Borgo Belsedere

Borgo Belsedere is located in one of the most scenic spots of all Italy - the corner of the Val d'Orcia and the Colli Senesi - overlooking the picturesque Tuscan rolling hills that you would know from tourist guide covers. 5 minutes away is the small Tuscan hilltop village Trequanda, the shopping centres of Sinalunga/ Valdichiana are a 15 minute drive and Siena is around 40 minutes away. The tourist towns of Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino are all around 25 minutes from here.

We have acquired the farm in 2022 and are now in the process of putting it back to its former beauty. We have vineyards, olives and agriculture, as well as chicken, cats and a dog. We are also planning to plant a vegetable garden which we hope will feed us well.

Right now, the main focus lies on landscaping, gardening and construction as well as hands-on renovation of some of the guest rooms.

We usually have lunch together. Food is all supplied by us, also drinks. At lunch, we have a routa where one of us cooks for all. So, do expect that also you have to cook for everybody like once a week. Healthy options much preferred, but if pasta with tomato sauce is all you know we will also have that. As part of living here you will also be expected to contribute your share of making and keeping the structure clean. On property we have a gym (including bar-bell) and yoga-room, a swimming pool and a beautiful park that are at your disposal to use. There is absolutely no traffic noise and a stunning night-sky with very little light pollution. Transport: we have cars here on property, which can be borrowed for occasional use (you need first prove me that you know how to drive standard, need a valid driving license and refill the car if you use it for longer journeys). We will gladly pick you up from a nearby train station upon your arrival.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

Reviews

5.0
(17 reviews)17

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

United States

5

Belsedere is one of the most breathtaking places I've spent time, from the nature, to the weather, to the history, and to the local culture. The volunteer team is a perfect size (anywhere from 3-7 volunteers), and they quickly become a lovely family. The volunteers are given a lot of freedom, and the living arrangements, though naturally old, are very pleasant. You also have a good amount of free time to enjoy the property or visit nearby towns. The work is reasonable but requires initiative and responsibility. I will remember Belsedere fondly, and would recommend the experience to anyone!

13 days ago

United States

5

Martin and Vanessa are the nicest people. They really want you to have a good experience, and encourage you to check out the local culture and sights. It is a bit removed from town, but we had plenty of opportunities to go into Trequanda or Sinalunga, or even further on the days off to explore. They let you take the car when you need it. If you’re looking for a peaceful experience, this is it.
I was the first person to come to Belsedere for social media, so it was a bit of a learning experience for both of us. If you’re flexible and understanding, it all goes well.

about 1 month ago


Martin replied

Thank you very much Catherine. It was a pleasure having you with us. You will be an asset to whereever your path will take you!

Brazil

4

I had a very good time at Borgo Belsedere.
My goal was to learn as much as I could in a varied range of tasks and I left feeling like I could achieve that.
All the employees there are really nice and I could learn a lot with all of them, Mauro on construction and Coti and Alvaro on landscaping , they are amazing people.
The perks the volunteers have are good, great accommodation and food; and you also have a car on your disposal to get to know the cities around.
The place is full of history and it’s perfect to relax on the days off.

4 months ago

Brazil

4

Um bom lugar para ter a primeira experiência de voluntariado. As acomodações e alimentação são muito
boas. O trabalho inclui, além do que está escrito na plataforma, atividades de limpeza, especialmente ao final das reformas. Fiz trabalhos variados entre restauração de piso, poda de oliveiras e muita pintura. Coti e Álvaro foram essenciais. O espaço é bem bonito e cheio de história, da mesma forma, os arredores são belíssimos. Sugiro verificar os horários de ajuda antes de confirmar a viagem, pois caso você tenha outro trabalho (on-line, etc) pode ficar um pouco corrido demais.
Toscana <3

4 months ago

United States

5

Borgo Belsedere was my first Worldpackers experience, and it truly was so wonderful. Martin is very generous with his property, food, transportation and company, and Doro and Franziska are incredible business partners, organizers and leaders. The entire project is so cool, restoring a historic part of the community and bringing new life into it is so cool. As for logistics, the accommodations are comfortable and clean, the food is plentiful and of great quality, the property is gorgeous and surrounding towns are so charming! Couldn’t recommend this place more - I extended my stay, as well :)

11 months ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

City & Town

Wilderness

Adventure Sports