MN
Mostafa&Nada
The valley awaits
Until the cypresses lean apart
A word before you scroll
Come and be with us in the hills
We found this valley by accident, on a wrong turn we never corrected, and we have been coming back ever since. In September we would like the road up to the farmhouse to be full of the people we love.
Come for the long table, the bad dancing and the last of the summer light. Everything you might need to know is just below.
How we got here
Four turns in the road
A wrong turn near Pienza
Nada had the map upside down and Mostafa refused to admit he was lost. We stopped the car on a white gravel road lined with cypresses and stayed there until the light went.
A kitchen with one window
A back room in Bologna where a woman who spoke not a word of our language taught us both to cook, on a stove that only half worked. We learned to argue quietly enough for the neighbours there too.
The question at the top of the hill
A walk up through the olives that was supposed to end at the ridge. It did, and then it went on rather longer than planned.
Between the cypresses
One long table at the end of a white road, everyone we love sitting at it, and the whole valley going gold behind us. That is the entire plan.
The shape of the day
From the lane to the last song
The lane opens
Park in the courtyard and take something cold. The view from the terrace is the reason we chose this place, so start there.
The ceremony
Under the cypresses at the end of the lawn. Short, and over before the light turns.
Golden hour
Prosecco on the terrace while the valley goes gold. Wander as far as you like; nothing starts without you.
One long table
Dinner in the courtyard, family style, with far too much of everything and speeches that will run over.
Dancing badly
The band plays until midnight and then the playlist takes over. The lane is unlit, so stay for coffee before you drive.
Where to find us
At the end of the lane
Castiglion del Bosco
Località Castiglion del Bosco, 53024 Montalcino, Siena, ItalyA farmhouse at the end of a white gravel lane, twenty minutes from Montalcino. There is room to park in the courtyard; the lane is unlit after dark, so come before the light goes if you can.
What to wear
Warm, easy, Tuscan
Summer formal, kind to gravel and grass: linen, loose dresses, jackets you can take off. Thin heels lose to a farm courtyard every single time, so bring a flat pair for the evening.
Tap a colour to see it properly. These are the tones the tables are set in — no need to match, but it photographs beautifully when you do.
A few small things
Worth knowing
Getting to the valley
Florence and Rome are both about two hours by car. There is no useful train, so hire something small — the lanes are narrow and the last kilometre is gravel.
Staying the night
There are rooms in Montalcino and San Quirico within twenty minutes. Tell us in your reply if you are travelling and we will send the two places holding rooms for us.
On gifts
Having you at the table is the gift. If you would like to add to the house fund, a card on the day is more than enough.
One last thing
Will you come to the valley?
One small form and you are done.