IL DUCHESCO

Bio Fattoria Il Duchesco is an organic farmhouse nestled at the edge of the Maremma Natural Park, just minutes from the sea. An ideal retreat for families and groups seeking nature, authentic flavours and genuine Tuscan hospitality, the farmhouse offers comfortable rooms with independent entrance and private garden.

Guests are welcomed each morning with a generous breakfast buffet featuring homemade jams, pastries, Tuscan bread and locally produced salami and ham. The on-site restaurant, open to external guests and a member of the Italian Slow Food Club, serves a typical Maremma menu made with 80% organic, locally sourced ingredients. The estate produces award-winning wines, extra virgin olive oil, grappa, passito and sparkling wine, alongside a selection of cured meats, wild boar sausages and pecorino cheese available for tasting and purchase.

A wide range of activities is on offer: guided hikes through the Maremma Natural Park, kitesurfing (6 km away), scuba diving, fishing trips, Tuscan cooking classes and cycling along the Alberese bike trail. Traditional Cantori di Maremma folk singers can also be arranged for a truly local experience.

The breathtaking beaches of the Argentario coast are easily reachable, with private bus transfers available. Nearby highlights include Grosseto (10 min), Talamone, Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole (20 min), Saturnia's thermal baths (1 hr), and Florence, Rome and Pisa (1.5 hrs).

Small weddings can be arranged at the church of Alberese, with horse-drawn carriage transport to the farmhouse.

Awards include the European Ecolabel (2004), finalist at the Royal Accommodation Award for Sustainable Tourism in Europe (2006), the Sustainable Development Award (2012) and the Ambassadors of Organic Farming Award (2014).