A grassy hillside with scattered plants and a garden. There are trees in the background, a rustic house, and the scene is bathed in soft sunlight.
A rustic wooden house sits on a grassy hill, surrounded by autumn trees, scattered construction materials, and a wooden fence. The sky is cloudy and gray.
Two dogs stand near a tall metal gate in a park. Autumn leaves cover the ground. Sunlight gently bathes the dogs, highlighting the vibrant fall colors.
A peaceful autumn scene features a dog walking down a leaf-covered path, surrounded by colorful trees under a clear blue sky, bathed in golden sunlight.
1 / 5
new host  

Learn about gardening and discover the beauty of the Apennine mountains in Roncovetro, Italy

  • Last activity : 20 Oct 2025

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a small rural project based in the hills of Roncovetro (Reggio Emilia, Italy).
    Our goal is to live in harmony with nature and create a self-sufficient lifestyle — growing vegetables, taking care of fruit trees, keeping chickens, and soon some sheep.

    We are restoring an old rural property and building a sustainable environment step by step. The place is surrounded by forests, trails, and amazing views of the Apennines — perfect for people who love peace, animals, and outdoor life.

    You’ll share the space with us and our animals (dogs, chickens, and more in the future). Tasks can vary depending on the season: gardening, small hands-on projects, helping with animals, cleaning, and creative ideas to improve the place.

    We love meeting people from different countries, exchanging skills and stories, and sharing slow, authentic country life.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Van life
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Pets
    Movies & TV
    Farming
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Animals
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Camping
    Beach
    Adventure sports
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability 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

    Life is simple, authentic and connected with nature.
    You’ll share the days with me (Evija, originally from Latvia but living in Italy for many years) and Cristian, who speaks only Italian — a great chance to practise the language and experience real rural life.

    We love meeting people from different backgrounds and exchanging ideas, stories and recipes. I enjoy cooking a mix of dishes inspired by my travels and by local ingredients, so there’s always something new to taste or try together.

    You’ll also spend time with our animals — dogs, chickens and, depending on the season, maybe more. They are part of our daily life and often the best companions for walks around the hills.

    The atmosphere here is relaxed and open: there are no strict schedules or hard rules. Everyone helps in their own way and at their own rhythm. The important thing is to enjoy the experience, connect with nature, and not be afraid to get a little muddy sometimes!

    You’ll also have the chance to explore the nearby villages, join small local events and discover the beauty of the Apennine mountains.

    Even though we’re not traveling ourselves at the moment, we enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing experiences, languages and daily life here.

    I (Evi) will be the main contact for international guests — I speak several languages and love learning from other cultures.
    Hosting travelers is a wonderful way to keep that sense of curiosity and connection with the world alive, even while staying rooted here.

  • Help

    Help

    We are looking for people who enjoy nature, animals and practical outdoor work.
    Help can vary depending on the season — from gardening, taking care of vegetables and fruit trees, planting or harvesting, to small maintenance or creative projects around the property.

    Other tasks might include taking care of animals (dogs, chickens, and soon sheep), repairing simple wooden structures, helping with firewood, and keeping common spaces tidy.

    We really appreciate people with initiative and new ideas — there’s always something to improve or create here!

    Most of the work will be done together, so you’ll have the chance to learn how we manage a small rural property in the Italian Apennines, exchange knowledge and share skills.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Latvian (Lettish): Fluent
    English: Intermediate
    Russian: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I speak Latvian and Italian, and my English is quite good but a bit rusty — so I’d love to practice it more through daily conversations! Workawayers are welcome to learn or improve their Italian while staying here, especially with Cristian who speaks only Italian. We like the idea of sharing languages naturally, through cooking, working together, or chatting in the evenings — no lessons, just real-life practice and exchange.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The accommodation is on the upper floor of our rural house, which is currently being renovated but already comfortable and welcoming.
    There is a private bedroom, a bathroom, and a living area where a small kitchen corner is being set up.

    The bathroom is completely new, just finished this year, while the bedroom and living room could use a little refresh but are absolutely livable and cozy.

    The space is simple and rustic, with beautiful views of the hills and plenty of peace and quiet. It’s perfect for someone who enjoys nature, animals, and a slow lifestyle.

    We live downstairs, so the Workawayer will have privacy but will also be part of our daily life if they wish — sharing meals, coffee, or conversations around the table.

    Meals are included and usually homemade, using local or homegrown ingredients. I enjoy cooking a mix of Italian, Latvian, and international dishes, and guests are always welcome to cook or share their own recipes too!

    Wi-Fi is available, but we encourage spending time outdoors whenever possible — walking, relaxing, or just enjoying the silence and the landscape.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We live in a peaceful and quiet rural area — perfect for those who love nature and simplicity.
    There’s no public transport nearby, so it’s best if Workawayers come with their own car. If not, we can help with pick-ups or rides when possible.

    We appreciate people who are respectful, independent and comfortable spending time in nature. There are no strict rules, but we ask everyone to treat the house, animals and surroundings with care.

    We don’t host parties or extra guests — we prefer a calm and friendly atmosphere where everyone can rest and recharge.

    During free time, you can explore the beautiful hills, take walks with the dogs, enjoy the sunset from the garden, or visit nearby villages like Vetto, Canossa and Castelnovo ne’ Monti.

    The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring clothes for both warm sunny days and cool evenings!

  • 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 very good internet connection through Starlink, strong enough for remote work, video calls, and online projects. The Wi-Fi actually works in most of the property — even near the gate and beyond! (Cristian made sure of that 😄). Mobile network coverage can vary depending on the provider, so some phone companies may have a weaker signal in this area. It’s a peaceful place surrounded by nature — perfect if you need concentration and quiet between work sessions. Just one small note: we live with several friendly dogs who are part of our daily life, so you might occasionally hear them barking during a call 🐕💬

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We can host a small camper or van, as there’s enough space for parking near the house. Large motorhomes cannot access the property, because the last part of the road is a narrow rural path with trees and low branches — typical countryside style 🌳. There’s no dedicated camper service area, but electricity and water can be arranged if needed, and the Wi-Fi signal reaches the parking area thanks to our Starlink connection. The surroundings are quiet, green and safe — ideal for someone who enjoys simple rural life close to nature.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Bego

    Bego

    Bego is an 11-month-old tiny Pinscher with a giant heart — the sweetest little dog you could ever meet, also known here as “the dog of a thousand kisses per minute” 😄.

    She’s affectionate, cheerful and always looking for cuddles or a warm lap to curl up on.
    Despite her size and young age, she has a brave spirit and loves to be part of everything that happens around the house.

    Bego gets along with everyone — people, dogs and probably anyone willing to return a bit of her endless love.
    She brings lightness, affection and constant smiles to daily life.

    Macchietta

    family — a sweet 16-year-old senior who has seen it all and now enjoys a well-deserved calm life.
    He’s gentle, quiet and wise — a bit deaf and with limited eyesight, but still curious and happy to take his little walks around the garden.

    His favorite hobbies are simple: napping in the sun, eating at regular times, and watching the younger dogs with a look that says, “been there, done that.” 😄

    Macchietta doesn’t ask for much — just peace, kindness and a soft spot to rest. He’s the heart of the group and brings a special sense of balance and tenderness to the house.

    Profile photo of Kim

    Kim

    Kim is a 5-month-old Maremmano puppy, full of energy, curiosity and personality.
    Even though she’s still very young (and a bit clumsy because of a small limp), she already takes her guardian role very seriously — she started “protecting” the house and the other dogs when she was only three months old 😄.

    She’s playful, affectionate and always up to something — whether it’s running around the garden, carrying branches, or trying to convince someone to play.

    Kim is still learning and growing, so she needs patience and calm guidance. She brings a lot of joy (and a bit of chaos) to everyday life, as every good puppy should!

    Tigro

    Tigro is an 8-year-old mix of Amstaff and Pitbull — a big, gentle soul and the “good giant” of the family.
    Despite his strong look, he’s incredibly sweet, calm and friendly with everyone.

    His favorite activities are simple: eating, sleeping, and finding the most comfortable spot in the house or garden 😄.
    He loves attention, enjoys being around people, and gets along well with the other dogs.

    Tigro has a relaxed temperament and adds a touch of serenity (and a bit of snoring!) to daily life here.

    Profile photo of Birba

    Birba

    Birba is a 4-year-old Jack Russell with a strong character and a big heart.
    She’s very smart, active and curious — always ready for walks, games and new adventures.

    She loves people but prefers to decide herself when to be touched or cuddled. She’s very communicative and always gives clear signals when she needs space — she just appreciates calm and respectful interactions.

    Birba gets along wonderfully with puppies and small dogs and enjoys being involved in daily life. She’s loyal, expressive and has that typical Jack Russell mix of independence and affection — the perfect little guardian of the house!

Host ref number: 782588128543

Website Safety

Photos

A rustic wooden house sits on a grassy hill, surrounded by autumn trees, scattered construction materials, and a wooden fence. The sky is cloudy and gray.
A grassy hillside with scattered plants and a garden. There are trees in the background, a rustic house, and the scene is bathed in soft sunlight.
Two dogs stand near a tall metal gate in a park. Autumn leaves cover the ground. Sunlight gently bathes the dogs, highlighting the vibrant fall colors.
A peaceful autumn scene features a dog walking down a leaf-covered path, surrounded by colorful trees under a clear blue sky, bathed in golden sunlight.

Feedback

Explore the outdoors at beautiful Lake Garda, Italy
Experience beautiful countryside surrounded by horses in Sicily, Italy