About La Mandria

La Mandria nestles in the wooded hills of Lunigiana at the northern tip of Tuscany. It includes meadows, woodland, a small vineyard and olive groves set in a valley with a small river running through it.

Paul and Renee bought La Mandria in 2003, attracted by the largely unspoilt landscape, the peace and quiet of the countryside, the astonishing variety of wildlife, the fresh air and climate, the wonderful food and wine and a way of life still rooted in tradition in many ways. For the last five years we have enjoyed sharing it all with guests from the UK and Northern Ireland, Holland, Germany, Denmark, the US and Israel.

It is 4 kilometres from the small medieval walled town of Fivizzano, so is in a rural setting but not too isolated.  The town has banks, a post office, a good selection of bars and shops, including a number of traditional ‘alimentari’ and a small but well stocked supermarket.  There is a weekly market on Tuesday mornings around the fountain in the Piazza and for eating out there are two pizzerias and a number of restaurants in the area offering traditional local cooking at reasonable prices.

Although La Mandria is a small farm it is not intensively cultivated, being a traditional ‘Podere’ more suited to providing a degree of self-sufficiency in this day and age. We produce our own wine and olive oil, which guests are welcome to sample, and a range of organic fruit and vegetables. On the occasions when we have a surplus we are happy to share it at no extra cost.

Walks around the farm and beyond offer lovely views of mountains and hilltop villages topped by church towers. Lizards bask on sun warmed walls, butterflies flit amongst orchids, Humming-bird Hawk Moths probe the Evening Primroses whilst the extraordinary Praying Mantis awaits a mate. High above, buzzards circle over wooded hillsides, home to deer and wild boar. The clear night skies reveal a brilliant array of stars with flashing fireflies and glow-worms competing in early summer.

For those who prefer to visit Italy out of the summer months, the area is just as beautiful and colourful in spring sunshine or autumn mists, with peaceful evenings curled up by the woodstove with a good book.

Like many people these days we are thinking hard about our energy consumption.  We have signed La Mandria up to 10/10 and have therefore committed to cut our carbon footprint by 10% in 2010 and also that of guests staying with us. For more information read the environmental issues.