Keen gardeners needed to help at a self sufficient property in rural southern Italy

  • Italy
  • Favourited 1209 times
  • Last activity: 2 May 2023

Availability

  2023 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    UPDATE: we have now left our life in Italy behind, but we are setting up a self sufficient life in the U.K. which is to replicate what we had in Italy. We are therefore now seeking help from volunteers who have an interest in self sufficiency; growing one’s own food from scratch and living off the land. If this is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you. You should be practical and willing to help with getting the veggie plots built and up and running. You should be keen gardeners and it have an interest in learning about gardening.

    We have a large plot of land and welcome volunteers to help with the gardening and self sufficient life we’ve created for ourselves.

    We are a friendly, married, young at heart couple but we are by no means in the slippers brigade and are a lively couple who don't take life too seriously. We love our food and grow much of our own produce.

    We have a small rescue dog so should be avid animal lovers as they are a definite part of our life.

    We are situated in a beautiful location, with the house sitting on its own 9 acre hill with the most amazing 360 degree views across rolling countryside. The nearest city is Matera, which is famous for being the film location for Mel Gibsons Passion of the Christ; Mary’ Magdeleine; Superwoman and the new James Bond movie which is about to launch. Matera became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1993 and is a 15 minute drive away. The old town known as the Sassi is where people have dwelled in caves for 9000 years. It's an amazing place particularly if you enjoy cultural experiences, history and architecture. There are jaw dropping landscapes if you enjoy painting or photography. Matera was European Capital of Culture 2019.

    We enjoy hosting. We see it as a win/win on both sides. You help us with our daily projects so that everything remains in tip top condition: extra pairs of hands are much appreciated. We welcome you into our life - where you will work hard but also have fun and laughter plus plenty of free time. You will be well fed on your work days when we enjoy lunch together after the working hours. Our cooking style is modern, using traditional home grown veggies which we grow and preserve. We prepare healthy meals. Vegetarians are welcome but we are sorry we cannot cater for vegans as we do cook with dairy produce. We prefer hosting COUPLES over the age of 25 but will consider single volunteers if your skills match the tasks we are undertaking. We are both non smokers and do not welcome smokers - sorry!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We are happy to share how we decided to move from the rat race of stressful professional careers in the UK to an almost self sufficient life in the depths of Italy - La Dolce Vita. We try to be as Eco friendly as possible ..... Collecting and harvesting our own rain water; using solar energy for hot water and growing most of our own fruit and vegetables. We'll teach you as much as you wish to learn and ask that volunteers embrace our eco friendly resources.

    You'll have the opportunity to visit and explore the second oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, where people have lived in caves for over 9000 years (and still do!). A rare opportunity not to be missed.

    Having both been professional employers and recruiters we are happy to discuss and give careers advice and guidance if you wish.

  • Help

    Help

    We need help with the upkeep of the grounds, gardens, veggie plots and new landscaping around the property. Volunteers should enjoy general gardening; weeding; pruning; garden maintenance. The vegetable plot and fruit orchard requires continuous attention. In Autumn we pick the olives.

    We have some eco-projects underway and there is always painting and oiling of outside furniture; pergolas and barns which has to be done every year. The tasks you’ll help with depends on the time of year and the weather. The list is endless and ever evolving!

    We can host volunteers for short or longer stays if we are in a busy period. Please do check with us what dates are available as we fill up very quickly and can only host one couple at a time.

    HOW TO GET OUR ATTENTION: We get a LOT of requests so thought we would share our side... We like just a few lines about why you would like to share our life having read our profile, what skills you have, what you'd like to learn. Please insert the words LA DOLCE VITA into the title of your message. Writing these things in your covering note shows you've read our profile to here! And please have a photo of just you/both of you, not a group of people at a party.....).

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Italian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will be living in a private, self contained, insulated studio with its own outside seating area. This area is totally private so that in your free time you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. There is an outside kitchenette area and basic cooking facilities so that you can prepare food during your free time. There is also a small BBQ provided.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    If you wish to go exploring every afternoon, it’s best you have your own transport. On non work days we are happy to drop you off in Matera so you may discover this beautiful city. Lots of churches, museums and guided tours if you are interested.

    Please note - the local town is not accessible on public transport and is too far to walk. You are of course free to go exploring on your days off but we only go into town once a week.

    On your free days you are responsible for your own food. Bring your own provisions if you need anything in the evenings. There is a fridge in the studio. Bring good working shoes and a happy, enthusiastic approach to get stuck in.

    For arrival arrangements - the closest airport is BARI. The closest bus or train terminal is MATERA. We will gladly pick you up from either the bus or train station in Matera.

    We offer private accommodation; breakfast; snacks and a main lunchtime meal on workdays. This will be served at lunchtime, after helping hours, in keeping with the local way of life. In exchange we require 25-30 hours help per week per person. We are flexible with the hours but usually do 8am to 1pm so as to avoid the afternoon heat. The afternoons and evenings are your free time to explore the local area or simply to relax. On your last day we ask you to thoroughly clean the studio ready for the next guests.

    Ideal applicants should be 25-65 age bracket (active, agile and fit) with a friendly, mature outlook on life who are willing to help out with our various projects.

    This is not suitable for someone looking for a hectic night life! We are in an isolated location (yet only a 15 min drive into the city). It will appeal to anyone who likes gardening, landscaping, painting; art; architecture; meditation.

  • 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

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    5 hours per day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 696956669825

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