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The owners, themselves builders and restorers of important, period homes, completed an extensive renovation of the house spanning four years, after a decade of abandonment left chaos and destruction. The recent restoration demonstrated an exceptional attention to detail and authenticity, returning the Villa to it's former glory, and even enhancing earlier renovations with the most important 21st century amenities. We cannot fathom why Arezzo is not as popular as a center for a Tuscan vacation as Siena. Of roughly equivalent size and arguably of equal historical importance, Arezzo offers a wide range of restaurants, chic boutiques and the best antique shopping in Tuscany. The museums and art are of seminal importance. Its Piazza Grande, while not quite Siena's Campo, is certainly a stunning architectural achievement. This delightful and beautiful city was the setting for Roberto Begnini's memorable 'La Vita e Bella' and the charm and romance of that film's early scenes seems true even in real life.
A quiet drive past olive groves and vineyards brings you by a stunning Romanesque church and up a narrow lane bordered by cypress trees. A stone arch, which dates from the original construction of the Villa, is now gated for privacy. The winding drive, cool and green, with places to sit and enjoy the splendid view, is immediately inviting. A covered parking area for several cars is set under the trees, off the circle of lecchi trees which forms the entrance.
A long and formal garden, protected by local regulation from substantial adaptation because of its historic importance, precedes the house. Laid out with boxwood parterres, the garden is very welcoming, displaying the enormous potted hydrangea, oleander and 200 thriving rose bushes to great effect. A fountain, complete with goldfish, is surrounded by roses and basins overflowing with geraniums which add to the lushness of this Italian garden. A heated pool (14 x 6 meters) surrounded with a stone terrace is ample for a cooling dip on a hot afternoon. Along the west side of the garden, a raised terrace of stone offers two options for al fresco dining: one casual stone table for four with a nice view to the west, overlooking the neighbors pool, to Chianti in the distance; the second, a glass table with stone base set in the wisteria-laden pergola. Heavy with bloom both in April and May as well as September, this makes an idyllic setting for a cool summer meal. The east wall of the garden is covered with a vigorous jasmine vine that blooms May through September, filling the air with its intoxicating perfume.
The elegant facade of the Villa, painted with the familiar orange/yellow of the Pitti Palace in Florence, is marked with tall narrow double doors, all made of cypress wood, the stone lintels beautifully accented with grey paint. The broad stone terrace is set with a round table for six, and umbrella; a wonderful spot for breakfast or cocktails after a long day of touring.
The elegance of the architecture is perfectly matched with the elegance of the interior. This Renaissance villa enjoys particularly lofty rooms with four meter high ceilings, plenty of light and air spilling in from tall windows overlooking the garden and pool. Extensive decorative frescoes and stenciling throughout the house were all researched and designed by a leading scholar of this particular decorative art. The house sits at 350 meters; with its thick walls and careful design you are comfortable throughout the summer.
Features
Superb position; close to an exceptional city, easy to reach key Tuscan points of interest
Beautiful setting, with formal gardens and lovely views
Heated pool
Full staff
Excellent choice for couples seeking equivalent accommodation
Points Of Interest
Arezzo (shopping, restaurants, antiques, train): 10 -15 minutes
Highway: 15 minutes
Cortona: 20 minutes
Siena: 50 minutes
Florence: 45 minutes
Florence Airport: 1.25 hours
Rome/Rome Airport: 2 - 2.5 hours
Notes
Saturday - Saturday rentals only. Daily cook and waiter services (8:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM, 6 days/week - Thursdays off) included. Additional cleaning and personal laundry available by separate charge at E. 10.50 per hour. Shopping services available for flat charge of E. 25.00, plus cost of food, wine and consumables. Staff hours upon request on Thursdays at a flat daily rate of E. 130.00. Change of linen once during the week, once at end of week. Cooking service for breakfast, lunch and dinner included - house staff will shop, cost of food is extra. A good Chianti house-wine is provided. Service entrance shared by two adjacent neighbors, both of whom are discreet. Central line telephone and fax. Service quarters in the Villa are occupied by the resident caretakers, a couple. Fresh produce from property's garden available to guests, when possible. Up to two children of 2 years old, or younger, can be accommodated in addition to guests; please inquire. Fans available. Pool open from April 15 to October; heat is very costly during the cooler months.
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