Casalino is the name of this old farmhouse which is situated in an area in the north-east of Tuscany called the Casentino, close to the border of Emilia Romagna, in Italy.
The house literally in the middle of the woods and is perched on the side of Mount Montopoli and overlooks the stunning view of the Valle Santa.
Casalino lies within the national park of Monte Falterona and Campigna, and thanks to this the original fauna is reclaiming its place. From snakes and scorpions to wild boar, deer and even wolves roaming the landscape, it´s easy to feel as though we are the intruders.

The many footpaths leading through woods, fields and rivers covering the mountains makes it a pleasure to explore the environment.
Being so submersed in wilderness away from civilisation, Casalino very much creates a feeling of retreat or escape from day to day ´normal´ life.
Casalino is reached by an old stone road only accessible on foot and by a 4x4 vehicle.


Casalino is a very old rustic house so the facilities and rooms are still of basic quality. Improvements on the house are constantly being made.

At the retreat we use photovoltaic solar panels which provide us with our only electronic power. We have dry compost toilets which save water and produce rich plant food. You will be encouraged to join in with the preparing of fire wood for the wood powered hot water boiler for the indoor bathroom.

One particular place of interest which will most definitely be visited during your stay with us includes the medieval monastery of San Frances of Assisi. Perched high on a cliff face at the top of the mountain this sacred place is surrounded by some of the oldest and largest trees in the valley in a forest known as the 'foresta encantata' (enchanted forest). It is here where the Saint retreated in his cave and communed with the wildlife and nature and eventually received his stigmata. It is clear to understand why even to this day many pilgrims still visit this sacred wild place for prayer and meditation... or perhaps for some, just simply to enjoy the view!

Next is the 'abandoned village' of San Silvestre. This once thriving village was deserted after the second world war and since then it has been left open to the destructive forces of nature and has slowly been eaten up by the wilderness. Here trees grow from the middle of the ruins and the only signs of life are the sheep loitering the old lanes and grazing the overgrowth. Like lamas in a mini Macchu Picchu! Although only abandoned this century, the village emanates a feeling of a 'lost civilisation'. Beautiful place for sunset!

There are several water pools big enough for immersion in many of the streams in the valley. Indispensable on a hot day, these can be reached on foot and will no doubt be visited several times throughout your stay with us.