Housesitting with a truffle dog by the sea in San Costantino, Italy

Details

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  Description

  We live on the edge of a small village called San Costantino di Rivello in Basilicata, one of the most beautiful and untouched corners of Southern Italy. Our home sits high in the hills with a breathtaking, ever-present view over the Golfo di Policastro – the sea is always in sight.
  Around us is pure nature: olive groves, ancient Oak trees, wildflowers, and the surrounding hills of Coccovello area. Life here follows a slower rhythm – the food is simple and delicious, the people are warm and welcoming, and every walk out the door feels like an adventure. Maratea and its stunning coastline are just 40 minutes away by car.
  We have a large garden with many old trees where we grow herbs, vegetables and fruit. It's the kind of place where you can wake up to birdsong, work with your hands in fresh mountain air, and end the day with a homemade meal watching the sun set over the sea.
  About our furry family member Jimi:
  Jimi is our beloved Lagotto Romagnolo – the traditional Italian truffle-hunting dog. He is incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality. He loves cuddles, adventures in the garden, and (most of all!) sniffing out truffles in the soil around our trees. He's very social and gets along beautifully with new people – he'll probably become your best friend within an hour.
  Why we're looking for help:
  During the winter months, we travel to Asia for work, and we're looking for kind, reliable people who could stay at our home and take loving care of Jimi. You'd have your own apartment and garden to yourselves in a truly special corner of Italy – a chance to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy authentic Basilicata life while being a wonderful companion to our dog.
  Whether you're a traveler seeking a peaceful retreat, a writer or artist looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves nature and dogs – we would be very happy to welcome you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Events & social

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Books

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Performing arts

  

  Writing

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Winter sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Beach

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Even though we might be away during your stay, we hope you will experience something truly special about our corner of Italy.
  Life in a Basilicata village:
  San Costantino di Rivello is a tiny, authentic Southern Italian village where daily life still follows old rhythms. Neighbours greet you in the street, the local bar becomes your morning ritual, and the "alimentari" (small grocery) is a place to chat as much as to shop. Basilicata is one of the least touristy regions in Italy – you'll experience a way of life that has almost disappeared elsewhere.
  Local culture and food:
  The Rivello area has strong culinary traditions – handmade pasta, wild herbs, local cheeses, olive oil from ancient groves, and wine from the surrounding hills. There are small family-run restaurants nearby where you can taste the real Basilicata kitchen for a few euros.
  Local events:
  Depending on when you visit, you may catch village festivals ("sagre"), religious processions, or seasonal celebrations. Even in winter, small events happen in the surrounding villages – the ideal way to experience real local life.
  Nature and exploration:
  Our home is a perfect base for exploring. Within a short drive you can reach:
  
  Maratea and the Tyrrhenian coast (40 minutes) – dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, coastal villages
  Pollino National Park – Italy's largest national park, wild landscapes and ancient forests
  Rivello, Trecchina, Lauria – traditional hilltop villages full of character
  Sapri and the coastal train line – for further adventures along the Cilento coast
  
  What you'll learn:
  You'll get a real taste of the "vita lenta" – the slow, meaningful life that Southern Italy is famous for. You'll learn how a Lagotto Romagnolo behaves and communicates, discover the seasonal rhythm of a Mediterranean garden, and pick up Italian along the way (locals will be very patient with your first attempts).
  We speak German, Italian, and English fluently, so communication before, during and after your stay is easy in whichever language suits you best.

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  Help

  We are looking for kind, responsible and dog-loving people to take care of our home and our lovely Lagotto Romagnolo, Jimi, while we are away for work during the winter months.
  Main responsibilities:
  
  Loving care for Jimi – daily walks (2–3 times a day), feeding, cuddles, playtime, and simply keeping him happy company. He is very sociable and doesn't like to be left alone for long periods.
  Basic garden care – occasional watering of plants, picking up leaves, keeping an eye on the vegetable patch. Nothing intensive – our garden is mostly self-sustaining in winter.
  Light household presence – simply living in the house, keeping it tidy, and giving it life. This helps us feel that everything is safe and looked after while we're away.
  
  What we do NOT expect:
  No heavy physical labour
  No commercial farm work
  No care of other animals
  
  Ideal helpers:
  Would be someone (or a couple) who genuinely enjoys the company of dogs, appreciates a quiet, rural lifestyle, likes hiking, and is happy to spend a few weeks in a peaceful setting close to nature and the sea. Remote workers, writers, or anyone looking for a slower rhythm are especially welcome.
  We ask for a stay of 12 weeks, so we can introduce you together and Jimi has time to build trust and feel comfortable with you.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Thai: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  You will have our Mansarda entirely to yourself – a lovely, self-contained top-floor apartment with panoramic views over the Golfo di Policastro. It is your private space to relax, unwind, and feel at home.
  The Mansarda includes:
  
  A comfortable double bedroom with fresh linens and towels provided
  A fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals
  A private bathroom
  A living area with sofa and dining space
  Wi-Fi throughout, ideal for remote work or staying in touch with family
  Heating for the winter months
  Access to the terrace with stunning sea views – perfect for morning coffee or watching the sunset
  
  Food:
  Since we are away during your stay, you will manage your own meals. We recommend a small budget for groceries – local prices are very affordable and the food quality is exceptional. There are small shops within walking distance, and a larger supermarket a short drive away. Jimi's food is of course fully provided – we leave everything you need for him ready and clearly explained before we leave.
  The house and garden:
  Beyond the Mansarda, you will also have access to our large garden with olive and fruit trees – wonderful for walks with Jimi, reading in the sun, or simply enjoying the quiet.
  Practical:
  A car is highly recommended, as we live in a rural area and shops/villages are best reached by car. Public transport is very limited in this region. If you don't have your own car, please let us know in advance so we can discuss.

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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 Mansarda is a great base for remote work – reliable Wi-Fi, a quiet setting, panoramic sea views, and no distractions. Since caring for Jimi only takes a few hours a day (walks and playtime), there is plenty of time for focused work in between.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We do not offer space for campers or motorhomes – our guests always stay in the Mansarda apartment. However, if you arrive with such a vehicle, there is space on the street to park.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We would need to check how Jimi an your pet will get along, but usually he is very friendly with every other animal.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Jimi (5 years)

  Meet Jimi – our beloved Lagotto Romagnolo
  Jimi is the heart of our home. He is a Lagotto Romagnolo, the traditional Italian breed originally bred for truffle hunting – and yes, he loves to sniff out truffles in our garden with an impressive nose that never fails to amaze us.
  His personality:
  Jimi is incredibly sweet, gentle and affectionate. He is calm indoors and playful outdoors, and he loves nothing more than being close to his humans. He is very social, curious, and open with new people – he'll usually greet you with wagging tail and a curly-haired bounce, and within a day you'll feel like you've known each other forever.
  His routine:
  
  2–3 walks per day in the garden and surrounding countryside – he loves long, sniffy walks and exploring nature
  Two meals a day (morning and evening) – simple, healthy food that we leave prepared and clearly explained
  Plenty of cuddles – he thrives on affection and enjoys sitting close while you read, work or relax
  Playtime with hide and find - he loves to help you find stuff you've "lost" or finding Truffles in the garden.
  
  Good to know:
  
  He is fully house-trained and never damages anything indoors
  He is friendly with strangers, other dogs, and children
  He is on a light preventive medication which we will explain in detail before we leave – very easy to administer
  He does not like being left alone for many hours – ideally he has someone around most of the day, which is why we look for guests who enjoy spending time at home
  
  What he'll bring to your stay:
  Jimi is a wonderful companion. He'll join you on walks through the olive groves, curl up next to you while you read or work, and greet every sunrise with the enthusiasm only a Lagotto can bring. If you are a dog lover, we can almost guarantee you'll leave with a piece of your heart in Basilicata.

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