Our Story

Il Bruco Bed & Breakfast is more than just a place to stay; it is the beginning of a new chapter, shaped by friendship, adventure and a shared love for this extraordinary corner of Italy.

At the heart of Il Bruco are its owners, our dear friends Charlie and Nina Weatherill, whose journey first brought them to the Val di Comino. They discovered the area while staying in Gallinaro, where our daughter’s godfather lives, on their way back from an incredible overland adventure from Africa (you can read more about their journey on their blog: nojobwilltravel2.co.uk). Like so many before them, they were completely captivated by the unspoilt beauty of this valley, and it was not long before the idea of putting down roots here began to take shape.

Already familiar with the area, the search soon began for a place they could call their own, and quite by chance, or perhaps fate, Il Bruco B&B appeared. Everything fell into place, plans gathered momentum, and before long the Weatherills became the proud owners of Il Bruco.

As their vision for Il Bruco evolved, they invited us to join them on this adventure. At the time, I was feeling increasingly burned out from my work in marketing at a London law firm, and missing out on being a mum to our daughter. I was ready for a slower, more meaningful way of living. My husband, meanwhile, had spent nearly a decade living on and off in Florence while studying and working as an oil painter (you can see his work here: aengusart.co.uk), and the quiet pull of Italy had never really left him.

Together, we are bringing the Weatherills’ vision to life, creating a welcoming, relaxed space where guests can experience the authentic rhythm of life in the Val di Comino.

We are incredibly excited about everything that lies ahead, from harvesting olives from our own land, to exploring the beauty of the surrounding mountains, discovering hidden rivers and lakes, and immersing ourselves in the traditions, food and culture of this remarkable region. With Nina’s background as a nutritionist ( ninanutrition.com ), we hope our guests, like her, will be inspired by the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients at local markets, as well as the wonderful food served in the valley’s restaurants and trattorias. While each room has its own kitchenette, the true joy lies in stepping out and experiencing the flavours of the Val di Comino, especially during the long, sun-soaked summers.