Life was difficult for the "humble classes" of people in those times, and in Serrastretta, things were so bad that a small group opted to leave.

Upon hearing that Francesco seemed to be a very just landowner and offered what seemed to be a good deal to the peasants who settled there, a small group of colonists walked about 48 to 80 kilometres (30 to 50 mi) over rough terrain to start new lives on Francesco's property.

He developed a co-operative system where people could work patches of land, and have to pay him a fee at the end of the year.

He encouraged them to plant trees and gardens to feed their families, as the land was good and there was a stream that ran through the area all year round.

After Francesco Sersale died, his land passed into the hands of his descendants who did not share his values.