The Sourdough School

BALM – Proven as one of the healthiest approaches to bread in the world.

Based in the walled gardens of Dr. Vanessa Kimbell's beautiful Victorian home in rural Northamptonshire, UK, we tutor individuals and train bakers and healthcare professionals in Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM). Personalising bread to your lifestyle, gut microbiome, and unique genetics for optimal health—tailoring fermentation, fibre, and diversity so that your daily bread becomes the foundation of your health.

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A week in Tuscany FAQ’s

We have had the privilege of speaking directly with Charlotte Horton, the owner of both the vineyard and Castello di Potentino. She has graciously provided comprehensive answers to almost all frequently asked questions regarding your visit to the castle. We highly recommend taking the time to watch these informative videos. They will help you become familiar with the surrounding area, transportation options, accommodation details, food arrangements, and other pertinent information. This will likely address many of the common inquiries before needing to contact the castle directly. Should you have any additional questions after viewing these resources, please do not hesitate to get in touch.It is very relaxed and informal, and we bake every day and visit the local mill to get our flour.

Transport and accommodation are not included. However, we have arranged for the whole castle to be ours. and some very special events during the week.

We have arranged special booking page for your accommodation. Please make sure you have booked with The Sourdough School first and then book your accommodation. We will send you a link to do this once you are booked.

Castello di Potentino lies in a secret valley nestled in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany – the Amiata. The nearest villages are Seggiano to the east and Montegiovi to the west.

By Helicopter – Arrangements for helicopter landings at Potentino can be made in advance. Please contact the castilio to organise this.

Airports – The nearest airports are:

  • Pisa (2 hours 15 minutes)
  • Florence Peretola (2 hours 30 minutes)
  • Perugia (2 hours 15 minutes, but the driving is difficult)
  • Rome Fiumicino (3 hours)
  • Rome Ciampino (3 hours 30 minutes)

By Car – It is recommended to travel to Potentino by car to maximise freedom, as there are no local taxi services on Monte Amiata.

Coordinates – 42.924265, 11.543227

Train Stations – The nearest mainline station is Grosseto (50 minutes by car). Chiusi/Chianciano Terme is also an option. There are nearer stations at Buonconvento and Paganico, but trains are infrequent, and transport can be difficult to arrange. Train timetables are available here.

Taxis and Private Cars – Taxis are usually available at Grosseto station, costing approximately €100-€120. If preferred, a private car can be organised upon request.

Buses – Buses to local towns Seggiano and Castel del Piano can be found from Grosseto train station. The timetable is available at Tiemme SPA.

Electric Vehicles – Two chargers are available for electric vehicles, one for Teslas and one for other cars, free of use for guests.

WARNING – When travelling to Potentino, please note that the road from Montegiovi is a difficult strada bianca (gravel road) and it is easy to get lost, particularly in the hours of darkness. We recommend arriving from Seggiano unless you are accustomed to such roads.

Frequently asked Questions

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All reasonable care is taken when advising about health aspects of bread, but the information that we share is not intended to take the place of treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. You must seek professional advice if you are in any doubt about any medical condition. Any application of the ideas and information contained on this website is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.

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