Chianti, Tuscany
Property 5365
10 to 22 Guests
12 Bedrooms
8.5 Bathrooms
1,000 square meters indoor
2 hectares outdoor
Ca di Pesa is what many dream when they consider a Tuscan holiday. The location defines 'in the heart of Chianti' as the house sits minutes from the charming town of Panzano. Its position on a hillside overlooking the Pesa Valley, offers exceptional views; intimate and yet expansive, a tapestry of olive groves, vineyards, woods and country estates. This home is also large enough - and offered with enough staff - for 22. For a group of ten to 14, the house works just as beautifully. Ca di Pesa is truly exceptional in its location, position and size.
Like so many, we return again and again to Chianti with pleasure. On each visit we discover a new aspect which enriches our understanding of this singular region. Some twenty years of increasing tourism has somehow been absorbed into the enduring charm of village life without ill effect. The pace of the year remains centered on the land; growing, tending, harvesting, producing and enjoying. People remain bound to long-standing traditions out of which they create the fabric of daily life: stopping work at one o'clock for family lunch at home, followed by a nap for the lucky. Sunday's supper with three or more generations present, followed by the leisurely stroll around the piazza. Tradespeople and farmers whose tools appear unchanged for hundreds of years. We are reminded again and again to relax and slow down, reminded again and again of all that we miss when we rush around. Here they have mastered the art of slow living, and welcome a chance to introduce you to its sultry ways.
This said, there have been some clear steps towards embracing Americans on holiday in Tuscany. More and more restaurants of an increasingly refined style are taking hold; chic boutiques full of interesting and pretty things are filling up ancient piazzas. English is now spoken by many shopkeepers and restauranteurs. In the end, these are all welcome improvements making holidays easier and more enjoyable for visitors.
A typically rough dirt road brings you to Ca di Pesa, past vineyards, olive groves and farm houses as well as neighboring Chianti-producing estates. Building was begun on this house approximately one thousand years ago. In the Medieval period, it evolved into a 'borgo' or small village, with an interior courtyard and impressive stone facade. As you approach the gate, you are enveloped by this timeless architecture. Sienna and honey-colored stones are fashioned into a squared-off doughnut, with a four-story tower at the northeast corner -- essential for defense hundreds of years ago. There is a heavy arched wooden door, the original entrance into the courtyard, and a secondary entrance into the northern wing of the house. Opposite is a friendly neighboring farm family (with children, dogs and goats). The chapel is adjacent, still in its raw, unrestored state, peaceful and spirit-filled. Once through the gate, the drive brings you alongside the house, with the owner's olive grove on the right. You park to the right and arrive at the west lawn, the primary outdoor living space in summer.
The lawn is bordered by the house on one side, with several double doors opening directly to the kitchen and living rooms. A pergola, heavy with grapevines, extends half the length of the facade, providing cover for meals for 14 al fresco at a long table with comfortable teak chairs. Opposite is a stone patio with an barbecue and open grill. A round table is set into a curved built-in bench (seats six) -- perfect for hors d'oeurves while you cook, a great place for the kids to have lunch. Adjacent is the 'limonaia', a wonderful playroom for children -- brightly colored and full of fun toys -- a very welcome touch for any parent travelling with youngsters. A second pergola, this one on the far eastern edge of the property and dense with wisteria, provides shade for an outdoor game of ping-pong. Bocce court. As you walk towards the south facade, the lawn and terrace hug the house, and a covered staircase (with a handsome wooden gate) takes you to the fresh water pool (15 x 7 meters). The area is furnished with sunbeds, tables and chairs with umbrellas, and two handsome carved crocodiles standing guard. A pool house, with intensely fragrant rosemary cascading down the stone wall, provides a changing room and full bath. The view is exceptional, between the cypress trees to the owner's vineyard and then the valley beyond. A large vegetable garden is adjacent, abundant and available for picking tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, lettuce. What a way to begin preparation for dinner!
Saturday - Saturday rentals only.
Cleaning included 5 hours/day, Monday - Saturday. Additional hours for cleaning, personal laundry and shopping on request at E. 15.00/hour, paid directly to maid.
Three course arrival dinner may be available on request at E. 35.00 per person (E. 20.00 for children under 10). Otherwise, a light arrival dinner will be available at E. 25.00 per person (not including table service or clean-up - additional staff services, if requested, paid separately at E. 30.00/hour).
Additional cooking available up to 3 times per week at E. 35.00 per person, for 3 courses.
Once weekly linen change on Saturday. Additional change of bed linens on request by separate payment, at E. 20.00 per bed.
Each bedroom has at least one screened window and a fan.
Neighboring dog, like all good country dogs, does bark.
Owners' wine (Chianti and Chianti Classico Riserva) and extra virgin olive oil available for purchase.
Water tanks will be full on arrival; please be conservative in use. If supply is depleted, guests are responsible for replacement cost.
Two Graco portable cribs available.
Mountain bikes available for rental by guests.
Price information available upon request.
Homebase Abroad, Ltd.
Two Hooper Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Phone: (781) 639-4040
Fax: (781) 639-3050
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