*as seen in the Channel 5 TV show ‘Ben Fogle:New lives in the Wild* This rustic self-contained studio annex, unreachable by car, lies within a national park in one of the largest areas of forest in Europe. Solar power, spring water, wood stove and the bumpy road offer an authentic off-grid experience. A rare privilege to go into the wild and take a break from urban life. Hike to the monastery of St.Francis and the sacred forests of La Verna...or simply sit and enjoy the peace and isolation. The space This genuine off-grid accommodation is completely disconnected from public utilities and is only reachable with a 4x4 vehicle or on foot - the nearest place to park your normal road car is a 5-10 minute walk away from the property. The house is situated inside the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests and lies beneath the holy mountain of La Verna. Just a 1.5 hour hike from the medieval monastery of St. Francis of Assisi and the surrounding ancient forests which have been protected for centuries - also home to the tallest white spruce in Italy. It's the perfect place to go hiking and immerse yourself in the untouched nature that surrounds the property. It's ideal for hikers and lovers of silence and solitude. There are many waterfalls and natural pools for wild swimming within hiking distance from the house (the closest pool is a 20min hike away). The room is a private self-contained annex with a small kitchenette in the corner and a private bathroom reachable via a short walk around the other side of the property. The annex is completely off grid, meaning there is no mains electricity. However a small photovoltaic system provides enough electricity for lights and low wattage appliances such as phone and laptop chargers and a mini fridge. Mountain spring drinking water flows fresh from the tap. There is a wood burning stove for heating (firewood is provided) and a on-demand gas heater in the bathroom. Your private bathroom with a modern walk-in shower is completely detached from the annex around the other side of the main part of the property. This involves leaving the annex and walking outside through the garden into the main part of the house via a private entrance - it's about a 50 meter walk from the room (it’s a bit like staying in a campsite). The shower is heated by the house's main wood-fired and solar boiler so you'll have constant hot water during your stay without having to do anything. The annex includes a small kitchenette inside the room equipped with all the cooking equipment you will need including some essential ingredients such as oil, salt, tea, coffee, sugar. We, your hosts and neighbors, live and work in the property just a stones throw away from the entrance to the annex. We run a self sufficient small-holding. We have a small cow, some goats, chickens, a dog and 3 cats. We produce vegetables, goats cheese, milk, honey and other bee related products. The annex is suitable for couples, single travelers and couples with a young child. Dogs are unfortunately not welcome, sorry. PLEASE NOTE FOR STAYS DURING THE WINTER.... Please be aware that the annex is only heated by a wood fired stove. In the bathroom there is a small gas stove that can be used to heat the bathroom if required. We are at 800m above sea level in a mountainous area so it can sometimes be cold and wet. When it is cold we will happily pre-light the stove before your arrival to warm the annex. We will provide you with enough firewood for the whole duration of your stay. Guest access You'll have access to all areas of the property. The room and private bathroom have independent private entrances. There is an outdoor garden space with outdoor table and seating area for your use, however it is not completely seperate from the general outdoor space around the rest of the property so some interaction with us, and our kids, will be inevitable. During your stay We are living in the main part of the house just a stones throw away so there will be some interaction with us in the outside areas. However, the annex itself is completely independent with it's own kitchen in the corner of the room and private bathroom a few steps away. We respect your privacy but we're more than happy to interact when necessary and offer advice on walks etc or to give you a hand with anything you may need help with during your stay. Guests are free to enjoy all areas of the property. Other things to note Please note that we are not an ‘Agriturismo’. The word ‘farmstay’ in English means a stay on a farm - and that’s exactly what we offer (although we are just mini farm). However in Italian ‘farmstay’ automatically translates to ‘agriturismo’, but just to be clear…we are not an agriturismo. Unfortunately we cannot offer dinner and breakfast to our guests. However, inside the room there is a kitchenette where you can prepare your meals. The kitchen is already equipped with basic ingredients such as oil, salt, pepper, sugar, tea and coffee. Depending on the season it may be possible to purchase goats milk, honey, eggs and vegetables. Please let us know if you're interested. Unfortunately dogs are not welcome (sorry!). The property is not reachable by normal car. It is only possible to reach the house with a 4x4 vehicle with high ground clearance or on foot. There is a safe place to park your car at the bottom of our 3km-long bumpy road. From there it's rewarding 45-60min walk up through the beautiful forest. Alternatively due to the recent road improvement work you can now drive 2km up the track and park within 5-10mins walk of the house (more details on this available after booking). There is no wifi connection at the house but there is 4G data signal outside or near the window. The TIM network (coopvoce etc.) gets the best signal in this area. For this reason it is not ideal for guests who need to work online but it is still possible to keep in touch with messages and email. The nearest supermarket is a 25min drive from the bottom of our track. The nearest restaurant is 5-10min drive from the bottom of the track. Due to the lack of public transport in the area this place is best suited to guests travelling by car. However it is still possible to reach the house using public transport. The nearest bus stop is about a 1.5 hour hike away so for the adventurous travelers it is still an option (but a little inconvenient). Please note that there is supplementary tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno) to pay in cash on arrival. The tax is €3 per person per night. This tax is capped at 5 nights so for example if you stay for 2 weeks you are only taxed for 5 nights. WHAT'S INCLUDED - Room with kitchenette and detached bathroom - Bedlinen, towels and showergel - Coffee, tea, oil, salt, sugar, WHAT TO BRING - Food and wine - Suitable footwear and clothes for the outdoors - Cash to pay the tassa di soggiorno WHAT NOT TO BRING - your beloved dog (sorry!) - hairdryer Registration Details IT051015C2JHBHY2CH