ARCO AL POGGIO, Villa,views, pool, free cocktails house wine & concierge

CHARMING TRANQUIL TUSCAN VILLA SET IN THE EXCLUSIVE VILLA ARCENO CHIANTI ESTATE THE APARTMENT Set into the beautiful Chianti hills of Villa Arceno, a vast private estate and nature reserve, the apartment comprises three floors within a renovated traditional Tuscan farmhouse split into three properties. Now member of Arceno Rentals Club, Clubhouse Arco al Poggio provides the guests with a 5 star Concierge service before and throughout your stay included in the weekly fee. Visits and excursions, car rental with or without chaffeur, cooking lessons, private chef or housekeeper may be provided at extra charge. Our 'FULLY INCLUSIVE' weekly RATES include a generous WELCOME HAMPER of speciality foods & wines from top quality local suppliers (more than enough for the first weekend's catering needs), PLUS as much FREE HOUSE WINE as you wish, throughout your stay. Our FREE COCKTAIL BAR of branded spirits and local liqueurs such as Limoncello is also kept stocked throughout your stay. Exclusively private large airy apartment and covered patio with postcard views facing south over the Chianti countryside. Two large comfortable 'Tuscan' double bedrooms with ceiling fans. Each with separate bathrooms. True Tuscan 'essence' with all modern conveniences, internet access, Wi-Fi, T.V. DVD player and iPod dock. Furnished to the highest standards with local antiques and designs the apartment accommodates comfortably four persons to give a unique and very stylish, comfortable experience, a true 'home from home'. A large and comfortable dining area seating eight and an excellently appointed kitchen for keen or even 'professional' cooks! Accessed by its own entrance at ground level from a secluded private garden into a small courtyard leading to a porch which also houses a wood fired oven. A stairway leads up to a private covered patio 'the Loggia' with exclusive use for 'al fresco' dining seating six. The apartment is accessed directly from the Loggia into a spacious living area with fireplace and a dining area accommodating up to eight people and kitchen. At one end a bedroom and bathroom with shower, opposite, a stairway leads to a spacious and romantic master bedroom with beautiful views over the vineyards and the village of San Gusmè. A bathroom elegantly finished with a large bathtub and shower serves the master bedroom. Guests also have the use of a tranquil private swimming pool. THE ESTATE OF VILLA ARCENO: The estate of Arceno covers 1000 hectares of forest, vineyards, olive groves, cypress avenues, dotted with traditional farmhouses “the Casali”, some of which are enigmatic, romantic ruins awaiting restoration. The “Villa” (Manor House) of the estate dates from the 16th century along with its own chapel, a romantic park and lake. From the Villa the original owners would have managed the estate directing the farmhands and workers who once lived in the Casali with the livestock. Il Poggio was once a working Casale but is now restored with modern benefits, it now houses those who wish to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Chianti countryside. AROUNDABOUTS: From Il Poggio there are views towards the famous Crete, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and beyond towards Monte Amiata. To the rear of the Casale lies the medieval walled village of San Gusmè, a short 15 minute walk through the vines where, if one pleases may have a drink at the village café and admire panoramic views in almost all directions to Siena and its Torre del Mangia. All areas of the estate are reached by “strade bianche”, literally “white roads” which are unpaved. Although used by the public these roads are quiet, allowing walking, cycling and jogging at one’s own pace. The surrounding region is stuffed with history, art, food and wine. Siena, with its famous “Palio” an exciting adrenaline fuelled horse race (2nd July and 16th August) is only 15 minutes away. With Italy’s excellent road network, Florence, San Giminiano, le Crete, Pienza, Montalcino, Cortona and Arezzo are with easy reach for day trips. In the other direction Umbria with Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio and Todi. AMENITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT: Famous for food and wine there are many places to see and go to in order to discover the flavours of Chianti. One might be a passive or active participant, either eating and drinking the produce or by taking cooking or winery courses at source and making the resulting produce oneself. If one is the more active type, a diverting round of golf or horse riding might be the ticket. There are spas and the seaside to indulge in should relaxing there be preferred. Packed full of history and art, an almost endless list of galleries, exhibitions, museums, churches, palaces and other diverse artisanal places are to be discovered.