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Help gardening/maintenance on the lovely foothills of Etna Sicily

The experience

Experience the charm of Sicily while helping with gardening and painting at our villa on the slopes of Etna. You'll have your own private room/bathroom, and the villa has stunning views of the sea, Taormina and the volcano. Enjoy the rich culture and history of the region in your free time, exploring UNESCO sites and local treasures. We're looking for someone detail-orientated and independent, as you'll occasionally have the villa to yourself.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English or Fluent Italian

Over 25 years old

Only welcomes couples and partners (does not accept solo volunteers)

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

The requested tasks are not complicated but attention to detail is a must. Responsive communication is essential, including a willingness to check details and exchange photos to facilitate completing tasks. *** Please note that currently you would probably be on your own for some of the time***, though one of us will likely come for a few days. When that happens, some help with grocery shopping requested. When we aren’t at the villa, we provide a grocery allowance.
We are in regular contact to supervise the tasks when not there.
You would need to be self-sufficient and responsible, able to hold the fort. When not there, we can usually connect you with local friends. It might suit a couple wanting a more independent experience with flexible hours.
Having your own transport is a *huge* advantage, if not a driving license is essential. *Wifi is via mobile hotspot*. Good reception.

Activities & Shift

Completing modest painting tasks (small section of a ceiling, front door, low terrace wall) tidying the garden, a full clean of the house. Hours are as you wish compatibly with the weather and light. 1-2 outings to paint store for supplies might be needed.
Garden: clearing leaves, weeds and brambles, cutting growth and hedges, sweeping volcanic ash when necessary, processing and managing compost heaps. Cordless hedgecutter, reciprocating saw, cordless strimmer, sander, leaf blower and electric shredder available. Familiarity with such tools important.

The house needs a thorough clean and check to see everything is in place. You can choose how to organise your hours.

Rules

We can't assist with anyone seeking Italian citizenship/residence.
No partying, smoking, drugs, excessive alcohol consumption or visitors unless we know them. We are very mindful of energy consumption and expect the same from our guests.
We like a video call if it seems like a good fit to enable questions on both sides.