Energy-Ecology-Respect for the environment

The current generation in charge of running the Santa Barbara farm decided right from the start to invest in protecting the environment by using appropriate agricultural methods and renewable energy sources.

In 1988, we planted 700 trees (walnuts and ashes) to improve the landscape and to rectify the complete deforestation of the whole property in the 70’s, a measure that had been undertaken in order to eliminate any plants that were not compatible with an intensive cultivation of the land.

Starting in 2001 we followed the European agricultural standards for “integrated pest control”, which strictly limit the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Our main fertilizer is still cow manure sourced from a neighbouring farm.

In addition, during the numerous steps of refurbishing the existing buildings, we always used eco-friendly materials and followed building methods that promote energy savings.

In 2007, we installed a solar panel system that allows us to produce hot water independent of other energy sources for 6 months out of the year.

In 2009, we built a photovoltaic plant of 39 KWp on the roofs of the agricultural buildings, and then another one of 11 KWp in 2011 on the roofs of the stables. Together they produce about 65,000 kW of electricity annually — enough to cover all the needs of our farm while allowing us to sell the excess.

In 2018 we installed  an 11 Kw charging station for the electric cars of our guests.

Air conditioning

 Our apartments are equipped with state-of-the-art air-conditioning systems; by our own choice and out of respect for the environment, we have decided to charge for the use of AC separately, to those who wish to use it.

In this way, it will not affect the price of the stay of tour guests who do not wish to use it, it will weigh less on energy consumption, and it will have less impact on global warming.