In the heart of Tuscany is a small, little-known valley which few people visit but which is of great artistic and natural importance: the Valdambra which, with its wooded hills, charming old villages and precious remains of towers and castles scattered throughout the territory, lies between the ridges of the Chianti hills and the upper Valdarno, along the course of the river Ambra and cutting through the border between the provinces of Siena and Arezzo. In this picturesque setting, just a short walk from Bucine the most important town of the valley, we find Casale la Splendida, an old rural house which is the ideal place for those wanting to explore the most authentic Tuscan-ness that these charming places express and retain. The interior of the house, brought to new life by renovation in full respect of the original plan, is particularly well-finished and elegant, with exquisite fireplaces in the living areas and refined pieces of furniture that create a warm and cosy atmosphere, full of comfort and functionality. The wide green outdoor areas, the portico with lounge area, the veranda with wood stove and dining area and the large pool all combine to make it a great destination for groups of friends and families with children who love nature and the relaxed atmosphere offered by the countryside. This destination will be ideal for exploring the beautiful area around Bucine, rich in vineyards, olive groves and woods, along which meander numerous CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) hiking or mountain biking routes. The main towns of Arezzo, Florence and Siena, as well as the prestigious areas of Chianti, of the Crete Senesi and of the Val d'Orcia with their picture postcard scenery and their old, enchanting borghi, are all within easy reach. Another attraction of the area is represented by numerous designer outlets, all a short distance from the house, including Prada (just 2 km away), The Mall and Fashion Valley. N.B. The owners live discreetly in an annex about 50 m from the house and can be a useful reference point for guests to whom, however, full privacy is guaranteed.
Interior:
The house has two floors. The main entrance on the ground floor opens through a French window from the portico into a small hallway communicating with a large welcoming living room on the left, with the study/reading room and with the dining room which is, in turn, connected to the kitchen and to a short corridor (with laundry and bathroom with hydro-massage shower) which ends at the veranda with table and chairs, stone sink, oven and hob. The French window of the veranda (with mosquito netting) opens out to the external dining area, located on the side of the pool. All the ground floor rooms have French windows connecting the interior with the outdoor areas, in particular from the living room leading directly out to the portico and the external dining area. On the first floor is the sleeping area, consisting of three double bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms (one with hydromassage shower and tub and the other with hydromassage shower), two twin bedrooms (one with joinable beds) and, finally, a bathroom with hydromassage shower. In one of the double rooms and in one of the twin rooms is a mezzanine with wardrobe area. A\C in all bedrooms.
Park:
Casale La Splendida is set in an estate of about 3 hectares with wooded areas and areas cultivated with olive trees that produce an excellent extra virgin olive oil. From the entrance gate a short driveway lined with cypress trees takes guests to a large parking area and, from here, a short walk along stone paving leads to the main entrance and the surrounding areas. The garden around the house, with typical shrubs, borders of herbs and various colourful flowers (geraniums, roses, lavender bushes, aloes and succulents), is a peaceful green oasis in which to better appreciate the calm atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside. In front of the house are extensive olive groves where you can stroll around while at the back are the outdoor living areas: a large stone-paved area with gazebo and set up for outdoor dining which forms a single open environment with the veranda and pool, plus a large well-kept lawn bordered by low hedges. In a brick structure next to the dining area is the barbecue while the wood stove is to be found on the veranda. Next to the main entrance is the stone portico set up as a lounge area with sofas, armchairs and tables.Please notice that photos are taken in spring, therefore flower blossoming, and the colours of the gardens' grass could be different at the moment of your arrival at the villa.
Swimming Pool:
The pool, easily accessible from the portico and from the veranda, stands in the beautiful garden surrounded by a large area of lawn and bordered by lavender bushes and roses that separate it from the wooded area. About 10 m from the house, access to the rectangular pool is via Roman steps. It measures 14 x 7 m with the depth at the edge 1.40 m and increasing to 2.80 m in the centre. It is lined in PVC, with whirlpool jets on one side, spotlights for night lighting, chlorine purification and hot and cold-water shower. Down a few steps is a changing room, a bathroom and two showers. Around the pool is a pleasant sunbathing area paved in stone and surrounded by lawn areas, provided with elegant sunbeds, deckchairs and a wooden gazebo. The swimming pool is available to guests from the last Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October.
Pets:ย On request, small sized. โฌ 50,00 per animal per week.