Living the Dream: Remote Work & Real Community in an Italian Medieval Village

What It’s Really Like to Work Remotely in a Medieval Village in Italy

Your expert guide to authentic coliving in the Italian countryside, as lived by one digital nomad at Dolce Vita Coliving.

⛪️ From Concrete Jungle to Stone Village: Alessia’s Journey into Slow Living

"When you think of remote work in Italy, maybe you picture sipping espresso outside a Roman café with your laptop. But nothing prepared me for what it felt like to actually live and work from a medieval village. Dolce Vita Coliving in Vallo di Nera was more than a workspace—it became my second home."

Alessia, a freelance UX designer from Berlin, had been battling city burnout and remote work loneliness for over a year. Like many digital nomads, she tried bouncing between cities and coliving spaces, but often found them overpriced, lacking nature, and missing a sense of real community.

That changed when she stumbled upon Dolce Vita Coliving, nestled in the green heart of Umbria. Set in the picturesque village of Vallo di Nera—one of I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia—this wasn't your usual coliving house. It was an entire historic village reimagined for remote workers.

🏡 Living & Working in a Village Steeped in History

At Dolce Vita Coliving, your coworking spaces are housed in centuries-old stone buildings, beautifully restored to preserve their charm while offering fiber-optic internet.

“Working in a palazzo from the 1300s, with strong coffee in hand and the church bells gently marking the hours, made every Zoom call feel cinematic,” Alessia recounts.

Each morning began with birdsong echoing through cobblestone alleys. After her focused work sprints in the shared coworking spaces—set in repurposed village halls—Alessia joined other colivers for communal lunches made from fresh local ingredients.

With no traffic, no urban chaos, and panoramic views of olive groves and the Valnerina valley, daily life centered around balance. Fast internet kept her connected to clients worldwide, while the village life grounded her in the moment.

🧘‍♀️ Work-Life Balance You Can Feel in Your Bones

One of the most appealing parts of remote working from Dolce Vita? The outdoors isn’t just “nearby”—it’s the village itself.

After work, Alessia and her new coliving friends would explore scenic trails, bike around the rolling hills, or partake in forest yoga at sun-dappled clearings. Crisp Umbrian air replaced the buzz of urban life, and the ancient mountains enveloping the village provided a perfect metaphor for stillness amidst productivity.

These are some of the immersive experiences offered by Dolce Vita Coliving guests:

- Hiking the Valnerina Trail – winding paths through woods and waterfalls.
- Cooking with Locals in Piedipaterno – learn to make traditional dishes like strangozzi pasta or crisp Umbrian flatbreads.
- Truffle Hunting (Spring & Autumn) – join local experts on an exhilarating hunt through the woods.
- Porchetta Festivals (Summer) – savor fire-roasted pork while dancing to folk music in the village square.

🎉 Embrace the Seasons: When to Come

Dolce Vita Coliving offers a vibrant experience year-round, but here’s how the seasons unfold:

- Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom, truffle season begins, and local festivals wake up the valley with vibrant celebrations.
- Summer (June–August): Outdoor concerts, rivers to swim in, and plenty of alfresco aperitivi under the stars.
- Autumn (September–November): Olive harvesting begins, food festivals abound, and cozy evenings return.
- Winter (December–February): Peaceful snow-dusted landscapes and rustic dinners by the fire—perfect for deep creative work.

🍴 Flavors of the Region: Where Every Meal Feels Like Home

“Dolce Vita’s magic is in how Italian life seeps into your pores,” Alessia shares. And no part is more Italian than the food.

Don’t leave without trying:

- Norcia black truffle pasta – an Umbrian delicacy paired with handmade tagliatelle.
- Lenticchie di Castelluccio – small, nutty lentils grown only in the Sibillini Mountains.
- Umbrian porchetta – crispy on the outside, slow-roasted to perfection.
- Local Montefalco wine – bold and earthy reds with stories in every sip.

Lunches often happen in partnership with nearby trattorias, where locals bring you into their fold with stories of the past, recipes of the future, and generous pours of homemade vino.

💡 Tips to Make the Most of Your Stay

If you’re considering joining the Dolce Vita community, here are Alessia’s expert tips:

1. Pack Layers: Even summers can surprise you in mountain regions—opt for light layers and walking shoes.
2. Embrace Simplicity: No fancy outfits or city buzz needed—just bring your curiosity and a love for slow living.
3. Car-Free? No problem. The village is walkable, and Dolce Vita offers group day trips to waterfalls, nearby towns, and markets.
4. Say Yes to Community Meals: Some of the richest cultural insight comes from sitting, eating, and listening.
5. Offline is Okay: You came for the internet—yes—but don’t forget to put your phone down now and then. That’s where the magic is.

✨ A Final Word from Alessia: Why She’ll Be Back

“In just a few weeks, I went from burnt-out and isolated to grounded, inspired, and connected. I made friends from three continents, learned how to cook traditional lentil stew, boosted my creativity, and reconnected with my purpose—not just my wifi.”

📬 Come Experience La Dolce Vita—for Real

Dolce Vita Coliving isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a new way to live.

Whether you're a digital nomad, creative soul, or remote professional craving something deeper, we invite you to discover what it truly means to work remotely from a medieval Italian village.

Join us in Vallo di Nera and Piedipaterno, and write your own chapter in a story that spans centuries.

Book your stay → dolcevitacoliving.com/book
Follow our adventures → @dolcevitacoliving 🏰🌿