Two people who set out to make their dream come true...
Well, that's what we did. With incredible organisation, strong will, even greater hope and the great help of unique friends and family, we bought this beautiful rustic agriturismo Casa Bivignano in Tuscany in 2007 and moved with our horses Diego & Gazelle from Allschwil (CH) to Italy in early 2008. A huge step when you consider that Italy is so close but - in everything - incredibly different from Switzerland....
What we bring to the table
Stephan is a trained confectioner and holds the innkeeper's licence. He also has many years of experience as a plumber and is an enthusiastic craftsman. Patricia worked in a commercial capacity for many years and together we indulged in countless hobbies (including western riding, cooking and the Basel carnival) until we finally found our paradise.
Agriturismo Casa Bivignano is a small guest farm with 20 hectares of land in the middle of the Tuscan hills. We work hard but with an incredible amount of joy for ourselves and the nice guests we have already had the pleasure of looking after in Bivignano. If you love nature and tranquillity, but still don't want to miss out on a warm and friendly atmosphere, if you like animals and don't get restless when the next village is 6 km away, if you enjoy culinary delights and are fascinated by medieval towns, then you've come to the right place.
Since our arrival in Bivignano, we have rebuilt, extended, deforested and have been busy as bees. Not a trace of boredom, there's plenty to do over the next 20 years! And of course the animals also play a big part in our life:
We’ve already been able to give many small and large four-legged friends a paradise-like home. But as life goes, we’ve also had to bid farewell to some of our loyal companions. We will never forget our loved ones on the other side of the rainbow bridge— see the Hall of Fame.
Our current cat team consists of 17-year-old Annie (some may remember her as the little stray kitten from long ago), the handsome stray tomcat Casanova, who can never get enough cuddles, and the two kittens Leroy Red and Gipsy. While one-eyed Leroy is already very affectionate, the wild, beautiful Gipsy is still uncertain around humans.
We have all the time in the world—welcome to your new home, kitties!
Lucy & Bobby McGee
For 15 years, Lucy faithfully accompanied us on all our rides. Now, this friendly dog lady with her incredible energy and enormous heart has wandered out of our world, but in our thoughts, she still guards the farm and watches over us from above.
Our senior dog Bobby McGee (who had to endure 10 years in an animal shelter) was at least able to experience love once in his life. Even though this gentle soul was only with us for a short time, he will never be forgotten. It's never too late to do something good. In this spirit, we will soon pay another visit to the animal shelter...
In the meantime, two galloping four-legged friends have become 22 neighing friends! After Diego and Gazelle came the smart grey mare Rosie and then the proud, sure-footed gauchos from Uruguay and Argentina, which not only make the hearts of our horse ladies beat faster. Our three bright and highly intelligent mules Mathilda, Mey & Jango are even quite a bit ahead of our horses, mule's word of honour! We were able to find new homes for some of our Criollos / Mestizos abroad, and of course we will never forget each and every one of them.
We are proud and happy to be able to give such unique horses a beautiful home in the midst of beautiful nature... and to give our guests unforgettable hours on horseback.
All horses / mules are well trained and extremely sure-footed, the calmer horses are especially suitable for those who have little or no experience. A ride under expert guidance is a highlight for every squaw and all city cowboys. For more experienced riders we of course offer longer rides and treks. The guests are enthusiastic, even Steffi's dad dared to get on a horse at the age of 75 and went on a 2-hour ride with his left hand (voluntarily, of course...). Even 84-year-old Jack rode with us for many years, big compliments to the two- and four-legged friends!
Cooking
is one of our great passions. We collect the recipes of our neighbours (first and foremost Nonna Vera), spy in Umbrian and Tuscan kitchens and benefit from wonderfully fresh ingredients, a pinch of home and our experience.
To arrive as a guest and leave as a friend—that is what we truly wish for.
We thank ALL of Bivignano’s friends who have helped us so much and always keep us in their thoughts. Without you, Bivignano wouldn’t be Bivignano. And, of course, we look forward to welcoming many new wonderful guests who will hold this magical place as dearly in their hearts as we do.
To arrive as a guest and return as a friend—what could be more beautiful than having a second home?
Patricia & Stephan Wanner-Odermatt + all our meowing, neighing, and barking companions