Il Baciarino: An Off-the-Beaten Path Tuscan Retreat - Remodelista
In 2013, photographer Julia Spiess of Dinner with Friends and her husband, Frank Schott, were exploring the Maremma region of Tuscany when they chanced upon a small agriturismo. Photography by Julia Spiess. The property, when Andrea and his wife, Clelia Andreini, first discovered it, boasted two dilapidated sheep sheds, but also an unblemished, 360 degree view of the Italian countryside and the distant Tyrrhenian Sea. Andrea and Clelia built each of Il Baciarino’s five guest accommodations themselves, using traditional, locally sourced materials. Above, L to R: Julia delights in Il Baciarino’s simple Italian details such as the corded electrical wire; the kitchen at La Farfalla, “The Butterfly.” Il Baciarino’s casettas are designed in the traditional style with stone walls with high wood beamed ceiling. In the bathroom of La Dolce Vita, Andrea used a piece of driftwood to create a hanging shelf. With such stunning views, the Il Baciarino experience is meant to be lived outdoors. A Swedish style hot tub and two sun beds (made by Andrea from palettes) take in a unblemished view. Dotted throughout the hillside property, each two-person casetta is entirely private. Guests at La Dolce Vita may join others for dinner at Cucina di Andrea or prepare a simple repast in their casetta’s outdoor kitchen. An intimate dinner set in the outdoor lounge area of La Dolce Vita includes olive oil pressed at Il Baciarino. Prepping for guests at Cucina Di Andrea, an outdoor kitchen and dining room presided over by Andrea and Clelia. Born into a local fishing family Andrea continues the family tradition, each day returning with fresh catch, which he prepares for dinner in his outdoor kitchen. Whether the food or the accommodations, everything at Il Baciarino is simple and fresh. A short hike up the hill leads to the tiny Etruscan town of Vetulonia, where guests can procure wine, cheese, and other provisions.