Description

This is a perennial favourite, and forms the core of our work at Villa Pianciani. The villa's restoration continues apace, and on these projects we'll be working in the original designed garden areas and the olive groves immediately surrounding.

Set in the Umbrian hills and surrounded by picturesque olive groves, this holiday is perfect for lovers of the rural idyll, the best Italian food, and conservation holidays with that extra bit of comfort.

Who we're working with
The association MATILDE PIANCIANI is a small cultural association founded by the new generation of family owners to care of the large historical complex of this stunning Italian villa, the annex and the surrounding park.

Much of the work in the parklands has been carried out in collaboration with BTCV but the complexity and the extent of the project demands a lot of care to research and restore it to its original state.

Where we're working
A few kilometres from the town of Spoleto, this beautiful villa and park is nestled amongst olive groves atop a small hill, affording spectacular views of the rolling Umbrian countryside. An Italian national monument built as a summer residence for Count Alessandro Pianciani in the late 18th century, the Villa Pianciani Delizia is as delightful as its name.

Situated 1hr 30min from Rome and 2hrs from Florence. Umbria is one of the few landlocked Italian regions, sometimes referred to as 'Italy's Green Heart'. Dotted with splendid medieval hill towns this region gives you a chance to flee the crowds and escape to the isolated valleys and mountains.

What we'll be doing
Our work focuses on two distinct aspects of culture in landscape, recognising the influence of human activities in creating the images we associate with Umbria.

During April we'll principally be working in the olive groves that surround the villa. These represent an important and characteristic part of the landscape but to remain healthy, require regular and careful pruning. The organic groves, unimproved over the years, are not commercially viable and without these projects, wouldn't get the maintenance and use they need to survive. Well also have a range of other 'gardening' activities, depending on weather and the season, in the immediate vicinity of the villa.

In the Autumn well be working with the villa's gardeners to restore its visual impact as a feature of a designed landscape. This will include a range of 'gardening' activities in the immediate vicinity of the villa and principally in the 'secret garden', exposing some of the original features of the park, as projected in the late 18th century by the famous neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier, perhaps as a warm-up for his later, better known creation - the Piazza del Popolo in Rome. We'll also be continuing with some of the restoration works, as over the past few years, alongside local specialists.

And essential for hard work is great food - while we toil, fantastic home-cooked Italian lunches are rustled for us and ready for our well deserved break - the highlight of every working day!

Benefits of our work
Despite all the efforts of the association and the projects already implemented, the vast Villa Pianciani complex, which was also damaged by the earthquake in 1997, is still far from being completely restored.

It's a huge job involving a range of different skills and crafts but these projects will take us a step closer to the preservation of this stunning piece of cultural, architectural and landscape heritage.

Where we'll be staying
The Villa Pianciani Delizia dominates the landscape, with a 360 degree view with Assisi and Spoleto in the distance. The entire Villa complex is an Italian National Monument, under the jurisdiction of the Italian State Superintendence of Historical and Fine Art Treasures.

We'll be staying in a beautiful old stone farm cottage within the property. It has been completely renovated and has double, twin and three-bed bedrooms, several bathrooms and showers, a cosy kitchen and living room both with hearths, a large veranda and patio with a marble table and panoramic views of the countryside and a distant Spoleto. We'll mainly be self-catering as a group but with a delicious all Italian lunch provided by our hosts.

The house was originally the home for the family working the olive groves, and still retains the flavour of its original function.

Highlights

This is a place to relax and enjoy the peace of life. Wander the historical park taking in gorgeous scents and views. Explore the rose garden with its two vast iron 'gazebi' (symmetrical canopies in wrought iron). Take a gentle amble in the beautiful surrounding hills, olive groves and Mediterranean woods. Or just sit on the verandah with a pile of good books and a glass of wine.

Many stunning mediaeval hilltop towns dot the hills and valleys of Umbria. The bus to Spoleto goes from the main road at the bottom of the hill - stay there and explore the famouse Roman Ponte delle Torri, gellati in hand, or strike out further by train for a grand day out. Assisi, Montefalco, Perugia, Norcia, Todi and Deruta can all be reached easily. Not included in the holiday price, but easily arranged at a reasonable rate if enough are interested would be a minibus to make the most these places.

On arrival we'll share 'l'aperitivo di benvenuti' (welcome aperitif) to meet each other and to introduce the week's plan. On the afternoon of the final day, depending on period and local circumstances, we'll take a trip out for some oil or wine tasting, to visit ancient and modern oil mills or wineries and vineyards, or visit historical olive groves, followed by the now legendary 'arrivederci' supper!

Don't take it from us..."The surroundings were paradiselike, being out there in the grove on the hills, the view was wonderful, the work was lovely as were all the other olive harvesters. The day off to Assissi was a good balance to have some 'culture' amongst our nature week."

"A great experience in this season with sun and pleasant temperatures. A delicious combination of outdoor life and treat for the inner man."

Qualifications

You must be over 18. No previous experience necessary.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

445 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Historic Preservation
• Repairs
• Restoration
• Volunteering

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

n/a

BTCV's Mission Statement

A better environment where people are valued, included and involved. Mission: To create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places. Values: BTCV's values are integral to all our work. They have been developed through four decades of a 'hands-on' approach to conservation activities. During this time we have adapted to meet the changing needs of communities, we care about people, the communities in which they live and the quality of their environment.

Year Founded

1959