Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
14 Sep 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
30
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Ottavia and James (both 46) manage an English language education centre in rural Lazio. We are an easy going but busy and ordered couple with Scottish roots. There are 10 hectares of organic farmland (hazelnuts, chestnuts, fruit and veg, animals etc.) on the property and the work we need is often manual and can be tough. We are both teachers, so clear instructions will be given to assist those unfamiliar with tasks. The accommodation is in a large villa with plenty of space and most meals are cooked by Ottavia. Children may come on school trips, for activity weekends and summer camps while Workaways are here. There is always a lot to do and tons fun to be had along the way - come and join us!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will benefit from the hosts' knowledge of Italy and the Lazio region with specific regards to places of interest, local produce and cuisine. Helpers will learn about the local culture, language, how the land is worked and also pick up useful skills in a friendly environment.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Helpers will be required to work on various activities including pruning, fencing, harvesting nuts, weeding, cutting grass, chopping wood, tending vegetable garden, feeding and cleaning animals etc. On wet days workers may be asked to help with cleaning and decorating inside the villa for a maximum of 5 hours per day in exchange for full board and lodging in the villa itself. Due to the size of the property and the range of jobs which constantly need to be completed, we need quick learners who are not afraid of hard work. Skills with strimmers and chainsaws, tractor driving and gardening, animal care, fencing, painting and decorating etc. would be useful but not essential. Help will be given for all activities.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
En suite bedrooms within the villa (very comfortable). Generous meals will be shared with hosts - the standard of cookery is excellent!
What else ...
Ronciglione is close to Rome and even nearer to Viterbo (the city of Popes). The appeal of Rome is eternal but there are plenty of interesting activities closeby: walks in the hills, the lake, many picturesque villages, thermal baths, restaurants and bars, sports etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Any size can be parked on the property in safety
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 656282831665
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+8
Feedback (14)
6 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Aino & Kai)
We had a wonderful experience with this family and have remained in touch since. They were hard working, creative and respectful. I would warmly recommend them to anyone. During their stay, Aino ran a yoga workshop for the children who came to our camp and Kai ran a music and rhythm workshop. Both of these were very much enjoyed by the children… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Aino & Kai) for host
We had the pleasure of spending a week here in July. Us parents were helping with household tasks indoors and in the garden. Our daughter (15) was happy to be a teenage helper with the summer camp children and our son (12) had a great time participating in the program, making new friends and improving his English.
Ottavia and James are the… read more
Ottavia and James are the… read more
4 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
What was meant to be a one week stay turned into one month with Ottavia and James. From the moment I met them, I felt at home on their beautiful property and that is a credit to the quality of people our hosts are. Both intelligent, generous, funny wonderful humans who made sure we were comfortable and well looked after our entire stay.
I would… read more
I would… read more
17 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
When Lauren came to us it was her first Workaway experience and we were amazed at how quickly she fitted in to our team and work ethic. Lauren is very polite, sensitive and fun-loving. She works hard and picks up new skills quickly. Lauren came to us with her brother and a friend and they are some of the nicest Workaways we have ever had. Usually… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sonia) for host
We initially came here to work for a week and ended up staying much longer than that because Ottavia and James are amazing and the project is just an absolute dream!! Ottavia and James are incredibly kind and generous, they always ensured that we worked fair hours and felt comfortable doing the tasks assigned. Our work mainly consisted of pruning… read more
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sonia)
Sonia came to us with 2 friends and they were due to stay for one week, but have been with us for nearly a month - this says it all. She (and her friends) are such a wonderful bunch, we don't really want to let them go. Sonia always has a smile on her face. She puts her heart and soul into all tasks and takes pleasure in all new experiences. Sonia… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+8
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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
6 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Aino & Kai)
We had a wonderful experience with this family and have remained in touch since. They were hard working, creative and respectful. I would warmly recommend them to anyone. During their stay, Aino ran a yoga workshop for the children who came to our camp and Kai ran a music and rhythm workshop. Both of these were very much enjoyed by the children… read more
(Excellent)
9 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Aino & Kai) for host
We had the pleasure of spending a week here in July. Us parents were helping with household tasks indoors and in the garden. Our daughter (15) was happy to be a teenage helper with the summer camp children and our son (12) had a great time participating in the program, making new friends and improving his English.
Ottavia and James are the… read more
Ottavia and James are the… read more
4 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Lauren) for host
What was meant to be a one week stay turned into one month with Ottavia and James. From the moment I met them, I felt at home on their beautiful property and that is a credit to the quality of people our hosts are. Both intelligent, generous, funny wonderful humans who made sure we were comfortable and well looked after our entire stay.
I would… read more
I would… read more
17 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Lauren)
When Lauren came to us it was her first Workaway experience and we were amazed at how quickly she fitted in to our team and work ethic. Lauren is very polite, sensitive and fun-loving. She works hard and picks up new skills quickly. Lauren came to us with her brother and a friend and they are some of the nicest Workaways we have ever had. Usually… read more
(Excellent)
3 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sonia) for host
We initially came here to work for a week and ended up staying much longer than that because Ottavia and James are amazing and the project is just an absolute dream!! Ottavia and James are incredibly kind and generous, they always ensured that we worked fair hours and felt comfortable doing the tasks assigned. Our work mainly consisted of pruning… read more
15 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sonia)
Sonia came to us with 2 friends and they were due to stay for one week, but have been with us for nearly a month - this says it all. She (and her friends) are such a wonderful bunch, we don't really want to let them go. Sonia always has a smile on her face. She puts her heart and soul into all tasks and takes pleasure in all new experiences. Sonia… read more
(Excellent)
17 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Steven)
Steven is a wonderful guy. He works hard and is very respectful of the needs of those around him. We have loved having him, his sister and their friend to stay. Originally this team was meant to be with us for a week, but we enjoyed their company and were so thrilled by their hard work that they stayed for almost a month! Steven is a fast learner… read more
(Excellent)
22 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Meade & Alexa) for host
We stayed with James and Ottavia for two weeks in October and by the end felt as if we were old friends. From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and safe. They are both some of the funniest, generous, and all around skilled people we've had the pleasure of meeting. Ottavia absolutely kills it in the kitchen, so know you will never go hungry.… read more
14 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Meade & Alexa)
This newly-wed couple were exceptional Workaway helpers in every way. They respected our house rules, carried out tasks to a very high standard and were always polite and fun to be around. Meade has many outdoor skills and was keen to complete everything he began. Even though the jobs were often tough, he never complained and always had a smile on… read more
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Phoebe & Bella) for host
I stayed with James and Ottavia for 10 days and had such an amazing time! James and Ottavia are an incredibly generous couple who make you feel at home right away. Ottavia’s cooking is sensational and meal times are a lot of fun with James and Ottavia’s story telling. There was a real variety of work for us which made the 5 hours each day zoom by!… read more
21 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Phoebe & Bella)
This was Phoebe's first experience as a Workaway, but she dived right in and was very positive and helpful throughout her time with us. She always has a smile on her face and a determination to see a project through. She is polite and grateful and was a real joy to have around. We wish her all the best for her future!
(Excellent)
21 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (AileenMacaroni) for host
My time at this project was great. It's such a peaceful property on the countryside in Ronciglione. Every workawayer had his own comfortable and clean bedroom & bathroom, which means a lot of privacy. Ottavia is a hero in the kitchen. The food was always delicious and in a good quality. I did a nice mix of indoor and outdoor work. For example:… read more
21 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (AileenMacaroni)
This was Aileen's first Workaway experience and she took to it like a duck to water. She is an open-minded person with a good sense of humour. One of her key strengths was working with the animals, especially our donkeys. Aileen was always prepared to go the extra mile and we really appreciated everything she did for us. Good luck on your journey!
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Tamás & Erika) for host
Ottavia and James are very conscious people. They lead the camp very well, they treat the kids very well. They are watching every thing and everybody. Our sons say a lot about the camp, what good things they did. At home, they told a lot about the camp to their friends. Thanks for this one week, it was an experience.
25 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Erin & Rob)
We had a great ten days with the Kirkwoods who got stuck in to the hard work of the summer camp and all that that entails. They were happy to do all kinds of chores and performed everything well and with a smile. The children were a delight and only enhanced the summer camp experience for others. We particularly enjoyed Rob's music workshop and… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Matheus)
Matheus has been with us for over a month. He has been a fantastic house guest, with a very positive attitude to work as well as during down time. Matheus is an excellent musician and has brightened many evenings. His generous nature has led to us feeling more capable of our own potential as a result. Matheus is also a great communicator and… read more
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Van-Lam) for host
Ottavia and James were the best hosts, I could imagine for my first workaway experience. The gave me some easy tasks, like pruning the hazelnut trees or tidy up the place, that have an amazing view of italy. Gardening and helping children to paint, were also lovely things, I liked to do. Besides of that, Ottavia and James were very caring and nice… read more
18 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Van-Lam)
This was Van-Lam's first experience of Workaway and she seemed to do everything right! - ask questions, be polite and clean, work hard and be positive. Van-Lam has a beautiful spirit - she is strong but sensitive, artistic and careful, sociable and fun. She did a range of jobs while she stayed with us and was always willing to learn new skills. We… read more
(Excellent)
18 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Maurus) for host
Ottavia and James are amazing hosts and interesting persons.
They know a lot and I enjoyed having good conversation with them.
Ottavia is a great cook, delicious every day.
The place is really beautiful with amazing view and perfect to calm down after pruning the Hazelnut trees with James.
Also the area around is beautiful and thanks to you I… read more
They know a lot and I enjoyed having good conversation with them.
Ottavia is a great cook, delicious every day.
The place is really beautiful with amazing view and perfect to calm down after pruning the Hazelnut trees with James.
Also the area around is beautiful and thanks to you I… read more
16 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maurus)
Maurus stayed with us for one week and during that time he proved himself to be a diligent worker, keen to learn new skills and to assist with whatever was asked of him. He is polite, intelligent and well-cultured with an open mind. Maurus has a good understanding of the needs of others and was always respectful. We would recommend Maurus in any… read more
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Dejan) for host
Nice experience and nice people to be. Tasty food. Nice lake to be visit.
Thanks Jams and Ottavia.
Thanks Jams and Ottavia.
4 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dejan)
It has been a delight to meet and spend time with Dejan. He is conscientious and hard-working - he is able to do demanding physical work and jobs requiring a thoughtful approach. He is an expert with an axe and has been pruning trees, burning branches and helping with our animals as well as various domestic jobs.
Besides being a great worker, he… read more
Besides being a great worker, he… read more
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Livia & Mathieu) for host
What a great time spent in Hazelnut!
You can not dream better in workaway !!
We spent 8 days in this magnificent property, with hosts at the top !!
Ottavia is a great chef and she cooked us the specialties of Rome and Italy! A delight. Both were more than just hosts, they are friends with whom we shared a nice time by the fire, in the sun, and… read more
You can not dream better in workaway !!
We spent 8 days in this magnificent property, with hosts at the top !!
Ottavia is a great chef and she cooked us the specialties of Rome and Italy! A delight. Both were more than just hosts, they are friends with whom we shared a nice time by the fire, in the sun, and… read more
25 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Livia & Mathieu)
This family is wonderful in every way. The children are well behaved, intelligent and fun to be around. Livia is a great mother and a very hard worker. Everything we asked her to do was done quickly and to a high standard. Mathieu worked very hard in the woods, but the smile never left his face. The family often went off in the afternoon to 'do… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Fabian) for host
I loved the time I spent with this amizing couple. It was just an awesome experience and I learned a lot from them and had an amazing time with games and great conversations.
The work we did was mostly pruning and lighting fires which was great fun. I did not expect the work to actually be fun.
I was there for just a short amount of time but I… read more
The work we did was mostly pruning and lighting fires which was great fun. I did not expect the work to actually be fun.
I was there for just a short amount of time but I… read more
24 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabian)
Fabian is a super worker with an excellent attitude towards life. We really enjoyed having him to stay. He was polite and punctual and had a very positive attitude towards the tasks he was given. Despite bad weather, Fabian was happy to prune trees and tend to outdoor fires each day. As a person he is fun loving, open-minded, easy going and… read more
(Excellent)
25 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (MaikeLa) for host
This was my first workaway and has been an amazing experience! Ottavia and James are two very welcoming and caring people! Everyday I was given another task, depending what was needed most; I cleaned out an apartment, help pruning trees, did some gardening, helped with a sewing project.... I enjoyed all of my tasks.
Both of them made sure I had… read more
Both of them made sure I had… read more
24 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (MaikeLa)
Maike came to us for a week and she was fantastic! - always positive and happy to help with all the different challenges she was presented with. She is an organised person with a good eye for detail. She is polite, cheerful and nice to have around. We have been missing her since she left! Maike was punctual and meticulous in her work, which ranged… read more
(Excellent)
22 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host
Jess & I stayed with Ottavia and James for a week in early December and both came away wishing we could have stayed for longer! I would definitely recommend them as hosts and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. They are both very kind and friendly, making us feel at home right away. We really enjoyed helping James out with clearing the hazelnut grove… read more
22 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jean-Christophe (J-C) & Mercedez )
JC and Mercedez came to us for one week in November and made a huge impression on us. Thanks to them we have nicely chopped wood, a well tended vegetable garden, a newly decorated games room and many happy memories. These two youngsters filled the house with their enthusiasm for whatever came their way and were very appreciative of all the meals… read more
(Excellent)
