It all began…
In 2003 we chanced upon this neglected little hill farm perched on a ridge in northern Tuscany. Abandoned for 30 years, it was a tangle of bramble and overgrown vines, dense chestnut forest and broad terraces. So began our adventure to return Col di Lavacchio to its former glory in an organic and sustainable way and to a life we had never imagined for ourselves.
About Us
In the past we have variously been painters and decorators, agricultural labourer, New Zealand farmer, dressmaker, wine delivery driver, Santa Claus, horse trainer, rugby coach, bookkeeper, estate manager, a teacher of theatre and owners of a small Scottish boutique guest house. “Nothing prepares you for life in the Italian mountains but everything has been invaluable.”
Dig the old sod…
Our planting programme has included 110 olive trees, 40 fruit trees (including apples, apricots, plum, pear and quince), a small vineyard and countless herbs. With some wonderful produce available to buy locally we plant our two vegetable plots with rare or unusual varieties – our black tomatoes causing consternation in the local village.
Adopt a Tree
As we take on a further 6 acres of beautiful terraced land, we want to give you the opportunity to help us plant for the future. Stay with us and put your name to a young tree at Lavacchio. Choose from a mighty oak, a majestic chestnut or the peaceful olive. When you return, share in the satisfaction of dunking freshly made chestnut bread in the most local of olive oils.
Organic & Sustainable
The photo-voltaic plant, solar panels for hot water, rainwater catchment tanks, wood fired central heating, composting scheme and organic principles all contribute to our sense of environmental responsibility. Our hay meadow is a riot of wild flower colour in the summer with butterflies and the steady hum of bees.
Feathers…
Our fowl have included 3 different breed of duck and 4 rare breed hens with numbers ranging from 25 to 70 providing us with ample organic meat and eggs.
You can buy all of our produce when you stay as our guest.
…and Fur
We share the farm with Safa the Irish terrier, the cats Clarty and Huei as well as goats, donkeys, boar, lizards, porcupines, fireflies, foxes, deer, squirrels, jays, eagles, hoopoes, badgers, toads and owls…and wolves to name a few.
“Hosts Jamie and Ailsa own the most beautiful organic farm in the Tuscan mountains and it is truly like something out of a dream. Our accommodation was perfect, with beautiful views over the farm and mountains and a large swimming pool to relax in after our daily hikes.”
Ashley Irish, Australia 2019
“Lavacchio is an amazing place to stay – we awoke to the gentle rays of the September sun rising over spectacular mountains, immersed in the herb scented, peaceful clean air of this perfect patch of Tuscan hillside.”
Adam Wilson, Henslow UK
“Lavacchio is an amazing place to stay – we awoke to the gentle rays of the September sun rising over spectacular mountains, immersed in the herb scented, peaceful clean air of this perfect patch of Tuscan hillside.”
Adam Wilson, Henslow UK
An A – Z of our organic produce
Apples Apricots Aubergines Basil Bay Bergamot Beetroot Blueberries Blackcurrants Borage Broccoli Broadbeans Capers Cabbages Carrots Chard Chanterelles Cherries Chestnuts Chillies Chives Coriander Crab apples Cucumber Ducks Docks Echinacea Eggs Elder Fennel Feijoas Figs French beans Garlic Gooseberries Greek basil Guineafowl Hazelnuts Horseradish Hyssop India runner ducks Italian parsley Jasmine Jerusalem artichokes Kaffir limes Kiwis Kumquats Lavender Lemons Lemonbalm Limes Marigolds Marjoram Melons Mint Nasturtiums Nipitella Olives Onions Oregano Parasol mushrooms Parsnips Pears Peppers Persimmons Plums Porcini Potatoes Pumpkin Quince Raspberries Redcurrants Rhubarb Rocket Rosemary Runner beans Sage Sloes Spring onions Squash Sunflowers Sweetcorn Tarragon Thyme Tomatoes Urtica Verbena Vines Walnuts Yarrow Zucchini
Col di Lavacchio Agriturismo Promiana Molazzana 55020 Lucca Italy
Col di Lavacchio Agriturismo Promiana Molazzana 55020 Lucca Italy
Col di Lavacchio Agriturismo Promiana Molazzana 55020 Lucca Italy