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Though the area and the wine known as Chianti is much beloved by the modern traveler, this is a land that has been producing for centuries. Il Casolare is one of the ancient farm buildings that, like Topsy, just grew, and grew until it became the sprawling farmhouse whose contours extend long and jut up and outward. Its present owners took it in gentle hand and with a joyful sense of color and generous hospitality have transformed it into three large houses, all under the same roof, but individual in style and each with its own view of the ancient landscape that surrounds it.
Country living in these houses is not rustic. The owners have preserved the terracotta floors and chestnut beamed ceilings and let an ancient layout rule the day, yet they have successfully mixed the antique furniture with bold warm colors, attractive fabrics and all the good-quality appliances a modern cook would want. Individual houses take their names from the colors that grace the walls - the golden yellow of La Gialla, the patrician blue of L'Azzurra and the soft glowing orange of L'Arancio. All of the houses have their own outdoor eating areas, furnished with tables, umbrellas, and divans and located in separate parts of the property, but they share the large pool behind the house with its wide furnished surround and lovely views of the olive groves and wooded hillside opposite. While the houses themselves make you feel well looked after, a charming caretaker, who lives in a small building on the property, is also on hand to help with any special requests. Although the three houses function very well as private accommodation, La Gialla and L'Azzurra can be rented together and interconnected, and should the whole property be taken by a group there is plenty of space for everyone to be together.
Accommodation
The largest of the houses has two entrances - one from the charming front terrace with bright tile-covered tables overlooking the nearby vineyard and with handy access to the deceptively small, but well-equipped kitchen, and another directly into the large living room, whose warm colors and comfortable furnishings make your feel instantly at home. To one side of the living area is a dining room with a table for 8; to another, a wide staircase leading upstairs. On this floor is another large sitting room with a fireplace and doors off to the bedrooms - one twin bedroom with an ensuite shower room, a large double with ensuite bathroom that also has a shower, and two twin or double bedrooms that share a bathroom.
Around Arancio
There are endless things to do in this area for the spring to autumn seasons in nearby Chianti villages hum with festivals, outdoor markets, concerts and sagre, occasions when the whole village turns out to eat. The beauty of the Chianti and the many castles and wineries tucked in its hills can be explored by car, but you may like the slower method of discovery on horseback or mountain bike, both easily arranged from Il Casolare. Nearby Greve, Panzano, Radda and Castellina all have charming historic centres to explore, and when the Renaissance wonders of Florence call, or the lure of the designer outlet mall asserts itself, know that you are but half an hour away. You may, however, simply prefer to follow the example of Theo, the most laid-back watchdog in Tuscany, and just wander up the road to the neighboring Fattoria to buy the good Chianti wine whose name inspired your holiday and relax where the living is indeed easy.
Prices
Prices are in British Pounds Sterling or Euro per property per week. Dollar prices shown are indicative only and will vary with the exchange rate.
| Low season | 2nd Jan - 2nd Apr / 17th Apr - 7th May / 2nd Oct - 17th Dec / 1st Jan - 7th Jan | £2449.00 / €2571.00 Approx US $3693.00 |
| Mid season | 3rd Apr - 16th Apr / 8th May - 25th Jun / 28th Aug - 1st Oct / 18th Dec - 24th Dec / 25th Dec - 31st Dec | £2449.00 / €2571.00 Approx US $3693.00 |
| High season | 26th Jun - 27th Aug | £2449.00 / €2571.00 Approx US $3693.00 |
* This property rents at Mid Season prices for Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Want to talk to us?
Our experienced travel specialists will be happy to help so please call us on +44 (0)20 8444 9500. Alternatively, you can send us an enquiry or contact one of our local agents.
