La Scentella includes a restored farmhouse set in 15 acres
of land mostly given over to grassland with cherry, walnut,
oak and olive trees. About 1 acre is planted with lavender
and rosemary for pressing to produce essential oils. There
is also a small vineyard which produces the house wine. The
cultivation of the trees, herbs and vines is strictly natural
and organic with no chemical treatments or additions.
The
main building was probably constructed in around 1808, during
the period when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled the Kingdom of Italy.
A small coin of the period was found during the recent renovation
work.
The
house itself is divided into four apartments sleeping between
two and four people and one of the apartments is specifically
designed to cater for disabled guests. The apartments are
accessed from a common portico and every apartment is furnished
and fitted in the “arte povera” style. The accommodation
consists of, living room with kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom
with shower. All apartments are equipped with satellite television,
underfloor heating and centralised vacuum cleaning system.
The windows are fitted with retractable anti insect screens.
The
building also includes two separate annexes, one with a communal
laundry facility and another which doubles as Roberto’s
studio and a reception area.
THE GROUNDS
Around
the house there is a large lawned area with fruit trees and
a simple rustic herb garden with more than sixty aromatic
and medicinal plants. There is also a public seating area
and a small natural amphitheatre surrounding by aromatic rosemary
bushes.
At
La Scentella peace and tranquillity are guaranteed, the only
sounds are those of nature. It is not uncommon to wake up
to the cry of a pheasant, the chirping of blackbird or the
cry of a buzzard seeking its prey. The entire acreage is available
to guests to walk, choose a quiet place to stop and read a
good book or simply to take a nap under the many shady trees.
There are also trails that climb the hill in front of the
property winding amidst the olive trees and oaks. There is
plenty of vehicle parking available right alongside the property.
