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Property Details

Sleeps:
8 - 9
Single Bedrooms:
0
Double Bedrooms:
4
Bathrooms:
4
Type:
Farmhouse
Property #:
17589
Nearest Town:
Anghiari

Featured Property

This property is featured in the categories: Contact Us

Large Farmhouse in Tuscany with Stunning Views and Privacy

Casa del Saraceno

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Hurry! Save up to $625 when you book by May-31-2013 View Availability

To hold, book, or get pricing for the property.

Our Best Price Guarantee
About The Experience

Beautifully situated on a large estate with an olive grove and fruit trees, this Tuscany farmhouse offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, the hilltop towns nearby, and the Apennine Mountains. Dating back to the 16th century, this holiday accommodation in Tuscany has recently been renovated and now features a large infinity pool and furnished stone terrace. Plenty of entertainment is nearby, including a unique excursion of horseback riding with the local Countess or attending an orchestral and opera festival featuring world-renowned artists! You and your family are sure to love farm holidays in Tuscany!

Location Description

The farmhouse is less than eight kilometers from the town of Anghiari, which is described as one of Tuscany's best preserved hill towns. Anghiari has much of it 12th and 13th century architecture still intact and features several grocery stores, two pharmacies, a post office, several excellent cafes and restaurants, as well as weekly farmer and fish markets. Each summer Anghiari hosts an annual month-long orchestral and opera festival featuring the London-based Southbank Symphony Orchestra, as well as a food festival. Just outside Anghiari, the local Countess leads horseback riding excursions around her property, which is about six kilometers away. For those of you who would like to make a day out of it, there is also the possibility to take longer trips to St. Francis's retreat in La Verna. Arezzo, the charming town used as the backdrop for Roberto Benigni's "Life is Beautiful," is less than a half an hour drive away and is perfect for a day trip. Once one of the most important Etruscan cities, today Arezzo is beautiful for an array of architecture spanning centuries, from Etruscan ruins to the Roman amphitheatre and the Medici Fortress. The first weekend of each month brings a popular antique fair, while annually there is a festival called "Joust of the Saracens," where all of the citizens dress in medieval attire and knights representing each part of the city charge at a target representing a Saracen king. The area is also well situated for day trips throughout Tuscany. Keep in mind that the renowned Castello Antognolla Golf Course is just outside Perugia and that you can enjoy water sports on Lake Trasimeno.

Nearby Attractions: Anghiari (grocery stores, pharmacies, post office, cafes, restaurants farmers markets, summer festivals), Citta di Castello (golf course), Arezzo (Etruscan ruins, antique fair, annual festivals),Perugia (renowned Castello Antognolla Golf Course)

Florence: 100 km/62 mi
Assisi: 80 km/50 mi
Perugia: 65 km/40.5 mi
Cortona: 55 km/34 mi
Lake Trasimeno: 45 km/28 mi
Arezzo: 30 km/18.5 mi
Anghiari: 7.5 km/4.5 mi
Horseback riding: 6 km/3.5 mi
Exterior Description
(7,000 m2/75,347 ft2)

Situated on a large estate with an olive grove and fruit trees, including plums and almonds, this two-story farmhouse dates back to the 16th century and was renovated in 2006. The exterior stonework has been carefully restored to its original condition. There is a large, elevated stone terrace with a dining table and deck chairs as well as a functioning pizza oven and barbecue. There is a large lawn in front of the house and a private infinity pool, which is open from the beginning of June to the beginning of October, (12m x 6m) with spectacular views of the valley, the hilltop towns of Toppole and Monterchi, and of the Appenine Mountains. The property is at the end of a valley of small farms cultivating sunflowers, olives, and grapes. The road leading directly to the property is paved and parking is available for up to three cars. Please be aware that about a kilometer of the road on the way to the property is unpaved, but well-maintained gravel.

Interior Description
(280 m2/3,014 ft2)

Ground Floor: The main entrance opens to a living/dining room that has a couch, two armchairs, a fireplace, and an antique oak table that seats up to 12 people. This room leads to the kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, toaster, and pasta maker. There is also a marble table that can seat four people. There is a glass wall overlooking the valley as well as skylights making the room bright. On the other side of the living room, there is a laundry area with a washing machine. To the right is a bathroom with a sink, toilet, bidet, and tub with a handheld shower. A short hallway with three stairs leads to the master bedroom with a queen-sized bed (160 cm). The room's double doors open to an elevated terrace in front of the house and has a table and chairs. This bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a sink, toilet, shower, and separate tub.
First Floor: A staircase of 12 steps leads to a quiet landing area on the first floor. Nearby is another living room with a sofa bed, suitable for one person, and a chair set around a fireplace. This room has a separate entrance to the outside. The first bedroom has a queen-sized bed (160 cm), antique armoire, and an ensuite bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower. Four steps down from the hallway is a second bedroom with a king-sized bed (200 cm), antique armoire, and rocking chair. The third and final bedroom has two single beds (90 cm), which can be connected to form a double bed, and an antique armoire. There is a second bathroom with a sink, toilet, shower, and connected tub.

Features Description

Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.

  • Chef Service Available: 42 Euro per person or 45 Euro per person with wine
  • Pets Allowed: Additional 200 Euro security deposit

Features and Amenities

  • Free Parking on Premises
  • Independent Villa
  • Barbecue
  • Outside Area - Private
  • Outside Dining
  • Pool Towels
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • Billiard/Pool Table
  • CD player
  • TV - English Channels Available
  • American Coffee Maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Washing Machine
  • Fireplace - Indoor
  • Heating - Whole House
  • Pets Considered
  • Portable Baby Crib/Play Pen - Upon Request
  • Cook Service Available - Extra Cost
  • Housekeeping Available - Extra Cost

Property Seasons & Rates (USD)

Date Range Weekly         Min
Stay
May-04-2013 - Jun-15-2013 $2,500
$1,875
1 wk
Jun-15-2013 - Jul-13-2013 $3,600 1 wk
Jul-13-2013 - Aug-03-2013 $3,600
$2,700
1 wk
Aug-03-2013 - Aug-10-2013 $3,600 1 wk
Aug-10-2013 - Sep-07-2013 $3,600
$2,700
1 wk
Sep-07-2013 - Sep-14-2013 $2,900 1 wk
Sep-14-2013 - Sep-28-2013 $2,900
$2,175
1 wk
Sep-28-2013 - Oct-05-2013 $2,900 1 wk
Oct-05-2013 - Oct-12-2013 $2,900
$2,175
1 wk
Oct-12-2013 - Nov-23-2013 $2,200
$1,650
1 wk
Dec-14-2013 - Dec-28-2013 $3,600
$2,700
1 wk

For exact pricing and conditions, click the View Availability button and then click View Pricing and Conditions.

Hurry! Save up to $625 when you book by May-31-2013 View Availability

To hold, book, or get pricing for the property.

Our Best Price Guarantee

Arrival Times

Please note: Official Arrival Times:

  • Sat 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Conditions *

Security Deposit

  • Upon arrival at the property you are required to pay to the property representative a security deposit payable in cash. The security deposit will be returned to you prior to your departure minus any extra charges or accidental damages to the property. The listed security deposit is: 300 EUR

Additional Expenses

  • Telephone (If Available): According to consumption
  • Tourist Tax (Daily - Per Person): 1.50 EUR

Other Notes

  • Housekeeping: Usually available upon request
  • Heating (in Italy): Allowed by law from November 1 - April 1; some exceptions for extreme weather
  • Arrival Fee (Outside Posted Times): Payable upon arrival
  • Departure Time: 9:00 am
  • Cook Services (If Available): must be arranged at least 2 months prior to arrival
  • UPON ARRIVAL, RENTERS MUST PROVIDE A PHOTOCOPY OF EACH TRAVELER’S PASSPORT AND SIGN A FORM FOR THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
  • Tourist Tax (Payable upon Arrival): 1-5 Euros per person per day

* These prices and conditions may change based on your arrival date and length of stay. For exact conditions, please click on the View Availability button, enter your dates, and then click on View Pricing and Conditions.

View General Rental Agreement

Questions? Please ask us!

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Call us: 1-800-726-6702
Outside the US: +1-805-880-1228
Mon-Fri 7:00-5:30
Sat 10:30-2:30 Pacific Time
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Customer Ratings

  • 5.0 Star Rating Overall
  • Peace and Quiet
  • View
  • Outside Area
  • Living Room
  • Kitchen
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
Based on 34 Reviews

Customer Reviews

Overall:
We had a wonderful two weeks in Tuscany, not only "seeing the sites," but also entering into -- if only for a brief time -- the life of a small town and sharing our experiences with the friends we invited to join us. Our high expectations were surpassed.
Enjoyed Most:
Casa del Saraceno is stone farmhouse high on a ridge facing east, with ever-changing (Tuscan weather) views extending to Umbria, the Marches, and Emilia Romagna, and overlooking a valley of mixed woods, grape fields and olive orchards. According to locals, Casa del Saraceno is the newest house in the village, as it dates only from the latter part of the 12th century. It is thoughtfully restored and beautifully appointed -- very attractive, comfortable, and efficient. The layout is such as to accommodate at least three couples with considerable privacy, or a very large family. I should also mention the excellent local information provided with the house from Rentvillas, from the property's owners and from Giuseppe Dini, the caretaker, and from the information about the area gathered by previous guests and placed in the "Green Binder." Because of this wealth of local intelligence, and because the house is fully equipped, it takes no time at all to "get your feet on the ground."
Enjoyed Least:
Nothing to dislike as it was perfect for us. However, a first-time visitor who wants in a short time to pack in all the highlights (Siena, Cortona, the Uffizi, Pisa, etc) might want to find a more central location. Road trips are great fun (don't miss Gubbio), but speed in getting from place to place isn't part of the fun.
Surrounding Area:
Anghiari, a ten-minute drive from the house, is a wonderful town well off the beaten track of tourism, but loaded with civilized amenities, including at least three first-rate restaurants set in a walled town not very much changed from the time of the Battle of Anghiari -- the village's chief claim to historical fame. Setting aside the fine local museums, the art, and the sheer beauty of the countryside, there are numerous wonderful things to see and do. There is a local linen factory which produces exquisite work, an olive press which offers tastings, and of course, a goat farm. There are also ample small roads and trails for exploring the area on foot.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Toppole is a gem within walking distance but has no stores. The nearest restaurant, in the country at the base of the road, is perhaps 3 kilometers away and in October not always open. For groceries and restaurants, one must go to Anghiari, a 10-minute drive down the mountain.
Tips or Restaurants:
1. Don't miss olive oil tasting at Ravagni, a mill in business since 1421. 2. For the bold, the fourteen-course Sunday exploration of Tuscan cuisine at the Buca d'Michelangelo in Caprese Michelangelo, is a must. 3. Explore Anghiari's restaurants. We especially enjoyed returning to La Nena, Da Alighiero, and La Cantina della Duchessa.
Directions:
We needed to meet Mr. Dini to pick up the key, which proved to be a bit of a problem because we initially had difficulties with our phone. We had several guests during the course of our stay, and none had difficulty in finding the house based upon the directions provided. A GPS is not necessary.

Carol, October, 2012

Show All 34 Reviews

Overall:
It was fabulous! The villa was very comfortable, clean, and well equipped. The beds were comfortable, with great linens and towels. The kitchen was easy to work in and had all that is needed (pots, pans, etc). There are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, one of which is on the main level. The terrace was a wonderful place to read, eat and visit. The pool was stunning with the most amazing views. We would certainly go back. You definitely need a car to get back and forth to Anghiari (closest town) for supplies and such. Guiseppe, the owner, was very sweet, helpful, and responsive. He met us in town and we followed him to the villa, about 4 miles out of town. No Internet at the villa, but that was just fine. There is a WiFi cafe in town.
Enjoyed Least:
No WiFi but this was not a big deal.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Anghiari--needed to drive.

Kate - Tvl Agt, September, 2012

Show All 34 Reviews

Overall:
Excellent.
Enjoyed Most:
Renovations were very well done.
Enjoyed Least:
Door to the twin bed bedroom would not close.
Surrounding Area:
Town and people were wonderful.

Geri, September, 2012

Show All 34 Reviews