Capalia Organic Farm
In 2003 Francesca and Dominic decided to move to a mountainous and remote region of Campania; the Cilento National Park. Francesca had family in Naples that knew the area and Dominic wanted to leave the high stresses of London life.
They bought and restructured Capalia, a dilapidated farmhouse in the Comune of Pollica, with stunning views of the Mediterranean and one thousand olive trees to boot.
They enrolled their two eldest children, Lorenzo and Arianna, at Pollica’s primary school. Their youngest, Niccoló, was subsequently born in the house as the first child born within the Comune of Pollica in over fifty years (mothers usually travelling two hours to Vallo, the local city, to give birth in hospital).
For over twenty years the family has been picking olive trees. They have consistently made exquisite Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.
In 2007 the farm officially received BIO Certification, meaning the oil that the family made was not only exquisitely extra-virgin, but certified Organic too.
The Cilento
Il Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano is a stunning area south of Salerno. It stretches down the coast from Salerno to Basilicata and reaches inland to encompass mountains that reach two-thousand metres above sea level.
Due to this tough mountain terrain it has few roads that lead into it and only one railway. It has therefore retained many of its traditions, especially in the mountain communities. Its people are tough and proud, but extremely lovely and welcoming.
Recent developments
Very unexpectedly and sadly, Dominic passed away in 2023. His ashes reside at Capalia.
Francesca and her children now run the farm, continuing the legacy of supplying delicious olive oil to the UK.