MontCarul Casone

by David Jephcott
(Rocca de Giorgi Pavia Italy)

I was born in the West Midlands and moved to Italy many years ago where I fell in love with the Italian way of life, its people and the beautiful country side.

5 years ago I found a spot in the Pavian hills about 65kms south of Milan where the industry is predominately vine growing and is a picturesque area of rolling hills, small hamlets and villages which seem to have been relatively untouched by the modern pace of life.

My house which I rent out to families & friends sleeps 6, is situated at 380 meters altitude and reached by a leafy windy lane which opens up on a panoramic view of distant hills dotted with church steeples and forest reserves. Partridge, deer and the occasional wild boar are present amongst the many thousands of acres of groomed vine rows and the local wines and dishes make this an ideal spot to unwind, enjoy the view and sample the local cuisine.

My friends also offer various types of accommodation throughout our area of Mont Carul and its environs ranging from self catering houses, bed and breakfast apartments or rooms as well as a small camper park for those friends who want to spend a few days with us enroute to other areas. They also provide Italian cooking classes for those interested and this year we will start to provide classes for those who want to improve or learn Italian language. Visits to local markets, tours of towns and sites such as the cities Pavia (35 mins) , Milano (60-90 Mins) , the Monastery of Certosa di Pavia as well as Monastery of Bobbio (founded by the Irish monk San Colombano in 612 ad) as well as winetasting are amongst many things to do here. Of course those visiting in September can always help with the grape picking and pressing.

I look forward to welcoming you to our community and know that you may arrive as visitors but depart as friends who know the real side of rural Italy.

David Jephcott
www.montcarul.com