Hi there!

We are Stefanie and Dirk, and we are restoring an old farmhouse and vineyard in Tuscany with our own hands. Armed with zero experience, but with loads of energy, we are learning as we go. (Thanks YouTube!) Stef is a physiotherapist, and Dirk is a beer brewer by trade. Over the past 3 years, we have taken this place from a ruin into a farmhouse with vines, fruit trees, and a large vegetable garden. We're putting everything we have into making it real.

We are close, but not quite over the finish line. That's why we are asking for your help.

The goal is to raise funds to purchase the final materials and finishes that are needed to complete the last essential works on the farmhouse. These funds will enable us to complete the top floor of the house, so that we can welcome a party of up to 10 guests in the summer of 2026.

While most of the heavy work is behind us, a few essential pieces still stand between where we are now and being able to welcome guests.

The main priorities are finishing the top floor and one bathroom. As well as completing the terrace.

When we bought the property versus at the moment

Kitchen 2023

Kitchen 2026

Donate and become part of Campodaglia

One of the most special parts of our farm, called Campodaglia, is the vineyard and the many fruit trees that surround the farmhouse. By donating, you’re helping us complete the farmhouse and continue to care for the land. For everyone who supports our project, we will share our endeavours in the vineyard as we battle our way through all the problems that (real) farmers face. From the first spurs to the last grapes at harvest (hopefully), we will share the seasonal rhythms of the place. We also plan to place the names of all donors in a time capsule called the “Legends List,” which will be hidden within the house during the final stages of completing the top floor. In this way, everyone who supports Campodaglia becomes part of its ongoing story, connected to the house, the vines, the fruit trees, and the work that will continue for many more years.

THANK YOU

We’re deeply grateful to anyone who visited this page and helped us to achieve our goal, whether through a donation, sharing the page, or simply following along. We have lots of love for this place and are keen to share that love. We’re posting regular updates on Instagram so you can see exactly how your support helps Campodaglia bloom.

Read more about our story + many pictures:

Last terracotta tile from the old roof! We have re-used these during our renovations (window sills, ledge, steps and more)

Removed the old flooring and beams, and placed two heavy but strong steel beams back in

We made 4 new openings, for extra daylight and views over the vineyard/land

How it all started

Three years ago, we bought this little slice of Tuscany: a ruin with an abandoned vineyard. We had zero experience, just a lot of energy and a vision. Standing at the edge of the vineyard, imagining our morning coffee with that view, we knew we had to do it.

The house had a leaking roof, wobbly walls, woodworm, and rotten floorboards. One of the first major challenges was removing the old roof, lifting heavy beams and countless terracotta tiles by hand. It was one of the most physically demanding and adventurous tasks of the entire project.

We removed all the flooring and replaced every beam and floorboard ourselves. Much of the original wood was saved and reused for vanities, kitchen fronts, and our staircase — we couldn’t let 300-year-old chestnut planks go to waste. The original terracotta tiles were also reused for window sills and detailing throughout the house.

One of the rooms (middle floor) as it looked when we bought the property

We removed the roof, including the supporting beams

New roof is on! Next step: removing old floorboards and beams

Restoring the Farmhouse

To transform a centuries-old farmhouse into a functioning modern home, we installed an internal staircase and created four new, structurally sound openings into a building dating back to 1744. These interventions were designed to let more light into the house, connect it to the outdoor terrace and vineyard, and connect rooms. For two complete beginners, the work was often overwhelming and stressful. However, it ultimately proved incredibly rewarding.

There isn’t a single spot in the house that hasn’t been carefully thought through or touched by our hands. While modernising the house with a kitchen, bathrooms, updated electrics, and underfloor heating, we preserved important original elements in every room; exposed stone, chestnut beams, and quirky wall niches that give the house its soul.

Middle floor room after the renovation

We have repointed the exterior and interior walls

Drilling holes for our internal staircase anchors

Created from salvaged chestnut wood, the treads once grew in our own forest, served as floorboards for 300 years, and now begin a second life as a staircase.

Reviving the vineyard

During our first viewing, we walked through the land to the edge of the vineyard, where the autumn sun and the view made us fall in love. The vineyard hadn’t been maintained for years. We replaced the trellis system and spent evenings learning how to prune and care for the vines.

We knew it would take years for the vineyard to become healthy and productive again. We planted over 300 new vines to fill the gaps, and while the past three growing seasons have been exciting, they’ve also come with setbacks. This is a long-term project, and we’re committed to it.

New trellis system is in and after a hard prune the vines starting to grow again! (May 2023)

First new vine planted!

First harvest!

Looking ahead

The past three years have been a true labour of love. Now it’s time to move into the next phase.

We'd like to share our place, preserve the land and restore the vineyard. We are looking forward to welcoming people who value slow travel, nature, and craftsmanship.

Most importantly, this fundraiser represents a transition — from spending all our savings to creating a financially sustainable future. In the long run, all future projects at Campodaglia will be funded through hosting guests, including:

The terrace overlooking the valley

Fruit trees and one of many olive trees