Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
20 Aug 2025
Feedback
5
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ID verified
Email verified
Country info
Badges (4)
Details
Description
Hello,
My name is Simona, and I am Italian, but I lived in England for most of my adult life. I am now 57 and my English husband (Mick) is 61. We are both young at heart, and 'everybody' says that easy to get on with: we tend to be good at relating to people of all ages and all walks of life.
We only just moved into the house that used to be my grandparents, in my native village (in Piedmont, Norther Italy). We arrived some 6 weeks ago (at the beginning of July 2025), and we have been busy trying to turn it into a beautiful, vibrant home.
However, we have come to realise that -as hard working as we are- there is no way we can do all the work that we would like to get done before the winter alone - which is why we are on here, looking for extra pairs of hands.
The house is big, and as well as having a garden, it has an orchard. So there is a lot of cleaning, plant watering, weeding (etc.) to do. In addition, we have chickens and kittens that need to be fed, things (eg. walls, old forniture, shutters, etc. ) that need to be painted, and -as time passes- the number of odd jobs on our 'to do list' is growing ... and growing ...
There is also to be said that -being sociable- we would really like to share our space, and the excitement of 'doing it up' with others, and perhaps making good friends in the process,
Ideally, we would like to welcome anyone. However, we have a very strong preference for applicants who will drive to our place, and who will able to use their own car as and when they please while here. This is because the village has very poor transport connections, and we don't want anyone ending up feeling trapped.
Due to our workload, schedules, limited means (etc.) we don't go out much ourselves. I.e. our main outings consist of visits to the supermarket, DIY store and so on and -though you would be welcome to join us on those- you won'y have much of an opportunity to make the most of your stay unless you have a car of your own.
***
If you have any questions or doubts, please do get in touch.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
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'.
Help
Taking care of, and embellishing, and old house in Northern Italy, while also providing good company to its owners.
Jobs will be allocated to match applicants' skills and aptitudes.
Tell us about about any manual skills and/other talents when applying. so that we can match you to jobs that suit.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
Own bedroom.
What else ...
The house is in Caravino - a small 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 (which also sells other foodstuff, as a well as wine), a tobacconist, a pharmacy, a restaurant, two cafés/bars (which only open during the day), a hairdresser and a nail bar.
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 17th to the 19th 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 really will need a car.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The internet connection is good, and there is plenty of space where you can work undisturbed.
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.
Can possibly accept pets
We love well-behaved pets, but please tell us a bit more about yours when you apply.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
4 Chickens (7 months)
4 Egg-laying chickens, whom we let roam around in the orchard freely, on most days.
A feral cat and her adorable two kittens also live in our orchard, and they need to be fad too.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (4)
Upon my arrival in Caravino I was warmly welcomed by Simona and her boyfriend Mick, both very friendly and kind, they introduced me to their friends and family, together we cooked and shared unforgettable moments.
The house is very large, organised, clean and beautifully furnished with… read more
I was cocked this my host for old people , I really love that. this mixture of pleasure and work was very important for me because it is very voluntary but it must bring something. that's the case for me. Thank you darling Simonia
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Upon my arrival in Caravino I was warmly welcomed by Simona and her boyfriend Mick, both very friendly and kind, they introduced me to their friends and family, together we cooked and shared unforgettable moments.
The house is very large, organised, clean and beautifully furnished with… read more
I was cocked this my host for old people , I really love that. this mixture of pleasure and work was very important for me because it is very voluntary but it must bring something. that's the case for me. Thank you darling Simonia
I stayed with her one weeks for work volunteer about setting for the elderly and she's very kind and friendly, funny ! I really happy to meet her.
She cooks some food for me and we talked everyday we go to some market and work place together and she give me about her room. I can say It's very nice and perfect for me. I'll… read more
