We bought the house in 2023, it is a converted house, at the foot of Monte Subasio, whose ground floor used to provide the stable space for the cattle. We live in the downstairs space ourselves and the entire upstairs apartment is for holiday rental.
Both are accessible from the ground floor and are completely independent. The accompanying terrain is 3 hectares, of which 2 hectares are forest at the transition to the gorges. Our estate is under development. In the meantime, considerable steps have been taken to restore the existing olive grove and small vineyard. In addition, a diverse fruit orchard, a vegetable garden and fields of Mediterranean herbs for the production of essential oil are also planned and created. Everything is grown organically and in harmony with nature within our possibilities.
The Etruscan culture from before the start of the Christian era probably already had a biological and integrated agricultural system According to tradition, grapes were grown in symbiosis with the Field Maple, whose bacteria, which live on its roots, protect the grapes against certain diseases. That knowledge was already present at that time. The Maple leaf served as animal feed. The unbelievable fact is that this method of grape cultivation is still visible in our small vineyard, because this system has been taken over and (partially) integrated by previous residents. We are happy to show you.
Hans continues to experiment with the cultivation of Mediterranean herbs that are suitable for essential oil production. These include Lavender, Hyssop, Rosemary and Helichrysum (immortelle; also called Immortelle or immortal). Essential oils have a special effect against numerous health complaints and diseases. This knowledge was already present around 1100-1200, as evidenced by the information from the tradition of Hildegard von Bingen, a very gifted German nun who died a year before the birth of Saint Francis.
The intention is to also give workshops on distilling these oils from the herbs. Hans is always willing to show guests around the site and explain this special place. We have also walked numerous paths in the hills and recorded routes in an app and can advise you and provide you with beautiful routes with corresponding times and distances.
