Help out as happy gardeners/painters in Puglian countryside, Southern Italy

Italy

Favourited 775 times

Host rating
Feedback
62
Last activity
13/12/2021
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 3 days
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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Description
Great food, wine, beer and a big private bedroom on offer to happy, hard-working outdoorsy couples for Autumn olive picking 2021!
Time to get the land back into shape after a long, hot, dry summer, whatever that brings...
Practical skills are needed! Can you climb trees? Are you physically strong? Repair stonework? Use a chainsaw?
Please get in touch if this sounds like you...you don't count the hours you work and I don't count how much wine and beer you drink afterwards...ok? Work hard, play hard...that's the 'deal' here.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is pretty much dictated by the time of year.
Spring is all about repairing, cleaning, painting, weeding and property face-lifting for the summer months.
Autumn is concentrating on the cleaning of olive trees and picking of the olives.
Unique opportunity to learn about pottery and to make a piece of their own!
Help
I need enthusiastic, energetic, positive thinking couples who don't mind hard work in exchange for bed, board, excellent food and good local wine/beer! (and of course with 2 days off a week to do with as you please, 3 days if you're olive picking as these are longer working days, we have to get them harvested as quickly as possible once we start!).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
Accommodation
Large double bedroom (or twin beds). Own bathroom. Hot indoor and outdoor showers!
What else ...
Nearest airport Brindisi (40mins). Ryannair from Stansted. Easy jet from Gatwick.
Nearest main station Ostuni - Bari train approx 1hr
Direct train from Ceglie Messapica to Lecce approx 1hr.15mins if you crave city excitement!
Approx. 6hrs from Rome to Ostuni by train.
Naples ~ 3 hrs drive.
2 bikes here if you like cycling.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Secure parking at house
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
MINIMUM 5 hour day / 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (62)

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:
(4.9)

Communication:
(5.0)

18/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)

Miriam does not exaggerate when she says she is healthy, strong, willing and capable, she is all these things and more!!
Her mature attitude to life is balanced by her youthful energy which was very welcome here.
She took on a wide variety of tasks, many of which were very physical, all of which she tackled with equal enthusiasm.
Miriam 'flew' up… read more

(Excellent )

12/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host

First I want to say thank you for the really nice time at Janes home. I helped Jane with olive picking and with many tasks around the house. There were many varios tasks so it was never borring. The work was physically demanding but if you like to work outside and hard it's perfect. Jane took me to different citys and show me around. If I needed… read more

(Excellent )

13/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)

Peter took a huge leap in the dark to leave the States and come to Europe for the first time.
I'm happy to say that it was well done!!
He proved to be a very able, quick learning, willing guy to work with. As soon as I showed him any task he was 'on it'.
His confidence grew everyday as he found his feet and realised that he is well suited to… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host

I stayed with Jane 3 weeks, I arrived with a warm welcome and felt very much at home. I enjoyed the work and learned many practical skills about the land. Picking olives and painting were both very fun. Food was fresh and delicious. Very good company. On days off I was invited into town or to ride one of the bicycles. Very pleased to have met such… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2021

Left by Workawayer (Meggy & Fabio) for host

Thank you for having us, Jane!!!
We've had a wonderful time at the place with Jane and the cats Tri-Tri and Voletta and enjoyed the physical work + the playing afterwards a lot! We were able to try different types of jobs and never got bored which was great! But cooking together, having lunch + dinner together, the roadtrip, visiting Jane's… read more

(Excellent )

27/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Meggy & Fabio)

Meggy and Fabio are the epitome of great workawayers! What a joy!
Great workers and great company with a zest for life which makes for happy people all round.
They tackled the never-ending list of jobs almost as a challenge (!) and the outcome was terrific. The list got demolished, even the huge jobs!!
I really enjoyed having them here and was… read more

(Excellent )

27/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria Agustina & Fabian Alejandro)

Tutti and Fabian are a very lovely couple and I was delighted to have them here to help me at such a difficult time.
They were here about 3 weeks and worked really hard despite the ever increasing heat!
They worked well together and apart which is really helpful with so much to do.
It was slightly frustrating that Tutti had to translate my… read more

(Excellent )

24/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Maria Agustina & Fabian Alejandro) for host

Sorry for the delay in our review. We stay with Jane for 3 weeks, we worked hard but we were recompensed with delicious food and good wine. She's a fabulous woman, it was nice to share with her and be able to talk about everything. She took us to know Alberobello and Martina Franca (beautiful places) and we enjoyed an ice cream together.
It was a… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Tim)

Tim arrived a week later than my other 4 pickers but just got 'stuck in' (guided by them) and I believe thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Being a seasoned explorer/traveller he was really happy to 'muck-in' with the 4 workawayers already here and they worked and played together as a great team.

I only had to point Tim in the direction of the… read more

(Excellent )

18/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tim) for host

I had a tremendous experience with Jane! I was lucky enough to see a huge variety of the happenings on her beautiful property and with her life in the three weeks I stayed as we transitioned to winter. I came to help with the olive harvest which was exciting and fun, especially with a few other workawayers around, and the team atmosphere was… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Monika & Thomas)

Monika and Tom were my first workawayers to arrive for my olive harvest.
They spent their first 2 days clearing around and underneath all the trees we planned to pick, preparation is physically hard work. Gemma and Jono arrived 2 days later and the 4 of them then picked our first cropping from dawn 'til dusk! (Happily Monika and Tom had previous… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (jonathan & gemma)

Gemma & Jono are a fab couple and a breath of fresh air...just what I needed here as we prepared to harvest my olives! Monika and Tom arrived a couple of days before them so the 4 of them teamed-up clearing underneath the trees and making 'whacking sticks' before the first 2 crazy days of picking. The 4 of them brought down our first 2 days of… read more

(Excellent )

29/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (David) for host

I spent a wonderful 2 weeks with Jane at her beautiful home in Puglia. She is a straight shooter as am I so we got along well. If she says that she'll do something, you can count on it. She expects the same from those who come also. To me, nothing is better-clear beginnings and clear endings make for a healthy interaction. Jane also went out of… read more

(Excellent )

08/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Colin & Yuh Harn)

Yuh and Colin were a joy to host and would have been very welcome to stay longer but being their first trip to Italy they naturally want to see as much of the country as possible whilst so far from home (Singapore) I was lucky that they chose to come to this place!
Their positive, mature attitude to their first Workaway was refreshing and… read more

(Excellent )

07/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Colin & Yuh Harn) for host

Spending 2 weeks in Puglia with Jane was a wonderful start to our trip in Italy! She kept us well fed, even taking into account our food preferences and getting loads of cured meat for us. She is an amazing lady who has managed to make her property what it is today - I can't imagine how it looked like 13 years ago when she moved in.

On our first… read more

(Excellent )

24/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lucy) for host

I had the absolute privilege of staying with Jane for three and a half weeks over June 2018, a time I will most certainly treasure for the rest of my life. The farm itself is situated in a beautiful part of Puglia, a short drive to the likes of the beautiful Alberobello and Ostuni. I flew into Brindisi and made my way to Jane's place on the train… read more

(Excellent )

12/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Mayara & Rodrigo)

Mayara and Rodrigo are a fabulous couple; hard working, highly flexible, enthusiastic and great company...what more can l say? They under took a myriad of tasks here from manhandling a massive wood delivery, making concrete and setting stone, house cleaning and, most importantly, initiating getting my enormous kitchen repainted which was in… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia & Sam)

Do not under estimate this lovely couple (l confess l nearly did!) They may be young but they certainly aren't naive, inexperienced or shy.
A truly personable pair of great workers. Not daunted by any task that l asked of them they undertook a huge variety of jobs, always with smiles and enthusiasm. Any host will be pushed to find two such… read more

(Excellent )

01/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Sian)

Sian & Mike... on their first workaway but you wouldn't know it!
Lovely couple, full of energy and enthusiasm, just what I needed here.
They immersed themselves in being here, embracing every task I set them however tough.
Amongst a myriad of jobs they weeded, strimmed and raked away around all my olive and fruit trees unstintingly, I couldn't… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Michael & Sian) for host

This was our first workaway experience, and although it only lasted for two weeks, it is one that will really stick in our minds for a long time!! If work hard play hard ever needed an example - this is it. Jane is a strong, straight talking character, with lots to offer in exchange for solid graft. We ended up chatting, discussing and debating… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia & Fionn)

Amelia and Finn are a happy, mature, positive couple who were on their first workaway here along with another couple ~ initially here for my annual olive picking. They all worked together really well and we got in a great crop, in fact the best quality ever! As well as shinning up olive trees they mended all the holes in my nets, cleaned chimneys,… read more

(Excellent )

25/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Caitlin & Chris) for host

Where to begin.... Jane is an extraordinary woman to know. During our two week stay with her, we lived the old adage of "work hard and play hard," learning so much along the way about ceramics and all things Pugliese. We could not have asked for a more perfect introduction to Workaway! We are so glad to have gotten to know, work with and connect… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexis & Vince)

Alex and Vince are a remarkable couple.
From the very first morning they launched themselves into the myriad of jobs that needed doing here. Both have outstanding, completely differing skills ~ all of which were put to good use here.
Any host who is lucky enough to have these guys apply to them, my advice, grab them with both hands!!
Great… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Alexis & Vince) for host

We spent just over two weeks with Jane. Her and I had a lot of commonalities. She is very nice and generous. Her expectations are clear and fair. Her home is lovely and the cats are awesome too. Thank you so much Jane for welcoming us into your home.
Alexis and Vincent

(Excellent )

09/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Virginija & Donatas)

Where to start?
Virginija and Donatas sewed (curtains), strimmed (the orchard), sawed (masses of wood), secateured (dead and damaged plants), scrubbed (out weeds), squeeged (Winter-filthy windows), not to mention plastered, painted and planted!!
They are an absolutely fab couple and I was very lucky that they were able to stay on after the… read more

(Excellent )

08/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Virginija & Donatas) for host

Well, Jane is a person you won’t meet every day on the street. She has bunch of talents, is very creative, intelligent, generous and polite. At her place we had workaway commitment for two weeks but stayed almost a month. From one hand we liked the place very much and from the other hand there was lot of job to do.
Jane’s garden had a massive… read more

(Excellent )

08/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle & Susana)

For me these hard-working, positive-thinking, outward-going guys were just great.
Susana and Kyle could be given any task and they would get stuck into it!
A mature team, no job too much trouble, they totally got into the spirit of being here.
Originally 'booked in' to olive pick alongside Jules and Robbie they painted, planted, potted and prepped… read more

(Excellent )

02/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Kyle & Susana) for host

Jane is very straightforward and to the point, always gave specific instructions. But then every day was different, she gave us the outline of the work and we were free to work the jobs we want when we wanted to. Susana and I really enjoyed this type of atmosphere, we could wake up in the day and make our own plan. We would join for a delicious… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Robbie)

Jules and Robbie were here about three weeks ~ overlapping with another couple who they got on very well with. (So well they went on a 2 day road trip together on days off).
Despite the disappointment of no olive picking (no crop this year:( there was no shortage of work to be done and these two worked wonderfully both as a team and… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi)

Huge 'thank yous' to Naomi and Matt for all the hard work (many of the tasks they undertook were very physical!) they put in over the last ten days. Cleaning up the ravages of Winter and recent strong winds takes a long time to make disappear but however tedious or grimy the job they both undertook all of them with a much appreciated willingness. … read more

(Excellent )

30/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host

Jane accommodated for both my boyfriend and I and we had a wonderful stay at her place. You will be fed well with local and seasonal produce (you'll also eat super-healthily too!), if it's hot outside you can get into the plunge pool to cool down, marvel at her ceramic creations and spend some furry times with her two cats. We bleached and… read more

(Excellent )

24/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Pedro & Amanda)

I was so lucky to find such a fab couple in Amanda and Pedro!
I cannot recommend them highly enough to any other host. Their commitment to everything they did here was outstanding. Great workers, great company and every task I gave them was executed with great care, which was wonderful. Once they were given a job they could be entrusted to… read more

(Excellent )

23/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Pedro & Amanda) for host

Jane is a very talented and smart woman. Her house is lovely and also her pottery workshop. We stayed in a big and cozy bedroom. It was amazing to do a piece of pottery and to understand a bit of the process. We worked hard but we were also recompensed. Our work was mainly about gardening and painting. We also learned to cook some interesting… read more

(Excellent )

25/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Clélia)

Clélia ~ worth her weight in gold! 2 weeks turned into 3 and then 4. I was happy for her to stay just as long as she wanted to be here. We worked on a zillion jobs inside and out as the weather permitted. Our initial task was to prepare for the imminent arrival of a Ch4 film crew which meant much physical hard work face-lifting this place out of… read more

(Excellent )

16/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Clélia) for host

I stayed for almost a month with Jane, and it was an amazing time. It is a wonderful haven of peace where the work yet never lacks : gardening, weeding, raking stones, peeling palm-trees, sawing other kinds of spicky trees... ; cleaning, painting, and generally maintening this beautiful property ; but also reclaiming clay, preparing glaze and… read more

(Excellent )

22/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Miriam & Reinhard) for host

We stayed only a short time with Jane about a week and this was our first workaway experience.
We enjoyed staying in her beautiful "trullo house". Our guest room was clean and tastefully furnished. The bathroom was shared with two other workaway girls.
Jane either cooked for us or we cooked together at lunch times. The dinner times were… read more

(Good )

19/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam & Reinhard)

Miriam and Reinhard joined us for a week to help with my olive harvest.
They enjoyed the experience so much they went on to stay and help a neighbour with his harvest!
They are hard working and positive thinking ~ a real 'must' with workaway.
I wish them well on their travels!

(Excellent )

07/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Eva & Wieteke) for host

The two weeks we spend with Jane in Puglia were the the best! The house and the environment are beautiful and a great place to stay, peacfull and quite. The work was was pleasant and diverse, it almost didnt seem like work at all! It was an awsome experience picking the olives and see them turned into olive oil. Besides that we ate the best meals… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Eva & Wieteke)

Eva and Wieteke are a great team and I am delighted that they spent 2 weeks working here before embarking on the next leg of their huge undertaking, to cycle to China!
They dug, they planted, they harvested olives, they could be trusted to complete any task given and their positive attitude to being here was brilliant.
I can recommend them… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Kylie & Taylor)

What can I say? Kylie and Kristy came for 2 weeks and stayed a month!
Great workers, great company and phased by nothing.
Their wholehearted enthusiasm to get 'stuck in' here was inspiring and applied to every job they tackled, which were many and diverse.
I look forward to their return in May next year!

(Excellent )

28/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Darryn & Jane)

The feeling's mutual ~ fab workers and a pleasure to have their company.
l am only sorry that Jane and Darryn's plans to make it all the way to China meant they could not stay longer, they certainly were welcome to!
I wish them safe and happy travelling so far from their home...

(Excellent )

27/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Darryn & Jane) for host

Great first workaway! We had a great time and we were fed like champions. Jane is an awesome host we recommend 100%

(Excellent )

23/07/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Jenna)

(Negative )

23/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Jenna) for host

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

23/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Amanda)

Amanda and Kieran took to 'workaway' like ducks to water!
They both put their all into every job undertaken and once on a task independently applied intelligence and didn't need to be overseen ~ sensibly asking if in doubt. For me they were the perfect couple who worked well together and apart, just what I need here. I would highly recommend them… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host

We spent two weeks at Jane's beautiful home this month and were lucky enough to experience two fabulous days of olive picking as well as doing other bits and bobs around the property.

Work days were fair and our efforts were certainly appreciated and rewarded with some of the best home cooking we have ever had!!!

Jane went above and beyond… read more

(Excellent )

19/10/2013

Left by Workawayer (Mitchell & Holly) for host

Jane was an amazing host and very easy to work for! The work days never felt long and we were spoilt with great lunches, dinners and wine each day. Jane took the time to take us out on our days off to show us around some beautiful parts of the Puglia region. We definitely enjoyed Jane taking the time to teach us some our cooking skills. We cannot… read more

(Excellent )

16/10/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Mitchell & Holly)

Holly and Mitch are a great couple who I was fortunate enough to have here for the past two weeks in the midst of their world travels.
They worked independently on many different jobs that needed skill, intelligence and application! (Amongst other jobs Holly spent many days diligently grinding and wedging clay in the pottery whilst Mitch… read more

(Excellent )

09/06/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Alan)

Lorraine undertook a myriad of different tasks not least of which was tidying up the seemingly endless ravages of Winter on my garden. She left it looking loved and cared for! Alan is highly skilled and was 'the man' for the job of laying stone exactly as I wanted it - a lot to ask! They work well both together and independently on different tasks… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2013

Left by Workawayer (Alan) for host

Jane was a wonderful host and we enjoyed our first work away experience
in her lovely home in Puglia. Our tasks were varied and interesting and I enjoyed the gardening and painting, while Alan undertook a couple of building tasks, unfortunately due to our plans he was unable to finish one project completely but we both feel we helped put the… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2013

Left by Workawayer (Robert & Carisa) for host

Staying with Jane was an unforgettable experience for my wife and I. We stayed for 3 weeks, which felt more like 3 days. The work was enjoyable and we were rewarded with a variety of amazing food, great company, and lasting memories. She definitely went out of her way to make us feel at home.

(Excellent )

08/04/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Robert & Carisa)

Carisa and Rob are a terrific couple. Full of energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to tackle any task.
They are great company as well as fantastic workers.
I can honestly recommend them to any host who they contact.
I was sorry to see them go and I wish them really well in their travels.
Jane Shaw

(Excellent )

10/04/2013

Left by Workawayer (Cili & Matyi) for host

Starting our ’workaway carrier’ at Jane’s was the best that could have happened to us! The basic idea of workawaying is accomplished by hosts like Jane. Her great hospitality and kindness motivated us to bring out the best in ourselves. Our work was always very well appreciated. We mainly worked in the garden: planting palms and yuccas, covering… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Cili & Matyi)

Excellent is an under statement to rate Cili and Matyi!
Their willingness to 'get stuck in' and ability to work independently on any task is outstanding. They are a terrific couple with a zest for life, full of energy and genuine enthusiasm - whatever I asked of them.
Last night I took them onto their new hosts after nearly a month here - hard… read more

(Excellent )

17/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Alexia & Lyall) for host

We spent 10 days with Jane in early November and had a great time. We picked olives for four days and also did some odd jobs around the property. The working hours were fair and Jane cooked lovely meals. We also drank delicious beer and red wine each night! We enjoyed learning about olive oil too- overall a memorable workaway experience!

(Excellent )

11/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexia & Lyall)

Alexia and Lyall are a happy couple who tackle every job with a positive attitude and once 'on task' can be left to work without needing supervision.
They would always be welcome back here!

(Excellent )

21/11/2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)

Matt and Ruth are a happy couple who pitch in to whatever job is on the cards without hesitation - a real boon to those of us who need youth, energy and enthusiasm to get on top of what needs doing! I would strongly recommend them to any hosts who are looking for workers with initiative as well as being super 'grafters'. I wish them exciting… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2012

Left by Workawayer (Matthew) for host

Jane is a very accommodating and friendly host, she is more than happy to give you total creative freedom when it comes to projects around her wonderful property. The perfect setting and the fortunately beautiful weather and amazing food all together made for a fabulous working experience. Oh and if you are very lucky she might even let you have… read more

(Excellent )

30/03/2012

Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Michael) for host

Jane was amazing all around!! She was warm, welcoming, fun to be around, and a spectacular cook! The accommodations were perfecto. The variety of work was enjoyable and a wonderful learning experience. We miss her and Sean dearly and would love to go back again. Thanks so much for everything Jane, we appreciate it greatly. Talk soon!!

Mike and… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Roman)

Michelle and Roman are outstanding 'workawayers' and I recommend them to other hosts unreservedly.
They pitch themselves at any and every task however tough and only stop to clarify exactly how you want something done, when you call them in to eat or to come in out of the rain!
I can't praise them enough - seriously hard working and great company… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2011

Left by Workawayer (Roman) for host

Our entire stay with Jane was wonderful. Her house is downright palatial and our accommodations were superb. A gracious host and a fantastic cook, Jane really made us feel welcome (and well-fed!). The work was varied and satisfying and I am glad that we got the opportunity to help Jane continue with her beautification of the place.

Jane, thank… read more

(Excellent )

20/06/2010

Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria)

Vicky and Waiel soon found their feet here and certainly left their mark. They worked both independently and together on a variety of different projects and were an enormous help. I would recommend them to anyone who they contact! I wish them both well in their future travels. I miss them!
Jane

(Excellent )

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