These are agriturismi, which I learnt about on my first meeting with Paola, years ago in Milan. She explained that agriturismo (agritourism) was a working farm with accommodation and dining.

According to the government-operated Agriturismo Italia, there are now over 20,000 agriturismo across Italy. Initiated by farmers after the second world war to preserve rural communities, these farm stays soon became a means of nature respite for city dwellers, their popularity leading to the eventual regulation of the industry.