Welcome to our farmhouse and help out near a medieval village, Italy

Details

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  Description

  ***We cannot assist with Italian residency/citizenship***
  **Please only contact us if you are hardworking**
  *At the moment we can only accept volunteers with certain skills - carpentry, light scale building, plumbing*
  
  My husband and I are both originally from England but now living permanently in Italy with our two very friendly dogs and two cats. We have both been involved with organic and off-grid living for some time learning various organic and self-sufficiency practices and are now starting a new journey here in Italy.
  
  I managed three independent skill-exchange program locations in the UK, and have also been a guest myself - so I know both sides.
  
  We have just over one hectare of land that we are gradually transforming into an off-grid paradise. The house and land are situated only 15 minutes drive from Trasimeno di Lago. A large and stunning lake central to Italy and easily accessible by public transport. The house itself is surrounded by a beautiful tiered flower and vegetable garden, olive trees, field and woodland in a peaceful location but within reach of the local village and amenities.
  
  My husband is a professional artist, and I am a retired graphic designer/florist. So we have an abundant creative background and look forward to sharing our knowledge of all things organic and creative. There are also horseriding and paragliding businesses nearby. Perugia is only 40 minutes by car and has a wealth of things to do. Major cities are easily accessible by train within two to three hours.
  
  A life of meaning, peace, nature and inspiration is how we have chosen to live, along with sharing our experiences and knowledge to enhance this and future generations.
  
  We encourage all our guests to assist in cooking and clean-up.
  
  We have room for upto three volunteers: one double room and a single room in the house which is a rustic renovated farmhouse. We also have a pool to use in the warmer months.
  
  We are happy to accommodate volunteers who genuinely want to learn and are prepared to help out. In return we will reward you with comfortable accommodation, delicious and nutritious meals! We would also welcome those with musical, language, photography and videography skills as well as practical ones.
  
  Please contact us and tell us a little bit about yourself. What skills you can bring and what skills you would like to learn during your stay with us. This is a reciprocal learning experience…as life should always be!
  
  We look forward to hearing from you for this exciting adventure...

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  My husband and I have a wealth of knowledge with practical skills and creative backgrounds. We both speak fluent English and are learning Italian so we are excited to exchange language skills. You will learn about an off-grid and self-sustainable lifestyle along with eco-practices such as permaculture and biodiversity. Also, many practical skills including woodworking, forest maintenance, food conservation, natural product creation, arts & crafts. You will also have the opportunity to explore the area and absorb yourself in a wealth of activities from horse-riding, wine-tasting, cuisine, Italian culture, watersports etc. (cost of excursions not included).

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  Help

  We have a number of projects in mind, from starting a bee colony for honey and beeswax, sowing wildflowers, to establishing our extended vegetable garden and fruit trees using permaculture and biodiversity influences, and integrating natural irrigation and water-filtering systems. Creating the chicken house and run. Installing a biodigester to compost organic waste to create gas. Building a rammed-earth seating area and wood-burning hot-tub, a yoga platform, outdoor composting toilet and solar shower (with permissions), along with the usual maintenance of logwood, coppicing, tree maintenance, planting, harvesting and food conservation etc.
  
  Guests with experience in carpentry, building, vegetable growing, tree maintenance, cooking, preserving and animal care is advantageous.
  
  You must be willing to work hard...

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We speak fluent English and are happy to assist with any guests wishing to improve their English. We would welcome anyone who speaks Italian to help us improve. I have weekly online Italian lessons. I speak a little bit of French.
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  Accommodation

  We have room for upto three guests. A single room and a double room in the house. We welcome couples, singles, and small groups of friends (no more than three). Type of accommodation is based on a first serve-basis. There is a communal bathroom which has a bath and shower in the main house. Three meals a day will be supplied to all guests at the property (guests pay for their own snacks and alcohol). We encourage our guests to assist with meals and even cook a traditional dish from their country of origin (ingredients provided, where available).

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  What else ...

  You are welcome to spend your time off relaxing by the pool, or in the garden. There are many seating areas dotted around if you wish to chat with other guests or if you prefer some solitude, perhaps to read. There are a wealth of activities in the local area, some within walking or cycling distance (bike hire available locally, own expense). Otherwise, we can arrange special visits to other places of interest for which a car will be required (donations accepted). There is a large lake within 15 minutes drive where there are many watersports available. Many major cities, airports and the beach are accessible by train within two to three hours. There are also local buses and taxis. Guests pay for their own excursions.

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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 the ability to hotspot from our phones which have good 4g signal but this is limited to 129GB per month (this can be used but with limited daily use - no streaming). Happy for digital nomads to work here but after they've completed their 7 hours daily work.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We can provide parking for small-medium campervans only.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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