Villa Canestri-Schiavi

Description

The historical complex known as "Villa Canestri-Schiavi" is located in Poggio in the northern plain of Forlì, along the road to Ravenna. This villa is situated near the ancient church of Saints Giacomo and Cristoforo, documented since the 12th century, with which it shares a significant historical connection. The earliest historical evidence of the "villa Podii et Ayturani," dating back to 1110-1120, suggest the likely presence and continuity of organized rural settlements in this area since the late ancient period and throughout the High Middle Ages. The origin of Villa Canestri is uncertain; tradition places it in the late Renaissance, but its current morphology dates to the late 18th century. Nineteenth-century maps reveal essentially the same structure of the building and the park. The name "Villa Canestri-Schiavi" is relatively recent and is the result of changes in ownership. In 1821, the noble Canestri family replaced the Bonucci family, and later, through subsequent alliances, they became linked to the Schiavi family, including Senator Alessandro Schiavi. The villa extends from east to west, with a passageway passing through it. The park surrounding the villa on two sides is rich in ancient autochthonal trees, which have likely remained unchanged over the years, serving as a natural and complementary backdrop to the villa. The size of the property and the absence of private houses in the immediate vicinity ensure isolation and privacy. It is rich in history, and it is peaceful. The hours flow slowly and is the ideal location for spending time on creativity and thinking. One lives surrounded by an atmosphere steeped in the past with the days timed by the change of light. The spaces around and inside the villa are immense and fascinating. Living in Villa Canestri Schiavi is a state of mind, it is a fully immersive experience. The family mansion is old, and cozy, but shows signs of wear and tear due to its age after all, it's an old country house. If someone is seeking a luxurious place, this particular property may not meet that expectation. There are three double bedrooms on the first floor, one on the ground floor, and 2.5 bathrooms. There are also three single beds ideal for children. It can accommodate 8 adults and 3 children. There are numerous other spaces for conviviality and a large, equipped kitchen. There is a family library with many old texts mostly in French but some also in English and Italian. The villa doesn't have an internet connection, and although I will offer a portable solution, the signal quality remains poor. Strangely, the villa seems to exist within a sort of timeless bubble that isolates it from the internet. This odd phenomenon may be a limitation, but it's an aspect we must accept as an integral part of the experience of living in history. Near the villa, there is a rural house where the custodians live; they speak only Italian but are very friendly and always helpful with any needs. There will be a regular maid service during your stay. We provide guests with everything they need for their stay, but a car is necessary for grocery shopping and organizing excursions. A few kilometers away you can visit Bologna (37 mi) Ravenna (12 mi), S.Marino (31 mi) and many other places in Emilia Romagna. It is 25 miles away from Cervia, a nice town on the Adriatic Sea with many beaches. Forlì is the nearest town, 3 mi. The villa until now has never been rented and has always been used by the family to spend summers there and a few weekends during the fall or spring. All rental income will be invested in its maintenance. The property is the perfect spot for artists and scholars inspired by nature and the art and history of a truly extraordinary location. It is the right place for those who wish to spend time surrounded by the quiet of an antique Italian country residence. Please feel free to contact me for any information.