Welcome to
Podere Campalfi
A 700 year old farmstead in Tuscany which is now an ecological ‘agriturismo’ holiday destination situated in a Nature Conservancy area, some 8 miles south-west of the city of Siena.
About
Its location is extremely secluded yet it is easily reached from airports at Florence, Pisa and Rome. It provides 7 apartments sleeping up to 28 people.
Campalfi offers an idyllic Tuscan holiday setting for those who seek a clean and natural environment, a relaxed pace of life, a place for their children to play in the Italian countryside, and who love the ‘slow food’ experience.
Indeed, one might call Podere Campalfi one of the centers of ‘slow food’ in Tuscany. On 4 nights a week, Campalfi guests may enjoy excellent home-cooked organic food, in the often stimulating, international company of other guests. This conviviality makes Campalfi an outstanding Tuscan holiday destination and it is a primary reason why there are many ‘repeat visitors’.
The social atmosphere of this place is wonderful.
Situated in meadows filled with flowers, and providing access to an incredibly beautiful river that is ideal for swimming, fishing or just absorbing peace, Campalfi is a place of simple enchantment.
Campalfi’s History
The history of Campalfi goes back more than 700 years. Campalfi was built by the monks of Torri. Torri, located just 3 km from Campalfi, is home to a monastery considered one of the most beautiful in all of Tuscany.
The city of Siena asked the monks of Torri to make use of the fertile land and the power of the water. The monks dug a canal over one kilometer long, which still runs through Campalfi today, and directed the water to the nearby water mill.
As payment for their hard work, the monks received the agricultural yield of the first five years as compensation.
This is also how the name Campalfi came into being, derived from the monk Alfius. “Campus Alfius” eventually became Campalfi.
The years passed, and at the end of the 1980s Reiner Wagner discovered the ruins of Campalfi while swimming in the river.
Falling in love with the wild beauty of this place, Reiner decided to rebuild it and create a private holiday retreat for guests from all over the world.
Since 1996, Campalfi has been welcoming guests, enchanting them with its wild romance and fascinating history.
Meet Your Hosts
Reiner is German by birth but left his native country in 1983 and came to Siena where he became a restaurateur.
The restaurant was a huge success and, in time, laid the foundation for Podere Campalfi.
The story of Reiner’s involvement with Campalfi began with the summer swims he used to take with friends in the river next to the farmstead. At that time, it was all in ruins, and had been abandoned for many years. One day, Reiner decided that he would buy the place and transform it into an ‘agriturismo’ holiday center. Reconstruction commenced in 1994 and the first visitors arrived in 1996.
Josef, son of Reiner, completed his Master’s degree in Archaeology and History in Cardiff, while Corinna earned her Master’s in Graphic Design in Florence. Together, they traveled across the vast landscapes of Australia and Asia, gaining valuable experiences and discovering their love for new cultures and environments. These experiences ultimately led them back to Campalfi, in the gentle hills of Tuscany, where Josef, together with his partner, continues his father’s work and they embark on a new chapter of their lives.
Today, Josef and Corinna dedicate themselves to Campalfi with passion and great attention to detail. They personally ensure that every stay becomes a special experience, harmoniously blending history, nature, and heartfelt hospitality. In 2024, they also hand-planted 2.5 hectares of lavender around Campalfi, a project that marked the beginning of a new chapter full of fragrance, color, and vitality. Campalfi is a place where guests from all over the world are warmly welcomed and can fully enjoy the unique beauty of Tuscany.
Peaceful, Secluded Tuscany Accommodation
Podere Campalfi has 7 furnished apartments, with total capacity for sleeping 28 people. The apartments vary in size and have cooking facilities, although the kitchens do not have ovens. Most people tend to eat out in local restaurants or they take up the opportunity for gourmet meals provided by host, Reiner Wagner on 4 nights a week.
Outside, the farm offers various sitting areas for eating breakfast, lunches or tea.
There is one main lawn area with deckchairs where guests may sunbathe, bury themselves in a book or chat. Beyond the main complex is a playing field for football fans and a patch of grass where badminton is enjoyed by young and old alike.
Across the meadow, just five minutes walking distance from the farmstead, is the famous jade-colored, pristine River Merse, where many go to swim, to sunbathe, to read, fish or just tramp along the banks to see where the river goes….
Campalfi has 3 choices for Apartment Size:
SMALL
Sleeps max. 2 ppl.*
1 double bed
in bedroom
1 sofa bed
in livingroom*
| Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|
| 75,00€ / 1 night | 80,00€ / 1 night | 94,00€ / 1 night |
| 390,00€ / 7 nights | 490,00€ / 7 nights | 590,00€ / 7 nights |
Mid: March-May & October
High: June-September; Pentecost
MEDIUM
Sleeps max. 4 ppl.*
1 double bed
in bedroom
2 single bed
in livingroom
| Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|
| 85,00€ / 1 night | 90,00€ / 1 night | 102,00€ / 1 night |
| 440,00€ / 7 nights | 540,00€ / 7 nights | 640,00€ / 7 nights |
Mid: March-May & October
High: June-September; Pentecost
LARGE
Sleeps max. 5 ppl.*
1 double-,
3 single bed
in two bedrooms
1 sofa bed
in livingroom*
| Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|
| 95,00€ / 1 night | 100,00€ / 1 night | 110,00€ / 1 night |
| 490,00€ / 7 nights | 590,00€ / 7 nights | 690,00€ / 7 nights |
Mid: March-May & October
High: June-September; Pentecost
- Please understand that if you would like to have the apartment heated, we will charge a flat rate of 15€/day.
- Towels and bed linen are provided. Please note that towels cannot be taken to the river. Please bring your own bath towels!
* Upon request, we can add extra beds or pull out sofas to accommodate your needs.
Our Services
Merse, River
The river is a 100m walk away with deep and shallow ends; suitable for all ages, refreshing and encouraging for all fishing lovers. The wildlife and nature surrounding the river are perfect for hikes, bicycle rides and explorer tours.
Garden
The vast garden offers seating and tables as well as sun beds and hammocks. The small fish bond area accustoms a quite and peaceful space to read, listen to music, meditate or relax. A boccia-, badminton- and football field provide ideal entertainment for big and small.
Reiner’s Kitchen
Campalfi demonstrates the essence of Tuscan and Italian ‘slow food’ dining. Reiner Wagner learned how to cook from the Tuscan chefs that used to work at his restaurant in Siena. A major reason why people love Campalfi and they keep on
coming back are the long evenings
enjoying Reiner’s talented cooking,
the quality organic wines, the
conversations and laughter
that keep you at the table for hours…
The Price of Evening Meals, including Wine and Water:
Adults – 27,50€
Kids – 15,00€
If you like to explore places outside of Campalfi, feel free to ask as for our recommendations. We would love to show you our favorite cities, markets, restaurants and beaches in the area.
-Your Campalfi Team
Gallery
Guest Reviews
„I’ve been here three times and the place & experience never ceases to amaze me…
If you’re looking to get away from the city buzz, Campalfi is just the place for you in Tuscany, with it’s charming, peaceful & homelike setting.
Hikes for this location are great. Although, the best part for me is the calm river that my mates and I would just jump and/or swing in. To get to it, it’s only a short walk past the outdoor football field.“
„I stayed here last August and it was lovely…
The location is quiet and secluded so you can enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside but close enough to Sienna and Florence to make day trips.
My favourite part was the river, it’s crystal clear and great to swim in!“
„Such a lovely quiet, quaint setting in the hills outside Siena…
The team were very nice and the flat we had was great!
Some great restaurants a short walk away too and the river is a great perk also. Definitely go for a hike to the abandoned castle one day through the woods or a day trip to San Gimignano.“
„After we had first discovered Campalfi we could not believe that…
such a balanced mixture of wilderness, medieval history, modern conveniences and
heavenly peace would exist….
Swimming in the Merse with its jungle-like embankment makes you feel detached
from all your daily life burdens, and when you sit with the other guests in the evening
enjoying a delicious Italian five course meal, you have arrived in the reception
room of heaven.“
„Coming to Campalfi for the first time, you may feel stranded in the middle of nowhere…
Don’t worry!
If you are open minded you will have the chance to redefine your life-style. You will not be forced – but rather enabled – to perceive the amazing wonders that surround you, whether culture or nature-related. Coming here every year for more than ten years our children grew up here. They fell in love with the people and the place and asked: When will we go again to Campalfi?
The river, the valley, the mountains: Everything has its specific touch.“
„Campalfi is really something special and magic. …
After a few hours you will feel at home in a new world, yet also very near to everything you may expect in Tuscany.
Try it ! You will not regret! This evaluation was confirmed by everybody who visitedfollowing my recommendation. The re-booking rate of more than 80% confirms this.“
Lavanda di Campalfi
In May 2024, after one and a half years of careful planning and preparation, Josef and Corinna planted their very first lavender field in Campalfi. Over the course of 16 days, with the help of six dear friends and family members — and, of course, their loyal dog Nala by their side — 28,000 lavender plants were set into 120 rows across 2.5 hectares of Tuscan soil.
The seed for this project was planted much earlier, on the other side of the world. While working on a dairy farm in Victoria, Australia, Josef and Corinna observed how the farmers cultivated potatoes, which sparked the question of what might flourish in the soil of Tuscany. This curiosity led Josef to extensive research, through which they discovered the beauty and resilience of the Grosso lavender variety — a plant that seemed destined to find its home in Campalfi.
In July/August 2025, Josef and Corinna celebrated their first lavender harvest — a significant milestone and an unforgettable moment. After countless hours of carefully cutting each plant by hand with a sickle, they gathered around 300 kilograms of dried lavender flowers. In the months leading up to this, they visited several lavender farms, conducted extensive research, and explored many ideas before deciding which products they wished to create. They taught themselves how to operate a distillery, ultimately investing in their own to produce essential lavender oil and hydrosol. They also learned how to hand-braid wreaths and bundles, experimented with making candles and soaps, and infused each creation with their own personal touch. To complement their products, Corinna designed unique and distinctive labels. Each sachet, bundle, wreath, candle, or bottle of oil is not only a piece of lavender from Campalfi, but also a reflection of dedication, curiosity, and the joy of bringing this dream to life.
Campalfi’s lavender creations are now available — both online and in Campalfi’s Hall. With great joy, Josef and Corinna invite you to discover their handcrafted products and to bring a piece of Campalfi’s fragrance and spirit into your home.
Lavanda di Campalfi is more than just another project to us. It is the beginning of a new chapter, and we are delighted to share it with you.
– Josef and Corinna
How To Contact & Find Us
Adress
Podere Campalfi
53018 Sovicille SI, Italy
+39 351 567 1253
*Directions:
Podere Campalfi is located behind the small town of Stigliano. Which is a hamlet on a minor road that runs between the SS73 route out of Siena and the main E78 highway that goes between Florence, Siena and Rome. Stigliano is about 8 miles south-west of Siena.
Campalfi is tucked 2 miles behind Stigliano down an unpaved road through the woods. To find the unpaved road, go into Stigliano, turn sharp left by the wall and then sharp right. It is a very tight turning. Take care! A small green-white Campalfi sign on the wall reassures you that you are on the right road.
Proceed straight along the unpaved road, bearing left until you see a second sign for Campalfi on a tree. Keep going until you emerge into open space where the farmhouse complex is located.
