Casa Serafina
I named the house Serafina without knowing the meaning- I was just captivated by the beauty of the word. I discovered thereafter it is derived from the Latin seraphim, which in Christian tradition, are the highest order of angels. They are often depicted as burning with passion for divine truth and glowing with intense light, used to evoke images of celestial beings and divine protection. How perfect and fitting for me as my late mom would always say “your angels are around you” whenever I was about to do something challenging like mountain climbing or traveling— and she most definitely would have said it to me for doing such a challenging thing as buying a house in Italy and restoring it!
Serafina is believed to have been built in the 14-15th century. It is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath medieval stone house with cantina (cellar) and outdoor terrace that faces the western flanks of Val d’Orcia. Even after having had a handful of renovations over several centuries, the house still retains significant original features which I have preserved or enhanced. Doing much of the renovation on my own and with limited finances, Serafina is definitely a work in progress but at a point to be enjoyed comfortably and with appreciation of its history.
Montegiovi
My home is located in the medieval village of Montegiovi in southern Tuscany, Italy. It is a faction of the town of Castel del Piano, in the province of Grosseto, and among the verdant slopes of the dormant volcano Monte Amiata. The village is located:
2 hours drive south of Florence,
1 hour drive south of Siena,
2.5 hours drive north of Rome, and
50 minutes drive east from the City of Grosseto
Public transport is minimal in the area therefore the only real way to see the territory is by renting a car.
Today the village has a fluctuating population of approximately 200 people with both permanent and seasonal residents from over 4 different continents. The cultural heritage of the territory is predominantly agricultural and comprises olive, grape, chestnut, and wild mushroom harvests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neighboring town of Seggiano
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It is not, it is a homestay. Subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of the page to learn more!
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The international airports in Rome, Florence and Pisa are all relatively within the same proximity to the village.