Local History
The history of our farm and agritourism in Diano Marina
February 02, 2026
Le Girandole farmhouse is located in Diano Marina and its history is inextricably linked to the events of a territory, a farming family, and their unconditional love for the land and its fruits.
From growing basil in greenhouses to creating a farmhouse with cozy vacation apartments in western Liguria, the journey has been long and not always easy. We want to retrace it with you.
From Piedmont to the start of agricultural activity in the Gulf of Diano
The history of our farm began with Pietro Capra, who, in the early 1950s, decided to move from the village of Roccaverano in Asti to the hills of the Gulf of Diano to start his own agricultural business.
A tireless and strong man, from a very young age, Grandfather Pietro alternated between working as a farmer in Piedmont during the warmer months and as a laborer during the winter at an oil mill in western Liguria (specifically in Diano Borganzo). He was forced to emigrate there occasionally, starting in 1938, due to the harsh Piedmontese climate.
Marriage and settlement in Diano Marina
In 1949, Pietro Capra married Ernesta Dotta and together they settled permanently in Diano Marina, acquiring land on which they built greenhouses, still in operation today, and started the oil mill. This activity was an important resource for all agricultural production in western Liguria and, in general, for the local economy.
The oil mill was active until the early 1970s, when it was decided to focus on the cultivation of basil and other products in the greenhouses. The modernization of this process, during the 1980s, was entrusted to their daughter Nives.
Our production
The cultivation of basil and in particular Genoese DOP basil , a Ligurian specialty, began in the 1960s at our farm in Diano Marina. It has intensified over the years and today represents our most important product, together with “cuore di bue” tomatoes. In addition to these products, we also produce seasonal crops and sell lemons, broad beans, artichokes, eggplants, peppers, and trombetta zucchini directly to consumers.
The birth of the agritourism business
In 2010, the idea of creating an agritourism business was born: an opportunity to maintain the farm's most authentic reality, its connection with the fruits of the earth, while at the same time diversifying its activities.
From there, we set out with the enthusiasm of wanting to share a principle of authentic hospitality, in a place away from the usual summer crowds, where guests could recharge their batteries in the shade of the Ligurian countryside.
The Le Girandole agritourism was officially opened in 2012, thanks to the tenacity of Franco Schenardi, the help of his wife Nives, and their son Roberto. Since then, our holiday homes in Diano Marina have welcomed tourists from all over Europe every year, seeking a quiet corner to rest and explore the Riviera di Ponente.
Our farm between past and future
Today, our family continues to work in this direction, convinced that we have made the right decision. In the near future, our greatest adventure will be to continue caring for the farm and producing and selling our typical products in Diano Marina, respecting a territory that we believe needs ever greater protection and respect.
At the same time, we believe in the idea of sustainable tourism, which contributes to enhancing the Gulf of Diano and allows us to offer a peaceful haven to anyone who wants to spend their vacation in one of the most privileged destinations in western Liguria.
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