Come and help turn a house into a soulful home in Nortnern Italy

Details

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  Description

  Hello, my name is Simona. I was born in Italy, but I have (mostly) been living in the Uk since I was 19. I am now 55, and my (English) partner (Mick) is 59. I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor, and he is a fish-keeper. We are down-to-earth, free-spirited, young at heart and love meeting new people.
  
  Fairly recently, I have inherited a house in Caravino, my native village in Piedmont. The house has everything it needs: modern bathrooms, a fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, good internet connection, etc. However, it still needs a bit of work, and a few loving touches for it to become the beautiful, soulful, home of our dreams.
  
  Unfortunately, we cannot spend much time in Italy at present. So we are looking for one or more people with more time to enjoy it, while helping us out. As well as needing help with "the work", we are looking for someone for someone to contribute their own good vibe to the space.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I will happily introduce you to my family and friends locally, and share all I know about the area and its 'secrets'.

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  Help

  As much as Mick and I would love to live in the house, our jobs (and Mick's in particular) keep us in the UK most of the time.
  
  Therefore we are looking for a person or a couple to housit when when we are not there, and to help us with practical tasks when we are.
  
  During the periods we are at the house, we try and achieve as much as possible. Therefore, we work very hard. However we also know how to 'let our hair down'. Therefore we would like to share with a person or people who are not afraid of making their hands dirty, but who also can relax around a bottle of wine.
  
  Together, we will be doing stuff such as paint the gate, clean the shutters, clear the cellar, try and beautify the garden (it needs it!), etc. As an when, we will also be sharing meals, and go on some outings, to see some of the hidden gems of the area.
  
  We are very used to sharing with other people and, though sociable, we also are very good at respecting other people's space. This, and the fact that the house is very large, means that you won't have to worry about us being on top of you 24/7 :-)
  
  This said, there are occassions on which we welcome rental guests, as this helps us raise the money to keep the house going. As Caravino is not a tourist locations, we don't get many bookings, and when we do, we let the guests stay in our room, and move to my brother's (who lives nearby) for the night. This means that you will have to share with, and be respectful of the space of, 'strangers' at times.
  
  I do all the rental-related work myself, and prefer it for no 'extraordinary' work to take place in the house when rental guests are around. So, on those days, you won't be expected to do anything at all, except water the plants (if they need it), perhaps.
  
  Similarly, we won't over-burden you with tasks to complete when we are in the UK, and you will be at home on your own. Your main job then will be to keep the house clean and safe, the plant watered, and the yard free of weeds. In short, you'll just have to love the house, and treat it as responsibly as we would, while enjoying it.
  
  Naturally, we would much prefer if you were able to stay long term (for at least two months, say). However, if you are reading this and you think you may be able to contribute a special skill for a shorter period, we are open to suggestions,
  
  So, if at all interested, please get in touch. We are particularly keen to hear from people who are good at art and/or at some craft, and who may be able to cotribute a -perhaps quirky- ornamental touch to the space, and this regarless of how long they can stay.
  
  In short, if are reading this, get in touch and we'll take it from there. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Own bedroom

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  What else ...

  The house is in Caravino - a down-to-earth, friendly and charming village homing some 900 people at the foot of the Alps.
  
  While relatively secluded, the house is less than 10 minutes walk from the centre of the village, where you'll find a bakery, a butcher's (both of which also sell a variety of foodstuff, as a well as wine), a tobacconist, a pharmacy, a restaurant and three bars.
  
  Caravino is surrounded by woods - which are perfect for hiking and foraging. The Castle of Masino (and its spectacular park) are on top of the nearest hill, some 20 to 30 walking-minutes away. From the 20th to the 22nd of October this year, the the park of the castle will host flower market of national importance (as it does every year).
  
  Caravino also is about 7 Kms from the lake of Viverone (the largest of the several glacial lakes in the area), and Ivrea (which is a UNESCO Wold Heritage site) is 12 Kms away.
  
  It also is ideally located to visit several other areas in beautiful Piemonte and stunning Valle d'Aosta.
  
  Busses to Ivrea run 6 times a day, and though these are more frequent when the schools are open, the last bus from Ivrea to Caravino is at 18:10. So, in order to explore the wider area, you will need a car.

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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

  The internet connection is good, and there is plenty of space where you can work undisturbed.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There is loads of parking space. However, the driveway is long and narrow - which makes maneuvering larger vehicles in and out a bit tricky.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  4 a day, 4 days a week, circa

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