Most drive through the Apennines along the motorway between Bologna and Florence and miss the fertile valleys and its characteristic towns including Castel D'Aiano, which is only a short distance from this farm. However, it is worth stopping off if you want to avoid large crowds, and if you want to enjoy unspoilt nature and peace and quiet.
The friendly hostess, Valeria, receives the visitors in her own home, where five bedrooms have been converted for this purpose. All the bedrooms are fitted with satellite TV and en suite bathroom with a shower or bath. Air conditioning is not necessary in these altitudes, but if you come here during the winter the place is heated.
Read more about Agriturismo Piana dei Castagni
The landlady also arranges traditional dinners are served, and by arrangement you can choose between the world famous traditional dishes such as lasagne or pasta with Bolognese sauce or try some of the more local dishes that are not yet known outside the valley. Valeria requires advance notice if you wish to eat here.
Two kilometres from the farm there is a large olympic size swimming pool. If angling is your sport there is a small lake within 1 km, and the nearest horse riding opportunity is 6 km from the house.
We recommend the place to all those who are seeking a bit of peace and quiet before or after they have visited the sandy beaches of Tuscany or the Adriatic coast. It is also ideal for trekking enthusiasts, who want to experience a totally unspoilt area. If you cannot do without big cities, Bologna and Modena are less than an hour away, and you can be in Florence or Ferrara in 1½ hours.
