Location: Anghiari, Arezzo Province, Tuscany, Italy, Europe (Siena 20 miles; Montepulciant 18 miles; Pienza 15 miles) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Library, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: House
Posizione! Posizione! Posizione! (Translation: Italian for "Location! Location! Location!").
Enter this property and you realize immediately you have ventured into the best Italy has to offer - exquisite views, sublime food, unsurpassed wine, and exceptional weather. As any Italophile will tell you, the Tuscan Val D'Orcia and Crete Senese (and in particular the area near Montalcino) is the most evocative and sensual part of Italy. There really is no better area -- as we have found in 20+ years of experience. Those pictures you see on the calendars, with the vineyards, rows of cyprus and hilltowns -- thats Val D'Orcia/Montalcino...
It is, after all, a United Nations UNESCO Heritage Site. And for good reason. The sheer beauty is staggering. This is the area that refused to allow billionaire media magnate and current Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi to buy a second (well, maybe 4th in his case) home! It is also the area where they filmed The English Patient, Romeo and Juliet, Only You, Stealing Beauty, and Tea With Mussolini.
Amidst this splendor is set the beautiful and private property known as Villa Brunello at San Sebastiano. This centuries-old, independent, four-bedroom, two-bath, 2700-square-foot home has everything to make your Italian vacation memorable. Just five kilometres from Montalcino (two-and-one-half as the crow flies), this ancient farmstead boasts views to die for - from Mount Amiata in the south to Siena in the North. And it serves as the perfect point from which to visit the most beautiful villages and cities in Italy - Montalcino, Allesino, Pienza, San Quirico D'Orcia, Volterra, Florence, Montepulciano, Siena, San Gimignano, Monterrigione, Pisa, Cinque Terra, and Rome.
Or stop at the ancient Roman baths of Bagno Vignone and the monasteries at Monte Oliveto Maggiore and Sant Antimo,... or hike in some of the most beautiful scenery on God's earth. If you are feeling industrious, take an Italian cooking or language class nearby in the monastery where they filmed The English Patient. There are 2 world renowned Italian Language Schools very close by where you can take classes at all levels and varying degrees of immersion.
Located on two lush acres surrounded by exquisite villas and vineyards, this very special home has been lovingly restored inside and outside to ensure your ultimate pleasure. And better yet it is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and hill towns in every direction.
Open the wrought iron front gates to be immediately transported to La Vita Bella - a pea gravel courtyard welcomes you to your first view of the private church of St Sebastian and the verdant and generous Tuscan landscape. Once inside, your choices abound. Enjoy a beautiful outdoor courtyard just outside the French doors from where you will sip limoncello on quiet Tuscan evenings. Or lounge in the formal living room.
Be tempted by the breathtaking dining room (seating for 10-14) with coved ceilings from which you will enjoy your Tuscan feasts. Or enter a huge modern eat-in kitchen with all the appliances and tools necessary to prepare delicious Italian cuisine. Next to the kitchen on the first floor is an enormous living room/great room with eight-foot by eight-foot fireplace, two full couches, numerous chairs, and a large screen 48" plasma television. Just off the enormous great room and kitchen is a set of French doors leading to two wonderful lanais/pergolas adding outdoor rooms to your living space and which overlook the yard, vineyards and valleys - and by night the lights of Siena. Further down the hill, the pool and pool area is a haven in itself, with expansive views of the valley and numerous wineries. One of our favorite pampering features is the outdoor shower. The house, yard and pool are very private.
Downstairs, there is also a full bathroom and a study/office/bedroom with fold out couch for extra sleeping.
Upstairs you will find four beautifully and authentically appointed bedrooms. Two have queen-size beds and two have twin beds which can be joined to form queen-size beds, where desired. Each bedroom has beautiful linens with at least 400-thread count sheets and pillow cases. And better yet, each room has breathtaking views over the Montalcino Valley. There are also two additional bathrooms on this level, very tastefully decorated.
In case you did not already know (and we are sure you did), Montalcino is the location where Brunello (by far the best wine in Italy, if not the world) is produced. And from Villa Brunello at San Sebastiano, you are ten minutes by car and foot to the best wineries and wine tastings in Italy. We have counted over 50, and by no means is that complete. Banfi, Barbi, Fanti, Tornese, Biondi Santi, Campanna, you name it, they are here. From $30 to $700 per bottle.
There are also wonderful restaurants, enotecas, and gelaterias nearby in case you get the urge to indulge off premises. Many of them have al fresco dining with great views. You will soon find out, it is impossible to find a bad meal. But for those times when you are just too sated to leave, you will find the pool, yard, and the outdoor and indoor living, dining, and relaxation spaces to be enchanting. This is what Italy is all about. You may never want to leave.
Touring ideas from the villa:
* Caparzo Castle and Winery 1/2 mile
* Altesino Castle and winery 1 mile
* Montalcino 1.5 miles walking; 4 miles driving
* Buonconvento 5 miles
* Pienza 15 miles
* Montepulciano 22 miles
* Siena 27 miles
* Cortona 40 miles
* Mediterranean Sea 40 miles
* Florence 86 miles
* Assisi 75 miles
* San Gimignano 50 miles
* Lucca 111 miles
* Pisa 125 miles
* Orvieto 60 miles
* Rome 125 miles
* Todi 75 miles
* Venice 225 miles
* Milan 250 miles
* Bagno Vignone 10 miles
* Sant 'Antimo 10 miles
* Sant'Anna in Camprena 10 miles
* Monte Oliveto Maggiore 10 miles
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : There are 2 queen beds, each with forest and mountain views
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : a couch converts to a single bed in the private sun room (with view to pool and mountains)
- Child Bed : A child bed/playpen can be provided with extra set up fee.
- Crib : there is a $50 set up and take down fee for this which is a playpen
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library : over 40 dvd titles
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : dozens of cds of every variety
- Private Pool : the pool is quite large and has incredible views
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Newly remodeled eat in kitchen; plus 4 outdoor dining/wine sipping areas
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave : convection plus microwave
- Catering Available : For an addtional cost paid directly to the chef, a chef will bring you food or cook it with you and pair it with wine.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : on right off the kitchen; one off the pool area and one off the dining room
- Lanai : right off the kitchen
- Gazebo : beautiful covered dining area
- View/Location
- Mountain View : gorgeous views to Mount Amiata to the south and the Appenines to the North
- Monument View : Views to castles, monasteries, wineries and ancient ruins
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Walking distance to Montalcino and Buonconvento; great hiking trails; walking distance to over 4 dozen wineries
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly : the pool is not gated, so you will have to be careful and watch them at all times and there are some sharp corners as well.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- This house used to be the parsonage for the rural area of Montalcino. It is steeped in history and the views are nothing short of spectacular from every room and every outdoor area.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
June 23 - Sept 1 ......................................$3950/week
May 26 - June 23 and Sept 1 - 29 .......................$3450/week
Sept 29 - Oct 13 and April 27 - May 26 ...........$2950/week
Oct 13 - Oct 27 and April 12 - April 26 ..................$2450/week
Oct 27 - Nov 17 and March 15 - April 12 ................$1950/week
Guests not required to stay entire time. $1000 Damage Deposit;
5% off rentals 2 weeks or more & rentals prior to July 31. 10% off 3 or more weeks
Property by the week only ...... Saturday 4 pm - Saturday 10 am.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Anghiari
The views, the wine, the food, the people, the art, the air, the light and the sights and smells and tastes of Tuscany.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Peace and quiet, gorgeous views, great wine and food and light.
Owner's Map of Anghiari
I am a true Italophile and cannot wait to retire in my favorite area of the world -- Montalcino, Italy
Property Photos
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- - Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy - Vacation House Just 40 Miles from Florence!
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- - Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy - Vacation House Just 40 Miles from Florence!
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- - Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy - Vacation House Just 40 Miles from Florence!
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- desk and views from master bedroom
Traveler Reviews (18)
A Real Retreat
Guest: Toni and Cathy
(Santa Cruz, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
As I was driving to this property, making my way through the hill towns that come before it, I started to get very excited. I was surprised and thrilled at the location. The area is very charming, and incredibly beautiful. We fell in love with the villa instantly. The views, the quiet, the pool, the ripe cherries, the restored farmhouse, the well maintained grounds, all made for a week in the Italian countryside I will never forget. We enjoyed exploring nearby towns and were surprised at the lack of tourists. What a bonus to be in a part of Italy without crowds. We enjoyed many of the fine restaurants in the area, and, we found after a few days that our favorite meals were the ones we made ourselves and enjoyed sitting out by the pool. I would recommend this lovely property to anyone, and I would return to it in a heartbeat. It was such an unexpected delight. The one mistake we made, was to go to Florence for a day. The drive and the crowds made us want to return to our country retreat. Casa Verde is in a part of Italy that is pristinely beautiful. The countryside is rolling hills of forest, well tended farms, beautiful flowers, and immaculate ancient hill towns. Paradise found.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.
Guest: Carolyn Olson
(West Linn, OR)
Date of Stay: 11/13/07
Review Submitted: 11/13/07
We had a lovely stay at Casa Verde. The weather was gorgeous and your view at the house was breathtaking. We used a lot of your suggestions for day trips/restaurants and they were right on the mark. Although the larger towns are interesting to see in their own right we preferred the local flavor of the smaller towns, notably Cortona and Anghiari. And the food ... We had excellent meals at Celle and Belvedere. We went to dinner early at Belvedere since it was the night of our arrival (read exhausted) and we sat by the windows taking in the beautiful views. What a wonderful way to start off our trip. Tuscany is filled with beautiful landscapes, food and people. It was definitely the right place to spend our 20th anniversary! Thanks Dave!
Recommended for:
Guest: Dave Clare
(Carlisle, Cumbria, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/15/07
Review Submitted: 08/15/07
Hello Dave We had a tremendously enjoyable stay at Casa Verde. We did not venture far & took up some of your recommendations. The furthest we got was Gubbio which was picturesque. One of the restaurants where we had an evening meal at was Oscari where we celebrated our son's birthday. We were made to feel welcome & the hospitable chap there knew of you. The view & atmosphere from where we were seated was lovely as you’ll appreciate. Most days I rose early at around 7am & went for a walk. I did a couple of your hikes. Usually, by the time I’d return the rest of the family would still be asleep so I could sit by the pool looking out over the hills whilst reading a book in total peace. The pool was delightful & kept in good order by Maria.Your directions to Casa Verde were fine. What made things even easier for us was that we had borrowed a satellite navigation unit from a friend. Here’s a useful tip for anyone using a sat nav: Under “street & house No.” enter Ranzola (Monte Santa Maria Tiberina) then Vocabolo Catognaccio 96. This will direct the driver all the way to the top of the driveway down to Casa Verde. The first sight of Monterchi as we descended the hill on the drive from Pisa Airport to Casa Verde was special. As soon as my wife & children entered the Rossi Supermarket they were warmly greeted by Marcello. He recognised them as visitors & the warmth was clearly genuine as this was done before I mentioned where we would be staying & our connection with you. He even presented us all with a drink in the little coffee bar within the his shop. We were all extremely tired by this time, around 4pm, as we had been up since 2am so it was just what was needed. You were right about the range of produce in there & we stocked up straight away as per your recommendation. The facilities in Casa Verde are smashing particularly in the kitchen & we liked the layout. It’s also spacious & full of character.Maria spent some time with us & we had a few laughs with her. We took 5 jars of her honey home with us. You have got a lovely place there Dave of that there is no doubt. We were so happy there. The setting is priceless. The peace & tranquility were very much to our liking. I sometimes sat next to the pool just staring out over the hills towards Monte Santa Maria Tiberina. Most of the time there was a gentle warm breeze in the evening. This allowed us all to sit together & chat or read after we’d had a meal beneath the shelter. Anti pastis were a re
Owner response:David, You and your family did everything right and thank you for being so kind to Dino and Maria. The charm of the area is its simplicity and natural beauty and its people and I think that is what you saw as well. Maria and Dino want more people like you and your family to come and stay. Their description of you all was: "Bravi, Bravi, Bravi." No translation needed. ;)
Recommended for:
Guest: shannon70
(san francisco, ca)
Date of Stay: 05/19/07
Review Submitted: 05/19/07
Dave thanks again, we enjoyed your villa the 2nd time around and will be back for sure. The weather turned for the better which allowed us lazy days by the pool sipping wine and cooking up feasts! We used the villa as a base and traveled every other day to many different villages, cities, the coast and even Lago Tresimino. Thanks again! Shannon McGinnis
Owner response:Shannon, I am glad you had a good time -- for 2 weeks even! The neighbors are now used to seeing you around and will expect you every year. Hope you brought back some honey to remind you of Casa Verde. Ciao, Dave
Recommended for:
Guest: Diane McCabe
(Jamesport, New York)
Date of Stay: 05/15/07
Review Submitted: 05/15/07
We had never been to Italy before. We really feel we jumped in and got our feet wet. By staying where we did we were forced to learn the language in a hurry and make friends in the surrounding towns. Getting back to Casa Verde every night was our true retreat. Reading Under the Tuscan Sun and THe Hills of Tucsany in Tuscany in a Tuscan villa, was the most amazing experience I have ever had . The food , people and never feeling ill it ease was such a joy. We will do it again real soon and yes its in our blood now!!!
Owner response:Diane, You are now hooked! I am glad you had a great stay. ciao bella, dave
Recommended for:
Guest: John and Alta
(-)
Date of Stay: 09/21/06
Review Submitted: 09/21/06
Dave, Your villa was everything you said it would be and more. We felt immediately at home the moment we stepped inside. We love to swim so the pool and THE VIEW, were magnificent. Maria and Dino were so kind and Maria was so grateful that I could communicate with her. We had some delightful conversations. Waking up to roosters crowing reminded me of days spent on my grandparents farm as a child. The atmosphere in Rossi Market was undescribable. Everyone was so very kind and helpful and so very appreciative of efforts to speak in Italian. They just seemed to know our every need and they took such great care of us. Your recommendations for day trips and restaurants were spot on. The "green book" was great. We went to Monte St. Maria for lunch one day and had one of our best meals while in Europe. Anghiari was also a beautiful spot. While in Rome, a friend of ours who is also a guide, told us it's getting more difficult to find places in Italy that haven't become so overcrowded with tourists. I believe David, that you have found one of those rare places where one can still experience the true culture and beauty of Italy without overcrowded streets and countrysides and where the true people of the country still exist and flourish. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend your villa and the surroundings to friends, but we hope that it remains pristine and untouched for years to come.
Owner response:John and Alta, Dino and Maria were so charmed by you and appreciated your efforts to experience Italian life and your great attitudes. The restaurant in Monte Santa Maria is "Oscari" and it is a gem --great views, great prices, great food, great owners. We love it too.
Recommended for:
Guest: Debbie Hutchinson
(Kimberton, PA 19442)
Date of Stay: 08/05/06
Review Submitted: 08/05/06
Your place and all of your recommendations in that little green book ( and the attachement called "A perfect week in Casa Verde) made for a heavenly vacation...Where to begin...The Rossi Supermarket, and the delightful folks who run it - that in itself is a reason to plan a return trip! And of course we were in Italy during the World Cup games...Our kids (20s) were invited up to the private club at the top of Monterchi for the second to last game - You're right - Monte Santa Maria is so much better that San Gimighnano. We went to the SG at the end of our Tuscany stay, and boy was it a disappointment. It was kind of like Disneyworld - void of real Italian life... We got to Sansepolcro on market day and had a great time and got some things at quite reasonable prices (I think I'd like to go back a rent a spot there some time...) One of the kids decided he liked Anghiarri best - he picked out his perfect place to live there, another liked Citta Di Castello best... We did find the olive mill outside of Anghiarri. The gal, Olivia, was charming and let us try all the wines and oils - we brought some home - also I am already cooking with olive oil from Rossi Supermarket - it was much better that anything found further west. The drive from Lippiano to "home" was magical, and we always found new things to make our jaw drop each day. And the pool...I made dinner each night and the pool all made for wonderful family time. Finally - We all really enjoyed Maria and Dino, and they really seemed to appreciate all the Italian our daughters worked on before the trip - We were able to have several long conversations with Maria. Again, your suggestions really helped to make the stay so special - Thanks for sharing your paradise with us all- Debbie Hutchinson
Recommended for:
Guest: D Hutchinson
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/06
Review Submitted: 07/31/06
Dear Dave - I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner - we just got back to the States yesterday. Your place and all of your recommendations in that little green book ( and the attachement called "A perfect week in Casa Verde) made for a heavenly vacation...Where to begin...The Rossi Supermarket, and the delightful folks who run it - that in itself is a reason to plan a return trip! And of course we were in Italy during the World Cup games...Our kids (20s) were invited up to the private club at the top of Monterchi for the second to last game - You're right - Monte Santa Maria is so much better that San Gimighnano. We went to the SG at the end of our Tuscany stay, and boy was it a disappointment. It was kind of like Disneyworld - void of real Italian life... We got to Sansepolcro on market day and had a great time and got some things at quite reasonable prices (I think I'd like to go back a rent a spot there some time...) One of the kids decided he liked Anghiarri best - he picked out his perfect place to live there, another liked Citta Di Castello best... We did find the olive mill outside of Anghiarri. The gal, Olivia, was charming and let us try all the wines and oils - we brought some home - also I am already cooking with olive oil from Rossi Supermarket - it was much better that anything found further west. The drive from Lippiano to "home" was magical, and we always found new things to make our jaw drop each day. And the pool...I made dinner each night and the pool all made for wonderful family time. Finally - We all really enjoyed Maria and Dino, and they really seemed to appreciate all the Italian our daughters worked on before the trip - We were able to have several long conversations with Maria. So - we will treasure and keep your email address, and as I assemble a list of "the best" from our trip, don't surprised if some of our friends request a week there in the future. Again, your suggestions really helped to make the stay so special - Thanks for sharing your paradise with us all.
Recommended for:
Guest: Silke
(-)
Date of Stay: 07/31/06
Review Submitted: 07/31/06
Hi Dave, This is a late response, I know. I was in Europe until a week ago. Italy was wonderful. It was the first week in Europe that they had good weather and we enjoyed the pool a lot. The best part was, that it is so quiet there and le trattorie nei piccoli villagi erano molto buono. Marcello at the supermarket in Monterchi made sure I remember Italian again! Thanks, Silke
Recommended for:
Guest: The Meltons
(Walnut Creek, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/08/05
Review Submitted: 08/08/05
We just returned from over two weeks in Europe, including a week-long sojourn at lovely Casa Verde. We adored its rustic charm and peaceful location and felt like we got a wonderful taste of Italian farmlife. Early in our stay, we would often jump in the car and make day trips to nearby hill towns. Soon though, we were completely seduced by Casa Verde and spent our last days relaxing and enjoying the pool overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria. We miss Marcello at Rossi's already and our daily visits to the market to buy fresh food for our feasts. The kids especially miss our visits from Ercole who would follow Maria up when she came to check in. Our first Sunday back in the States, we had a special breakfast of scones and Dino and Maria's honey that we brought all the way back home. When we opened the jar, we were treated to the smells of Tuscany and transported for just a moment to the sweetness of Casa Verde. Thanks, Dave!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #37181
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