Today Mr Massimo takes us at the discovery of Casale dei Gelsi in Castiglione in Teverina, a farmhouse immersed in the green and hilly landscape of Alta Sabina, in Lazio. It has been exactly the love for nature which led the owner and his family to turn eleven years ago an ancient 19th-century farm into a welcoming farmhouse.

What characterizes your facility?
It is a pleasant environment on a hill which reminds of Tuscany, and the farm is immersed into vegetation. Its rooms are relaxing, very simple, cool in summer and warm in winter. The restaurant hall is special: made completely in wood, with trussed ceiling and authentic furniture of the 19th century.

Which activities can be carried out?
We have a bowl court, and people can do archery, play ping pong, go mountain bike, and we are preparing a swimming pool and a golf court, while a go-kart track can be found 5 km from here.

Which products can be tasted at your farmhouse?
80% of the products we offer to guests is made by us… I have just finished to make fruit jam! We offer meat from our land and we respect our territory with our wine and cheese: we do not offer anything coming from other areas: I am the owner and the chef too!

What do you love the most of your land?
The contact with nature and animals, but most of all the friendship with our guests.

How do you enjoy spending your holidays?
I love the sea, calm and simple things like a tennis or a golf match. Managing a farnhouse is a demanding choice, and you have to really love this business.

What would you suggest to a guest coming to your farmhouse?
Undoubtedly the Via Francigena from Assisi to Saint Peter in Rome, one of the routes which Saint Francis travelled in the 13th century. It is eight days walking with different stop-overs: pilgrims talked to me about it and I made it, it is really a unique experience, and it is possible to see the places where Saint Francis stopped, such as the forset, and Greggio with the abbey and the creche.

Which is your greatest satisfaction?
Seeing that guests come back willingly, also because the atmosphere is warm and familiar: we do not call them customers, but friends.