The Story of Friends of Spannocchia
In 1991, the historic estate of Spannocchia faced an uncertain future. Once home to forty resident families, the property had seen a decline in farming operations and was primarily used for seasonal housing for art and archaeology programs. However, the Cinelli family, with deep roots in both American and Italian heritage, took on the challenge of revitalizing this 1100-acre estate. Francesca Cinelli and her husband, Randall Stratton, moved to Spannocchia in 1992, determined to restore its historic character and promote sustainable practices.
Over the next decade, they undertook extensive restoration projects, revived organic farming methods, and expanded educational offerings. In 2002, they established the nonprofit Friends of Spannocchia, which has since collaborated with universities and educational institutions to share the rich lessons of Italian culture, organic farming, and environmental stewardship with thousands of visitors and interns.