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We have 2 acres in Puglia and I think if you want to maintain it yourself it would mean having to relocate as it is a full time occupation. We spent a month there in the spring working with our trees and clearing the land a bit although we are relative beginners to this sort of thing. At the end of the month it seemed that we hadn't really made much of an impact on it, and as you are probably aware the weeds don't all appear at once so you would really have to be there all the time to stay on top of it. Also there are all the other seasonal tasks like pruning......olives in the spring and almonds in the autumn (although I don't know why this is; it's just what I've seen the locals doing). Then there is the general upkeep of your house, driveway, gates, fences etc etc etc.......

[QUOTE=Andysoul]I am about to purchase a rural property in Puglia, primarily as a holiday home but maybe, just maybe, to provide a permanent home when I retire in about 15 years. The property comes with 3 acres of predominantly farmland with a few almond and fruit trees.

I appreciate that this is probably a silly question but does anyone know how much work is actually involved in maintaining that amount of land? For the time being all I will really want is for the land not to become unsightly and to avoid having six foot weeds! But obviously I don't want to spend every glorious week of my holidays weeding.

Alternatively does anyone have any suggestions as to how much it would cost me to get someone in to maintain the land?[/QUOTE]

Andy, there are a few threads on the forum that deal with this subject, initially, I would advise that you consider renting the land to a farmer if possible, BUT, read the thread about "pre emption rights". Make sure you have a proper contract drawn up, advantages, the land is kept in good order, you are helping a neighbour, you get a small income. Disadvantages, your renter will be visiting the land as the crops demand a visit which might not fit in with your requirements.... PLEASE, have the contract drawn up properly though, Coldiretti can advise. Good Luck.

Alternatively you could employ me as a gardener - best rates in town guaranteed!

George,
You seem to have experience in this area so would appreciate your take on this. We have some land surrounding the house extending on from the garden - we own parts of fields and a 4 line 90 metres vineyard which are farmed by locals. We don't receive any payment - nor do I want any if the land is being put to good use.The house was previously owned by an English family and we have just carried on the arrangements that we think stood with them. The previous owners said they were given about 500ls of wine a year from the vines. We are trying to ensure we get the same but the locals speak not a word of English and their ½ûÂþÌìÌà is a very thick dialect which we find hard to understand. Our last efforts at communication were friendly hilarious and completely ineffective. Do you think we need to have contracts if no money is involved? and what would be a fair exchange - 500 litres sounded very good news to us but we can't ascertain if its true!
At the moment I'm working on a list of questions about how much and when we get it to give them in writing so that they can reply back in writing and we can get a translation..
Our Venetian friends say we are likely to be had over on this as usually absent English owners but I'm a more trusting soul..
Would love to know what other peoples arrangements are.
Thanks
M

[QUOTE=Sano]Alternatively you could employ me as a gardener - best rates in town guaranteed![/QUOTE]

If this is a serious offer tell me more :)

Marina, I have PM'd to the main body of your post, but, on re reading... If you are near to Motegiorgio, there is a very good and helpful Coldiretti office who could produce the list of questions for / with you. If you think this might be helpful PM for details, I can also recommend a good translator with contacts in the Coldiretti.

[QUOTE=Andysoul]If this is a serious offer tell me more :)[/QUOTE]

For board and lodge, a corner to grow some veg in and enough money to eat - yes, a serious offer - I freelance as a writer anyway to additional income can be produced that way.