Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Nov 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
54
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
We live about half an hour from the beautiful city of Bologna, but nestled deep in the Italian countryside.
We’re an English family, originally from London, and have lived in Italy for 15 years now.
I teach English and edit an academic journal but my real passion is gardening.
Our house is a bit rambling, but comfortable, stuffed with books, and full of lots of quiet places to go and read, meditate or just do nothing if you feel like it.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our house is in the foothills of the Appennini surrounded by beautiful countryside. The nearest village, Grizzana Morandi (named after the artist Giorgio Morandi who used to come every summer to paint the hills as well as his famous barns) is about a 10-15 minute walk. Just out of our front door there are countless walks, many through ancient woodland. A car is essential for anyone wishing to explore beyond the countryside. We're 30 minutes from the medieval city of Bologna and about 75 minutes from Florence. The railway station is a 10 minute car journey but there’s always someone available to give you a lift if you want to go off somewhere.
For anyone wishing to improve their Italian it's the perfect place because practically noone within a radius of 35k speaks English.
In our adjacent barn there's a fairly well equipped gym for anyone wanting to work out, as well as table tennis.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
General upkeep of the garden, including a vegetable area. Lots of weeding and plenty of cutting down dead trees.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
We live in a 500 year old modernized stone farmhouse, about one and a half kilometres from the village.
There is every modern convenience, wi-fi, Skype, etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Host ref number: 373487995951
Feedback (24)
19 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalia Dorottya)
Natalia made a very big impression on the garden. The heat during that week was tremendous, in the 30s, but she was always willing in everything she did. She’s quiet, conscientious and uses her initiative to get a job done in record time. A lot of jobs, cutting down bushes, clearing and general tidying up, were completed during the short time she… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Greg)
It usually takes a day or so to settle in, but Greg knew what needed to be done from the very beginning and needed no introduction to the many gardening tools. He’s serious, easy-going, calm and so very polite. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Greg put in a lot of hours, and it showed. I enjoyed his company very much and all the different… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Greg) for host
Everything felt generous in Veggio: the peaceful rhythm of the days, the richness of the landscape, and above all, Maria's hospitality. Maria is a good-hearted and generous host who made me feel comfortable and welcome in her beautiful home.
The garden is a pleasure to work in. In this regard, Maria was helpful and more than reasonable when… read more
The garden is a pleasure to work in. In this regard, Maria was helpful and more than reasonable when… read more
2 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nelleke) for host
Now I’m back from my first WorkAway experience since a week, I have used many words to emphasize the extraordinary time I have had during my stay at Maria’s place. But it’s hard to dissect the thing about Maria, her house and Grizzana that made me able to find this new home elsewhere. I think the most important thing to underline is how Maria is a… read more
27 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nelleke)
It’s difficult to put into words the sheer energy and joy that Nelleke brings to everything she does. Quite apart from her vibrancy, she’s totally reliable and she’s great fun to be around. In case anyone’s wondering, she’s also a great worker, giving her all and more besides. In the almost three weeks that Nelleke spent here she covered so much… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
19 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalia Dorottya)
Natalia made a very big impression on the garden. The heat during that week was tremendous, in the 30s, but she was always willing in everything she did. She’s quiet, conscientious and uses her initiative to get a job done in record time. A lot of jobs, cutting down bushes, clearing and general tidying up, were completed during the short time she… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Greg)
It usually takes a day or so to settle in, but Greg knew what needed to be done from the very beginning and needed no introduction to the many gardening tools. He’s serious, easy-going, calm and so very polite. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Greg put in a lot of hours, and it showed. I enjoyed his company very much and all the different… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Greg) for host
Everything felt generous in Veggio: the peaceful rhythm of the days, the richness of the landscape, and above all, Maria's hospitality. Maria is a good-hearted and generous host who made me feel comfortable and welcome in her beautiful home.
The garden is a pleasure to work in. In this regard, Maria was helpful and more than reasonable when… read more
The garden is a pleasure to work in. In this regard, Maria was helpful and more than reasonable when… read more
2 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nelleke) for host
Now I’m back from my first WorkAway experience since a week, I have used many words to emphasize the extraordinary time I have had during my stay at Maria’s place. But it’s hard to dissect the thing about Maria, her house and Grizzana that made me able to find this new home elsewhere. I think the most important thing to underline is how Maria is a… read more
27 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nelleke)
It’s difficult to put into words the sheer energy and joy that Nelleke brings to everything she does. Quite apart from her vibrancy, she’s totally reliable and she’s great fun to be around. In case anyone’s wondering, she’s also a great worker, giving her all and more besides. In the almost three weeks that Nelleke spent here she covered so much… read more
(Excellent)
18 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Merel)
In what seemed like a very short week, Merel achieved a lot in my winter-neglected garden. She’s very caring and thoughtful and worked really hard all the time. And in the kitchen she made some amazing dishes; I haven’t eaten so well for a long time! Always healthy and always very tasty dishes. I wish she had stayed longer and I want to wish her… read more
(Excellent)
17 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Merel) for host
My stay with Maria was amazing and very special to me. Maria is such a nice person and a good host and made feel very much at home. The house and the garden are so beautiful and I loved being a part of Maria's routines. I worked in the garden and cooked meals, and had a lot of time to read during the rest of the day. I became good friends with the… read more
22 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nick) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and it couldn’t have been better! Maria is a truly exceptional person who I will miss very much and would love to see again. The house and the cats are gorgeous. I loved every minute of my stay with Maria.
15 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nick)
Lucky is the family to have Nick come and stay. He’s very conscientious, understands completely the work needed to be done and the best way to go about it. The work was quite labour intensive, on a hillside, sometimes wet, and he just got on with things. Nick’s good-humoured, sociable, polite, has a great sense of humour and all the things that… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Cornelia)
It was a real pleasure having Cornelia to stay. She’s very conscientious, very polite and always happy and willing to help over and above what is expected. She’s also very sociable and mixes easily; my friends enjoyed her company very much. I did too, we had lots of interesting conversations. I highly recommend Cornelia, she’s a pleasure to have… read more
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Cornelia) for host
This was my first work away experience and it was great! The location of the house and the house itself is beautiful and you get a large room with a great view. Maria is a super nice person that made me feel very welcome and comfortable. She is also a great chef! The work is not too demanding at al and you get a lot of free time to relax or… read more
29 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Akihiro)
After agreeing to defer for two weeks, followed by a couple of prompts from me, this was a no show and a no response.
(No show)
14 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Yoko) for host
I stayed in her house for a week. Maria welcomed me very warmly. Unfortunately I could not be a gardening assistant but I cooked meals and helped with housework every day.
She always praised the food I made and said thank you to me, which encouraged me.
I was looking forward to seeing her get healthier and smile more and more.
She always took care… read more
She always praised the food I made and said thank you to me, which encouraged me.
I was looking forward to seeing her get healthier and smile more and more.
She always took care… read more
8 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Yoko)
Yoko came for a week to help out in the garden but circumstances changed and she ended up preparing all the meals and taking care of the house. It was very nice having her around. Open and curious about everything around her, she was well liked among my friends. She’s also a very good cook and everything she did, she did with grace and good… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Robin)
Robin certainly was a great grafter. He was familiar with all the heavy equipment and used his initiative and judgement throughout. He’s also extremely polite and considerate. It’s always good when you get to enjoy the company of anyone staying, and we really did like having him around. He’s fun and he’s also serious about many issues. So we had a… read more
(Excellent)
1 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (missguinness) for host
I really enjoyed staying at Maria's. She and her son Julian live in a beautiful and very peaceful spot. I felt very much at home. They're generous and very chilled. The work didn't feel like work at all. I would happily have done more :-) Thank you Maria and Julian for everything. I hope to be able to come back one day :-)
14 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (missguinness)
Hardworking, Independent, kind and thoughtful, full of initiative - this only goes part way to describing our very positive experience when Miranda came to stay with us. We liked having her around; she’s quiet, as well as very good company. We’d love to see her back here any time.
(Excellent)
9 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jill) for host
I spent 2 weeks with Maria in June. The work involved weeding, trimming and generally tidying up her garden. Maria was always very reasonable with the tasks she gave me and I found it very satisfying to see the changes we made and watch the garden restored to order.
Maria is such a welcoming and considerate host, providing lovely food, good… read more
Maria is such a welcoming and considerate host, providing lovely food, good… read more
6 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jill)
It’s only a few days since Jill left us and I walk around the garden now admiring all the lovely changes that she brought about in the two weeks that she was here. Given how unbearably hot it was for most of the time, it’s all the more amazing how much she achieved. I enjoyed her company very much, we never ran out of things to talk about, and I… read more
(Excellent)
10 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Zoe )
It was such a pleasure to host Zoe. She’s one of the most gracious and willing people you’re ever likely to meet. And she’s good company. She just gets on with the job, no fuss. In the kitchen too she helped out a lot, cooking up delicious treats. We wish she could have stayed longer. She’s a gem.
(Excellent)
2 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniela)
Daniela worked diligently throughout the time she stayed with us, including cleaning windows which hadn’t been done in a very long time. She also worked outside, patiently weeding and generally beautifying the garden. She made us a lovely painting of swallows on one of the outside doors by which to remember her.
(Very good)
14 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Daniela) for host
Between April and May I spent some time in this beautiful and particular place. This house is located in a breathtaking panoramic position that accompanied us at every moment of the day, this is a very contemplative place and you can breathe a very beautiful and intense energy, especially in spring! Maria and her son are English, moreover, for… read more
22 Apr 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Marco)
There are many things to say about Marco - his ability to not only get on with the job but to initiate jobs which we hadn’t even noticed needed doing. Then there’s his company - he always had something interesting to say. He’s independent and conscientious. He’s also a very good cook and introduced us to some really tasty dishes. We’re hoping that… read more
(Excellent)
17 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Marco) for host
La casa e' situata sulle belle colline vicino al Parco di Monte Sole.E' bella,accogliente,spaziosa,immersa nel verde con una bella vista e passeggiate e camminate accessibili nelle sue immediate vicinanze.
Che dire di Maria e Julian:gentili,educati,disponibili,interessanti,premurosi ;ti fanno sentire a casa,pero' lasciandoti sempre libertà ,con… read more
Che dire di Maria e Julian:gentili,educati,disponibili,interessanti,premurosi ;ti fanno sentire a casa,pero' lasciandoti sempre libertà ,con… read more
25 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Albert) for host
I did enjoy Italian countryside in Veggio, I spent almost two weeks with Maria and her son Julian. I couldn't wish for a better accommodation, I had my own cosy room with a very picturesque panoramic view on the hills. Located in medieval tower it has preserved the history and antiquity having all modern conveniences. There was a shelf full of… read more
22 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Albert)
In a little under two weeks, Albert restored not only our garden, but all its surrounding land, to its former glory. It had been seriously neglected this year and so to have completed everything in such a short time shows how hard and conscientiously he worked. He’s a calm and generous spirited person. Anyone should be glad to share his company… read more
(Excellent)
21 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Joel)
While this was Joel’s first Workaway experience, what he didn’t know about working outside he made up for in sheer hard work and by just being really pleasant company. He soon got the hang of things and worked tirelessly to get jobs done. His curiosity about so many things and all that goes on around him was very refreshing. He was unfailingly… read more
(Excellent)
25 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jaroslav) for host
Vivere La Vita - the song by Alessandro Mannarino - the best characteristic of my first workawaying in Italy.
Maria is a great host. She replied with no delay and kept in touch until my arrival. I have spent just three weeks with Maria in her nice and very old house. I had spacious five stars room in the tower with four windows and one loophole,… read more
Maria is a great host. She replied with no delay and kept in touch until my arrival. I have spent just three weeks with Maria in her nice and very old house. I had spacious five stars room in the tower with four windows and one loophole,… read more
30 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jaroslav)
Everything that could possibly be said about Yada has already been said. He is a fantastic worker, communicator and the most easy-going person to have around. He always had new ideas and nothing was ever too much trouble. In fact he went above and beyond anything that he was asked to do and never ever complained about being tired. He really is the… read more
(Excellent)
10 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Julian William H.)
Julian was great !
Not only did he work really hard throughout his stay, his sense of fun and curiosity meant he was a pleasure to be around. He got on well with everyone; family, visiting friends and the other Workawayers.
He showed himself to be a sunny person. Apart from knowing without explanation how to use all the garden machines, he was… read more
Not only did he work really hard throughout his stay, his sense of fun and curiosity meant he was a pleasure to be around. He got on well with everyone; family, visiting friends and the other Workawayers.
He showed himself to be a sunny person. Apart from knowing without explanation how to use all the garden machines, he was… read more
(Excellent)
2 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Michal & Barbara) for host
We have spent a lovely week at Maria's place - the house is situated in a beautiful location, which gives a perfect opportunity to discover nearby villages (and trattorias - although Maria's cooking was top restaurant quality). We enjoyed working in the garden and seeing it return to its original glory. We also got to discover a lot of local fauna… read more
4 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michal & Barbara)
We had a really good experience with Mike and Basia. It was their first Workaway, and they became a part of our household very quickly. They are extremely polite and helpful, and completed every task they were asked to do. I hope we’ll see them again some time. My abiding memory of them will be interesting and fun conversations, and lots of… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Patrick & Joseph)
These guys were both the most amazing Workawayers. Everyday they did really heavy maintenance work, including cleaning up and reorganising a barn which hadn’t been touched for decades. All of that in searing temperatures and with such good grace and humour throughout. On top of that they were really good company. I couldn’t recommend them more… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Patrick & Joseph) for host
We had a wonderful week in the hills near Bologna with Maria, a wonderful host, and her dog, Stella. The work was tough in the heat but was certainly worth it as Maria was very hospitable, and knowledgeable about the local area, as well as an excellent cook! The local area is a great place to go walking in or, if feeling a bit tired, their is a… read more
15 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Annemiek) for host
Wonderful stay in the Northern Italian countryside, in a lovely old, spacious house. Maria is a very pleasant and relaxed host, and we had interesting conversations. I just loved to work in the beautiful garden, where in May and June the roses bloom abundantly.
14 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Annemiek)
Annemiek worked tirelessly inside the house and the garden. She’s not only a very good cook, she’s very good company.
(Excellent)
14 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Irina)
Irina is all the things she says she is, and so very many more. She’s friendly, caring, a great organisor and always takes the initiative. She’s also a good cook. We’d have her back anytime.
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Irina) for host
Helping Maria around her house and garden was an absolute pleasure. She and her son Julian made me feel completely at home. A wonderful family with a beautiful home in a lovely village. Thanks Maria and Julian for the awesome experience.
24 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabricio)
Fabricio ticked off all the boxes of jobs to be finished. And they were enormous ones, like storing all the wood for next winter, drastically cutting back a huge hedge, sawing wood and much much more. He did everything will a spirit of willingness and grace. He’s a very hard worker and anyone should feel fortunate to have him. Hopefully he’ll come… read more
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
Anna was here for just one week. It’s a pity because it would have been nice to have spent more time talking. We shared the same taste in a lot of films, literature, etc. and it was very enjoyable chatting and learning about each other’s lives.
She returned to its former glory a part of the garden that had been long neglected. Not only that, she… read more
She returned to its former glory a part of the garden that had been long neglected. Not only that, she… read more
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
I had the most wonderful time with Maria. Though I only spent a week in Grizzana, I loved every moment. In the mornings I pulled weeds in the flower beds, in the afternoons I explored the surrounding area, and in the evenings I tried to take advantage of the extensive library. This house is perfection! It has everything you need and want. Maria is… read more
28 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Harry) for host
It’s difficult to find the words to describe how warm and welcoming Maria was as a host. She extended such generous hospitality and made me feel truly at home. She has a beautiful house with a stunning view and we enjoyed many delicious meals and greats chats whilst enjoying the views of the Italian countryside. The garden is vast so there was… read more
26 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Harry)
I would have given Harry at least 5 stars for his hard grafting alone. And another 5 for his willingness and initiative. His easy friendliness and openness though was a rare thing. Add to that, a very good cook and as enjoyable company as anyone could want.
There’s a small part of a hillside in the Italian Appenines which will forever be known as… read more
There’s a small part of a hillside in the Italian Appenines which will forever be known as… read more
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Nicholas & Nora) for host
Thank you Maria! We will always remember our stay at your beautiful property in veggio. Maria, Ron and Julian were extremely kind and welcomed us into their beautiful hilltop home from the moment we stepped through the door . The first thing that I noticed was Maria was very responsive via email, secondly she picked us up from the Grizana,… read more
27 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Yasmine & Shaun)
I would rate Yasmine and Shaun more highly if I could. They were thrown in a little bit at the deep end here and whatever jobs they were given they did with grace and good humour throughout. They are two hard working people, very willing, and as an extra bonus, good company. We shall miss them.
(Excellent)
26 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Yasmine & Shaun) for host
We have sadly just left Maria, Ron and Julian (and greedy Stella) after almost 3 weeks with them. We had a great time and cannot recommend this place enough to other Workawayers! The work was fair and the meals were always excellent. We will miss them all, they are fanatastic people and we hope to see them again one day for a glass of limoncello… read more
10 Apr 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Ricardo)
Riccardo spent two weeks with us in March. Apart from his versatility - cleaning and painting shutters, cooking the most original and delicious dishes on a very regular basis - he was a most congenial companion to have around. And an unfailing source of arcane and fascinating information drawn from his encyclopaedic store. We really hope to see… read more
(Excellent)
5 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Ricardo) for host
Suppose for a moment that you were a person who loved to eat and drink well, enjoyed intellectual conversation, loved privacy as well as sociability, and were interested in finding out about all things Italian (and Japanese, for that matter) from a wonderful English family who have lived there for eleven years: these would be the hosts for you, as… read more
21 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host
This was my first workaway experience and it couldn't have been better! Maria and Julian (Ron was away) made me feel completely at home. The food is great, the work isn't too demanding (but it is satisfying) and Stella is delightful company. I would love to return, maybe once I've gotten better at chess and table-tennis.
20 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)
Peter settled in very quickly to our work routine. He was always willing and worked very hard during the two weeks he spent with us. We managed to get a lot of jobs done. He's extremely easy to get along with, very pleasant company, and also helped fill some of the many gaps in my knowledge of history! We're hoping he'll come back some time later… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jul 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (George)
George was a lot of fun to have around; masses of energy, strength and good humour. We missed him after he'd left and wish him all the best. We'd even be pleased to see him again.
(Stella's on top form once more, crying self-pityingly underneath the table while we're eating, like any well brought up dog)
(Stella's on top form once more, crying self-pityingly underneath the table while we're eating, like any well brought up dog)
(Excellent)
8 Jul 2014
Left by Workawayer (George) for host
Loveliest family. Would love to see them again. Really easy going and interesting. The area was calm and beautiful, the work was hearty and rewarding. The house looks amazing. 2 weeks blew past in a second. I really hope for the best for all of them always. Sorry I never baked bread, I'm much better now anyway. As an introduction to Workaway I… read more
28 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Whatever Aida and Michael gained from their experience here, I think perhaps we gained the most. They were a pleasure to have around; bright, friendly and fun people. For what more could anyone ask? Oh, and if it's good steady workers you're after, look no further. We'd have them back any time.
(Excellent)
26 Apr 2014
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
We had a wonderful experience here in Veggio with Maria, Ron and Julian. It is the kind of home in which you feel totally welcomed and at ease. It is very easy (and hard not to!) get on with everybody, even Stella the dog who, though shy, has a heart of gold. The work was varied, and we were always given clear instructions and clarification if we… read more
