… read more
13 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
Jethro and Olivia quite simply epitomise what Workaway is all about. My 10 days with them at the end of beginning of September were some of my most joyful, intellectually stimulating and culturally enlightening I've had in recent years. Their hospitality knows no bounds and their obvious desire to make the whole experience as pleasant as possible
… read more
7 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host
The two weeks that we spent with Jethro and Olivia were genuinely some of the most peaceful days I've had in years. We worked hard but that was rewarded with AMAZING food, beautiful scenery to relax in during the afternoons and evenings, and some truly wonderful conversations. I left their home feeling like I'd learnt a million things (including
… read more
30 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Harry) for host
I can't recommend this Workaway or these amazing hosts enough, Olivia and Jethro are the loveliest, most generous souls who made us feel like family from the moment we arrived. They have a beautiful home, the most charismatic chickens, and they've got living a fruitful, sustainable and happy life down to a T. The workload is more than fair for the
… read more
25 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Zsuzsanna Réka) for host
It was a wonderful experience with Jethro and Olivia. They are so kind and you can learn a lot from them about the history of Baggio, Pistoia, and you get a lot of new skills. It was never boring everyday there were different jobs:pruning, seeding, painting etc. and afternoon there is a lot of time to go around in the mountains, visit the village.
… read more
7 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Änne) for host
Its already one month ago I stayed at your place but I still love to think back to these amazing 10 days. Olivia and Jethro are really warmhearted, welcoming and interesting hosts from whom you can learn a lot about permaculture, making firewood, the history of Baggio, .. I also really enjoyed the long conversations after work about their
… read more
4 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Änne)
Änne is a very personable and down-to-earth. She worked hard and consistently and was great company. In a little over a week, she cleared away brambles and dug holes in preparation for planting a hedge, transplanted some small plants and planted vegetable seeds in the greenhouse. She also helped to clear part of a pilgrimage path, stripped paint
… read more
10 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Brooke & David)
Brooke and Dave are strong, good-natured, wonderful people. They were an enormous help picking olives, finishing up the digging and preparation of our pond for the heavy-duty liner. Brooke worked wonders on bedding down the vegetable garden for the winter while Dave helped excavate the Roman path, hauled manure for the garden beds and stones for
… read more
3 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Brooke & David) for host
What can I say? These two have wormed their way into our hearts. We had an amazing couple of weeks with Jethro and Olivia, living in their home and enjoying their amazing hospitality. They had numerous projects lined out for us (and another couple of workaways also there), that used our skills and kept us interested and engaged. We worked hard as
… read more
10 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter & Myf)
Myf and Pete were a lot of fun and a great help. Myf loves to bake and cook and her treats were always welcome after several hours of hard work. Pete used his gardening expertise to prune the roses and grapes. Both worked as part of a team to finish digging the pond in preparation for the laying the heavy-duty liner, helped haul manure for the
… read more
30 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Léa) for host
This was my first workaway and I couldn't have found better hosts for this first experience ! Jethro and Olivia are so welcoming, caring and thoughful, they made my stay amazing !
I learnt a lot about nature, gardening, the history of Baggio and of course all about olive oil !
I will defenetly come back to visit them !
I learnt a lot about nature, gardening, the history of Baggio and of course all about olive oil !
I will defenetly come back to visit them !
25 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Léa)
This was Lea's first workaway experience but you'd never have guessed it. She fit in easily with the other volunteers, worked hard and was always ready to lend a hand in the kitchen with cooking and dishwashing. In fact, she cooked a delicious meal and a chocolate cake which we all enjoyed. In addition to picking olives, she helped bed down the
… read more
25 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Michał)
We miss Michal already. Not only is he a hard worker, he is a wonderful person -- genuine, friendly, helpful, caring. Mostly he helped us pick olives including raking from the ground and in the tree and tending to the burning of the pruned olive branches. He also helped to haul wood and manure and to restore an old Roman path, digging up the earth
… read more
2 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Angelica) for host
This was my first workaday experience and it was amazing! Jethro and Olivia were so welcoming and made me feel very comfortable with everything. I learned new things and how to work equipment and it was so much fun. I can definitely use this as an experience for the future. We cut, stacked and organized fire wood and also did some painting. We had
… read more
1 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Angelica)
Angelica is very personable and works well with others. She was a hard worker and especially enjoyed learning to use the chainsaw. She also split, hauled and stacked wood. Always willing to take on any job whether outside or in the kitchen, she got along with everyone. We were sad that she had to leave after only a few days but hope that she'll
… read more
1 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Esteban)
Esteban is a wonderful person and a hard worker so we feel lucky to have had him as part of our work team. While with us, he and another volunteer put a new roof on a storage shed. He was really good at thinking things through and checking in if he had questions. He pitched in on getting our firewood in for the winter -- cutting the wood with a
… read more
30 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Esteban) for host
My experience was excellent! To begin with, Jethro and Olivia are very interesting people to talk to and they create a comfortable environment for everyone. They were very responsive and clear since my first contact towards them over here.
I was part of a group with other 5 workawayers that I met there and it was nice to achieve together many … read more
I was part of a group with other 5 workawayers that I met there and it was nice to achieve together many … read more
31 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Helene) for host
Olivia and Jethro are wonderful people!
My stay at their house near Baggio was my first workaway experience so I didn’t really know what to expect and was also kind of afraid. In the end all my expectations got topped. I felt really comfortable there, not like a guest, more like part of the family. We had good talks, good work and also good food … read more
My stay at their house near Baggio was my first workaway experience so I didn’t really know what to expect and was also kind of afraid. In the end all my expectations got topped. I felt really comfortable there, not like a guest, more like part of the family. We had good talks, good work and also good food … read more
27 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Helene)
If you are looking for an excellent baker and really good cook, a hard worker and a generally helpful, kind and intelligent person, then we strongly recommend Helene. She stayed with us for a week and helped to build removable shelves for our greenhouse, paint, chop wood with a chainsaw and an axe, hoe and prepare the garden beds, and plant seeds.
… read more
15 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan)
We really enjoyed getting to know Jordan, a very charming and engaging young man, who offers interesting insights and perspectives on the world. He and Freya cooked a wonderful meal one evening and they often washed the dishes. We’re very glad that he enjoyed learning some new skills such as using a chainsaw and setting paving stones while helping
… read more
23 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Jordan) for host
First time Workawayer or a well-seasoned veteran? Whatever your level of experience, you couldn't ask for better hosts than Jethro and Olivia! These hosts strike a wonderful balance between planning and preparation and last-minute spontaneous adventures. Each of my ten days in their mountainside home overlooking the Tuscan basin, and the local
… read more
15 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Freya)
Freya was a treat to have around. She consistently worked hard and cooperated well with other volunteers in the construction of a chicken coop, putting up a new deer fence and in cutting and storing firewood. She thus gained some useful skills such as handling a chainsaw, securely setting wooden posts, and mixing cement to stabilise the
… read more
2 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Freya) for host
This was my first workaway experience, and it has certainly set the bar very high!
Jethro and Olivia are wonderful hosts, the accommodation and food all came far above my expectations of workaway. We were fortunate enough to share this experience with another workaway couple, Dante and Lisa. Being involved as part of a larger team really … read more
Jethro and Olivia are wonderful hosts, the accommodation and food all came far above my expectations of workaway. We were fortunate enough to share this experience with another workaway couple, Dante and Lisa. Being involved as part of a larger team really … read more
31 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie helped us for about 10 days. Even in the heat, she worked hard on a variety of projects: restoring two old pieces of wooden furniture, levelling uneven ground by raking and moving rocks, trimming back brambles and mowing. Outside work hours, she also helped with the food preparation and dishes. We enjoyed her lively company, her good sense
… read more
31 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean)
Jean was a fantastic help during his two weeks with us. He helped us build a timber-framed carport and solar panel stand and a woodshed, as well as restoring old furniture and landscaping. Jean is very conscientious and focused worker, is confident with tools, and thinks problems through carefully using his engineering background! His work was
… read more
29 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Dennis)
Dennis was a great help here. he sanded and painted new and restored wooden doors and windows as part of our house restoration project, and helped around the place with firewood and other tasks. he has good skills and experience, works well without supervision, and was willing to help out around mealtimes and cooked a fabulous lasagne! Dennis got
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27 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Dennis) for host
Jethro and Olivia were great hosts, providing awesome healthy meals three times a day. A few special occasions were enjoyed out as well including a farewell bonfire BBQ. The work was steady and well-organized and we were never left in doubt as to what was needed doing. Regular monitoring was appreciated to make sure things were going as planned
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30 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Munmun & Jens) for host
Jethro & Olivia were my final host for the last week of my travels in Italy & I could not have wished for better hosts! They are so kind hearted and amazing cooks! The work was very reasonable and fun. I learned alot from them and from the other volunteers, had amazing conversation, it was just an amazing experience and thank you so much for
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28 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Carly & Brian) for host
Jethro and Olivia were wonderful hosts! They were extremely inviting and accommodating. They picked us up from the train station in Pistoia and immediately made us feel welcome. We stayed in their guest house with them and enjoyed a very cozy private room. We were only there for a week but during that time we helped them with restoring a kitchen
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4 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Carly & Brian)
Brian and Carly are wonderful people to spend time with, and made a fabulous work team. They helped us cut and stack firewood, sand and refinish a set of old kitchen cabinets, prepare fence poles and burn brush, all in just a week. They are hard working and eager, quick learners who were able to get on with tasks and tools with very little
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3 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Yvonne) for host
Jethro and Olivia are the ideal hosts! They were super welcoming, cooked delicious food, and made sure that I had a variety of different tasks to do. We planted trees and raspberries, transplanted hedges, and hoed up a veggie plot, among other things, Their little mountain hamlet is very peaceful and beautiful, with amazing sunsets. It was really
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2 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Yvonne)
Yvonne helped us plant fruit trees, hoe up a new vegetable bed, plant fence posts and transplant seedlings for several new hedges. What we enjoyed most was her eagerness to discover what she can about her surroundings, whether nature or nearby villages and towns, and her openness to discussing interesting current affairs. We wish her many more
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2 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy & Adam)
Amy and Adam were wonderful volunteers. They worked hard on our various projects -- building a compost, building stone walls in our vegetable garden, and clearing the overgrown orchard for some new fruit trees. They were also good company and always offered to help with cooking and cleaning up. We really enjoyed getting to know them and hope
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26 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Amy & Adam) for host
Jethro and Olivia are a pleasure to be around. Very warm and welcoming, they made sure we were always happy! We completed various projects in our week at theirs, including building the compost bin and a dry stone wall in the vegetable garden. The food we had was always delicious and they were both always happy teaching us new recipes, very much
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9 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (Janie) for host
We had a great time with Jethro and Olivia. There were a variety of projects to volunteer on (e.g., building stone walls, creating a wooden gate, pulling weeds, painting windows), so we were always learning new skills. We even tore down an old woodshed and used the wood to make a large bonfire! The food and accommodation that they provided were
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3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Janie)
Janie and James are a wonderful couple. Janie has a very positive attitude towards work and is happy to help with others or complete a project on her own. She was very helpful in the kitchen, too, and both she and James prepared delicious Taiwanese noodles. Besides being a good cook, James is a patient, strong and persevering worker. Both are
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3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeryl)
Jeryl is gracious, gentle and hard-working. Her broad range of experience not only made her an independent worker but also a very interesting person to be with. She obviously enjoyed relating to the younger generation, being particularly helpful with those who spoke English less well. Always helpful in the kitchen and loved by everyone in our
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16 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jeryl) for host
Jethro and Olivia were the most wonderful hosts. They were very inclusive and open to eveyone's ideas and involvement and certainly made us all feel very welcome. And as for the food - it was wonderful! Thank you for such a lovely stay in your restful mountain home.
3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ainhoa)
Ainhoa is wonderfully enthusiastic and very sociable. She loves to help others and likes finishing tasks to a high standard. In the kitchen, she always offered to help with food preparation, cooking and washing up. She even showed us the secrets to making an excellent Spanish tortilla. She has a great sense of humor and her sense of fun was
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3 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Myriam)
Myriam is as conscientious as she is relaxed, as hard a worker as she is lovely. She was eager to pick up new skills such as fence- and gate-building. She also cheerfully engaged with all the individuals in our workaway group. Myriam is a very cool and energetic person whom we enjoyed getting to know.
