Help us restore our historic Tuscan home and olive grove nestled in the hills outside Lucca, Italy

  • Last activity : 16 Feb 2025

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We’ve transitioned from decades of corporate life in technology, both in the UK and New Zealand, to a more simple life style in the Tuscan hills in Segromigno near Lucca. I'm retired now but my wife is once again working in The Netherlands but is here in Tuscany on a regular basis.
    Our home is a converted farm house that was, for many years, used as a summer country home and holiday rental with that being the key focus. Our intent now is to restore the land to once again be a productive olive grove and make the house less tired looking.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Although we are English speaking the local environment is very Italian with little tourism so there is good exposure to Tuscan life stye.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    For this autumn our focus has switched to establishing our lavender field.
    The primary help needed is help with planting 145 lavender plants and the preparation for this - this is in addition to maintaining the gardens, hedges and pathways.
    No specific skills are required other than being willing to help. We have suitable equipment for this work including a power barrow.
    Our philosophy is "piano, piano" - slowly achieve what's needed (except for olive harvest which is against the clock!)

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    Developing Italian !!

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Our home (a listed building of architectural or historical importance) has three spare bedrooms. One with sitting area, balcony and bathroom. The two on the third floor share a common bathroom.
    Our kitchen and lounge are common areas and we have a swimming pool for those hot afternoons.
    You'll be joining us for meals and you'll be more than welcome to cook and help prepare food. Meal times, as per Italian culture, are times for socialisation. We may even fire up the Pizza Oven always great entertainment.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Although we're rural the local village - Segromigno in Monte, is 25 min walk. More importantly the local cafe is just down the track! Lucca is the nearest town with both Florence and Pisa accessible.
    There are numerous walking tracks that pass our home. There are bus services and we're more than amenable to providing transport.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have a Starlink connection and are extending WiFi connectivity across our home.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 689496588232

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