Overlooking the wide expanse of Tuscany's Val di Chiana valley that stretches to the peaks of Monte Amiata, Monte Cetona and Montepulciano, Villa Rivaio offers absolute privacy in a stunning setting. Built to conform to the panoramic hilltop it occupies, Villa Rivaio has entrances on each of its three levels. Even the pool, built on a grade below the villa, seems suspended above the Tuscan tableaux. The air and the views from this lofty position are invigorating. Explorers will discover that Villa Rivaio excels as a base for trips to the "must see" Tuscan treasures of Cortona, Arezzo, Florence, Siena and a host of hill towns in Tuscany and neighboring Umbria.
The kind family who owns Villa Rivaio live in the area and exemplify the hospitable spirit of Tuscany. Gian Mario shares his passion for cars, nature and history by taking guests on a woodland tour in his Land Rover Defender. This optional outing follows the forested pathways traveled by St. Francis of Assisi. Up at the villa, Gian Mario's wife will gladly conduct an evening cooking class.
Food lovers will relish a fireplace in the kitchen designed for indoor grilling, an outdoor brick barbecue and a wood-fired bread oven. Furnished in a comfortable country manner, the villa's large windows and French doors open onto the private Tuscan paradise that lies outside. For your comfort, the windows are screened, and all three upstairs bedrooms are air conditioned. A PC with a DSL connection is located in the ground floor bedroom. Meals, cleaning services, a cooking class and the Land Rover outing may all be arranged when booking.
The medieval heart of Castiglion Fiorentino with a few shops, cafes and restaurants is a five minute downhill drive along a paved and narrow road. It can also be reached on foot for those who enjoy a brisk hike. Just beyond is the newer section of town with two supermarkets. Cortona is 10 minutes away by car; Arezzo or the A1 at Monte San Savino: 20; Lake Trasimeno: 25; Montepulciano: 45; Siena, Florence or Perugia: 60; Orvieto or Assisi: 70; San Gimignano: 90.
The link to view another home rented by the same owner within a 12 minute drive:
- Cottage Lucia for 6
Technical Description
Ground floor: Open room suite with sitting area, PC, two single beds, doors to outside (no screen) and en suite bathroom with tub and separate shower. Utility room with washing machine.
First floor: Living/dining room with TV, CD player and French balcony. Small sitting area with fireplace and door to outside. Kitchen with stove top, oven, barbecue fireplace, fridge, dishwasher and door to outside.
Second floor: One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with shower. Two bedrooms each with two single, joinable beds. One bathroom with shower. All bedrooms on this floor are air conditioned.
