Our New Place near Piacenza!

As of September 1st, 2026, Reading Retreats in Rural Italy will be moving from La Macchina Fissa (Borgo Virgilio, Mantua) to "Podere il Cerro" (Lugagnano Val D'Arda), our new location in the hills above the medieval town of Castell'Arquato. Il Cerro was last used as a vacation home and horse ranch and still has a somewhat "ranchy" 80's look that we will slowly soften (or celebrate) as we transform the interiors and garden. Clark's collection of rare plants, contemporary art, antiques, and his library of nearly 8000 books creates a welcoming atmosphere that has settled comfortably into five different locations in rural Italy. The property includes two kitchens, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a barn, hayloft, two covered porches, a large garage and tool shed, and thirty horse stables. There are vineyards, fields, woodland, paddocks, a chicken coop, and a little pond. There's plenty of space for the goats and guests and loads of work to do.

The fun has just begun!