15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall

15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall

Photo gallery for 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall

Dragodena - Ca' Ricci
The pool at Agriturismo La Fenice, a short drive, is reserved to our guests only
Capodanno (New Years) 2014/2015 - Table seats 18
Hot Outdoor Shower with a view and rock-walled morning terrace.
Dinning Room - Original wood table, classic Italian wood stove

Overview of 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall

Reviews
8.2 out of 10 Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Check out the area

Map
Montetortore di Zocca, Emilia-Romagna
  • Popular LocationChestnut Museum4 min drive
  • Popular LocationRocchetta Mattei31 min drive
  • AirportBologna (BLQ-Guglielmo Marconi)45 min drive
  • Popular LocationFerrari Museum Maranello48 min drive

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1 - Main floor

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2 - Northeast Upper Floor

2 Double Beds

Bedroom 3 - Southwest Upper Floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 - Southeast Master

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5 - Northwest - Cantina - Formaggiaio

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 6 - Southwest - Cantina - Pollaio

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Bed

Living Room 2

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall

Dragodena is a private 15th century Italian stone farmhouse for rent with Wi-Fi, large salon, fully equipped kitchen, 6 beautiful bedrooms, a private nearby pool, outdoor shower, tranquil outside dinning, and a panoramic view of the fields and forests of the Apennine Hills. Located in a small hilltop borgo, Dragodena offers wonderful day hikes, local museums, world class cycling, and excellent nearby restaurants, The isolated and dominant position of this medieval farm house guarantees total privacy and complete tranquility for a completely relaxing vacation, retreat, rehearsal, or wedding party. Located between Florence and Bologna, Dragodena is an excellent rental base for exploratory day trips to both central and northern Italy from Bologna, Modena, Florence, Sienna, and Prato to La Spezia, Pisa, Portofino, Rimini, Verona, and Venice. With 4088 square feet of space (380 square meters), Dragodena is the perfect place for a large group of friends, a family reunion, seminars, rehearsals, cooking classes, for dreaming. It is a refuge for those seeking to be far away from the maddening crowd.

Across the small country lane is Dragodena's Rehearsal/Wedding/Dance/Seminar Hall and Artists residence. Originally the hay barn and cow stalls it has been transformed into a spacious (6m X 12m) hall excellent for theatrical, dance, movement, musical rehearsals, and seminars. It is also an ideal place to hold a wedding reception with room for up to a 100 guests. It is an excellent place to give seminars of almost any kind. Below the hall are the renovated stalls which act as an artists residence. Each of 5 stalls have been turned into a small room. There is a long dining room table, couches, chairs and tables for creative and in-depth discussion. The stalls have a bathroom and a kitchen.

Dragodena's clients can use the private pool located at nearby Agriturismo La Fenice. La Fenice has a bar and a small restaurant so that you can order drinks or food poolside. One can get there on foot or by car. The pool is well appointed with chaise lounges, tables, and chairs. La Fenice requires that you have at least one meal there a day for pool use. It is a great place to be in the hot summer months with the kids or friends and after you can walk home through the woods or by car, passing through the nearby village of Tolè.

Dragodena can also provide, if wanted, an amazing Italian chef. Our chef grew up behind a plow pulled by a horse, not that he's old. He is, however, a most amazing Italian cook. Taught by his grandparents and his mother, our chef is now a treasure trove of authentic Italian recipes using only seasonal ingredients and spices. He specializes in cooking alla bracia, over an open fire. He can show you how to you use Dragodena's unusual indoor wood oven while making the best pizza you've ever had. You can go with him to the markets to buy what will be undoubtably a sumptuous meals.If asked, the chef, will also teach you his recipes and give you lessons so that you can make these rare meals yourself. If you and your friends or family want to eat a most amazing meal every time and never repeated please ask for il cuoco di Dragodena!

During the summer Dragodena has two outside spaces for outdoor dining, or taking in the morning sun. Dinner is usually eaten under the cherry trees on green grass surrounded by an ancient stone wall. On the south side of the house is a place for morning coffee and pastry. Nearby is the outside shower, wonderful on a hot summer day.

Dragodena has a storied past reaching back 600 years. Both a farm house and a small fortress it has seen battle on its fields over the many centuries until WWII when it was requisitioned by the German Army and used as a base. After the war Dragodena was shut up with everything in it until 2007 when it was sold to its present owner, Paul Magid, founder of the world renowned Flying Karamazov Brothers. That it was virtuly untouched for over 60 years is what sets Dragodena apart as the a unique vacation rental property for those who want the true Italian country experience.



Property manager

Paul Magid

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Amenities

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Depending on the pet - pets are welcome.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Zocca

Located in Zocca, this farm stay is in a rural area and near theme parks. Chestnut Museum and Museo Iola di Montese are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Sacrario dei Caduti per le Stragi Nazifasciste and Historic Regional Park of Monte Sole. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling, ecotours and hiking nearby.
Map
Montetortore di Zocca, Emilia-Romagna

What's nearby

  • Chestnut Museum - 4 min drive
  • Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park - 9 min drive
  • Rocchetta Mattei - 31 min drive
  • Ferrari Factory - 46 min drive
  • Ferrari Museum Maranello - 48 min drive

Getting around

  • Pian di Venola Station - 22 min drive
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • Eis Cafe Trieste - 7 min drive
  • Il Tagliere - 8 min drive
  • Osteria Gea - 14 min drive
  • Bar Bi-Bap - 7 min drive
  • Trattoria La Fogna - 5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 15th Century Authentic Italian Farmhouse & Rehearsal/Wedding/Party Hall located?

This family-friendly Zocca farm stay is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Chestnut Museum and Medical Clinic Tole. Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park and Isola Winery are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "

5.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Check-in

8.4/10

Communication

7.6/10

Location

4.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Cristian P., Udine

Liked: Check-in, communication
Villa perfetta per stare in compagnia
Una bella casa, storica, con alcuni difetti normali per la sua "età". Camere belle con materiali ancora del tempo che possono cigolare ancora un po' ma molto suggestivi. L'ambientazione è bellissima, apparte la strada per arrivare 😅, e molto aperta all'esplorazione. In generale una bella esperienza tra amici, solo una cosa: meglio chiarire prima che ci possono essere oggetti all'interno della casa che, essendo storici ed emotivamente molto legati ai proprietari, è meglio non toccare.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Juergen F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Dragodena - wundersamer Ort...!
Dies ist ein ganz besonderes Haus - wir haben es respektiert, sogar geliebt. Es gibt viel visuell Schönes, drinnen und draußen! Elektrizität wurde auf sensible Weise eingeführt. Aber… es könnte so viel besser sein! Es ist etwas heruntergekommen und einige Bereiche sind nie wirklich renoviert worden, wie z. Bsp. die beiden Zimmer im Untergeschoss, die unangenehm unvollendet / improvisiert sind. Schlafzimmermöbel überall sind ganz veraltet, mit kaputten Teilen oder Bemalung, die man lieber nicht hätte. Unsere Gruppe war aufgrund von Covid-Fällen kleiner als geplant - wären alle gekommen, hätten wir Probleme mit Betten gehabt: einige der Doppelbetten sind ziemlich klein (und nicht alle Gäste sind Paare), einige Matratzen schlecht und hart, Bettgestelle improvisiert... Die Küche könnte auch modernisiert werden - sie ist gut mit Töpfen, Geschirr, Besteck ausgestattet - aber Ofen und Geschirrspüler sind klein, die Betonspüle etwas abstoßend, der Pizzaofen nicht zu gebrauchen. Ein Sitzplatz draußen fehlt, man kann nur ein paar wackelige, kaputte Stühle aus dem Keller mitnehmen und versuchen, es sich ohne Tisch bequem zu machen. Wie schön wäre eine Terrasse mit Tisch und Stühlen! Im Badezimmer im Obergeschoss lief das Wasser aus der Dusche kaum ab, aber auch nachdem unsere freundliche Gastgeberin den Abfluss gereinigt hatte, war Geruch von Abflussrohren im ganzen Raum wahrnehmbar. Bitte investieren Sie etwas, um Ihren Gästen den Urlaub angenehmer zu machen. Wie gesagt, wir haben das Haus immer noch geliebt und eine glückliche Woche dort verbracht. Aber wir sind eine anspruchslose Gruppe...
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Geki L., tokyo

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Calm farm in the countryside
Remote farm in the Italian country side. I can say this house has a certain charm and a lot of potential. Upper rooms are nice. The house is a mix of old furniture with a bohemian accent. The kitchen is very small. Impossible to really cook for lot of people. (The kitchen sink is from the house origin, look nice. But really small). Also you need to really pack well any food as rats are helping themselves. There are too many beast in the house for the room in the lower floor to be usable. (Beware of the rats). The dining room have a table for 12. (Not 20). Honestly, this house with a few more renovation (and pest control) would become very nice.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

Guadalupe C.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Maison de caractère manque d’entretien
Beaucoup de point positifs pour cette maison mais malheureusement elle ne correspond pas a l’annonce. Le gérant est très sympathique,le paysage autour est très beau. Il nous été difficile de séjourner dans la maison a 16 avec des enfants de 5 a 14 ans.La maison n’est pas sécurisée,les gardes corps sont trop bas a l’étage supérieur et un puit de 3 mètres dans le jardin est accessible. La piscine est a 11 minutes en voiture,dans un agriturismo. Les équipements de cuisine sont insuffisants,gaziniere lave vaisselle lavabo tout est trop petit. Les lits ne font pas 150 de large mais 120 cm. Pas de table suffisamment grande pour manger a 16 en même temps. Dedans comme dehors. Pas de mobilier de jardin. Malgré une bonne volonté de la personne qui nettoie la maison,c’était très sale. Problèmes de fausse sceptique pour couronner le tout! Abritel n’a pas aidé de manière efficace mais le propriétaire s’est montré compréhensif et a pris quelques mesures pour les locataires d’après! Désolés pour ce commentaire mais il est important de respecter la description d’une annonce surtout quand on fait 1500 km pour venir dans cet endroit.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Anna G.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Beautiful location in old, rustic house
We stayed with friends in this house near Zocca. we liked the basement where we could have fun, and the rustic look of the house. We had a wonderful week! Please mind that the pool, and two other rooms included on the advert are not included in the accommodation. This could have been listed more clearly, but Paul was willing to meet us halfway there so that was nice.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Paul Magid

Host profile image
I am a theatre director, playwright and founding member of The Flying Karamazov Brothers and the New Old Time Chautauqua. I have had my work played on Broadway, London's West End, in theatres around the world.

Why they chose this property

I was looking for a home in Italy that was authentic. I searched for a long while for an Italian home that had been untouched by a modern renovation. I was also looking for an area that was in the Apennine Hills that was a bit isolated but shared the look and feel of Tuscany but was an area as yet undiscovered . This house had been closed since WW2 but the last owners had kept the roof in good condition. Inside was a museum, a dusty museum, but a place that remained as much as it had been since it was built in the early 15th century. The rolling hills, the beautiful meadows and forests captured my imagination.

What makes this property unique

The interplay of medieval architecture combined with the conservative renovation offers a unique environment for a peaceful respite surrounded by 600 years of accumulated beauty. My aesthetic in bringing this house into the present century was to solve each problem, as the original inhabitants had done before me, by using the materials at hand.
When I bought the house there were no bathrooms, the electricity was pre-war, the cantina had been a stable and chicken coop with much of the floor was dirt.
I used stone found in the area. I made most of the beds from found beams and wood. The bathroom sinks rest on ancient shutters, the shower curtains are held up by barrel straps found in the house.

The outdoor shower in the afternoon sun as one views the rolling meadows is to die for. Having an outdoor lunch under the cherry trees surrounded by medieval stone architecture amidst the songs of birds and the sound of rustling leaves is to travel back in time.

Being with your friends and or family in a place that is both aesthetically and naturally beautiful adds to unique and memorable nature of such a gathering.

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish
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