Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Dec 2024
Reply rate
83.3 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
24
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Badges (2)
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Details
Description
Hi there, we are a family with a 10 year old son, Charlie, and various other animals! Although originally from the UK - where Ruth lectured Economics and Steve trained as a sculptor - we have been living in the Italian countryside for the last 12 years. Having renovated an old farmhouse - which hadn't been lived in for 40 years - we are now in the process of rebuilding a medieval stone ruin, which will become our new home. In the meantime, we are living in a small wooden house which we have also built, on site.
We have a 15 acre plot, in a truly stunning location, on which we grow/make nearly all of our own food - veggies, fruit, cereals for bread and pasta, olive oil and wine - using permaculture, biodynamic and organic methods. All our plants are heirloom, grown from seed.
We have dogs, cats, sheep and chickens (and of course goldfish) and would like to expand our menagerie to include a cow or two, some bees, horses and maybe even a donkey. As Ruth doesn't eat meat, the animals are kept as pets, although (once they've met the right guy) we will milk the sheep and make cheese 😬. We live off-grid except for our water supply. We have solar electricity and water heating. We fell trees on our land for heating and cooking in winter. For summer cooking we have an outdoor pizza oven and rocket stove, which we have also built.
Our local community is very authentic rural Italian. We have very much embraced the local lifestyle, with its emphasis on family, friends, FOOD, and of course wine! There are heaps of things going on locally, and we feel very fortunate to be a part of it all. If you think you might like a slice of paradise too, drop us a line!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Animal Care
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have a wealth of building experience - we do it all, building, roofing, plumbing, plastering, electrical work - to share. Travellers can also learn a lot about self sufficiency in both food and energy - including making and using a composting toilet, making soap, making bread.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We always need able hands. The tasks are physical, outdoor, and very rewarding! We always have a variety of projects on the go, but to give you an idea, typical jobs include, gardening, fencing, processing firewood, making paths, picking olives, harvesting wheat...
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
Accommodation
We have a large caravan with many mod-cons - we lived comfortably in it as a family for over a year - which is most suited to a couple or two friends who are happy to share a large double bed.
What else ...
The local area is stunning. We are on the edge of an ancient forest with lots of scenic walks. Town is a 15 minute walk away (down hill there, uphill back). We are 30 minutes by car from the coast, and 30 minutes from the Sibilini National Park. We are not able to offer transport, although guests are welcome to join us on our various excursions.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (13)
Warmhearted, openminded, funny, laid back, welcoming, accommodating and very generous!
I felt at home with them right away.
Unfortunately I could only help for one day with the olive harvest which was a great experience - they even gave me some of the fresh oil to take… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Warmhearted, openminded, funny, laid back, welcoming, accommodating and very generous!
I felt at home with them right away.
Unfortunately I could only help for one day with the olive harvest which was a great experience - they even gave me some of the fresh oil to take… read more
Ruth, Steve and Charlie are amazing hosts and made us feel so at home. We had so many great chats over delicious meals. Ruth is a great cook!… read more
We loved the work- we were given our own project of building an outside toilet and shower. It felt great to be trusted with such an interesting job and we learnt useful new skills.
We loved staying in such a beautiful place. You guys are turning the garden and house into… read more
During our 2 week stay, we had a range of jobs to do, mainly in the garden, clearing areas or olive tree pruning! We also got to help out in two local festivals which was a brilliant way to get an authentic… read more
The work was the most enjoyable we've had so far and we thank Ruth and Steve for sharing their knowledge with us :)
We hope to go back there… read more
HAHA! Only joking!!! As long as you're not looking for an arm wrestler, Caitlin is THE BEST!! We all fell for her 'hook line and sinker!' Apart from an awesome character, she is incredibly able and willing. Whatever task you set her to - whether she's done it before or… read more
If you looked up 'absolutely amazingly, ridiculously fantastic' in the dictionary it would come up with pictures of Ruth, Steve and Charlie's faces!
Ruth and Steve are the most welcoming and caring people with a great sense of humour. They made me feel super comfortable and I now feel like I have family in Italy! I had an… read more
During the working period we supported each other which made the atmosphere nice and during the freetime we were also sharing some real good experiences like eating together or creative… read more
The work I did was mostly gardening and yard work with a little bit of helping with building. They give many options for what you would like to work on.
Overall, I had a positive first workaway experience and would recommend anyone to stay with this family!
I hope… read more
