‘No going back’
We are Jan and Willeke, a Dutch couple who emigrated to the middle of Italy in 2005 for a different way of life.
We would like to introduce ourselves and tell you in short how Rocca di Sotto came into being.
We have completely pledged our hearts to the Abruzzo region of Italy. This because this region beautiful natural parks and beautiful beaches has a nice climate and yet has not been discovered by many tourists or other adventurers.
After working in Abruzzo for a few years in the star-restaurant La Bandiera (Willeke) and at a carrozzeria (Jan) we started looking for the future. After 2 years rented an apartment and eighty houses-views later, we found our farm at the foot of the National Park Gran Sasso in the Apennines.
Here we have a beautiful area of 10 ha with ancient olive trees, forest, a mountain stream, grassland, many fruit and nut trees and beautiful views from all sides. Our ambition is to become increasingly self-supporting, sustainable, for example with food and energy. It is a slow process (in connection with costs), but very instructive. With our own wood for various construction work and heating with a ‘thermo- fireplace’, the ‘camping vegetable garden’, the many fruit and nut trees, own chickens and ‘slow food’ land pigs.
Restoration
Restoring the house, starting a campsite and maintaining the terrain with, for example, the many different fruit and olive trees requires a lot of time.
But it is a fantastic experience to work more in nature after many years.
The site lends itself perfectly to the necessary privacy for meditation and yoga, but there are also central places where people can meet if they want.
Our passions
We like to share our passion for the environment, the Italian language and the many contacts we have gained during our work in Abruzzo.
We would like to welcome our guests to enjoy what we have found here. The beautiful rhythm of nature, a pitch black starry sky, fantastic views, friendly warm Italians, enjoy on our terrace the delicious local products, clean air and space for yourself and each other.
It is not about the goal but about the journey!
