In 1991, Spannocchia was at a crossroads...

In 1991, Spannocchia was at a crossroads. For centuries, the estate had existed underneath Tuscany’s traditional system in which resident tenant farmers sustain the property and, in return, themselves—but that all changed in the decades after the Second World War. By the late 1980’s, the last of what had at one time been forty resident families had left Spannocchia; the majority of farming operations had ceased, and Spannocchia's main activity was providing seasonal housing for several art and archeology programs.

The entire property was in need of repairs and funds were short; the future seemed uncertain. Nearby estates were being subdivided or turned into exclusive resorts, and Spannocchia was in danger of the same fate.

Fortunately, the story of Spannocchia has long been one of blended American and Italian heritage with a strong commitment to preserving the historic nature of the property. The estate had been purchased in 1925 by the Florentine writer, Delfino Cinelli, and his American wife. Their son, Ferdinando, inherited it in the 1940’s, and in 1958 established the Etruscan Foundation to sponsor archeological excavations and art programs in Tuscany.

Francesca Cinelli, Delfino’s granddaughter, was born in America, but had taken a special interest in the old family property—especially since she had met her husband, Randall Stratton, there on a visit in 1981. Francesca and Randall moved to Spannocchia in 1992 with their young family in the hopes of preserving the 1100-acre estate and its historic character.

Over the course of the next ten years, they restored buildings, revived the farming operation with organic methods, expanded the range of education courses, initiated an intern program, and greatly increased agritourism activity on the estate. All was done with the utmost respect for the historic nature of the property and was guided by lessons from the past. Results of their efforts seemed to confirm that this special place was becoming a new model for conservation and sustainability in the region and beyond.

That vision inspired the Cinelli family, in 2002, to establish the nonprofit Spannocchia Foundation (now Friends of Spannocchia), with Erin Cinellione of Delfino’s great-granddaughtersas the original director. The nonprofit, headquartered in Portland, Maine and funded by donations and membership fees, created a vehicle to expand the educational programming and the experience-based internship program. Since then, Friends of Spannocchia, in collaboration with many universities and other educational institutions, has exposed thousands of guests and hundreds of interns to the lessons of Italian culture, organic farming, and environmental responsibility.

A blended community of American and Italian staff have built the estate into the international model for sustainability that it is today.

In October 2023, we were incredibly saddened by the passing of Randall Stratton. Please read more about Randall's life and legacy here. 

We hope you'll join us.
In 1991, Spannocchia was at a crossroads...
Sepia toned photo of the old castello and tower

In 1991, Spannocchia was at a crossroads. For centuries, the estate had existed underneath Tuscany’s traditional system in which resident tenant farmers sustain the property and, in return, themselves—but that all changed in the decades after the Second World War. By the late 1980’s, the last of what had at one time been forty resident families had left Spannocchia; the majority of farming operations had ceased, and Spannocchia's main activity was providing seasonal housing for several art and archeology programs.

The entire property was in need of repairs and funds were short; the future seemed uncertain. Nearby estates were being subdivided or turned into exclusive resorts, and Spannocchia was in danger of the same fate.

Sepia toned photo of Delfino Cinelli and his wife

Fortunately, the story of Spannocchia has long been one of blended American and Italian heritage with a strong commitment to preserving the historic nature of the property. The estate had been purchased in 1925 by the Florentine writer, Delfino Cinelli, and his American wife. Their son, Ferdinando, inherited it in the 1940’s, and in 1958 established the Etruscan Foundation to sponsor archeological excavations and art programs in Tuscany.

Francesca Cinelli, Delfino’s granddaughter, was born in America, but had taken a special interest in the old family property—especially since she had met her husband, Randall Stratton, there on a visit in 1981. Francesca and Randall moved to Spannocchia in 1992 with their young family in the hopes of preserving the 1100-acre estate and its historic character.

Over the course of the next ten years, they restored buildings, revived the farming operation with organic methods, expanded the range of education courses, initiated an intern program, and greatly increased agritourism activity on the estate. All was done with the utmost respect for the historic nature of the property and was guided by lessons from the past. Results of their efforts seemed to confirm that this special place was becoming a new model for conservation and sustainability in the region and beyond.

That vision inspired the Cinelli family, in 2002, to establish the nonprofit Spannocchia Foundation (now Friends of Spannocchia), with Erin Cinellione of Delfino’s great-granddaughtersas the original director. The nonprofit, headquartered in Portland, Maine and funded by donations and membership fees, created a vehicle to expand the educational programming and the experience-based internship program. Since then, Friends of Spannocchia, in collaboration with many universities and other educational institutions, has exposed thousands of guests and hundreds of interns to the lessons of Italian culture, organic farming, and environmental responsibility.

A blended community of American and Italian staff have built the estate into the international model for sustainability that it is today.

In October 2023, we were incredibly saddened by the passing of Randall Stratton. Please read more about Randall's life and legacy here. 

We seek to learn from the past to inspire a more sustainable future. Join us.

Spannocchia's wonderful professional community is made up of staff from the Tenuta (farm & hospitality operation), the Associazione (Castello management & educational programs), and Friends of Spannocchia (our US-based nonprofit). We all work together to ensure the smooth and successful functioning of all that is Spannocchia.

Team Cucina/Guest Services

Our Guest Services staff is responsible for preparing Spannocchia’s breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for guests using products and ingredients fresh from the farm. They are also responsible for housekeeping services for the rental farmhouses and guest rooms in the Villa and Fattoria.

Team Fattoria

Our Fattoria team is responsible for producing all of our fruit and vegetable crops, our olives and olive oil, grapes and wine, and heritage-breed cattle and pigs, as well as our fresh and cured meats, and for keeping our historic estate and farm tools up and running. They're committed to following organic and regenerative standards, with attention to a healthy farm ecosystem and animal welfare, in addition to mentoring our farm internship participants.

Team Reception

Spannocchia’s Reception team handles our reservation process for rental farmhouses and guest rooms, welcomes our guests and program participants, helps in scheduling activities and organizing meals, and is always ready with advice and suggestions for area attractions.

Team Ufficio

Operating both at Spannocchia and in Portland, Maine, USA, the Office team is responsible for everything from coordinating educational programs, to running our internship and apprenticeship programs, to organizing special events, to managing finances and donations to our US nonprofit, Friends of Spannocchia.

We hope to see you on the farm - a presto!We hope to see you on the farm - a presto!

Friends of Spannocchia Board of Directors

A photo of 13 people on a trail in the woods, all wearing green plastic booties.

The Board oversees the nonprofit, Friends of Spannocchia, and meets at least four times a year, with a meeting at Spannocchia once every two years. Volunteering their time and expertise, this group supports the mission of Spannocchia as a center for maintaining Tuscan traditions, regenerative agriculture, and educational and cultural exchange.

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Leighton, President
John O’Keefe, Vice President
Susan Babcock, Secretary
John Piotti, Treasurer
David Carter
Katya d'Angelo
Brian Donahue
Lydia Klenova
Ariane Lotti
Jacqueline Ricotta
Chris Stueart
Lila Wilmerding

Photo: A group of board members, their partners, and staff prepare to tour the fields where Spannocchia's Cinta Senese pigs are raised. Protective booties are required to enter this area of the farm, to avoid the potential spread of disease to the pig herd.