Today, I want to take you to a truly magical, almost forgotten corner of Friuli-Venezia Giulia – the Altopiano di Campo di Bonis. I had the pleasure of speaking with Luca, the heart behind Casa Narauni – Chalet Campo di Bonis, a place that isn’t just a venue, but an invitation to reconnect and celebrate with profound intention.
A Legacy of Love for a Forgotten Land
Luca’s connection to Campo di Bonis runs deep. His father spent childhood summers there, where his own grandfather would mow the hay. This plateau, once vibrant, saw significant depopulation, leaving behind precious plots of forest and meadow. Luca’s father began the work of piecing these ancestral lands back together, eventually renovating an old stable – a “stalla ipogea” built into the hillside – because, as Luca reminds us, “we are in a natural park, so nothing new can be built beyond pre-existing structures.”
This respect for what exists is central. Luca, an architect himself, moved to Casa Narauni during COVID after living abroad. He furnished it with reclaimed, second-hand pieces and began renting it out “with the goal of making this forgotten zone known “.
To Cleanse the Intention
What struck me most about Luca’s philosophy is the concept of “ripulire l’intento” – to purify one’s intention. He believes our contemporary society often prioritizes quantity over quality, and profit over the time needed to reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.
Casa Narauni is envisioned as a place to do just that: “to take time for oneself… to sit on a bench and observe the changing seasons, to realize how little it takes to be well.” The very limited phone signal in the valley becomes a feature, a “forced detox,” allowing for deeper connection. “It’s an excellent place to ‘find your intention’ again,” he says.
We’ve all seen the photos: the stunning floral arches, the lavish banquet tables, the joyful confetti toss. A wedding is a peak moment of celebration, beauty, and abundance. But what about the morning after? When the music has faded and the guests have departed, what is left behind?
Too often, the answer is waste. A lot of it.
Today, I want to talk about one of the biggest challenges in the event industry: the environmental impact of a wedding. This isn’t about casting blame or inducing guilt. It’s about opening an honest conversation and, most importantly, exploring the beautiful, creative, and stylish ways we can create unforgettable celebrations that are kinder to our planet.
Your Intimate Celebration, Unscripted
With its focus on connection, Casa Narauni is an idyllic setting for intimate micro-weddings. It offers an immersive experience for up to 20 overnight guests, encouraging a multi-day “slow wedding” rather than a fleeting event.
“The more couples ask for, the more discontented they often are”, Luca advises. “The simpler things are, the better they turn out”. Imagine a celebration unfolding over three days in a relaxed, “festival mode“. The ceremony could take place in an enchanting little wood or beneath a majestic oak tree, where, as Luca says, “the rustling leaves and the birdsong create a magical anticipation”.
Forget rigid schedules; here, guests can ride horses, play volleyball, or enjoy a treasure hunt. It’s a unique, homely atmosphere that allows for the deep connection sought in a micro-wedding.
Sustainability as a Way of Life
Sustainability at Casa Narauni isn’t a checklist; it’s inherent to its very being. The chalet itself is a restored stable, furnished with second-hand pieces. Water comes from the local spring, and food waste from the garden returns to the earth. Solar panels are planned to make the property fully self-sufficient, and Luca is even cultivating centenary bean varieties and forgotten local fruit trees to preserve biodiversity. When it comes to decor, the philosophy is minimal intervention. “The surroundings are already so rich and curated,” Luca explains, “few flowers are needed for a great result.”
A Hub in a Revitalizing Community
Casa Narauni is part of the Slow Food Travel project, collaborating with incredible local artisans like Malga Zore for exceptional goat cheese and other young producers cultivating raspberries, honey, and more. Luca can help organize visits to these suppliers and nearby wineries, creating a truly immersive “wedcation” experience for you and your guests.
A Friulian Gem for Your "Love Grows Hope" Celebration
Casa Narauni is more than a venue; it’s a philosophy. It’s a perfect haven for couples yearning for an intimate celebration connected to nature, steeped in simplicity, and offering a space for genuine human connection.
Luca’s advice to couples is simple: visit the location and embrace its spirit. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that truly allows you to “cleanse the intention” and focus on what matters, Casa Narauni might just be the magic you’re looking for.
Learn more about Casa Narauni – Campo di Bonis: https://www.instagram.com/campodibonischalet/
Photo Credits: Luca Berra, Chalet Campo di Bonis – Casa Narauni.
