Agriturismo Chiesa a Varena is a dream come true: Anna shares the story of this magical place in the Tuscan hills.
On a hill 35 km from Florence, Agriturismo Chiesa a Varena is a small ecological paradise born in what was once a church, later transformed into a barn, and now an eco-friendly farmhouse. Here, Anna has realized her dream: to share the beauty and serenity of this place with others by creating an ecological farmhouse and B&B.
With respect for nature and dedication to permaculture, Anna has created a place where guests can rediscover inner balance far from the chaos of the city.
In this interview, Anna tells us how the agriturismo was born, what sustainable practices she has adopted, and what unique experiences make this place special among the hills of Florence.
How did Agriturismo Chiesa a Varena come to be?
The idea of the agriturismo came from the fact that friends, acquaintances, and family who visited always left with a sense of peace and serenity. From this, the idea to share the richness and tranquility of the place with others was born. I envisioned the agriturismo for city dwellers in need of finding inner peace and immersing themselves in nature.
What sustainable practices have you adopted?
I practice permaculture, through which I transformed an arid and uncultivated area into a food forest, regenerating the soil and creating an ideal habitat for biodiversity and local fauna. Recently, green lizards and frogs have reappeared.
Every year, I add cisterns for rainwater harvesting.
Last year, I installed solar panels for the house, and I am organizing to install them for the agriturismo as well.
All wall and furniture paints are water-based, and all cleaning products are natural, made by me with biodegradable materials.
What are the most special aspects of your hospitality?
I designed the agriturismo so that those who enter feel like they are coming home, not just to a vacation house.
I enjoy interacting with guests interested in ecology, offering guided tours of the permaculture garden.
Guests can also participate in the lavender workshop, which involves cutting the lavender in the field, removing the seeds, and making essential oil and hydrosol together with me.
What slow itineraries or experiences do you recommend not to miss in the surroundings?
In the surrounding area, you can enjoy beautiful walks in the Casentino Forests National Park, visit Etruscan sites, or explore small medieval villages like Poppi, Stia, Bibbiena, Pratovecchio, and Scarperia.
What does it mean for you to be an Ecobnb?
For me, caring for and respecting the environment are life priorities, which is why I chose to promote my agriturismo on Ecobnb rather than on larger consumeristic platforms.
Being an Ecobnb means offering guests the certainty of a stay immersed in the green of a respected and loved nature, living a few days in a home free of harmful chemicals, breathing clean air, and feeling a welcoming atmosphere.
Being part of Ecobnb’s community also allows me to affirm my life choice for a cleaner and more human world.
Agriturismo Chiesa a Varena is not just an eco-friendly vacation destination but a life experience that showcases sustainability and respect for the environment. From permaculture to the recovery of natural resources, this agriturismo offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature and find harmony with it.
Agriturismo Chiesa a Varena is a brilliant example of how embracing a greener lifestyle philosophy can become a reality!
