The Farm
As an Agriturismo we are required to produce 60% of all that we consume. We don't use any inorganic chemicals on our fruits and vegetable cultivation.
Our fruits and vegetables may not look like store bought produce, but the flavor and satisfaction they give are in a league of their own. The majority of the crops are cultivated by hand, with the exception of hay.
The Estate: Borra Martello
Borra Martello estate had been a farm for many years. The buildings were originally constructed in the 1800's. When Charlotte purchased the property in 2003 no one had been living or farming here for twenty years. During the following two years, the two barns and farm house were lovingly reconstructed. The final result showcases the original stonework plus the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and alternative energy. (solar&hot-water panels, high-efficiency wood burning fire places.)
Lavender
We have two large lavender cultivations on our property, each serving a different purpose. The mature lavender plants that encircle the pool provide food for our honey bees, who produce a lovely Lavender honey. The second cultivation is comprised of seven-hundred plants in rows that are distilled into essential lavender oil and lavender water. The lavender is harvested by hand from the end of June till the middle of July. We also make products with lavender flowers which we sell in our gift shop, including: pot pourri, teas, soaps, bread, cakes and in jams.
Honey
During June and July our honey bees are busy collecting pollen from the lavender flowers which they turn into a lovely sweet floral honey. But their work isn't over just yet, in the late summer until early autumn they gather pollen from the surrounding mature chestnut trees. The result is a rich, dark bitter sweet honey that is ideal with blue cheese. We sell our honey in the gift shop.
Olives
We have recently planted 60 Olive trees. In the next couple of years we will start to harvest our olives which will be used to make olive oil for the restaurant and for our guests.
Other Cultivations
A mixed fruit orchard, berry plot, herb garden and vegetable garden. These ingredients are used to make preserves, and in the meals with serve in the restaurant.