NATURAL SELECTION
An ancient farmhouse in Tuscany has been lovingly renovated to create a stylish family home and original B&B
An ancient building in Tuscany has been lovingly renovated to create a stylish family home and original B&B
OPPOSITE A charming mix of flowers, china, natural finds and religious artefacts fills niches in the dining area, where meals feature an abundance of home-grown fresh produce THIS PAGE The pale exterior of Fattoria San Martino
Fuscany’s hills are studded with ancient farmhouses, many of which have been transformed into popular agriturismo or rustic B&BS over the past two decades. Fattoria San Martino, to the south-east, remains an insider secret, though – an organic retreat owned by Karin Lijftogt and Antonio Giorgini, within walking distance of the medieval town of Montepulciano.
Karin, who grew up in Holland, studied design before moving to Italy where she met Antonio. In the early days, they ran their own clothing brand, based in Milan, but after years of city life they decided to move on, studying organic farming and bio-architecture in Chianti, before finding the old farmhouse. The property seemed to be “waiting for them” – it had been up for sale for years, attracting little interest, until they arrived, saw the two large cypresses down the driveway and knew instantly that they need look no further.
The original tower of the building dates back to the 12th century, with various structural additions made over the years. When the couple began renovating, they moved almost every brick, installed bathrooms, put in a new heating system and created a fresh living space without losing the original soul and feel of the house. The sensitive restoration has included traditional-style lime-plaster walls, old floorboards and antique tiles, blended with wooden furniture, artwork and homemade furnishings.
It’s a hardworking building, functioning both as a family home and a business, while maintaining a calm continuity throughout. The B&B is run on the top two floors and has four spacious rooms with softwood-plank boards treated with beeswax polish, comfortable chairs and views of the Tuscan countryside beyond. B eds, built by Antonio, have natural-fibre sheets and cosy wool
blankets, and quirky artistic touches provide original decorative detail: cupboards inscribed with favourite poetry, cushions designed by Karin, homemade soaps and original paintings all add to the stylish effect.
If they wish, guests are welcome to cook in the kitchen where light floods in from small skylights, bringing a warm glow to the red-painted lime walls. Planks left over from the floors are piled up and used as chopping boards, and the wall is lined with terracotta bottles containing olive oil, while drawings by their young sons are displayed on pieces of natural wood. In La Sala, the breakfast room in the refurbished outbuilding, guests eat on the long wooden table below antique chandeliers.
Simple elements add to the sense of peace – flickering candles in glass vases, white bowls filled with nuts and almonds from the farm, a beautiful branch or roses from the garden. During the winters, which are thankfully short, an open fire in the black cast-iron fireplace warms the large main room. When the heat returns, San Martino has terraces for playing chess and enjoying the garden with its roses, lavender, herbs and heritage fruit trees. Grass areas are cropped by the family’s five horses and there’s a natural swimming pool for a cooling dip. Most of the fresh vegetables and fruit eaten here are home-grown, along with honey and biodynamic extra-virgin olive oil from their 200 trees.
In the former old stable, now the family living room, Karin has refurbished two chairs that stand together
OPPOSITE, FROM
TOP LEFT Two vintage metal chairs provide a decorative element in the pared-back hallway; an old carpenter’s table is used as an additional surface in the kitchen; baskets offer stylish storage in the sunny hall THIS PAGE Antique chandeliers and displays of fine ceramics and glassware bring elegant touches to the dining room
THIS PAGE Natural chalk paint, exposed beams and homespun furnishings, including an olive-picking ladder, create a calm scheme in one of the bedrooms OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Touches of red brighten the boys’ room, which has plenty of space for playing; linens in soft neutrals and handmade bolsters are decorative and practical; poetry adds originality to an alcove seat; guests can relax by the swimming pond