Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Aug 2024
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 14 days
Feedback
36
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Description
Organic farm in the Apennin hills 1 hour from Parma. We raise cows, chicken, grow our own wheat, fruit and vegetables, saffron and herbs, collect wild berries, mushrooms and chestnuts. The old stone farmhouse is also an "agriturismo", where we welcome guests for holidays or dinners. In our "lab" kitchen, we make preserves, jams, fruit juices, dry herbs and prepare the dow for our bread. On our farm, we try to achieve a maximum of self sufficiency. We welcome volunteers and students (Erasmus) who are interested in learning about organic farming and more ecological use of energies and who want to share our country life experience with us. We (Gianluca and me, Iris) run this organic farm since 1993, after many years of working for the International Red Cross in war driven countries. The work with the Red Cross has inspired us to try to create a peaceful, self-sufficient and quiet place where nature is dominating the daily life... (and dictating the daily work!) ...
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travelers can learn about small scale organic farming, growing vegetables, sustainable use of limited water resources, extensive animal breeding in a mountain area, renewable energies (solar hot water, photovoltaic panels for electricity, wood for heating), about different construction and maintenance works, about guest accommodation, about cooking with what the farm offers .... The century old wooden kitchen table is a meeting and melting pot of languages, nations, stories, projects and ideas....
Help
For the coming winter months, we are looking for help to do wood chopping, snow shoveling and help take care of our animals (cows, mule, donkey, dog and cats).
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
Accommodation is in an open space wood house with bathroom, kitchen, dining area and sleeping area (2 beds).
What else ...
The nearest railway station is Borgo Val di Taro, some 9km from the farm. Public transport like busses are there too, but not very frequent. The area is very nice for hiking and swimming in the river, and it is possible to make day trips to the seaside (Cinque Terre), Parma, Pontremoli, La Spezia, Genova, Pisa...
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 246387866822
Feedback (24)
5 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I spent 3 weeks this past summer with Gianluca and Iris here. I'm so grateful for the time that I spent in the garden and in the lab helping with lots of different tasks, the great discussions with you two and with Marijn too, the excellent food you cooked everyday from the farm, the walks with Barocco... You welcomed me with wide open arms and I… read more
26 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Brie & Lexie) for host
We spent just shy of 2 weeks here and absolutely loved every minute of it! Iris and Gianluca are two very special people who are incredibly hard workers and taught us a lot during our stay. Our working days consisted of doing tasks like feeding and collecting eggs from the chickens, weeding, picking strawberries, harvesting other fruits and… read more
18 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
In total I spent about 8 months there throughout last year and this year - it feels strange to sum up all of that experience in a review, but I'll try my best :D
What Iris and Gianluca have built is really amazing - I did a few other Workaways but it's rare to find a place with such a wide range of activites that are so well organized too. I… read more
What Iris and Gianluca have built is really amazing - I did a few other Workaways but it's rare to find a place with such a wide range of activites that are so well organized too. I… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
5 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Julie) for host
I spent 3 weeks this past summer with Gianluca and Iris here. I'm so grateful for the time that I spent in the garden and in the lab helping with lots of different tasks, the great discussions with you two and with Marijn too, the excellent food you cooked everyday from the farm, the walks with Barocco... You welcomed me with wide open arms and I… read more
26 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Brie & Lexie) for host
We spent just shy of 2 weeks here and absolutely loved every minute of it! Iris and Gianluca are two very special people who are incredibly hard workers and taught us a lot during our stay. Our working days consisted of doing tasks like feeding and collecting eggs from the chickens, weeding, picking strawberries, harvesting other fruits and… read more
18 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
In total I spent about 8 months there throughout last year and this year - it feels strange to sum up all of that experience in a review, but I'll try my best :D
What Iris and Gianluca have built is really amazing - I did a few other Workaways but it's rare to find a place with such a wide range of activites that are so well organized too. I… read more
What Iris and Gianluca have built is really amazing - I did a few other Workaways but it's rare to find a place with such a wide range of activites that are so well organized too. I… read more
15 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hendrik)
Thank you Hendrik for your help and company! Great spirit and openness, ready to learn new tasks and never afraid of a challenge. Thanks for your fantastic pizza with that long-rise dough - we will remember for a long time .... I hope you are doing fine up there in the valley and maybe we'll see you again before you leave the area.
(Excellent)
10 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Hendrik) for host
I spent 2.5 weeks with Iris and Gianluca and it has been an amazing time. The work is simple and rewarding. During summer you'll have the opportunity to help with the harvest and planting of vegetables and fruits, preparing tomato sauce, assist in cooking for guests and taking care of the animals. If possible you also get the chance to help Iris… read more
20 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie was a great help in our team, full of positive energy, hands-on, doesn't mind heavy work and is definitely the number one branch breaker - 😉 - so if you take her to the forest to collect firewood, you can count on her karate skills (!!!). She is mature and independent, very responsible and with lots of team spirit. I really enjoyed her… read more
(Excellent)
19 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
My stay at Iris and Gianluccas farm was just great :D I wrote to them last minute and was probably lucky, that it seemed to fit with the other workawayers, so I arrived there just two days later. Iris has clear expectations towards her volunteers, she values punctuality and it were always 4,5-5hours of work a day but in exchange you get so much… read more
22 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Shanice)
Shanice is a very sunny person, full of positive energy, friendly and interested in all kind of jobs and subjects to talk about; she has travelled a lot and you can feel that she is open-minded and ready to go towards people, to share their way of life and to help wherever help is needed. She is not complicated and not afraid to get her hands… read more
(Excellent)
4 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Shanice) for host
I had a wonderful time here in 2020! I've done different jobs, had exciting conversations, had amazing food from Iris, gained there great experiences and made real friends there.
Last year I spontaneously visited again and was warmly welcomed. I am looking forward to see Iris and Gianluca again and enjoying the great atmosphere around.
I simply… read more
Last year I spontaneously visited again and was warmly welcomed. I am looking forward to see Iris and Gianluca again and enjoying the great atmosphere around.
I simply… read more
15 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ava) for host
I loved volunteering and staying at the place. I stayed here for about a month. Iris and Gianluca were very sweet and always made me laugh when we sat and talked after lunch. Iris or Gianluca would cook lunch for us and every day we had amazing meals. The work was fun and I enjoyed learning from Iris as we worked. I mostly helped make jams, label… read more
16 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
The experience which I had in Iris & Gianluca place was something unmemorable.
Iris took me & my friends from the little town nearby and drove us to the place. From the very first minute when I came there I felt like in a heaven. Everything seemed so spectaculars – animals, old big rebuilt house and the nature. They live in a really beautiful and… read more
Iris took me & my friends from the little town nearby and drove us to the place. From the very first minute when I came there I felt like in a heaven. Everything seemed so spectaculars – animals, old big rebuilt house and the nature. They live in a really beautiful and… read more
3 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Siv)
Although Siv stayed only 2 weeks with us (traveling all the way from Denmark to Italy by train - truly conscious about her ecological footprint!!), she immediately integrated well in the team and was a great help on our farm; she is very attentive, humble and polite, doing all kinds of tasks well and fast, never complaining, always curious and… read more
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Siv) for host
I had a great time on the small farm on the mountainside. Iris and Gianluca were welcoming people, and it was interesting to learn about many different tasks involved in running a farm - i took part in harvesting, replanting, animal care, cooking and much more. I also got to experience coming with Iris to sell the farmgoods at the local market!… read more
29 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kristian ) for host
Thank you so much for having me at your farm Iris and Gianluca! stayed almost 4 weeks at this beautiful place:). Did all kinds of jobs, from harvesting, weeding and making wood! After work we always got an amazing lunch made by Iris. Thanks to both of you for the good conversation!
This place have an fantastic view of the valley and of the… read more
This place have an fantastic view of the valley and of the… read more
4 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie, it was a real nice experience to get to know you... it took some time, but it was all worth it!!! you have been a great help, very attentive, flexible, interested in all kind of jobs and curious to learn which is a very precious quality. I do hope you come back and I promise, next time we will speak more italian !! Enjoy your well deserved… read more
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Marie) for host
Thank you Iris and Gianluca for these three fantastic weeks on you farm! The work was really interesting and I made different jobs and learnt a lot about weeding, planting, harvesting, cooking and the work in the lab. Thank you for the best tomatos I have ever eaten, I will always remember them and the fantastic apple pie:) I really liked to help… read more
4 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Erika)
thank you Erika for coming to our farm, for your help and company. You are a very solar person, attentive, helpful, full of energy and so friendly!! and a super fast learner! It was so good to have you around, a real support to me and all the various activities going on here. I do hope you will be able to come back!!! Iris
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Erika) for host
I had the time of my life with Iris, she is the kindest person I have ever meet and is full of knowledge. I didn't have the pleasure to talk with Gianluca since he was away most of the time I was there but when he came back he would talk about amazing things.
I was so happy there during my two week stay in July (I wish I could have stayed longer… read more
I was so happy there during my two week stay in July (I wish I could have stayed longer… read more
26 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Wendel) for host
I am looking back on three great and interesting weeks at the farm of Iris and Gianluca! This was my first workaway experience and it took me a few days to adjust, but then I started to like it more and more. The house itself is big, historic, beautiful and the views are just amazing! They grow many different vegetables, fruits and make a lot of… read more
19 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Wendel)
Thank you for staying with us Wendel! You were a great help and it was very interesting and rewarding to exchange opinions with you and to learn to know you better each day you were here. And thanks for taking so good care of all the new volunteers arriving! Wish you all the best for your future.
(Excellent)
22 Jun 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Idoia)
Thank you Idoia for staying with us, you were great help and company! It was good to have you around, it felt like I had known you for a long time, you were there and it made me feel reassured and quiet. You have a very special aura and you surprised me more than once with your courageous way of living and traveling and the way you become part of… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Idoia) for host
I have spent two and a half weeks at home lanzarotti and it has certainly been a very good choice. I needed to disconnect and feel nature and so it has been. Morning work was sometimes hard under the sun but even then it was rewarded with a very good meal.
I will certainly miss many things as go to the river with Barroco (the dog), the sunsets in… read more
I will certainly miss many things as go to the river with Barroco (the dog), the sunsets in… read more
11 Jun 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ulysse & LEONIE)
Ulysse and Leonie have been very helpful on our farm; they are super friendly and have a sunny attitude! Despite their young age, they are responsible and hard working. They are open minded and interested in all the new things they learnt and got confronted with. We wish them all the best for their future workaway experiences.
(Excellent)
11 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ulysse & LEONIE) for host
amazing stay, beautiful place with a lot of things to do in the house as well as in the garden.
Thank you Iris!
Thank you Iris!
30 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Paul & Philippa) for host
My wife and I spent two weeks with Iris and Gianluca at their wonderful place in Albareto. We were incredibly grateful for hosting us and letting us be a part of their way of life, particularly given we had recently suffered a tragic event in our personal lives. The tasks we undertook were in line with the profile - fairly allocated and varied.… read more
6 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Chloe & Bill) for host
We spent a great two weeks at Iris and Gianluca's place in December. The property and surrounding area are really beautiful -- we even had snow for a few days which was just breathtaking! The accommodation was very comfortable. We shared a big room with another workawayer (we were offered our own room but were happy to stay put). The work is very… read more
27 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Fritzi91) for host
This is a place full of peace and hospitality and I’m very grateful for having had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks there in December. Iris and Gianluca built up a small paradise, where people, animals and nature are treated with respect and consciousness. It’s incredible how they transformed an old traditional stone house into this beautiful and… read more
14 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lyndsay) for host
I passed a fantastic three weeks at this beautiful farm! The work was fair and varied, with jobs such as picking, drying and packaging saffron; looking after the chickens; harvesting potatoes; gathering chestnuts; preparing products for the market; bottling lavender oil... and so much more. Iris keeps everything very organised and I appreciated… read more
28 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Aoi)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(No show)
6 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (EnviroNZ) for host
Thanks for a wonderful week. I really enjoyed working on your beautiful farm.
The tasks ranged from landscaping (clearing a riverbed from trees), collecting and cutting firewood, making pathways at the planting fields, preparing the soil for planting, planting vegetables or taking care of the chickens. Most of all I liked working in the forest… read more
The tasks ranged from landscaping (clearing a riverbed from trees), collecting and cutting firewood, making pathways at the planting fields, preparing the soil for planting, planting vegetables or taking care of the chickens. Most of all I liked working in the forest… read more
12 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Issy)
Issy, our very first workawayer.... she is such a shiny and caring person, open-minded and interested!!! She brought a lot of extra sunshine to our farm life.... and was a great help too of course!
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Issy) for host
Where to start! I had a truly wonderful three weeks, learning a lot about the intricacies of agritourismo and immersing myself in the peace and quiet that comes with living in such a beautiful setting. Mornings were spent tending to a whole set of different tasks; from bottling homemade lavender oil through to bailing the hay field or tending to… read more
13 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Josefina) for host
Dear Iris and Gianluca <3
Thank you for inviting me to stay at your italian gem of a farm. I had two wonderful weeks in the most stunning surroundings. I miss waking up to the misty fields and to be greeted by the cats, Barocco - the dog and Corallo - the horse. I really enjoyed the work as well, and to get an understanding of what it takes to run… read more
Thank you for inviting me to stay at your italian gem of a farm. I had two wonderful weeks in the most stunning surroundings. I miss waking up to the misty fields and to be greeted by the cats, Barocco - the dog and Corallo - the horse. I really enjoyed the work as well, and to get an understanding of what it takes to run… read more
7 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Leo) for host
Absolutely amazing!
Thank you so much for letting me stay in this beautiful and peaceful place. Its a small island of heaven on earth, the nature and the landscape are outstanding, the food is incredible good and the people and animals are all full of positive energy :) Iris and Gianluca, you created something truly wonderful.
The tasks have been… read more
Thank you so much for letting me stay in this beautiful and peaceful place. Its a small island of heaven on earth, the nature and the landscape are outstanding, the food is incredible good and the people and animals are all full of positive energy :) Iris and Gianluca, you created something truly wonderful.
The tasks have been… read more
1 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Angelo Benedetto) for host
Cara Iris ho trascorso una settimana serena nel tuo agriturismo. Grazie della tua trasparenza e della tua ospitalità.
Speriamo che ci siano altre occasioni di incontro. Un caro saluto a tutti
Speriamo che ci siano altre occasioni di incontro. Un caro saluto a tutti
31 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Angelo Benedetto)
Grazie Sara per il tuo prezioso aiuto e la tua disponibilità! Ti auguriamo tanta fortuna per i tuoi progetti e speriamo di rimanere in contatto!
(Very good)
