cooperative community, alternative farm, rural home with animals
Padova
🇮🇹
Ciao mi chiamo Matteo ho scelto di vivere in mezzo alla natura e i suoi abitanti circa 10 anni fa.
Ciao, mi chiamo Matteo e da 10 anni ho deciso di vivere in mezzo alla natura, in armonia con gli animali, ad Arquà Petrarca, su un colle che si estende per 3 ettari e sorge su un uliveto di 600 alberi. Quello che ho creato negli anni è un rifugio di animali liberi: vivo infatti insieme a diversi animali che sono stati sottratti a situazioni di sfruttamento .
Le giornate qui iniziano presto perché, oltre a pulire le stalle, bisogna dare i croccantini ai tre cani; il fieno agli asini, alle mucche, alle capre e alle pecore; il fioccato alle galline, alle oche, alle anatre e ai maialini.
Altre mansioni che svolgo settimanalmente sono la cura dell’orto e le eventuali riparazioni alle recinzioni. Solo in alcuni periodi dell’anno mi dedico invece anche alla potatura degli ulivi e alla raccolta delle olive: un’esperienza faticosa ma decisamente indimenticabile.
Visto che non sono pratico in casa, vi chiederò anche supporto nel cucinare a pranzo e cena e per quanto riguarda le pulizie.
Ogni cosa che può essere utile, sarà scritta su una guida a disposizione in casa.
Vi assicuro che girare per questo terreno immerso tra gli ulivi e vedere il tramonto sui colli ogni sera, sarà un’esperienza rigenerante e avrete la possibilità di conoscere persone amanti della natura e dei suoi abitanti e soprattutto, di entrare davvero in contatto con gli animali di altre specie, diventando grandi amici.
Chi vorrà venire ad aiutarmi, avrà una camera con un bagno.
Parlo Italiano, inglese, tedesco e rimango a disposizione per ogni domanda.
🇬🇧
Hello, my name is Matteo and for the last 10 years I have decided to live in the midst of nature, in harmony with animals, in Arquà Petrarca, on a hill that covers 3 hectares and stands on an olive grove of 600 trees. What I have created over the years is an animal shelter: I live together with several animals that have been rescued from exploitative situations or from slaughter,
The days here start early because, in addition to cleaning the stables, we have to give kibble to the three dogs; hay to the donkeys, cows, goats, and sheep; and flake to the chickens, geese, ducks, and piglets.
Other tasks I do weekly are tending the vegetable garden and any repairs to the fences. Only at certain times of the year, however, I also do olive pruning and olive harvesting: a tiring but definitely unforgettable experience.
Since I am not handy around the house, I will also ask you for support in cooking dishes for lunch and dinner, and with regard to housekeeping.
Anything that may be helpful will be written in a guide available in the house, which other volunteers use when they come to help me..
I assure you that wandering around this land surrounded by olive trees and watching the sunset over the hills every evening will be a rejuvenating experience and you will have the chance to meet a person who love nature and its inhabitants and above all, to really get in touch with animals of other species, becoming great friends.
Those who would like to come and help me will have a room with a bathroom.
I speak Italian, English and German and remain available for any questions.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Raising of other farm animals
Wild foraging
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Certified organic
3
Hectares
|
7.4
Acres
Matteo
Member since 2022
Languages spoken:
English, German, Italian, Portuguese
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 76%
Response time: typically within 8 days
Padova
Monselice
Reviews
Marie
France
•
February 2026
I stayed one week with Matteo, his dogs and his donkeys. I had a great experience there !
The place is very quiet and stunning, I spend all my time watching the view.
Volunteering there means waking up at 7/7.30am to feed the dogs. Then working with Matteo on different tasks (mostly in the olive trees, but also helping him with donkeys or fixing some stuff) until lunch and break time.
Thanks Matteo, it was great (and the dogs are the sweetest !! )
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Lina
Germany
•
September 2023
We spend one amazing week at Matteos place. 🌿 It is located in the middle of olive-trees and has a great view. It truly feels like looking at a painting! Also, he does amazing work with the animals who have their best lives on his farm. Regularly there are workshops at the farm and we really enjoyed being a part of a amazing yoga class! But we mostly enjoyed the daily tasks and the amazing food we cooked all together ❤
Matteo, thank you so much and we already miss Skatenato, Bruno, ... :) 🐖🫏🐗☀️
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Lilian
Germany
•
September 2023
I had 10 wonderful days at Matteos farm and I can really say I enjoyed every single day.
First of all is his house located in the most beautiful landscape. Also you can truly see how much love and passion Matteo has for his animals.
The days always started very early but the work was always doable and mostly fun.
I enjoyed the cooking and loved to take care of the animals. In German I would say it was one big „Streichelzoo“. :D
During the 10 days it really felt like a home to me. I hope to come back in the future.
Liebste Grüße- Lilly ✨🌱
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Reply from Matteo
Lilly was a 5 stars woofer 👏, always smiling , no issues with the daily routines . Perfect communication the best Vegan chef 💚🙏❤️🔥
Grazie hope to see you soon
Lone
Germany
•
September 2023
This was my first wwoofing experience and I could have not asked for something else. Everyone who loves a slow live is right in this place🍃. Even if the day starts early nothing is rushed and work is makeable. There is enough time to relax on this beautiful stunning property between olivetrees and a breathtaking view or spend time with all the adorable happy animals🐮. Also big recommendation for any musicians or music lovers. Matteo lives for music and playing the drums (besides his animals). It is a pleasure to make music with him or just listening and watching him being happy while playing :)
Definitely coming back💚
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Reply from Matteo
. I couldn’t be more happy to host Lone she was great with animals she understood everything regarding the house , the garden and all the habitants 🐐🐽🦆🐸🐝🐴
We play music and we had lot of fun together!
Strongly recommended woofer.
Dear Lone thank you so much for giving all your time to Botto and friends sanctuary 🫶🙏
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Sophia
Germany
•
June 2023
I am Samantha,
I was in this place for three wonderful weeks as i was traveling through italy.🗺️
I found the Farm really random in woofing and i am really lucky that i choosed IT.
IT IS perfekt to learn about the Life in Nature...🍃
ITS a magical few and the Connection with the animals is awesome🦋
We built fances, we fished, planted, safed sheeps, build a Pool and Had visions for much more to do. ITS also a place to calm yourself or worke together on a Idea to make It real...😄
Sometimes the daylie structure was a little bit lost or confusing but speaking to each other is the Key🪄
I worked much on my selfe and the place healed my Soul step by step. I thank you so much that i was allowed to visit you all.✨🌸🐶
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Reply from Matteo
Very happy to hear that 🥰 thank you for everything you ve done for us 💚🙏
Eric
United States
•
June 2023
My brother and I had such a wonderful time working with Matteo. Matteo has incredible motivation and dedication to the care and well-being of his animals. I felt Matteo provided us with clear instructions on what to do and made us feel very welcome. It was very rewarding to make improvements and care for the animals. We hope to come again soon!
Reply from Matteo
Thank you guys for your precious help and the nice time.
