Le Girandole farmhouse is located in Diano Marina and its history is inextricably linked to the events of a territory, a peasant family and their unconditional love for the land and its fruits. From the production of basil in greenhouses to the creation of a farmhouse with cozy apartments for holidays in the Ligurian Riviera, the journey has been long and not always easy. We want to retrace it with you. From Piedmont to the start of agricultural activity in the Gulf of Diano The story of our farm begins with Pietro Capra, who decided, in the early 1950s, to move from the village of Roccaverano in Asti to the hills of the Gulf of Diano to start an independent agricultural activity. An tireless and strong man, since a very young age, Grandfather Pietro alternated his work as a farmer in Piedmont during the warmer months with that of a worker during the winter at an oil mill in the Ligurian Riviera (specifically in Diano Borganzo). Here he was forced to emigrate sporadically, starting from 1938, due to the harsh climate of Piedmont. Marriage and settlement in Diano Marina In 1949, Pietro Capra married Ernesta Dotta and together they settled permanently in Diano Marina, acquiring land where they built greenhouses, still in operation, and started the oil mill. This activity represented an important resource for all agricultural production in the Ligurian Riviera and, in general, for the local economy. The oil mill was active until the early 1970s, when the decision was made to focus on the cultivation of basil and other products in the greenhouses. The modernization of this process, in the 1980s, was entrusted to their daughter Nives. Our production The cultivation of basil, started in the 1960s on our farm in Diano Marina, has intensified over the years and today represents the most important production, along with that of "cuore di bue" tomatoes. To these products, we add seasonal production and direct sales of lemons, broad beans, artichokes, eggplants, peppers, and "trombetta" zucchini. The birth of the farmhouse In 2010, the idea of creating a farmhouse was born: an opportunity to preserve the most genuine reality of the farm, its connection with the fruits of the land, and at the same time diversify its activities. From here, we started with the enthusiasm to share a principle of authentic hospitality, in a secluded place from the usual summer crowds, where one can regenerate in the shade of the Ligurian countryside. Le Girandole farmhouse was officially opened in 2012, thanks to the determination of father Franco Schenardi, the help of his wife Nives, and their son Roberto. Our farm between past and future Today, our family continues to work on this path, convinced that we have made the right decision. In the near future, our greatest adventure will be to continue taking care of the farm and producing and selling our typical products in Diano Marina, while respecting a territory that we believe needs increasing protection and respect. At the same time, we believe in the idea of sustainable tourism, which contributes to enhancing the Gulf of Diano and offers a haven of peace to anyone who wants to spend their vacation in one of the privileged destinations of the Ligurian Riviera.