Join us to create a magical paradise and art garden in Ponticelli, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Hi!
  Welcome to us, Per and Kari from Norway who had a dream of living their days as retirees in Tuscany.
  In the spring of 2020, during the pandemic, we fulfilled our dream and moved to Santa Maria a Monte, a small village halfway between Pisa, Lucca, Livorno and Florence. The train stops in Pontedera, just 10 minutes away.
  
  It may not have been the perfect time for such a profound life change, but we love a challenge and so many pieces fell into place at the same time. We understood that this was exactly what we were supposed to do and at this exact time. So we set out into a new life, a new language, a new culture, new friends and a lot of work. But we haven't regretted it a single day!
  
  But things are not always as they appear in the brochures!
  The house was as perfect as we thought, but the garden was not just a garden but an overgrown park that looked more like a jungle. We spent the first 4 years digging up the garden that had not been tended to for the last 30 years. We felled trees, cleared away pines that were lying in a crisscross pattern, cut our way through thickets of wild roses and blackberries and found an entire park with walkways and terraces that were walled up with stones. There is still a lot of work to be done here and we hope someone can think of helping us with the further development and shaping of the park into the magical place that we dream of sharing with others.
  We want to exhibit spiritual art in the garden, we have already made several walking paths and meditation spirals and several of Kari's crocheted chakra wheels are already in place in the garden.
  We are now at a new stage, where planting, maintaining, decorating the garden and rebuilding stone walls that have partially collapsed are in focus. We also dream of creating an organic vegetable garden that can survive in this climate that is completely different from Norway. Maybe you are the right person to help us?!
  
  Our four-legged friends:
  Sno: We found him in Rimini, our now 2-year-old Tibetan Terrier who loves to cuddle and kiss. He is full of energy and loves everyone who comes to visit.
  Killa: Our old wise Tibetan Terrier who joins us on walks in the garden when we walk her, otherwise she mostly lies and sleeps and enjoys her new life here in Tuscany.
  
  What do we need help with?
  We have been here for 4 years and our Italian is slowly but surely getting a little better, but we have a long way to go and definitely need to learn a lot, a lot more!!
  We also need an enthusiastic helper who could help us finish building our beautiful fountain that Per has started. Otherwise we need help with further development of the garden, and maybe you could help us plan and implement a vegetable garden? Otherwise there is always something to do in the garden and around the house.
  In return, we can offer good conversations, discussions about the intricacies of life and a warm and beautiful home with homemade food. The garden itself is therapy with an energy that everyone notices. The view is beautiful and the tranquility here is very special!
  
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  Hei!
  Velkommen til oss, Per og Kari fra Norge som bar på en drøm om å leve sine dager som pensjonister i Toscana.
  Våren 2020, under pandemien oppfylte vi drømmen og flyttet til Santa Maria a Monte, en liten landsby midt mellom Pisa, Lucca, Livorno og Firenze. Toget stopper i Pontedera, bare 10 minutter unna.
  
  Det var kanskje ikke det perfekte tidspunkt for en slik dyptgående livsendring, men vi elsker en utfordring og så var det så mange brikker som falt på plass samtidig. Vi forstod at dette var akkurat det vi skulle gjøre og på akkurat dette tidspunktet. Så vi hev oss ut i ett nytt liv, ett nytt språk, ny kultur, nye venner og masse arbeide. Men vi har ikke angret en eneste dag!
  
  Men ting er ikke alltid som det ser ut i brosjyrene!
  Huset var like perfekt som vi trodde, men hagen var ikke bare en hage men en gjengrodd park som lignet mer på en jungel. De første 4 årene brukte vi på å grave frem hagen som ikke hadde vært stelt på de siste 30 årene. Vi felte trær, rydde bort furuer som lå på kryss og tvers, hugget oss gjennom villniss av villroser og bjørnebær og fant en hel park med gangveier og terrasser som var murt opp med steiner. Her mangler det fortsatt mye arbeide og vi håper noen kan tenke seg å hjelpe oss med den videre utviklingen og formingen av parken til det magiske stedet vi drømmer om å dele også med andre.
  Vi har lyst til å stille ut spirituell kunst i hagen, vi har allerede laget flere vandringsstier og meditasjonsspiraler og flere av Karis heklede chakrahjul er allerede på plass i hagen.
  Vi er nå på ett nytt stadium, hvor det å plante, vedlikeholde, dekorere hagen og gjenoppbygge steinmurer som delvis har falt sammen står i fokus. Vi drømmer også om å lage en bio grønnsakshage som kan overleve i dette klimaet som er fullstendig annerledes enn i Norge. Kanskje du er den riktige til å hjelpe oss?!
  
  Våre firbente venner:
  Snø: Vi fant han i Rimini, vår nå, 2 år gamle tibetanske terrier som elsker å kose og kysse. Han er full av energi og elsker alle som kommer på besøk.
  Killa: Vår gamle kloke tibetanske terrier som blir med på spaserturer i hagen når vi går med henne, ellers ligger hun for det meste og sover og nyter sitt nye liv her i Toscana.
  
  Hva trenger vi hjelp til`?
  Vi har vært her i 4 år og vår italiensk blir sakte men sikker litt bedre, men vi har en lang vei å gå og trenger absolutt å lære mye mye mer!!
  Vi trenger også en entusiastisk hjelper som kunne hjelpe oss med å mure ferdig vår vakre fontene som Per har påbegynt. Ellers trenger vi hjelp med videre utvikling av hagen, og kanskje du kunne hjulpet oss med å planlegge og gjennomføre en grønnsakshage? Ellers er det alltid noe å gjøre i hagen og rundt huset.
  Til gjengjeld kan vi by på gode samtaler, diskusjoner om lives underfundigheter og ett hjertevarmt og vakkert hjem med hjemmelaget mat. Hagen i seg selv er terapi med en energi som alle legger merke til. Utsikten er vakker og roen her er helt spesiell!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Hiking

  

  Beach

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Culture

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Photography

  

  Plant care

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Art & design

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We have both lived exciting lives and explored both the outer and inner worlds. Per has lived for many years in Nepal, India and Peru, while Kari has worked as a knitwear designer and artist.
  Our travels around the world inspire deep conversations that broaden perspectives and enhance our understanding of what it means to be human.
  We enjoy cooking together, and you are welcome to join us and create nutritious meals inspired by Norwegian, Italian and Eastern traditions.
  
  The peaceful garden has a unique energy, making it perfect for work, relaxation and inspiration, offering a quiet space for reflection and contact with nature.
  Kari is a skilled knitter and painter, so if you are interested in learning in your spare time, you are more than welcome!
  
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  Vi har begge levd spennende liv og utforsket både den ytre og den indre verden. Per har bodd i mange år i Nepal, India og Peru, mens Kari har jobbet som strikkedesigner og kuntner.
  Reisene våre rundt om i verden gir inspirasjon til dype samtaler som utvider perspektiver og forbedrer vår forståelse av hva det vil si å være menneske.
  Vi liker å lage mat sammen, og du er velkommen til å bli med oss ​​og lage næringsrike måltider inspirert av norske, italienske og østens tradisjoner.
  
  Den fredelige hagen har en unik energi, noe som gjør den perfekt for arbeid, avslapning og inspirasjon, og tilbyr et rolig rom for refleksjon og kontakt med naturen.
  Kari er en dyktig strikker og maler, så hvis du er interessert i å lære på fritiden, er du mer enn velkommen!

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  Help

  When we bought this beautiful house with the garden/park, it looked like a jungle. Since then we have worked endlessly, but there is still a lot to be done – like adding stones in the old walls and paths, pruning trees and planting a vegetable garden. We are from Norway and speak excellent English, but we would like to improve our Italian.
  We are looking for help to further develop the park, lay stones and create new, creative spaces in the garden and maybe also start some artistic projects.
  
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  Da vi kjøpte dette vakre huset med hagen/parken, lignet det en jungel. Siden den gang har vi arbeidet uendelig mye, men det er fortsatt mye som må gjøres – som å mure opp steiner i de gamle murene og stiene, beskjære trær og anlegge en grønnsakshage. Vi er fra Norge og snakker utmerket engelsk, men vi vil gjerne bli bedre til å snakke italiensk.
  Vi søker hjelp til å videreutvikle parken, legge steiner og skape nye, kreative rom i hagen og kanskje også sette igang noen kunstneriske prosjekter.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Norwegian bokmål: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We love to learn more Italian! We speak very well English and off course our mother thong Norwegian
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  Accommodation

  We have one guest room with private bathroom, which can accommodate up to 2 people. We also have a camper in the garden that you can stay in - there you have your own `home` and time to yourself.
  
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  Vi har ett gjesterom med eget bad, her kan det bo opptil 2 personer. Vi har også en camper som står i hagen som du kan bo i - der har du ditt eget `hjem` og tid for deg selv.

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  What else ...

  We live in the heart of Tuscany - 10 min from Pontedera (train station), 40 min from Pisa and Lucca and 50 min from Firenze. The neighborhood is peaceful, almost no tourists so it is nice to go for long walks, visit nearby villages or just relax in the beautiful garden. We can also cook together.
  
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  Nabolaget er fredelig, nesten ingen turister så her er det fint å gå lange turer, besøke nærliggende landsbyer eller bare slappe ev I den vakre hagen. Vi kan også lage mat sammen.

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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

  It is possible to use our office and work onlile from our home

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We can have space for a Camper up to 8 m long

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Snø

  Introducing Snø
  Snø is our delightful two-year-old pup, bursting with energy and love! This lighthearted boy is known for his playful nature and friendly demeanor that instantly warms hearts.
  A Social Butterfly
  Snø thrives on social interactions and loves making new friends, whether they’re human or furry. His super friendly personality ensures that everyone feels welcome and cherished.
  
  Kissing Machine
  One of Snø’s favorite pastimes is showering everyone with affectionate kisses. He believes that a little love goes a long way, and he’s always ready to brighten your day with his wet-nosed affection!
  Playful Adventurer
  With boundless energy, Snø is always up for a game. He enjoys chasing after toys, exploring the garden, and engaging in playful antics that bring laughter to our home.
  Cuddle Buddy Extraordinaire
  When playtime is over, Snø transforms into the ultimate cuddle buddy. He loves snuggling up close, providing warmth and companionship that makes you feel truly loved.
  A Joyful Presence
  Snø's playful spirit and loving nature make him an irreplaceable member of our family. He reminds us daily of the joy that comes from friendship and love.

  

  Killa

  Introducing Killa
  Killa is a charming Tibetan Terrier and our beloved guardian of the house. While she may be an old lady, her spirit is lively, and she takes her role very seriously!
  The Watchful Protector
  Killa is known for her loud barking, announcing any visitors with a mighty voice that echoes through our home. Her fierce loyalty ensures that everyone feels safe and secure.
  A Life of Leisure
  When she’s not on guard duty, Killa enjoys spending her days sleeping peacefully in her favorite sunny spots. She truly embodies the art of relaxation!
  Garden Adventures
  Occasionally, Killa joins us for leisurely walks in the garden, where she loves to explore and soak up the sun. The garden is her kingdom, filled with delightful scents and sounds.
  Playtime with Snø
  Killa also has a playful side, especially when it comes to her friend Snø, a lively pup. Together, they share joyful moments of play, bringing smiles to our faces.
  A Special Companion
  Though Killa is a private lady, her presence enriches our lives. She reminds us of the beauty of companionship and the simple joys of life.

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