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| The story goes that in the
Middle Ages, a monk of rank by the name of Columban traveled along these very same
Apennine hills which join the northern plains of Italy to the Ligurian Sea. It was in
nearby Bobbio that he was to found the famous monastery- intact even today and one of the
area's touristic highlights - its network of lands and churches soon extending well into
the foggy flatlands of Lomellina. Albeit a long way from his native Leinster in Ireland,
he must have felt quite at home here in Boccapane, with its peace and quiet, its green
pastures, its wildlife, its little stream winding its way along the woods. |
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The lovely Boccapane
farmhouse, nestled snugly among a cluster of trees at the foot of a hill which has not
changed much since Columban's time, was in use until the Eighties, when it fell into a
period of neglect. Purchased in 1994 by its present owners, who have lovingly recaptured
its fascinating atmosphere adding all the comforts of modern hospitality, it now welcomes
guests from all over Europe in search of genuine Italian tradition in a context of
peaceful surroundings. Ilaria and her husband Andrea left the noisy and hectic life of the
city a few years ago and have never regretted their choice. |
Their joint efforts now
focus exclusively on the farm activities - the animals, the grounds, the increasing number
of guests, the home made products.
The surrounding fields of Boccapane, embedded in a small valley, provide the
incontaminated feed for the animals. Fruit trees and an enviable orchard offer the genuine
basis for Boccapane's excellent jams, marmalades and honey, not to mention Andrea's
delicious recipes, a combination of secular traditions and his own creative fancy. |
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| In addition to the
pleasures of Boccapane's authentic yet refined cuisine, guests may enjoy a variety of
activities. Long walks or bike rides along the nearby woods, encountering such illustrious
inhabitants as the old badger, is a favorite. We also organize excursions on horseback -
just tell us in advance. The area is rich with castles and ancient churches for those who
appreciate our country's cultural heritage. The farmhouse itself offers a host of outdoor
and indoor sports such as volleyball, badminton, darts, tennis and ping-pong. For the
lucky ones who enjoy one of the beautiful double rooms at Boccapane, the latest attraction
is its brand new heated swimming pool with hydromassage, perfectly blended with the
surrounding landscape; unique in the area, the splendid pool is yet another pearl of
Boccapane quality. |
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