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1 Oct 2024
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Description
We own a small and yet complete organic family farm on a hill in Tuscany, right in the center of Italy. Among our products there is a fine Merlot wine, olive oil, a vegetable garden and eggs from our chickens.
Andro is also a musician and writer and Marina is a doctor specialized in acupuncture and nutrition.
Works here are of course seasonal and they vary with the needs of the time. There is
a lot to learn and some skills and experience are welcome.
We have been living here since a long time -well over twenty years- and are now in the process of
redifining our reach (property is very large) and redesigning our
projects so they are not overwhelming. You will not be overworked!
We welcome individuals, couples or small groups.
In time you can begin to feel that you are living within the very landscapes that Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello looked upon every day of their lives and portrayed in many of their paintings.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsFarmstay helpHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceHelp with Computers/ InternetUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We can teach Italian. Marina is a doctor and a nutritionist, she can be a precious source of information. She is also an excellent and trained cook, so something can be learnt in that field too. Andro can teach how to create etchings, from the engraving of the plate to the printing process. Also him being a musician some guitar tricks can be forwarded. He is a writer and a musician with works published in both areas. Both Marina and Andro have university and classical education, therefore History and Art can be discussed. Fluent English spoken.
Andro can teach how to build a house, from foundation to roof, and is a good stone mason.
Living in this beautiful and generous Land we have the opportunity of Learning in practical areas, and also in the spiritual field.
Sharing our information about a balanced relationship with our Land and all the Beings is our long term dedication and source of joy.Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The experience of true and balanced survival in the country is deep and manyfold. Most farming activities are medium-long term processes, such as, for instance, the wine making or the olive and fruit orchard care. Each step though is interesting in itself: pruning an olive tree is an art, and also transforming grapes into wine is no joke.
There is a vegetable garden that needs tending. Flower garden also likes to be cared for, sometimes. We also clean our woods for winter heating necessity. We use some tools that we can teach how to handle: bush cutters, hand tools, etc. You won't be expected to use engines you don't feel comfortable with.
The dirt road leading to the house needs at times some attention too.
We use Mac computers and programs like Logic X and Sibelius for Andro's music, and expertise in that direction is welcome.
When fruit jams are being prepared for the winter, some help might be asked for.Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: FluentAccommodation
Single room with personal bathroom if alone, or shared room if more than one.
Meals together.
Cleaning of the personal rooms is expected.What else ...
If you don't have personal means of transportation (which is recommended) you'll depend upon our trips to town, 16km=25 min drive away. We don't go there every day. From the railway station: Firenze (1 hour) Roma (2 hours), Arezzo (30 minutes) Cortona (30 minutes). Interesting walks on the surrounding hills. On the premises there is a well provided library in English.
Very relaxing, quiet and peaceful: we like to keep it that way.
No smoking in rooms, no open fires.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (26)
We will cherish this experience for so long, the meditating surroundings in the mountains, just wild nature. The great variations of healthy food and alot of greens available at all time. Both of you are exceptional cooks! using whatever you have, simple ingredients and turning it into delightful and healthy lunches and… read more
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
We will cherish this experience for so long, the meditating surroundings in the mountains, just wild nature. The great variations of healthy food and alot of greens available at all time. Both of you are exceptional cooks! using whatever you have, simple ingredients and turning it into delightful and healthy lunches and… read more
The schedule was the same… read more
She is a wonderful person, extremely helpful and ready to be a creative asset in any task which our little farm should present us with. Clean, orderly and precise: it is a true pleasure to interact with her and I would recommend her anytime. Thank you Magdalena! Ciao,… read more
They are willing… read more
A… read more
The place that they have chosen to live is fantastically beautiful and lovingly designed and maintained by the two of them.
Anyone who needs hustle and bustle and bars is wrong here, who appreciates solitude and unspoilt countryside is in the right place.
The two are very… read more
Andro and Marina are organized, reliable, and clear with expectations. The work can… read more
Maximilian è davvero un ottimo collaboratore, molto disponibile ed una presenza decisamente positiva. E' pronto ad affrontare compiti cui non è abituato e a impegnarsi per una buona riuscita. E' un grande aiuto ed è abile e responsabile in tutto quello che fa. Costante, puntuale e pulito. Molto raccomandabile. Parla un ottimo… read more
Dopo la mia prima esperienza negativa non volevo fare un volontario di più ma ho deciso darci un’altra opportunità e non guardavo indietro…perchè era bellissima! Sono stato due settimane con Andro e Marina in montagna e ho fatto la raccolta d’olive- più di 100 chili in 5 giorni. Mi ha piaciuto molto lavorare con Andrò, lui è… read more
Chet is also very helpful and his competence and precision… read more
The mornings were spent working, after which we would help… read more
Our day to day tasks were varied and always fun to complete. We appreciated that… read more
Most of our time we worked on removing a fence from the vegetable garden, harvest corn or cracking almonds. We loved it to work outside and enjoy the… read more
My husband and I stayed with Andro and Marina for 15 days and we had great experience! They truly live in the Tuscan country, but not on a hill...on a mountain! The drive can be scary at first but after the first time it becomes less stressful. It is advised to have your own transportation… read more
What a beautiful and enriching experience I had with Marina and Andro.
Their property and its many amazing houses (which apart form the old farmhouse are all designed and built by Andro and Marina) is exceptionally comfortable, incredibly beautiful and traditionally Tuscan. The view from your separate little house (what luxury!) is of the… read more
Good experience.
Good young ladies to have around. Recommended.