Campalfi | Tuscany Villa Rentals — Invitation to Tuscany

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The complex of buildings at Campalfi, once the heart of a large riverside farm.

The house seen through the leaves of the pergola belongs to the owners, which means they are near enough to lend a hand when necessary.

The beautiful River Merse decorated with the whimsy of a summer guest.

The house seen through the leaves of the pergola belongs to the owners, which means they are near enough to lend a hand when necessary.

The beautiful River Merse decorated with the whimsy of a summer guest.

A special treat are the meals served every Saturday and on alternate evenings in Campalfi's large dining hall. Guests can sign up if they are interested in joining in.

Hay bales dot the countryside below the Montagnola woodlands.

The grassy piazza between the dining hall and the main apartment complex is a wonderful place to catch the sun.

The owners' home is on the grounds and their discreet presence is a help for guests with a question or two.

Campalfi is still an agricultural concern and you may find the fields surrounding the property planted in wheat or beautiful golden sunflowers, as in this drawing by Dan Wrightson.

The beautiful green of the tranquil swimming hole.

Grilled zucchini and peppers sprinkled with seasoned olive oil is an excellent way to begin a meal.

Shaded tables in the the courtyard or grassy piazza nearby are nice spots for a summer lunch.

Campalfi's golden profile against the evergreen woods of the Montagnola hills.

The wooded lane to Campalfi makes it a lovely walk to Stigliano 3 km. away.

The banks of the Merse are host to rare shrubs, wildflowers and the dragonfly that comes to inspect.

Campalfi's peacock goes in search of his lady friend.

Be sure to try the honey made by the bees at Campalfi; they have a feast of wildflowers to feed on and the result is delicious.

The country lanes in this area are excellent territory for mountain bikes, which can be rented nearby for those who would like to go exploring.

The large arched entrance to the Campalfi farmstead, now adorned with fragrant roses and honeysuckle. (Drawing courtesy of Daniel Wrightson)

The arch which at one time would have welcomed guests to this large farmstead.

The courtyard is furnished for the enjoyment of all guests, but especially those of Il Granaio and Gli Archi who enter from the court.

The soft golden walls of the main building are highlighted with the deep green which is Nature's own hue.

Mirror reflection on the river Merse.

The river Merse offers a large natural pool for summer bathers.

The water is clear enough to follow the antics of tiny fish that swim among the rocks.

Some of the elements are present, but still missing are the delicious dishes of the owner/chef and the guests who will soon arrive to sample.

There are many places to sit and gaze out onto the young olive grove or the rising hills of chestnut, oak and pines.

By the time the moon rises guests have gathered round the long tables of the dining hall.

Informal soccer games make teammates of Campalfi guests.

Finally, the chance to read that book which has been waiting patiently on the bedside table.

There are fishing rods available at Campalfi for fishermen of all ages who have left theirs at home.

Campalfi, set back from the river Merse by about 200 metres, is a group of ancient farm buildings that once had all the necessities for the self-contained life of a small community. It has been converted to provide seven spacious dwellings. There is a central open-sided courtyard entered through an archway, around which are arranged the apartments, and to one side of this is a large dining-room where the English-speaking owner, a renowned chef, serves wonderful meals every Saturday night and on alternate evenings. The old granary has made a delightful cottage with a patio and an outdoor oven; a large ground floor apartment for five people is at right angles to the granary; and on the ground floor below the old tower is a light and airy apartment for two people.

The conversions are a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and modern comforts. All the apartments have a quiet, cool and restrained atmosphere and make excellent use of attractive fabrics and materials including old terra cotta floors, and simple, traditional Tuscan furniture. The hand of the artist owner is seen in the soft colors that grace the apartment walls and in the blossoms that drape arch and pergola alike.