Until recently, Vittorio lived in the city, working as a chocolatier. In 2020, the lockdown sparked something inside him—an irresistible desire for change. So, he decided to leave everything behind and search for a place to fulfill his dream of living in harmony with nature. Roaming through the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, he found an old, abandoned farmstead in Carmignanello, Prato. With passion and determination, Vittorio began restoring it, applying permaculture principles to create a self-sufficient, balanced ecosystem.

Veg Autoproduzioni: a living lab in the woods

Today, this place has become Vittorio’s living lab, an oasis of biodiversity and self-sufficiency nestled in the wild. Here, he launched his project Veg Autoproduzioni, where he grows and sells vegetables, herbs, and berries, respecting natural resources without over-exploiting them. With the help of small, precious allies—worms—he produces his own compost, enriching soil once lacking in nutrients.

But it doesn’t stop there: beyond growing food, Vittorio has used his chocolate-making skills to create a small artisanal chocolate lab, where he crafts chocolate using ingredients from fair trade sources. This work not only provides him with a seasonal income but also allows him to stay true to his life philosophy.

Living in harmony with nature

Around Vittorio, nature reigns supreme. Deer, roe, and other wild animals roam freely, while he builds natural enclosures to let these creatures move about without harming his crops. In his garden, Vittorio applies an agroforestry system, growing plants of varying heights so trees and shrubs can grow alongside vegetables. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful attention, but from which Vittorio learns every day, letting nature itself be his guide.

A declaration of intent

For Vittorio, this lifestyle isn’t just practical—it’s a true declaration of intent. In his view, modern society is leading people away from their essential needs, leaving them unhappy as they pour energy into consumerism and appearances.

In his forest retreat, Vittorio has found the key to reconnecting with what truly matters: natural elements, plants, trees, and wild animals. Though solitude was challenging at first, Vittorio never felt truly alone thanks to his deep connection with nature. Today, volunteers who come to lend a hand and friends who visit him have formed a support network. By participating in local markets, he keeps his ties with the community while staying committed to his solitary lifestyle.

A recipe for overcoming fear

For Vittorio, facing life’s challenges requires a blend of determination, passion, confidence, and optimism. Surrounded by nature, he found the strength to overcome fear and embrace a more genuine life. Now, every day is an opportunity to learn and grow, whether through physical work in the garden or connecting with the nature around him.

Living alone taught Vittorio that a positive mindset turns every challenge into a lesson. This experience helped him discover that being close to nature deeply nourishes the spirit. And when the spirit is well-nourished, we feel at peace and ready to attract everything we need. Each day in his woodland haven has shown Vittorio that harmony with nature not only brings joy but opens the door to a more authentic, fulfilling life, where desires and peace manifest effortlessly, as part of life’s flow.

In a nutshell

Vittorio’s story is an invitation to rethink our priorities and reconnect authentically with nature. Moving to an old, abandoned farmstead in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, he chose a life of contemplation and sustainability. Here, he founded Veg Autoproduzioni, a lab where he produces artisanal chocolate and grows vegetables, herbs, and berries, all guided by the principles of permaculture. His choice is a statement against the superficiality of modern society, an invitation to reflect on our values and make them the foundation of a truer, more fulfilling life.