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Description
We’re Sally and Pete (Brits) and we took early retirement 4 years ago to move out to Puglia and realise Sally's dream of living in Southern Italy. This involved renovating the original Italian lamia (farmhouse) she'd bought 20 years previously, developing a dry mediterranean garden and setting up the systems to be able to live a self-sufficient lifestyle, with as little impact on the planet and environment as possible.
The lamia had been bought as a holiday home in 2005. Unfortunately the property was left abandoned for almost 12 years before we put our heart and soul into all of it: the property, the land, the trees and the inspirational drought-tolerant mediterranean garden. We are as off-grid as possible for this stage of the development - our water supply is rain that we harvest and store, we are not connected to the mains sewage and operate a septic tank with run-off, we have enough solar/ battery to live without grid power for 8 months of the year and we produce our own extra virgin olive oil, fruit, nuts and vegetables for our own consumption. It is a private homestead; we do not operate a business.
The biggest challenge we have is that we are still subject to the 'Schengen Shuffle' due to Brexit and can therefore only manage our 4-acres of land, 200 olive, nut and fruit trees and 3000 square metres (approx) of dry garden on half the year. We could really do with some help in the time we are there, especially with tree pruning, cutting up wood for and making bee hotels, strimming, rotovating and clearance jobs. Pete needs to finish off the fencing of the inner garden, hopes to make our 'sunset hillock' and has a list of jobs longer than anyone's arm, which is why we decided to try and tempt someone (or a couple) who loves working outdoors, is physically fit and mobile, and has the time and inclination to help us. The building and renovation work is practically finished, and our main focus when we are there is on the land (Pete) and dry gardening (Sally).
We can offer a double ensuite bedroom in a stand-alone, separate building to the main house for complete privacy. There is a strong and reliable wifi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided in return for much needed help on the land. We're not vegetarian or vegan, but are able to cater for different diets if required. The pool is only open between May and October. For arrival and departure, we can collect and drop off to Brindisi airport, rail stations in Brindisi, Carovigno or Ostuni, and the Taranto bus station - all of which are within striking distance of La Bolla. Pete is brilliant with travel planning and can offer help if needed. We have two bicycles which can be used in spare time to explore the local countryside. For complete independence, you may want to consider renting a car - the nearest beaches are about 30 minutes drive away.
Because we can't be at La Bolla all year-round, we're hoping that someone might be able to help us between either of the following periods in 2026:
24th Feb - 6th March
25th March - 18th April
14th - 18th May (inclusive)
5th - 15th June
4th Sept - 13th November
2nd - 10th December
The ideal stay would be five full working days with us and it is the Workawayer's responsibility to have obtained any necessary visa.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Farming
Videography
Carpentry
Plant care
Gardening
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Cycling
Sailing / Boating
Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Join us for breakfast, lunch and diner in our peaceful garden sat under the terrace in peace and tranquility.
We will share information about what we have learnt from the project to date (solar, rain-harvesting, dry gardening etc).
We have both worked and lived in different countries in our previous careers. We are well-travelled and have much to share in terms of different experiences.
Puglia is a region steeped in culture and we are happy to provide information on the best places to visit and enjoy. Since living in Puglia, we've come to appreciate that the things that matter most to the locals are food, family and friends.
Help
Land management, tree pruning, DIY projects, gardening all of which will be done with one or both of us.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate
Accommodation
We have renovated a seperate self contained building which has its own ensuite (shower, toilet, sink), heating/cooling, double bed and access to a fast and reliable internet (Starlink).
Workawayers will share 3 meals a day with us - it's an important part of our cultural exchange.
What else ...
We have two bicycles if people just want to potter around locally (it's only a 10-minute cycle ride into San Michele Salentino, our local town). Pete is happy to drop people off to Ostuni railway station to go north or south by train and explore the region - it's worth noting that Italian trains are exceedingly good value. In the evenings, if people would rather eat out at a restaurant in a local town then Pete is also happy to drop off and pick up later - there are no taxis in Puglia!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have made the end section of our driveway nearest the house sufficiently wide and long for a campervan. The space measures 3.5m wide x 8.5m long with no height restriction.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
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