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Families Will Enjoy a Weekend Mountain Escape at Grazie Farm
Grazie Farm, which means “thank you” in Italian, honors the renewed appreciation for nature. Both in its design and its name.
Nueva Ecija was not a popular tourist destination a few years ago. In fact, most visitors are motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoyed the long drive to and from the region. When the pandemic hit, we were all looking for that big open space. A space where we could feel safe taking off our masks and just enjoying ourselves a little. And most of us turned to nature and began appreciating and being thankful for its beauty. That is exactly what the owners were thinking when they designed and built Grazie Farm.
Escape to nature at Grazie Farm
It took about four hours to get here from Metro Manila, almost to the center of Luzon. Meanwhile, it’s an hour from Baler, Aurora. The property is located near the Pantabangan Dam, which was constructed in 1974 to provide irrigation as well as an additional source of electricity to the community.
It was also constructed as a reinforcement to reduce flooding in the area. The flooding had caused the abandonment of a church due to its regular submergence. But at certain times of the year when they drain the dam for irrigation, you will be able to see the steeple of the church peeking out.
A contemporary farmhouse in the middle of nature
The farmhouse’s contemporary style stands in sharp contrast to the natural expanse that surrounds it. Floor-to-ceiling windows encompass practically the whole building, allowing for breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. These include the Pantabangan Lake and the Sierra Madre and Caraballo mountain ranges. The amenities within the house are also up to modern standards. It has everything you could need when staying for your trip.
The kitchen, dining, and living areas on the ground floor were all created with an open layout in mind. The owners’ taste in dark wood tones was a stunning complement to the all-white walls and tile floors. Natural light floods the space. And views of lush greenery and clear blue skies provide a soothing atmosphere the moment you step inside.
Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast while watching the sunrise and being in awe of the sea of clouds surrounding the mountains, or throwing a dinner party where some guests help out in the kitchen while others sip wine and snack on appetizers and catch up on the evening’s conversations, this is the ideal setting for quality time with family and friends alike.
Grazie Fam offers a large space for big families
Grazie Farm offers three bedrooms. There are two on the ground floor, each with a queen bed. Meanwhile, the third is a loft-style bedroom with a queen bed, a sofa bed, and floor mattresses to accommodate even bigger groups. Imagine having all the kids and their cousins enjoying a sleep over here!
Indoors, guests have access to a common bathroom that is stocked with necessary supplies. The rooms are also air-conditioned. However, we doubt many of you will use it because nights in the mountains are always cool.
Headed back outdoors, where the true beauty and real reason why you drove to Nueva Ecija lies, is lush and sprawling nature. And so as to be respectful of that, the owners have chosen to use solar power as their primary energy source. The farm is run entirely on this hybrid system. And the owner’s ultimate goal is to convert to organic farming methods so that they can provide visitors with a true farm-to-table experience.
Love local
Because Patabangan tourism is relatively new, the owners employ locals and promote not only their property but the entire town as a way to immerse themselves and their farm into the community.
Outdoor seating areas are plentiful at Grazie Farm. All of these are built to highlight nature. If you and your family prefer to eat outside, there is a cabana as well as an outdoor kitchen and grilling station where you can prepare simple yet mouthwatering meals.
After you’ve finished eating, relax in one of the seats or even on the grass, enjoying the company of those you care about while taking in the sights and sounds of the world around you.
If lounging isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do at Grazie Farm, such as taking an afternoon stroll through the grounds. Water sports such as boating, jet skiing, and rafting are available on Patabangan Lake. Hiking and camping on Mount Kaanducian can also be arranged for your group if you are more adventurous.
Fun activities for the whole family
Kids and young-at-heart adults alike will like the large infinity pool located at the side of the house. They can cool off in the refreshing water and take in the breathtaking scenery. If that long list of activities isn’t enough for you, try asking the caretakers, who are very friendly and accommodating. They might be able to arrange something for you.
Small A-frame cabins are being built throughout the farm grounds as the property expands and develops, ideal for a relaxing stay for a couple or small family. They are separated from the main house to provide privacy for multiple parties staying at the same time. For those cabins, there is a shared bathroom, and if you want to cook your own food, you can use the common outdoor kitchen and bar area.
At the end of the day, the farm exists to serve as a reminder to be grateful for nature and all that it has to offer. The discovery of the Pantabangan and its wonderful community has been long overdue. And everyone is eager for it to blossom. Grazie Farm is one of the best places to begin.
You can book Grazie Farm through Airbnb.
Find more places to stay with the whole family:
Top 12 Campgrounds That Every Dad Will Love
Sefriya Farm and Orchard: An Exquisite Haven for Rest, Relaxation, and Celebration
