Hello, I have just discovered this great site and need some advice. I have been researching travel in Italy and have chosen Florence as a base for about 4-5 months next year to paint and write. I have joined several house minding sites in the vain hope (feels a little distant as I write this) of securing a place to stay . I don't mind looking after pets, household duties, anything that needs fixing (within reason). I have brilliant references etc. Am I being a bit too fanciful here? An alternative would be to find some reasonable accommodation for a medium stay in a smaller town close to transport/markets etc (even Southern Italy would be considered). I realise it is going to be cold but that does not bother me. I'm on a tight budget. My spoken Italian is getting better but has a long way to go. Can anyone give me some good advice about the medium stay accommodation options or recommended reading on this subject. I am surrounded by a plethora of travel books at present. Thank you for this great service and to anyone that takes the time to respond.

What nationality are you? If from outside of Europe, generally one can only stay 90 days.

Hi did you try with Couchsurfing.org? In the local community forum they use to answer to hospitality request and perhaps you can find an accommodation for a longer period, but probably you will have to share the flat. ciao

I hold an Irish Passport which is handy for work and stay periods. I realise there may be some documentation to attend to for longer stays.

Couchsurfing Forum...that's a great idea! Thank you . I'll look into it. And thank you to both of you for your replies.

Make sure you enter Europe, wherever you are landing, using that Irish passport. I just had a conversation with the French Consulate about that, and honestly wouldn't necessarily have thought to do that.

Take a look at
http://www.workaway.info/
and
http://sabbaticalhomes.com/

Thanks for your help. Have joined a few sites and finessed the trip.