On one of the first days, snow suddenly covered the fields and forests. For an entire morning, the landscape—which here usually remains green and lively even in winter—was wrapped in a white blanket. Paths, trees, and olive groves appeared familiar yet transformed, as if a quiet winter stillness had briefly settled over everything.
Days like this are rare here. All the greater was the surprise that morning, when the snow laid the landscape gently beneath a white cover. This beautiful natural spectacle lasted until the early afternoon. The hills lay calm, sounds seemed muffled, and the familiar movement of the landscape appeared slowed for a moment. Only later did the sun break through again. The snow gradually retreated, revealing once more the familiar view of hills and olive groves bathed in the soft winter light.
With the snow’s disappearance, movement returned to the landscape.
It was one of those days that shows how quickly everything can change here—and how naturally the landscape finds its way back to its own rhythm.
And so the year began with this special morning. We look ahead with anticipation to the coming months at the Podere—to the end of the winter rest, to the gradual awakening of the landscape, and to welcoming our guests here once again this year.
/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/01/Untitled-design.jpeg8002400Christina Naujoks/wp-content/themes/podere-oliveto/Fattoria-Podere-Oliveto-Logo.svgChristina Naujoks2026-01-24 10:29:312026-01-24 10:29:31A Surprising Start to the New Year
This summer, our friend and artist Diana Lenz stayed with us for a visit. She is a trained theatre artist and works for the Meiningen State Theatre. As early as 2022, she had already been kind enough to paint a large Etruscan wall painting on canvas for us, which still gives our living room its distinctive character today. This time as well, the aim was to create something lasting. Instead of working on canvas, she chose to paint directly onto the wall and, within a few weeks, created a truly unique work of art.
Even before the first lines became visible, the actual work began quietly. An intensive engagement with the characteristic structures, motifs, and stylistic elements of the Etruscans formed the basis for achieving the intended appearance of the painting from the outset. From this preparatory work, a sketch gradually developed, from which the final image slowly took shape.
Once the sketch was complete, the work on the wall began. First, she carefully applied a grid in order to transfer the drawing to scale. Step by step, the sketch was then transferred onto the surface using charcoal, forming the foundation for the later painting. Over several stages, the image gradually took shape.
The subsequent execution was also guided by historical approaches to wall painting. The work progressed step by step, beginning with a clear linear structure, upon which the colours were gradually built up. The choice of colours was likewise based on traditional stylistic elements. With each passing day of work, the image became more condensed and gradually came together as a cohesive whole.
The work extended over almost three weeks and required considerable time and endurance. She often worked on the painting into the evening, and sometimes beyond.
After the painting appeared to be finished, a further bold step followed: the deliberate removal of parts of the surface. Within just a few hours, precise actions created the impression that the image had aged over centuries. In some areas exposed, in others already crumbling, the illusion emerged of a work that had been applied to this wall thousands of years ago.
In this way, the painting beautifully connects the Podere with the history of the place.
Sweet apricot and fruity-tart plum. This duo comes directly from nature and has been lovingly cooked down with a pinch of vanilla sugar and a squeeze of lemon. If you would like to try them, you can find the delicious fruit spreads in our shop to nibble on yourself or to give as a gift.
/wp-content/themes/podere-oliveto/Fattoria-Podere-Oliveto-Logo.svg00Christina Naujoks/wp-content/themes/podere-oliveto/Fattoria-Podere-Oliveto-Logo.svgChristina Naujoks2023-10-21 17:27:362023-10-21 17:28:53Our new jam is ready!
After a hot and dry period, our white one is now ready for harvest. We look forward to the bubbling in the glass balloons and the becoming of a fresh fruity sip.
Friends and acquaintances often ask me what fascinates me about Tuscany. There are many things that could be listed. The landscape, the people, the history, the climate………. But the sunsets are particularly special, when the heat of the day is replaced by a cool breeze, the setting sun showers the Podere and the landscape with unbelievable colours and then, in the blue hour, the sounds of the day fall silent and are replaced by the songs of the cicadas. This is an incredible experience every time, and one that is unique.
After almost a year of construction, it is finally ready – our new pool. Equipped with a heat pump, it offers us even before the summer season pleasantly tempered water for the first rounds with a fantastic view. Now the lawn must be sown and the pavilion and the sun loungers set up, then the summer can come.
/wp-content/themes/podere-oliveto/Fattoria-Podere-Oliveto-Logo.svg00Christina Naujoks/wp-content/themes/podere-oliveto/Fattoria-Podere-Oliveto-Logo.svgChristina Naujoks2023-04-10 19:15:022023-05-08 13:22:07It’s pool time
Podere Oliveto – Living in Nature
Our credo is to return to the power of nature – to produce good, honest food, our concern.
A Surprising Start to the New Year
AllgemeinThe new year began with a surprise.
On one of the first days, snow suddenly covered the fields and forests. For an entire morning, the landscape—which here usually remains green and lively even in winter—was wrapped in a white blanket. Paths, trees, and olive groves appeared familiar yet transformed, as if a quiet winter stillness had briefly settled over everything.
Days like this are rare here. All the greater was the surprise that morning, when the snow laid the landscape gently beneath a white cover. This beautiful natural spectacle lasted until the early afternoon. The hills lay calm, sounds seemed muffled, and the familiar movement of the landscape appeared slowed for a moment. Only later did the sun break through again. The snow gradually retreated, revealing once more the familiar view of hills and olive groves bathed in the soft winter light.
With the snow’s disappearance, movement returned to the landscape.
It was one of those days that shows how quickly everything can change here—and how naturally the landscape finds its way back to its own rhythm.
And so the year began with this special morning. We look ahead with anticipation to the coming months at the Podere—to the end of the winter rest, to the gradual awakening of the landscape, and to welcoming our guests here once again this year.
Wall Painting
AllgemeinThis summer, our friend and artist Diana Lenz stayed with us for a visit. She is a trained theatre artist and works for the Meiningen State Theatre. As early as 2022, she had already been kind enough to paint a large Etruscan wall painting on canvas for us, which still gives our living room its distinctive character today. This time as well, the aim was to create something lasting. Instead of working on canvas, she chose to paint directly onto the wall and, within a few weeks, created a truly unique work of art.
Even before the first lines became visible, the actual work began quietly. An intensive engagement with the characteristic structures, motifs, and stylistic elements of the Etruscans formed the basis for achieving the intended appearance of the painting from the outset. From this preparatory work, a sketch gradually developed, from which the final image slowly took shape.
Once the sketch was complete, the work on the wall began. First, she carefully applied a grid in order to transfer the drawing to scale. Step by step, the sketch was then transferred onto the surface using charcoal, forming the foundation for the later painting. Over several stages, the image gradually took shape.
The subsequent execution was also guided by historical approaches to wall painting. The work progressed step by step, beginning with a clear linear structure, upon which the colours were gradually built up. The choice of colours was likewise based on traditional stylistic elements. With each passing day of work, the image became more condensed and gradually came together as a cohesive whole.
The work extended over almost three weeks and required considerable time and endurance. She often worked on the painting into the evening, and sometimes beyond.
After the painting appeared to be finished, a further bold step followed: the deliberate removal of parts of the surface. Within just a few hours, precise actions created the impression that the image had aged over centuries. In some areas exposed, in others already crumbling, the illusion emerged of a work that had been applied to this wall thousands of years ago.
In this way, the painting beautifully connects the Podere with the history of the place.
Our new jam is ready!
AllgemeinSweet apricot and fruity-tart plum. This duo comes directly from nature and has been lovingly cooked down with a pinch of vanilla sugar and a squeeze of lemon. If you would like to try them, you can find the delicious fruit spreads in our shop to nibble on yourself or to give as a gift.
Vintage
AllgemeinAfter a hot and dry period, our white one is now ready for harvest. We look forward to the bubbling in the glass balloons and the becoming of a fresh fruity sip.
Fascinating Sunset
AllgemeinThere are many things that could be listed. The landscape, the people, the history, the climate………. But the sunsets are particularly special, when the heat of the day is replaced by a cool breeze, the setting sun showers the Podere and the landscape with unbelievable colours and then, in the blue hour, the sounds of the day fall silent and are replaced by the songs of the cicadas. This is an incredible experience every time, and one that is unique.
Finally summer has arrived!
AllgemeinEverything is blooming and greening. After a long rainy spring, nature explodes and gifts us with great colors.
It’s pool time
AllgemeinAfter almost a year of construction, it is finally ready – our new pool. Equipped with a heat pump, it offers us even before the summer season pleasantly tempered water for the first rounds with a fantastic view. Now the lawn must be sown and the pavilion and the sun loungers set up, then the summer can come.