General

This estate is a rare example of a privately owned estate extending within the confines of a WWF National Park on the coast of the Maremma in Tuscany.

The Maremma is the other face of Tuscany - a wild region stretching along the Tyrrhenian coastline opposite the island of Elba between Leghorn and Grosseto. Unspoilt beaches fringed with dunes are backed by hillsides covered in Mediterranean scrub and olive groves, crested by charming hill-top villages. The reclaimed flatlands where cattle used to roam herded by the local cowboys have today largely been given over to well-husbanded vineyards yielding some of the most prestigious vintages in Italy. Where there is great wine there tends to be great food and the Gambero Rosso, voted the best restaurant in Italy, is in one of the seaside resorts along the coast. The area is also famous for the incredibly beautiful Maremma National Park. Important sight-seeing cities like Siena, Pisa, Lucca and Florence are within easy reach for stimulating day trips.

The property which covers 560 hectares was incorporated in the National Park with the aim of keeping traditional farming techniques alive. All produce is organically grown, the local cattle with their lyre-shaped horns and the indigenous Maremma horses are raised free. Vast sections of the estate are wild and serve as a natural habitat to an extensive variety of animals who can be observed grazing and nesting undisturbed. For bird-watchers this is rated among the top ten ideal viewing points in Italy. A delightful walk from the estate leads to the ruins of the church of San Rabano within the borders of the National Park.

The owner of the estate is a lady - young, energetic and a mother of two - who inherited this very special farm in 2004. Her prime objective is to find innovative ways to keep the estate alive. One of the first steps was a complete renovation of the main house. Now she likes to open the gates of the estate to guests seeking one of Europe's rarest luxuries - nature preservation, wild life and empty beaches. Further options while staying here are carriage drives and trekking on horseback through the estate with ample opportunities for bird-watching and observing the herds of cattle and horses. Riders can canter along the breakwater on the sandy beaches. The olive trees on the estate are a rare species of wild olives, locally known as olivastri.

The property extends along the coast and guests are privileged in that they have access to a private beach at only a four km drive through the estate. The beach is at the end of a country lane winding through the National Park, affording fascinating glimpses of the local fauna. The sandy beach is white and deep, with the islands of the archipelago on the horizon. It is rare here to meet your Man Friday; there are few parts of Tuscany so secluded and well preserved.

Accommodation

Facilities

Travel details

Activities

Fishing, Boat trips, Sailing