Tuscany is a mythical region, and here in particular we are in wild Tuscany, which is less touristy and more mountainous. It is a region that is protected due to its unspoilt nature, a land of history, heritage and music, situated between Arezzo and Cortona, two medieval cities that abound with cultural wealth. At an altitude of 630 m, it is much cooler in the summer than in the torrid plains. What really caught my eye was its location at the heart of two river basins, overlooking the valley and, in the distance, a mountain without which the panorama would stretch on infinitely. 15 kilometres of breathtaking views over the hills, forest, vineyards and olive groves. A place to be admired, a place for introspection.
It is a simple house, built on the rock that emerges right into the billiard room. It embodies the modesty and harmony of the country houses of yesteryear. Built entirely of stone, it has retained its original materials: wood, stone, terracotta floor tiles, a monumental fireplace and whitewashed walls. A scrupulous restoration has enhanced these authentic features while adding a contemporary touch with the use of steel and corten steel. What is unusual and surprisingly modern is that the centre of the house opens onto a terrace. It is as if the builders of yesteryear had sensed the power of the panorama and the necessity to integrate the living space into it.
Set in the heart of a valley in which the Etruscans settled 2,500 years ago, the house was completed in 1808 and is divided into small hamlets. These dwellings were structured in such a way that their inhabitants, breeders and farmers, could live self-sufficiently during the winter months. On the ground floor there are stables for the animals and cellars for storing wine, olive oil and cured meats. The living areas are on the upper floors. This structure was used until the middle of the 20th century. In 2020, I set about restoring the entire building with a team of local craftsmen who are respectful of old buildings. They were so proud when they saw the six-page feature on the house in a leading French interior design magazine.
I’m an antiques dealer who wanders the world. I decorated the house and displayed works from my own collection: paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other unusual objects. I wanted my guests to find here a place to base themselves and recharge their batteries. A place where they can completely live in the present moment. This summer will see the installation of a natural swimming pool, which offers a more complete sensory experience than a normal swimming pool, and a Tuscan bath in which you can immerse yourself in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by nature. The house is equipped with a French and American convertible billiard table, a piano, a table tennis table and other games that will make for a good time. One of its features is the bread oven, where we bake our homemade pizzas as well as meat, in the summer and winter alike. On request, Paola, our home cook, can prepare Tuscan dishes just like in a restaurant, but from the comfort of home.
The Etruscan Trail for an unforgettable hike. Walking along the route plunges you into mythical and legendary history. The medieval village of Castiglion Fiorentino, an emblematic fortified town jewel. Palazzo del Pero and its butcher for succulent meats from local breeders. "La trattoria da Beppone" for its pasta with porcini mushrooms or truffles and its tagliatta. "La gelateria De Cenci”, in Arezzo's Piazza di San Francesco, serves mouth-watering sorbets and, to its left, the best fresh ravioli in the region. Cortona, for its cultural life and the excellent "El Teatro” restaurant. And above all, every first weekend of the month, the antiques market in the main streets of Arezzo.
Built on the mountain, the house follows its natural gradient. On the valley side of the garden level, a vaulted bedroom with a four-poster bed adjoins the music room. At the entrance there is a billiards room and a small museum of antiques from around the world. The main level houses four bedrooms, the kitchen, dining room and living room opening onto the terrace with its four-metre-long table. On the upper floor, there are three further bedrooms.
ref 278307
This property has been added to My favourites
This property has been deleted from My favourites
A link to enter a new password has been sent to you by email.
back
