Housesitting and caring for our pets in rural Basilicata, Italy

Details

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  Description

  We are a retired English couple living in the countryside between the sea and mountains in Basilicata (Nova Siri) Southern Italy. We have 5 hectares of land (including 120 olive trees), two dogs and two cats. In our working lives we both were involved in international exchanges and love meeting new people and introducing them to our relative unknown corner of Italy. Our location is peaceful and beautiful and there are many places of natural and historic interest in the area. Unfortunately, public transport around here is very limited. If you do not have your own transport, there is the possiblilty of using my small car, but for insurance reasons this is only available for people over 25.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  General Maintenance

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Books

  

  Plant care

  

  History

  

  Hiking

  

  Beach

  

  Nature

  

  Animals

  

  Pets

  

  Events & social

  

  Technology

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Music
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We love introducing people to this corner of italy and it's rural culture, music and cuisine. Although we are both English we have good links with the local community and S plays violin in a folk band. In season you can join us in the art of olive picking, pressing and pruning. We are happy to help you with your English if that is useful.

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  Help

  We want to go away for 2 weeks in June (dates to be agreed) during which time you would have responsibility for looking after and walking our 2 dogs and feeding our 2 cats as well as keeping our small pool clean (so you can enjoy using it!) and some plants watered. During the time we are away we would expect you to spend most of your time around the house and garden. During the rest of your stay some help walking the dogs and general help with the land, cutting grass, weeding, pruning, small repairs would be appreciated and you will have more free time to enjoy and explore the surrounding area.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are happy to help you improve your English or for you to help us improve our Italian
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  Accommodation

  We have a self contained fully equipped house situated next to ours (double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/diner/lounge) with good internet and air conditioning. The lounge has a sofa bed. We also have a small pool. I love cooking and you are welcome to join us for any meals or to cook for yourselves in your fully equipped kitchen or any combination - we can agree what suits all of us.

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  What else ...

  We are 10 minutes drive from the sea and about 30minutes from the Pollino national park. In the area there are Greek temples, Roman remains, castles and stunning countryside. The UNESCO world heritage city of Matera is about 1 hour away. We are a short walk from the nearest bus stop and 30 mins from the nearest train station. Long distance buses stop about 10 mins drive away. Public transport is very limited in this part of Italy, with no taxis or local car hire facilities.We would like our guests either to have their own transport or have a driving licence and be over 25 so you can borrow my car. Sorry, but we are unable to accept people travelling with animals. Non smokers only.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have a good unlimited internet connection

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  Space for parking camper vans

  There is space to park a caravan or motorhome.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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