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Learn how to be more self-sufficient and experience everyday life in rural Castiglione, Italy

  • Last activity : 23 Sep 2026

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If you are not an EU Citizen and planning to visit Italy to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    It all started with the dream of having a piece of land of our own. Land where we could grow our own crops, eat from our fruit trees and live freely in harmony with nature. And so, in the summer of 2022, we climbed into our vintage Hanomag camper van and set off in search of our place in Mediterranean Southern Europe. Chasing our dream of a self-sufficient life!

    After more than 15,000 kilometres of travelling around, we found our home and land. At the foot of an old borgo in Lunigiana, Northern Tuscany, two hectares were waiting for us to restore and bring back to life. A neglected olive grove, an abandoned vineyard, a hidden chestnut forest and a house in need of plenty of care… all with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Tuscan mountains and hills.

    This is where we have been living since the summer of 2024: Sander, Arachne, our toddler and baby, and our Border Collie, Blitz. In the summer of 2025 we started a mini-glamping, from july until mid-september, where we rent out two tents. This, however, is not what we are looking for volunteers to help with; volunteers will not help with camp stays

    In september we close the glamping, which gives us time to work on what we are really here for!

    We are happy to welcome volunteers who enjoy helping us with our no-till vegetable garden, olive grove, vineyard and house.

    In the surrounding area, you can enjoy beautiful hiking and cycling, with the mountains right on our doorstep. There are plenty of little rivers and waterfalls to discover, and within just over half an hour you can reach the Mediterranean coast.

    The Cinque Terre are just 40 minutes away and very easy to reach by train from Villafranca, a small village just 10 minutes from us.

    If you are looking for a bit more city life, you can take the train from Villafranca and be in La Spezia in just 30 minutes — a lively city with plenty to do, especially when it comes to nightlife.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Videography
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Farming
    Writing
    Drawing & painting
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    DIY & crafts
    Carpentry
    Nature
    Camping
    Mountain
    Beach
    Water sports
    Hiking
    Cycling
  • 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

    Experience what it's like to live in the Italian countryside in the north of Tuscany, in the region of Lunigiana.

    We are building a no-dig vegetable garden where you will be involved in the daily tasks, learning how we take care of the soil and preserve our food, with the aim of becoming as self-sufficient in food as possible.

    You can also learn how to prune fruit and olive trees and how to take care of and restore a neglected vineyard. There is plenty to learn and plenty to do, depending on the season and your interests.

    We have travelled a lot in and outside Europe, and we enjoy being in a position where we can now host other travellers. We will share lunches and dinners together, and we like to communicate in an open and equal way. Sharing meals is a great opportunity to get to know each other better, and we look forward to hearing about your experiences and the places you have been.

    You will also have the opportunity to experience the local area, nature and everyday life in rural Tuscany, while sharing your own culture, skills and experiences with us.

  • Help

    Help

    Helping in the garden, olive grove and vineyard, further creating the vegetable garden, doing odd tasks around the house, and building up a supply of firewood.

  • Languages spoken

    Dutch: Fluent
    English: Intermediate
    Spanish: Intermediate
    German: Beginner
    Italian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    A two person bedroom with an own entrance.
    The room has a sofa, table and chairs and your waking up to an amazing view.
    There is a kitchen that can be used for meals.

    You have breakfast on your own, in your own tempo. There is an own kitchen for you to use. We provide the ingredients. Breakfast together is also possible if that is prefered by you!

    We have a coffee/tea halfway trough the morning, and a warm lunch together. Dinner will be together or separate, depending on your plans for the afternoon. If you are one a trip, we will save dinner for whenever you get back to our place in the evening.

    Food:
    Mostly vegetarian food, Arachne loves cooking and makes the most wonderful dishes. Breakfast and lunch are cared for. Food for dinner is available to cook in your own kitchen.

  • 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

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    No space on our own property, but closeby there is a place to park a camper/motorhome with acces to water.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Pets by arrangement.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Blitz

    Our border collie Blitz is very friendly towards visitors. Always wants to play and loves to join you around the garden.

Host ref number: 869366197842

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