La Collina
Shortly before arriving at the village Pitigliano, an inconspicious little path branches off the left. After a few turns along olive fields and vineyards you will find La Collina, on a little hill and yet hidden at first sight. When entering the beautiful gate onto the parking lot, through the pine trees, you can catch a first glimpse of the manor surrounded by tuscan gardens.
At some point we started dreaming of leaving our everydaylife to manage a farm with animals and agriculture together with the whole family.
The story
Alberto comes from Rome and owned a butcher’s shop there. He started his search for a farm and finally found the place and manor which now is La Collina. Back then he was 40. There were many obstacles to manage along the way, he tells us, the financing, the restructuring, the permissions…but it was absolutely worthwhile. And today he is proud of his family business, and very happy that he has made his dream come true. The sons are helping in the garden and the restaurant, the daughter with the administration.
Agriculture
Massimo is taking care of the land and the animals. During vacation, Alberto’s youngest son helps in the garden. They have pigs, sheep, chicken and rabbits. Fodder and hay are being cultivated on the farm. Same as the organic cultivation of olives and vegetables. Salami, prosciutto, olive oil as well as fruit and vegetables used you find on your plate in the restaurant are fresh from their own soil. During high season, Alberto buys vegetables from a neighbouring farmer.
Restaurant
Delicious. Pizza from the wood-fired oven, pasta, meat or fish. Not to mention the home made desserts! Alberto and his team cook with passion and no compromise on choosing local, traditional and high quality ingredients. Most of them from their own soil. Alberto’s eldest son studies. But during the weekend he is the chef of wonderful sauces and the preparation of the base of all dishes.
Francesco and his team are taking care of the service. They serve the guests with joy and professionalism and are selecting the wines with love and dedication.
Room with breakfast
The bedrooms are beautifully designed in wood and stone and decorated with natural materials.
Breakfast is delicious. Fruit, vegetables, bread, marmelate are home made and from their own garden.
The gardens
The farm house lies inmidst a landscape garden with pool, pond, creeks and bridges. The well here at La Collina feeds a creek which grows into a little river flowing through the valley beneath Pitigliano. If you believe in what the Etruscans say, who lived here 3000 years ago, there is something sacred, protected and worth protecting at a place which holds a source. Alberto and his family for sure are fulfilling this task.
You can also celebrate weddings and other parties at La Collina.