FAQs

Dates & Logistics

• When is the retreat?
  November 14–28, 2025 (13 nights, 14 days).

• Where is it?
  Castello di Ristonchi, Pelago, Tuscany — 45 min from Florence.

• How do we get there?
  Closest airports: Florence (FLR) 1 hour, Pisa (PSA) 2 hours, Bologna (BLQ)
  1.5 hours, Rome (FCO) 3 hours. Driving is fine we have a parking lot onsite.

• Is airport pickup included?
  Not included — but we’ll help coordinate shared transfers and can recommend drivers.

• Can I join for just one week instead of the full two weeks?
  Our priority is for those staying the full two weeks, since that time together is what really
  allows us to build a strong community. Two weeks gives everyone the chance to settle in,
  make deeper connections, and fully experience the rhythm of life at the castle. That said,
  if there’s space available, one-week stays may be possible. Please apply now to be placed
  on the waiting list, and we’ll get back to you if shorter stays can be accommodated.

Accommodation

• What are the rooms like?
  The castle rooms are simple, rustic, and full of history — think stone walls, wood beams, and Tuscan charm. They’re comfortable and cozy, but not luxury hotel style. This is about community living in a 1,000-year-old castle, with modern essentials provided.

• What are the bathrooms like?
  Because this is a 1,000-year-old castle, bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes! Most are small — including the quirky “all-in-one” style where the shower and toilet share the same space. It’s definitely part of the full castle experience 😅. Those rooms actually have some of the best views in the whole castle, but if you’d prefer to avoid that setup, we recommend booking early to secure your preferred room type.

• What are the room options?
  Private rooms (with or without private bathrooms), shared rooms, and limited 2-bedroom suites.

• Do the rooms have private bathrooms?
  Yes! We offer a mix of private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and a few two-bedroom suites. Availability is first-come, first-serve — so applying early gives you the best choice.

• Will our room be cleaned daily?
  No, daily cleaning isn’t included. We provide fresh sheets weekly and towels twice per week for you to swap out yourself. If you’d like extra room cleaning during your stay, it’s available for an additional fee (€30-50 per cleaning depending on apartment size).

• Is there heating? It’s November…
  Yes, all rooms have heating, but keep in mind this is a historic castle, so it won’t feel like modern central heating. We recommend bringing cozy layers and slippers to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere — especially evenings by the fire.

• Are linens and towels provided?
  Yes! Fresh sheets are provided weekly, and towels can be exchanged twice per week. You don’t need to bring your own unless you’d like extras or need that special neck pillow.

• Are the rooms family-friendly?
  Absolutely. We have options for families of all sizes, from single rooms to two-bedroom suites. Families with younger kids often choose suites for the extra space, while others enjoy the cozy feel of a shared room together.

• What are the room configurations like?
  The castle has a mix of studios, 1-bedroom apartments, 2-bedroom family units, and unique suites. Some are cozy tower studios (queen + single bed), others are larger apartments with two bedrooms and living space, and a few are special suites like the Bridal Suite or Groom’s Room with fireplaces and lofts. Every room is rustic and historic — some reached by steep stairs, some with small bathrooms — and each has its own charm and views. Families often book 2-bedroom units, while solo parents or couples enjoy the studios or 1-bedrooms.

Food

• What meals are included?
  All meals at the castle, plus themed nights (pizza, pasta, BBQ, panini truck, Thanksgiving feast).

• What about meals during Florence outings?
  Families buy their own lunch/dinner at restaurants in Florence.

• Can you accommodate dietary needs?
  Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies. Please note in your application.

• What about snacks?

  A few snacks are available for purchase, you can also bring your own stash or stock up on the outing days — because all that exploring, gardening, and playing works up a big appetite!

Programs & Activities

• What’s included for kids?
  Daily creative projects, gardening, olive harvest, cooking, theatre, foraging, and forest adventures (ages 6+).

• What about younger kids?
  Under 6 are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent during kids’ activities.

• What about teens?
  Teens (12+) can join adult workshops and explore mentorships (kitchen, gardening, beekeeping, barista, event support). They can also help in the kids’ program or kitchen.

• Can parents join kids’ activities?
  Yes — many activities are family-style.

Screens & Digital Detox

• Do we need to give up screens?
  We encourage no-screens. Kids should not bring their screens to activities.

• What if my child needs to check in online for school?
  Do what you need to while in your room, but the spirit of the retreat is offline. Think kids running around outside vs. huddled around a gaming screen. Some kids will be attending online lessons during the retreat, and parents will be working online.

Pricing & Payments

• What’s included in the price?
  Lodging, meals, kids’ & parent programs, excursions transport, olive harvest, community evenings.

• What’s not included?
  Alcohol, soda, meals during Florence outings, museum entrance fees (~€40–50 pp), travel to/from the castle, optional room cleaning, personal extras.

• What’s the cancelation policy?
  Deposits are non-refundable, but if your plans change you can receive a partial refund depending on when you cancel (up to 60 or 30 days before arrival). You can also transfer your booking to another family with our approval.

• Do you offer referral bonuses?
  Yes! If you bring another family, you’ll both receive €150 in Castle Credit to use during your stay — for drinks, laundry, massages, or farm goodies.

• Are discounts available?
  Yes:

  • First 5 “Founding Families” get one child free.

  • Kitchen work-exchange discount (€200 off per adult).

• What’s the payment schedule?
  Option 1: Pay in full at booking. Families who pay in full at booking receive €100 in Castle Credit to use however you like during your stay — whether that’s towards transport, drinks, extra cleaning, laundry, massages, or goodies from our farm. Plus priority room selection.

  Option 2: Two-part payment plan

  • 50% deposit due at booking (non-refundable, secures your room).

  • 50% balance due 30 days before arrival (mid-October).
    

Practical

• What’s the weather like in November?

  Cool, crisp, blue skies and beautiful:

  • Daytime temps: Around 10–14 °C (50–57 °F)

  • Nighttime lows: 3–7 °C (37–45 °F)

  • Conditions: Likely cool and crisp, with a mix of cloudy and sunny days. Light rain is possible, but outright storms are rare. Very cozy—perfect for indoor workshops or fireside gatherings. Expect gentle chill and misty mornings—but with beautiful autumnal light and foliage.

• Is laundry available?
  Yes — self-service laundry is available as well as drop of laundry.

• Do we need travel insurance?
  Highly recommended.

• What is there to do nearby?
  Honestly… not much — and that’s the point! The castle is secluded and remote, surrounded by forest, olive groves, and hills so you can reset without the distractions of the modern world. Instead of shops or nightlife, you’ll find hiking trails, time together by the fire, making up games, community meals, or even a spontaneous dance party. Bring your favorite board or card game, meditate in the forest, or organize an activity with new friends — there’s plenty to do onsite.

  The nearest village is about a 30-minute walk (with a small store), and an hour’s walk gets you to a larger town with a grocery store, restaurant, and pharmacy. Just remember — it’s a steep uphill walk on the way back! If you need to, you can always book a ride somewhere!

Community Culture

• What’s expected of families?
  Clear your own plates, take out your own trash, change your own sheets weekly.

• Do we have to dress up for theme nights?
  Dressing up is encouraged, but simple DIY is perfect (scarves, cardboard, hats). It’s about fun and creativity, not fancy costumes.

• Who is responsible for the children during the retreat?
  Parents and guardians remain responsible for their own children at all times. While we provide structured kids’ programs with caring staff and leaders, this is a community experience — not a drop-off camp. Children must be supervised by their parents outside of program times, and families are expected to take full responsibility for their safety, well-being, and participation.