General View of the farmhouse showing the large front terrace, with curved staircase down to swimming pool and Pilates studio below. The new  Gazebo for the 'hazelnut oil' massage in the vineyard is just visible at the start of the organic vineyards.


Agriturismo Cascina Papaveri 'The Poppy Farmhouse' offers guests the possibility of taking both Pilates and Italian cooking courses in a unique double activity vacation.  Golf, cycling and the new massage and wellness treatments including 'massage in the vineyard' using Cascina Papaveri's own 100% pure pressed hazelnut oil can also be arranged. Guests can  take all activities, or skip a session or two, or a complete activity and just chill out and enjoy the great facilities and amazing views. It's your vacation and there is no pressure to participate.

The Agriturismo has been remodeled around an old Piemontese farmhouse set within it's own organic vineyard and kitchen gardens in the most stunning 'eagles nest' location overlooking hilltop villages and vineyard covered hills and valleys in Southern Piemonte, North West Italy, the food and wine capital of Italy.

Guests constantly say that this website does not do justice to either the setting or convey the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere that hosts Robyn & John Sims strive to create. It is almost impossible to capture and appreciate the amazing panoramas and sense of peace and tranquility that makes Cascina Papaveri so special. Video clips and images on this website attempt to show the impossible.   

This exclusive property has just 5 luxuriously appointed guest bedrooms, and features extensive facilities for your relaxation and enjoyment.  For programme activities, the teaching kitchen and the Balanced Body Pilates studio are equipped to the highest professional standards. A recent guest, Chef Kelly Liken of Top Chef fame from Vaille Colorado fell in love with our teaching kitchen and the wonderfull fresh food available from our own organic gardens and local village markets.

The retreat runs Culinary Experiences and Pilates activities every week from the middle of March until the end of November.

Guests can visit as independent travelers or as part of a group who book the entire retreat for their exclusive use. ( group numbers have ranged from seven to eleven guests)

Why not consider creating your own group?  With a maximum of just 11 beds and a very generous group rate friends, family and special interest groups have enjoyed the exclusive use of our extensive facilities

During normal guest weeks three courses are available.

Week long 7 nights               Monday to Monday
Start the week 3 nights        Monday to Thursday    
Long weekend 4 nights       Thursday to Monday

 Rates are fully inclusive : 
Everything is included from the time you are collected at Asti station or arrive by car to your departure. To clarify, Cascina Papaveri inclusive really does mean just that , all Pilates and Culinary Experiences tuition, taxes are  included. There will be no 'bill for extras' on your departure.

Other ctivities such as, 'massage in the vineyard', truffle hunting, horse trekking and skiing are additional costs.


For more information on pricing please see our Availability, Rates and Booking page.


Special Interest Activities.

Culinary Experiences
Far more than just the normal Italian cooking school.

The Pilates Method
Classical method, using both equipment and matwork.