Waking up on Patina Farm settled in quiet Ojai, California sounds like a dream. We first featured this interview with designers Brooke and Steve Giannetti when they released their third book, Patina Living, last year.
Since Brooke is taking over our Instagram with as many farm animals as we can fit in the feed, we thought we’d bring this interview up to the top of your in-box!
The Giannetti’s run a full-service design firm in L.A., so it’s no wonder that their farm serves up full-time inspiration from the architecture to the garden to Brooke’s lines of farm-friendly things to wear. According to the designing couple, Patina Farm is ‘Inspired by European country homes, the design of Patina Farm combines Mediterranean architecture with a modern sensibility of space.’
As more of us long to get closer to the earth this year, Patina Farm’s sprawling edible garden, immensity of private space and endless parade of farm animals make Patina our ultimate dream property.
The Giannetti’s rustic and modern European farmhouse oozes with charm thanks to the talents of Brooke and Steve both. From morning qigong in their lush garden to daily cuddles with their baby goats, here’s what aspirational living on a farm really looks like…
A Morning on Patina Farm…
OUR MORNINGS BEGIN WITH:
Qigong followed by chicken, duck and sheep feeding.
THE EASIEST THING WE RAISE:
Chickens.
THE MOST MAGICAL PART OF THE DAY:
Watching the famous sun rises in Ojai as they change colors from pink to blue.
THE MOST UNUSUAL FARM HAPPENING IS:
How all the animals are connected to each other, how they interact and relate.
LUNCH IS USUALLY:
From the vegetable garden and chicken coop.
OUR STYLE IN THREE WORDS:
Refined, relaxed luxury.
MOST RECENT INSPIRATION:
Our trip to the Cotswolds in England and seeing all of the amazing gardens.
A DAY NEVER GOES BY WITHOUT:
Kissing a goat!
WHEN THE SUN SETS, THE DAY ENDS BY:
Thanking the animals for what they taught us during the day.
THE HARDEST PART OF OUR DAY:
Anytime we have to leave Patina Farm for L.A.
FAVORITE OJAI HAUNTS:
Food Harmonics, Ojai Pilates, Bart’s Books, Sunday Farmers Market
THE MOST FUN ON THE FARM IS:
Watching the antics of the baby goats — they are like naughty little kids.
WE FEEL MOST REWARDED BY:
The love our animals give us in return for caring for them.
THE CROP WE WILL ALWAYS GROW IN THE GARDEN:
Mint — it’s great in salads, tea and floral arrangements.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE ABOUT LIFE ON THE FARM:
Veterinarians and sheep shearers are just a few of all the caregivers we rely on.
OUR MOST RECENT ECO-EFFORTS INCLUDE:
Trying Tesla batteries.
BEST SHOPPING TIP:
If you can’t grow it, support your local farmers market.
MY MOST LOVED FARM-TO-TABLE RECIPE IS:
Frittata!
Can you visit Patina Farm? Many ask if they’re able to visit Patina Farm themselves. The answer is that the farm is truly private residence for family and friends only. Luckily, you can learn a ton from the designers via Instagram and their stunning coffee table book.
