Tuscany castle accommodation, Italy
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Castello di Potentino is run along organic guidelines.
1. In spring, surrounding fields are filled with wild orchids and asparagus; in summer, nature orchestrates radiant fireflies and chirping cicadas. We have a couple of Bonelli's Eagles nesting in the valley along with a wide range of migratory birds such as golden orioles and swallows. Deer, wild boar, porcupine, badger, fox, otter and even the odd wolf roam the woods. This region is also home to the protected Amiata donkey, believed to have been introduced to the Italian peninsula by the Phoenicians.
2. We are committed recyclers. Where possible, we try to grow our own vegetables and support small local producers and farm markets as well as foraging for food and herbs as a way to cut down on the use of processed products.
3. Although this area is blessed with winter snows and natural springs, hot summers can bring severe shortages. We are acutely aware that water is a very precious commodity. In its main courtyard, the castle has a well dating back to medieval times. We put reminders to guests in every room that water should be used sparingly and that sheets and towels will generally only be washed once a week.
4. We try to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. Although we have gas heating as a back-up, we are investigating the use of a wood burner for central heating and hot water. Currently, we mainly heat the castle in winter using wood fires and stoves.
5. In renovating the castle, we have maximised the use of roofing insulation and double glazing and, wherever possible, reused existing materials found on site. There is no air-conditioning; we take advantage of the castle's thick stone walls and window-shutter system for a naturally cooling effect.
6. To within 2 km, the castle can be reached from many connecting points by public transportation. To cut down on individual car use, we can arrange mini-bus tours to local historic sites and/or places of interest. We also find that many of our guests are happy to spend much of their time walking and hiking in the surrounding countryside, given its unspoiled nature and abundance of flora and fauna.
Community
We have a promise ongoing since moving to the Amiata more than ten years ago: to lend our support, as best we can, to the community and to the regeneration and preservation of local traditions, some of which have been submerged in a sea so-called progress.
To this end, we focus particularly, but by no means exclusively, on techniques of viticulture and olive growing/harvesting.
We have also been active in organising conventions - unifying local residents in awareness - not only to protect the integrity of the landscape against rapacious building, but also to promote the Amiata's traditions and long history beyond the local area through the international press and events (such as a pop-up restaurant in the UK).
Potentino encourages children in the area to participate in nature awareness and fosters an interest in art through the annual "Premio Potentino". Each year we choose a different theme, be it "Water", "Olives" or "Stone" with delightfully interesting results.
We also help the local community by organising promotional events allowing local artiginal produce to be tasted at the castle.
We also participate in local festivals, promoting local produce as well as helping to foster an understanding of their craft. We used small artisans in the restoration of the castle- allowing them to showcase their work at its best.
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