Driving up the hill to Castiglion Alberti, one already senses the anticipation of arriving in another world.
Immersed in woods of oak and situated on the top of a hill with a splendid 360* panorama that spans from
the mountains of Pratomagno to the north, to the valley of Pergine Valdarno to the east, and as far as the
Valdambra to the southwest, Castiglion Alberti seems cut off from the confusion and monotonous regiment
of everyday life. Here the light has a different quality, and colors enhance and transform the commonplace
into something extraordinary. All around Nature has done her work; and what she has left undone, the
ceramic art of Christiane Perrochon has masterly finished. Nature’s textured tapestries of greens and
browns, always within reach, are perfectly complemented by the glowing colored orbs and shimmering
reflecting pools embodied in the works of the artist.
The ancient establishment of Castiglion Alberti is made up of two building units: a refectory with an adjoining
chapel, now deconsecrated, and at 50 meters, a beautiful farmhouse.
Today the ground floor of the refectory houses the Ceramic Atelier, with its show room occupying what once
was the chapel.
The upper floors are the residence of the artist and her extended family.
One can admire Christiane Perrochon’s creations in her recently refurbished home where they are perfectly
integrated with everyday life
The bathrooms, kitchen and several floors were renovated using the artist’s creations [objects and tiles].
The kitchen floor is done in 10x10cm stoneware tiles with layered blue glazing. The sink and counter are of
blue stoneware.
In the sitting room one finds flooring of iridescent green stoneware tiles 20x20cm.
In the office, slabs of black stoneware have been used both for the desk and work counter. A pavement of
20x20 tiles with grey-black layered glazing complements these.
The bathroom of the first floor has a shower covered with 10x10cm stoneware tiles with layered blue glazing,
while slabs of blue stoneware serve as the shower base and bathroom counter; a circular sink of green
stoneware rests on the counter.
On the second floor there are two bathrooms, one large with a tub and one smaller with a shower.
The large bathroom is covered with 10x10cm azure tiles and has a counter of white glazed stoneware.
The small bathroom is done with yellow tiles of layered glaze. Both the shower base and counter
accommodating the sink are yellow stoneware slabs. The round sink is of yellow glazed stoneware.
The tiles and sinks are produced completely by hand in the laboratory on the ground floor.
The Castiglion Alberti Farm / Agricultural Firm is run by Frederic von Arx and his companion Gloria, two
young dynamic entrepreneurs eager to have guests taste their products. In the forefront is their excellent
extra virgin olive oil produced from the Tuscan hills, accompanied by their fresh produce and homemade
preserves.
In addition to his experience as agricultural director, Frederic is also a trained chef and is available, on
request, for the preparation of meals made from the farm’s own products. Dishes follow traditional recipes
and are graced with a modern flair.
Guests to the Agriturismo are accommodated in an independent farm house that hosts up to 6 people. On
the ground floor, of the two-story house, there is a large kitchen, sitting room and bathroom; upstairs, on the
first floor, there are three bedrooms, a large bathroom and an additional kitchen/sitting room.
Guests have the whole house at their disposal, with green lawns all around where they can enjoy meals and
relax out-of-doors.
There is also a traditional Italian wood-burning oven in which Frederic, on request, is happy to prepare the
classic pizza and focaccia.
Frederic and Gloria are always cheerfully available to help clients with their particular needs and requests.