From Travel Photographers to the Sole Inhabitants of an Abandoned Village
After years of traveling the world, Simone and Romina, photographers and content creators, decided to follow their hearts and return to their roots, moving to an abandoned village in Piedmont. In this article, we delve into their story and the motivations that led them to embrace a slower life in close connection with nature.
The Call of the Mountains
In 2020, Simone and Romina were exploring the world, capturing the essence of extraordinary landscapes and cultures with their cameras. But after years of non-stop traveling, every experience made them question what “home” truly meant.
By tuning into their inner voices, they realized that no place on Earth brought them the peace they felt among the mountains of Cuneo, their homeland. So, the desire to reconnect with their roots and live a simpler life became their new goal.
Simone and Romina spent a lot of time searching for the right place—a spot that could offer the tranquility and connection to Nature they longed for. Eventually, they discovered Tetto Caban, an abandoned village 900 meters above sea level in the municipality of Peveragno. It was love at first sight.
Opportunities and Challenges
Simone and Romina started building their new life on a foundation of authenticity and slow living. In the ancient village of Tetto Caban, they rediscovered old traditions, like baking bread in a wood-fired oven, embraced the rhythm of Nature, and began cultivating their own garden to become increasingly self-sufficient.
While the experience of repopulating an abandoned village can be magical, it comes with its share of challenges. Managing resources, maintaining their home, and adapting to a harsh climate require effort and determination. Sometimes, as they recount, extreme weather conditions bring unexpected obstacles, like the time a complete blackout forced them to live primitively for several days.
Modern conveniences may be scarce, but the healing power of Nature serves as a constant reminder of why they made this life-changing decision.
Rediscovering the Value of Community
Living in such an isolated place has taught Simone and Romina the true importance of community. Though they are the only inhabitants of the village, they’ve started forging relationships with nearby residents. Together, they share experiences, exchange resources, and support each other. Rediscovering these values has greatly enriched their lives, giving them a sense of belonging they had never experienced before.
Their profound connection with Nature is another key aspect of their new life. Each day, the beauty of the surrounding landscapes offers fresh opportunities for exploration and reflection. Walking through the mountains, observing wildlife, and soaking in the area’s tranquility are experiences that feed their souls.
The Power of Courage
Many visitors and acquaintances are amazed by Simone and Romina’s courage to pursue this way of life. But what does it really mean to be courageous? For everyone, it can mean something different. For them, courage meant leaving behind a stable job to chase their dream of breathing new life into a forgotten place and embracing a lifestyle deeply connected to Nature.
For this couple, courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to face it head-on. Every day, they wake up with their fears, yet they’ve learned to manage and transform them. To Simone and Romina, fear becomes a guide—a chance to reflect and grow, ultimately helping them achieve their biggest dreams.
I Due Vagamondi Project
Today, Simone and Romina have turned their passion for photography and videomaking into a visual diary, I Due Vagamondi (The Two Wanderers), where they share the beautyof their simple, sometimes challenging, but deeply authentic life.
Their B&B is a natural extension of this philosophy. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Simone and Romina welcome guests like old friends, offering them a chance to fully immerse themselves in the art of slow living.
There, you can wander through the woods, savour dishes made with local ingredients, and rediscover the joy of life’s simple pleasures—like the quiet of the mountains or the warmth of a chat by the fireplace.
In a Nutshell
After years of traveling the world as photographers, Simone and Romina’s slow life has transformed them. Together, they have brought new life to the abandoned village of Tetto Caban, rediscovering the true meaning of home, community, and connection with Nature.Their story reminds us that the most important destination isn’t a point on the map but that inner landscape where we find the courage to turn our dreams into reality.