Amazing House Within the Castle of Pianettole, Anghiari Anghiari Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 124048

Main Entrance to the Castle of Pianettole

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Location: Anghiari, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (3 minutes drive to Anghiari, 25 minutes to Arezzo new road)

Accommodations:  Country House, 3 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 1 Bath (Sleeps 6-7)

The Castle of Pianettole was first mentioned in texts in the 11th century - it served as a Fortress and a Monastery. The stone tower and wonderful grounds will set the stage for your Italian holiday. It lies on 25 hectares of land comprising forests filled with deer and squirrels, and a myriad of wildlife. Adjoining is our vineyard and orchards with fruit and olive trees. For complete privacy and tranquility we have a private road that leads to the castle - a really unforgettable stay in the gentle Tuscan countryside at extremely reasonable prices. You will be the only guests on the property as the other parts are not rented out.

Within the inner walls of the Castle, we have charmingly restored what was once the original lodgings of the Castle's military commander. The house has three tastefully restored and furnished bedrooms and all the modern necessities for a comfortable, unique and relaxed stay. Wireless has just been added so you may bring your PC to link up - or use owner's computer to download emails etc.

The house is designed to comfortably accommodate a maximum of five/six guests (7 are possible as we can add a single bed in third bedroom) and is laid out over 2 floors, on the first floor is the living area which combines the modern kitchen and dining area comprising dining table for 6 or more people. On this floor there are two large double bedrooms both with TVs. The second floor comprises one double bedroom and the large bathroom. The very thick walls of this centuries old property keep the house cool in summer. Just outside there is a private patio with table and chairs and is illuminated for alfresco dining in the evenings. A fourth bedroom with an ensuite bathroom has just been added in the basement of the property but can only be accessed from the outside.

In an environment where special attention is given to service and hospitality (the owners live in the houses nearby), we include a selection of fine local wines and one from the Chianti Classico, olive oil from our olive groves, along with delicacies from the local area to make your experience at the Castle of Pianettole unforgettable. Within easy walking distance is our vineyard from which you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside. Every window has a panoramic view over the Tuscan countryside.
A five minute drive away is the stunning medieval walled fortress town of Anghiari. It sits on the top of a hill overlooking the valley of the River Tiber. Listed as one of the ten most beautiful hilltop towns of Italy, it has fascinating winding streets and wide choice of specialist shops and fantastic restaurants. Every turn of each corner provides another subject for a photograph. You can spend hours exploring the medieval passageways and ramparts of the town or just eating there - there are many fantastic restaurants within the village. From the centre an amazing long (7 km!) straight road (almost intact after 5 centuries) leads to Sansepolcro. The scenery from the top of this road is breathtaking!

At the bottom of this road lies Sansepolcro. Birthplace of the great artist Piero della Francesca, whose works such as The Resurrection can be seen in the town museum. With markets on Tuesday and Saturdays, it is wonderful place to buy local produce. Within the medieval town walls you will find cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. In addition, there are 4/5 large supermarkets and an amazing Olympic size swimming pool set in enormous pine woods with slides your children will love (we can send photos). There are many events, festivals and concerts held throughout the year in the close vicinity. The South Bank Symphonia play in the main square every July. Not to miss is the wonderful antiques fair that takes place in Arezzo on the first weekend of every month. September see the famous "Palio della Balestra" - the medieval crossbow competition held in nearby Sansepolcro. A weeklong festival of flag-throwing, medieval parades and open air banquets precede the palio (second Sunday of September).

The Castle provides an ideal base for touring and visiting many of Italy notable destinations including Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Caprese Michelangelo, La Verna. Rome can be reached within three hours by car or less if you take a fast train from Arezzo (1 hour, 10 minutes). The Adriatic coast and San Marino are also about an hour’s drive.The surrounding countryside has ancient woods dotted with monasteries and archaeological sites. A pick up service from the airport can be arranged at a cost to be agreed upon. The Castle of Pianettole will deliver everything it promises and more! Please take the time to read our previous guests' comments - we can provide you with emails if you wish to write to them for their views.

AIRPORTS : ROME 3 HOURS
FLORENCE BOLOGNA 1HR 20 MINS
PISA : 2 HOURS
FORLI : 1HR
PERUGIA : 50 MINS

Vacation Rental Features

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• Amenities
  • Washer
  • Linens Provided
  • Off Street Parking
  • Wood Fireplace
• Beds
  • Queen Bed
• Entertainment
  • Cable/Satellite TV
  • TV (No Cable/Satellite)
  • DVD
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen
  • Cooking Utensils Provided
  • Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
• Outdoor Features
  • Charcoal BBQ Grill
  • Deck/Patio
• View/Location
  • Mountain View
• Communications
  • Telephone
  • WiFi (Wireless Internet)
• Suitability
  • Pet Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Smoking Not Allowed
• Activities (on site and nearby)
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Restaurants
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
  • Live Theatre
  • Museums
  • Horseback Riding

Rate Details (In Euros)

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Personal Currency Assistant™

Basic Rate ... €160/nt (for max 4 people and 3 nt minimum)
June, July, August, Xmas, Easter...E1200
Rest of year                      E1000
50 euros cleaning fee
* does not include heating during winter

Discounts for long lets.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Property Photos

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Guest Comments (12)

• Features
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• 11/01/09
  Positive Rating
  Paul and Rebecca Hines , San Francisco, California
  • We made the Pianettole Castle our home base for a week in Tuscany. We wanted to stay in a historic property and were not disappointed. In fact, the castle and grounds were just what we were looking for. The views of the Tuscan hills are gorgeous and Mario, our host, was extremely friendly and helpful. After a long flight, it was great to find a kitchen stocked with everything we needed for a breakfast and snack. Mario was always available if you needed something, but not at all obtrusive. The castle itself sits high on a hill and the grounds are quiet and peaceful. You not only get a sense of the history, but it's very relaxing, as well. Its proximity to the lovely town of Anghiari (and a short drive to so many other towns worth visiting) makes it a great location for travelers interested in getting a true sense of Tuscany.
• 10/31/09
  Positive Rating
  Francine Vickery , Burnaby, B.C. Canada
  • My brother&wife, my husband&I stayed 1 week at Pianettole in September. The place was all we imagined and more. Restful, historic, picturesque, plus all the comforts of home. Our host, Mario was excellent. He seemed to have the ability to turn up when we needed something and provided excellent advice and recommendations. We are still talking about it and planning our next visit. Francine, Rejean Burnaby, B.C., Glenn & Arlene Oshawa, Ont.
• 04/25/09
  Positive Rating
  Cathy and David Eads & family , Johns Creek, Georgia, USA
  • We cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Pianetolle Castle. The history there is so rich, the hospitality so welcoming and the atmosphere so serene that we are already dreaming of going back! After the hustle and bustle of Rome and Venice, the wide open views of the Tuscan countryside from the castle grounds, and the wide open spaces for our kids to play, were just perfect. We enjoyed a day trip to the wonderful medieval town of Anghiari and another to Siena. I can't imagine ever going back to Italy without visiting this wonderful piece of heaven on earth. Mario was the most gracious of hosts, providing wine, olive oil and some food for our first day's stay. Anyone who wants a rustic, historic, beautiful and peaceful holiday would find happiness at Pianetolle.
• 10/30/08
  Positive Rating
  DaNeice , Martinez California, USA
  • Our 5 day stay at Pianettole castle was the highlight of our 3 week visit to Europe. This was a chance for my parents, my husband and I to live and experience firsthand a truly historic monumental castle with all the modern comforts available today. Everything we needed to make this the perfect spot was available to us. The location was great as it was just a very short drive to several towns that we wish we had had more time to explore. The views were spectacular wherever you looked. Mario and his parents could not have been more accommodating to us. Anticipating everything that we might need or want to make this the most memorable vacation rental that we have done to date, which includes rental homes in 4 states and 2 countries. The pantry and refrigerator were stocked with the tastiest treats to welcome the four of us. Louise was invaluable in helping us to get our bearings in Anghiari and nearby Sansepolcro. Pointing us in the right direction of the sights that would interest us the most. She was so gracious and more than accommodating. We highly recommend this property as a gorgeous, serene, and friendly place to stay to get the true feel of Tuscany. DaNeice & Scott, California / Gary & Rusty , Arizona
• 09/08/08
  Positive Rating
  Adrian and Laima Whitty , Hopkinton, Massachusetts USA
  • It’s hard to know where to begin in describing how much we enjoyed our two-week stay in Pianettole in July 2008. The Castle itself, high on a hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, is lovely. The guest rooms are attractive, and the care taken in the building’s restoration is apparent in many charming details. The kitchen is spacious and fully equipped, with ample space for six around the large kitchen table. The four bedrooms are attractive and comfortable, and the bathrooms – one in the main part of the guesthouse and the other associated with the fourth bedroom, which is accessed through a separate external door – are well furnished with modern fixtures. At the rear of the guesthouse is a furnished patio that makes a great spot to sit and relax at any time of day. Pianettole is just outside the strikingly beautiful medieval town of Anghiari (though it’s not practical to make the trip on foot unless you have the stomach for a taxing climb back up the hill to the castle). A few miles further on is the larger town of Sansepolcro, while about 30 minutes drive in the opposite direction is the bustling city of Arezzo. Anghiari has a number of charming shops and restaurants, as well as a weekly market, and is a great place to wander around and explore. Sansepolcro has additional conveniences such as several large supermarkets and a modern shopping center, as well as an interesting and picturesque older section, bounded by medieval walls. Major highways pass near Sansepolcro and Arezzo, which also has a railway station, making Pianettole an excellent base from which to explore the whole of Tuscany plus neighboring regions of Umbria, Marche and Emilia Romagna, or even San Marino. Siena, Florence, Assisi, Poppi and Cortona are all within easy driving distance, and we easily managed the longer drive to Pisa and Lucca as a day trip. This was our first trip to Italy, and we saw many wonderful things and fabulous places. However, what really made our holiday special was the remarkable warmth and hospitality of Mario and his parents, Sergio and Lina, who live in different buildings within the castle grounds. Mario was the perfect host: warm and friendly and always concerned to make sure that everything was O.K.. When we arrived, the well-stocked refrigerator helped us feel immediately welcome. On many other occasions Mario went to extra effort to try and make our stay a success, lending us his GPS system, and sharing his family’s excellent olive oil and wine. Mario is always around to help if needed, and yet he also allows guests their privacy. When we left it was with genuine sadness, partly to be leaving Tuscany, but mostly to be leaving Mario and his family who we had come to consider as true friends. We strongly recommend Pianettole as a perfect place to stay for a family or small group wishing to visit Tuscany without leaving behind the comforts of home.
• 09/01/08
  Positive Rating
  Laura Soper , Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • We had a wonderful stay at the castle this summer while on a whirlwind tour of Italy! Our three young children loved running around outside, playing "sword fights" on the huge stone "bridge" connecting the castle tower with our accomodations. It was the perfect place for us as it was peaceful, relaxing, and plenty spacious for a family of five. We did day trips to Siena, Pisa, and Florence, and as promised, all were easily reachable from the castle. We highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a beautiful, peaceful, and friendly place to stay. Out of our 16 day trip to Italy staying in about 6 different accomodations, this was one of our favorites and definitely the favorite for our children. Mario and his family were friendly and welcoming, and we really felt like we were treated as friends as well as their guests. They were extremely gracious hosts! I can't say enough great things about this place! My favorite part was at night when the air was cool and the stars filled the sky from horizon to horizon. After the children were all sleeping, my husband and I would walk around the outside of the castle walls and enjoy the view overlooking the lights of Anghiari. It was magical!
• 02/08/08
  Positive Rating
  Linda Brittingham , Seria, KB, Brunei
  • Pianettole . . . A Christmas to remember. At Pianettole we experienced the Italian vacation that most people dream of. Mario was there to welcome us and had prepared a fire in the fireplace, a poinsetta on the table, and an amazingly stocked pantry. We were then immersed into the Italian way of life. Mario was attentive and helpful with suggestions and ideas of places to visit. The grocery stores and alimentaries provided the means for lots of fun evenings cooking by the fire. Christmas eve found us at the town square with all the other townspeople to welcome Babo Natale. The shop keepers and everyone we met were always helpful and extremely nice. Mario's family included us to make sure our Christmas was special. Franca provided us with traditional food and in the evening his family invited us to tea for a fun evening of more food and wonderful conversation. Mario and Louise make a great team. From the start of our inquires to when we closed the door of the castle at the end of our holiday, the two made sure all our needs were met and that we had a wonderful experience. Our dinner at Michaelangelo's was again, something people read about. Our kids (13 years and 11 years) can't wait to take more family members back to Pianettole when Mario has the next section completed. We highly recommend Pianettole and thanks again! Pete, Linda, Kate, and Connor
• 10/31/07
  Positive Rating
  Rob James , Aberdeenshire, Scotland
  • The guidebooks tell us Italy is a beautiful country with warm, friendly people and excellent cuisine. How true, and all these things are encapsulated at Pianettole. The location is fantastic, the accomodation is awash with character having been lovingly restored by Mario. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and generous - delicious local produce awaits in the cupboards. Mario's family (including the dogs) were fantastically friendly with our two young children, as well as being very helpful with advice on where to go and what to see/do. If that's not enough, Pianettole is a great base for discovering Florence, Siena, Cortona etc etc. We cannot wait to go back. Rob, Laura, Maisie and Florence (Scotland).
• 10/25/07
  Positive Rating
  Bruce and Christine , Blue Mountains, Australia
  • We can but concur with the previous comments from our countrymen (and women and children!) The Castle, which we have come to refer to as "our castle" lived up to all our expectations and more! The 10 days we and our travelling companions spent here were the highlight of a six week sojourn. The farmhouse was comfortable and well stocked. Each cupboard we opened held a surprise (of the gastronomic variety!) Every window had a gorgeous view across the Tuscan countryside, and it was only a short drive to Anghiari, the lovely medieval village on top of the hill. We enjoyed terrific hospitality from Mario and his family. We wished that our Italian speaking skills had allowed us to converse more with Mr & Mrs Bianchini. However we were pleased that our host Mario had the opportunity to practice his English speaking skills as the 4 of us were full of questions about the property's amazing history, which features in the local Museum (recommended), and the Bianchinis'own history on the property which dates back to the beginning of last century. However we did not need to speak Italian to communicate to Mario's father that his Chianti and Vino Santo were very nice drops indeed! As well as revelling in the many surprises of the local area , Ahghiari, Sansepolcro, Caprese Michelangelo, La Verna, the castle provided a great base for excursions to Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, Assisi and Cortona. Highly recommended!
• 09/09/07
  Positive Rating
  
  • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
    Dear Louise Can you please also pass on our thanks once again to Mario and his parents. Pianettole was the best stay we had while in Italy. We had a wonderful stay at Pianettole, and as always, it is the little things that make the difference. The Bianchini's were very friendly and helpful, and made us feel like old friends visiting. They had thoughtfully provided some food for our arrival, the kitchen was well stocked with cooking implements, and we were given fresh produce from the family garden almost daily. The castle itself is a lovely old authentic building, and very comfortable. It's private, blissfully peaceful and the views are straight out of a picture book. Nearby, the town of Anghiari is a beautiful medieval town unspoilt by tourist hordes. We found the location to be perfect, and central to other classic Tuscan towns in the area. We heartily recommend Pianettole to anyone who wants a taste of the real Tuscany. Again, thanks for a wonderful stay in Italy. Kind regards Dave, Bonnie, Aden and Zoe Moore

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