Podere Pantaneto

Instagram: alberto_negrin84

Winter mood (December/March): Nature is asleeped. Resting. The house is warm, with a lot of light. Volunteers with artistic knowledges are welcome (pottery, painting, sculpture...). Also interests in knowing more about astrology, ayurveda, meditation, music, fitness. Only one volunteer at the time during this period.

Spring mood (April/May): the soil in the garden will be prepared, seedling. Olive trees, fruit trees and bushes will be pruined. Two volunteers at the time during this period.

Summer mood (June/September): most of the activities are spent around the veggie garden. Watering, weeding, harvesting, feeding the animals, processing fruit and vegetables in order to preserve them will be the main tasks. These are busy months. Generally after the morning (or evening) breafing the volunteers can indipendently do what was planned. As it gets warmer the volunteers will be asked to get up early in the morning to work outside. Afternoons and evening are pritty easy. Depending on the energy available it will be possible to integrate extra activieties such as haiking, visiting nearby villages, pottery, painting, music nights, game nights. Two or sometimes three volunteers at the time during this period.

Fall mood (October/November): Everything slows down. Last things to pick in the garden. Olive harvest from the second half of October, time for day trips exploring the area, lots of hiking too. Easy nights with a cup of tea. One volunteer at the time during this period.

FAQ:
- How do I get there?
The closest airport is in Florence but also Pisa can work.
Get to the train station of Poggibonsi-San Gimignano.
From the train station there will bew the bus number 120 reaching Radicondoli.
I will pick you up at Radicondoli bus stop.
On Sundays bus 120 is not available. Please don't plan to come or leave on Sunday.
- What can I do on my free time:
The place is isolated, you can explore the nature nearby and stay around the house. Reading, enjoying the sun, playing with Timo, going for a walk, hanging around playing some boardgames or looking for me when often doing something are a few of the activieties. While for moving you would have to rely on me:There will be occasions to go out but it's important for me to feel that you mainly like to be here and the rest is considered just as a nice option.
- It is my first experience in an ecological project, is it a problem?
Absolutely not, it's needed people that are not afraid to gets their hands into the ground, that can stand the sun for a couple of hours and show interest for what is happening here. This is a place where it's possible to experience a different life style that include disconnecting from the standard city routine and social networks trying hard to reduce the hours spent on smart phones. These are the ingredients that will lead to a wonderful experience.
- Is food provided?
Yes, you will be welcome to try out our eggs and vegetables as well as local cheese production and other quality ingredients. I am mostly vegetarian, some quality meat is provided once a week but vegetarians and vegans are super welcome.
I will not pay for drinks and food when we go out so it will your responsability to prepare your meal at home and bring it with you if you plan to be hungry later.

The place is in the area of Radicondoli, Province Siena.
The next train station is in Poggibonsi, 1 hour by car, to reach our beautiful place. You are welcome to travel by train/bus or by car (so you can discover the region by yourself).
Our place is secluded and the next bigger village is called Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina is a 15 minutes drive, where you can get really good Aperol Spritz at the piazza and all other important stuff, such as groceries. The minimum stay is two week.
Around an hour and 30 minutes drive to Florence or Siena is definitely a good choice to visit bigger cities for sightseeing, museums or some decent shopping during your day off.
Radicondoli is a small historical, beautiful village where you can have great dinner, lovely people, good drinks.
Next to us, you can go for horse riding with nice trails through nature and explore lonely paths.

The goal for 2024 is to slowly try to become selfsustainable with the food we produce. We increased the land we dedicate to the veggy garden. Experienced people with ideas and knowledges are needed but more then anything else a positive, active, healthy attitidue is highly required as we can all learned something from each other. You have a small cozy room with a single bed in the flat which Alberto lives in and there is a second double bedroom next door for two more volunteers. He is taking care of the property and you will spend most of the time with him. Upstairs there is another flat in the house, where a couple lives in. There are also two other residents "Due", the cat and "Timo" the dog. Timo is always up for play but doesn't mind a nice cuddle as well. About Alberto: Alberto is a friendly and calm person, who´s from the north of Italy and felt in love with the Tuscan region. His English is good. Alberto will cook together you lunch and dinner depending on his schedule that will be discussed. Since Pantaneto is quite a remote spot, you are welcome to spend your time with us, having a rental car or own car. If not, Alberto will pick you up at the bus station nearby and you would then obviously need to rely on Alberto for any further movements.