Il Rifugio

Il Rifugio is a manifestation of my yearning for a haven of peace from the violence of the world. A place where good people can come together in nature and friendship, and feel safe.
We are located in Italy’s northwestern most province Piemonte, 10 minutes drive from the centre of Asti., but in the seclusion of the hills.
Being vaguely equidistant between Turin, Milan and Genova, makes this the perfect base to explore the wine regions of the Lange, Monferrato and Barolo, the cultural cities, the beautiful coastline of the Italian Riviera, and of course the Italian Alps.
The house is an early 19th century farmhouse on a seclude hectare of wooded land comprising European Oak, Sweet Chestnut, wild cherry, hazel and other fruit trees. Visitors include Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Fox, and many indigenous and migrant bird species.

I am a 60 year old gay man, who recently moved to Italy from the UK with my dog Billy. I’m a semi-retired actor and teacher with a passion for nature, food, music, theatre and film. I’m looking to welcome like-minded people with whom to exchange learning and experience, who will help me create this haven in the woods. My aim is to create a a community feel with everyone working towards common goals, eating well and enjoying each other’s company. I will cook at least one meal a day, and will provide ingredients for the other meals.

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

Reviews

5.0
(10 reviews)10

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Brazil

5

Minha estadia com o Stephen foi incrível. Ele é um anfitrião acolhedor, cheio de histórias e um verdadeiro master chef — provei algumas das melhores comidas da minha vida. Conheci também Billy, seu cachorro querido, que torna o voluntariado ainda mais especial. A casa é aconchegante e me senti acolhido desde o início. Trabalhei no jardim, ajudei na construção de uma trilha e aprendi muito. Mesmo com meu inglês iniciante, a comunicação fluiu bem. Saio com boas lembranças e gratidão.

Stephen foi incrível, cuidou de mim e ainda me doou roupas de frio. Gratidão total!



20 days ago

Brazil

5

O melhor anfitrião que eu já tive pela Worldpackers. Ele gentil, atencioso e sempre disposto a ajudar em tudo o que você precisa. Ele prepara jantares maravilhosos e realmente faz você se sentir em casa. Billy, o cachorro dele, também é incrível e faz parte da experiência. O lugar é um pouco distante da cidade, mas sempre que é necessário, ele leva de carro sem nenhum problema. Eu realmente adorei compartilhar momentos com ele, especialmente durante os jantares e as conversas. As atividades são simples e bem organizadas, e o projeto que ele está desenvolvendo é muito interessante e promissor.

20 days ago

Chile

5

There are many things that I would like to write here, so many anecdotes and good moments that I lived in this beautiful refuge.

Stephen is a really interesting person and helped us understand English and also every afternoon after work, he prepared us an incredible dinner (he cooks very delicious). The space where we stayed is very nice and cosy. I also learned a lot about how to take advantage of natural resources for the creation and maintenance of trails, as well as the process of firewood to be able to stay warm at home. Billy is an adorable and very playful puppy. Thanks a lot 🤍🌳

26 days ago


Stephen replied

Dear Junn, such a pleasure to host you! your enthusiastic personality and excellent work ethic were a joy for us. Your skills and commitment have helped transform the land space at Il Rifugio, you really have helped me fulfil my vision for the place. I will try to give you a proper review, awaiting advice from Worldpackers. Much love to you and Billy and I really hope we get to meet you again!

Chile

5

Stephen and Billy are excellent hosts; they welcomed us into their home and made us feel like family. We immersed ourselves in a wonderful project and enjoyed every task we undertook. We wanted to leave our mark on the place, but the place left its mark on us. Il Rifugio, Stephen, and Billy are delightful, and what can I say about the meals Stephen prepared for us: absolutely MADONNA! Day after day, we connected with nature, learned new things, and shared with wonderful, friendly people. All of this contributed to a truly rewarding experience.

26 days ago


Stephen replied

Cony, you were an incredible volunteer! Your positive energy and hard work, your ability to make independent decisions and your kindness and loving personality were a perfect fit for the project and Billy and I love you and hope we see you again!
Due to my extremely busy schedule it seems I have missed the deadline for posting a full review, I will contact Worldpackers and ask if there is a way I can leave a review, because you were excellent and I would highly recommend you as a volunteer!

Brazil

5

It was my first experience and I think it couldn't have been better.

Stephen is very welcoming; from the moment he picked me up at the train station, he was super attentive and careful. He's always checking if everything is okay or if we need anything. Billy, his dog, is so lovable and is like a little boy.

Every night Stephen makes dinner and the food is wonderful. There's always good music playing (I had a musical immersion with Stephen).

It was all incredible; when I left I cried because I felt like part of the family. Thank you for everything, Stephen.

about 1 month ago


Stephen replied

It was such a pleasure to host you, you are welcome here any time!


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Party

Yoga / Meditation

Wilderness