Have you ever wanted to live in Italy for a little while?
On the outskirts of the village of Montemitro in the Molise region of Italy, you’ll find Masseria Chicerro nestled on a hilltop with stunning views.
A tranquil, inspiring environment
Masseria Chicerro welcomes travellers, academics, digital nomads, writers—anyone who wishes to spend a longer period in untouched, rural Italy.
With a degree in Fine Arts, Masseria Chicerro founder Liv envisioned the retreat with artists in mind, but soon realised that many were seeking a respite from their fast-paced lives. Her vision is to build a tranquil and inspiring environment for creative work and projects.
With a minimum stay of 4 weeks, you’ll have time and freedom to enjoy the warm and heartfelt hospitality of the local community, and to truly experience the rich culture of this little-known region.
Liv lives in the original masseria on the property, and endeavours to help visitors have the best possible experience during their stay.
A bungalow with a breathtaking view
Masseria Chicerro has stunning panoramic views towards east, south and west.
From the privacy of your bungalow, you can watch the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening with the majestic Majella mountains as a backdrop.
The bungalows are situated 570 m above sea level, and each has its own private terrace overlooking the rolling hills.
The town of Montemitro
Masseria Chicerro lies on the outskirts of the small town of Montemitro, which is home to fewer than 400 people. The town has a small, but charming historic centre with stunning views towards the Adriatic sea.
Montemitro is one of three towns in the region that are populated primarily by the ethnic minority referred to as Molise Croats, who are descended from refugees fleeing the Ottoman conquests in the 15th and 16th centuries. They speak an old Dalmatian dialect of the Croatian language—called na našo—alongside Italian.
The town overlooks the river Trigno, which is the natural border between Abruzzo and Molise. This position makes it easy to reach and explore both regions. If you are not planning on renting a car for your stay, you can still get to the larger towns Campobasso, San Salvo, Vasto and Termoli by bus.
A warm community
The community is welcoming, and it’s easy to be included. Montemitro has a bar/cafe, where locals and visitors alike gather to chat over a relaxing aperitivo, and small grocery shop. At the shop, you can buy fresh bread from the local baker, local fruits and vegetables, and fresh cheeses and meats. There’s also a post office and a pharmacy.
The Molise region
Molise is likely the least known and explored region in Italy, and it is the second smallest region with only two provinces; Campobasso and Isernia.
The region is pristine; there’s still no mass tourism, and the lifestyles of those the small villages scattered atop its peaks have remained largely unchanged for the last 50 years. Many claim that coming to Molise is a bit like traveling back in time. You’ll find an authenticity here that you no longer find in the more tourist-crowded parts of Italy, and the pace and rhythm of life is slow and stress free.
A pristine corner to explore
Molise was listed by the New York Times as on of the top destinations to visit if you are in search of 'untrammelled, traditional Italy'.
The article mentions draws like the pristine coastline and mountains that provide a wide network of slopes for skiers, as well as frequent regional festivals—there’s always a “festa” or a “sagra” going on (read more).
You can find Roman settlements like Saepinum, which is a complex of baths, and a forum that rival those in Italy’s capital—but without the crowds. Hikers can explore the routes of “Transumanza” (“transhumance”), the centuries-old tracks along which sheep and oxen were herded. This network of tracks recently received UNESCO World Heritage status.