An Agriturismo Adventure

I am researching areas in Tuscany for our next Escape by Design.  I’ve stumbled upon a gorgeous agriturismo, a farmhouse that doubles as a B&B, in the Chianti area.  For those of you who haven’t been to Italy and want to know, allow me to explain.  In Italy, as with any hotel or B&B, there are different agriturismi depending on what you desire.  Some are family-friendly with farm animals for children to interact with.  Others are charming and romantic and ideal for couples.  Whether rustic or quaint, many agriturismo vacations are quite lavish.  The one I’m currently looking at is an 18th century farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.  It was fully restored in 2004 and is both charming and elegant   I have just found the luxurious in the middle of Chianti.  This agriturismo is perfect for our next Escape.

I know that pictures on the web can either wow you or not. It depends on the professionalism of the photo, the lighting, the staging and all the very small details that help make your decision. Fortunately, our guests do not have that worry as we visit every possible location before we deem it Escape Perfect.

Our agriturismo is as close to heaven as you will find!  Allow me to set the scene for you.  Close your eyes and picture the alba, or early morning sunrise, peaking over rolling hills that are covered in olive trees and vineyards heavy with grapes. Your alarm clock was a gallo, or rooster, that is calling to everyone to awaken.  Truth be told, early morning in Tuscany is when awe takes over and the stillness of the earth is enough. Sheep roam outside of your window in the field below.  They follow each other to greener grass, the farmers urging them along as they slowly wind their way into the valley. The smell of espresso on the stove top gently floats in the morning air and your stomach lets out a grumble at the thought of the fresh pastries waiting to be eaten. It’s difficult to get out of bed as the cool breeze gently blows through the open window but something is drawing you to the outdoors. Stroll the paths lined with huge terra cotta pots bursting with lavender, basil, thyme and rosemary. The sweet aroma of herbs invites you to run your hands through the leaves, taking the delightful smells with you as you stroll. You wonder, can we just stay here today?  Certainly, a day of fare niente, doing nothing, in the Tuscan countryside is something you couldn’t do on a whirlwind tour of Italy.  But first, colazione!  Breakfast expands an entire sideboard. Everything from fresh pastries, cakes, fresh breads and homemade marmalade to eggs, prosciutto and cheese. Is that the same fruit hanging from the trees?  Yes, it is.  Golden figs. Take a slow bite into the juicy fruit and wonder how you have never tasted anything like this before.

We do not rush anything here in Tuscany.  To know Italy is to choose a small part of it and get to know it like you would a lover.  Savor everything about your time together. We know how to create a memory and its details that lasts a lifetime.