|
Originally an 11th century hilltop castle, this most elegantly and comfortably renovated 4-star hotel preserves a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Except for one double bedroom, all its accommodation consists of suites, of traditional Tuscan design, each incorporating a separate living room, with integrated kitchen. The little cluster of light-stone buildings is set amongst spacious lawns, shaded by a host of mature trees and bordered to one side by a vast olive grove. This privileged secluded location enjoys absolute quiet and privacy, as well as spectacular panoramic views over the neighbouring vineyards, wooded hills and the long stretch of valley below.
 The reception hallway is located downstairs in the castle’s main building and opens into the ground-floor bar area, with its cosy seating corner and bright buffet-breakfast room. As there is no additional restaurant on site, the suites are designed for self-catering. All prices are quoted exclusive of breakfast. These communal spaces feature the simple, attractive beamed/terracotta-tiled ceilings, stone floors and whitewashed walls so typical of traditional Tuscan interior design.
Modern connecting stairways - or the 21st century lift! - take you to the two upper floors, where one double bedroom and 13 individual suites are located. Those on the second floor sit directly beneath the darkwood beams of the low, pitched roof, so enjoy the intimate feel of an attic apartment.
The castle’s adjoining annexe houses the remaining 3 suites, two of which have separate entrances at ground-floor level and their own shaded patio. The other is situated on the first floor and is accessed via an external flight of stone steps. In the garden behind the central complex, a low-level ancient stone  outbuilding contains the large, fully equipped Conference Room, easily accommodating 35 people. It is ideally suited to host residential business meetings and conferences.
ACCOMMODATION: All bathrooms are fitted with a jacuzzi bathtub or shower.
All suites are equipped with air-conditioning; Sat.TV; phone; safe; mini-bar; and enjoy lovely countryside views. Each one is individually designated by a local historic family name.
THE GARDEN AND SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT: Leading off the main country road that passes through the local village of Strove, a rough gravel track winds its way from the valley up the hillside, amid lovely unspoilt scenery. In five minutes you arrive at the informal shady parking area bordering the hotel grounds, which are hedged and fenced-in. On the opposite side of the track, vineyards stretch into the distance and densely wooded hills form a stunning backdrop.
A pathway guides you among well-tended lawns to the reception entrance,  outside which a pergola entwined with sweet-scented wisteria provides welcome shade and climbing jasmine graces the walls. The path curves round to the far side of the buildings, sheltered by groups of tall trees and magnificent borders of perfumed lavender and fragrant rosemary, a major attraction for bees and butterflies.
In the far corner of the gardens, set away from the house and encircled by lawns, is the lovely travertine-marble pool, furnished with sunshades and loungers. Its suntrap position affords superb elevated views overlooking the valley below, where the medieval village of Strove lies.
HISTORY: Built in characteristically Tuscan brick and light stone, this former medieval defensive castle, the so-called ‘Castello e Fortezza di Strove’, dates from the year 1000 and, as such, is one of the most ancient fortifications of this locality.
The origins of the settlement of Strove itself are, however, even older, as it took its name from the Etruscans, who constructed a road passing through it. This was later used by the religious pilgrims journeying on foot from France to Rome, as part of the historic ‘Francigena’ or Frankish route.
 In the Middle Ages, the castle was at one time owned by the powerful noble Montanini family of Siena, who are even mentioned in Dante’s ‘Purgatory’! Portraying a red shield and a black lion, it is their coat-of-arms that adorns the castle walls.
According to historical records, the little fortress once served as a place of refuge and shelter for Ghibelline troops, who took part in a number of battles in the area.
LOCATION: The hotel is ideally positioned for those wishing to undertake sightseeing trips by car to Tuscany’s main centres of historic, artistic and architectural interest, such as Florence, Siena and Arezzo. Easy excursions can likewise be made to the nearby fortress of Monteriggioni, as also to the picturesque hilltop towns of Colle Val d’Elsa and San Gimignano, with its incredible series of medieval towers.
There are many attractive walking opportunities in the unspoilt countryside around the grounds; or you may simply choose to spend a totally relaxing  vacation at leisure, away from it all, in the idyllic peace and quiet of this breathtaking natural setting!
OTHER FACILITIES AVAILABLE
NEAR BY: They can go on many excursions on
foot, by bike or by car, such as the footpath in the
midst of enchanting scenery which takes them to the
mediaeval town of Strove, just 1 km away, set
on a hilltop dominating the Elsa Valley, a land of boundless
suggestion. Using the quiet and peaceful Relais della Rovere as their base, guests can easily visit the most
important historical centres of Tuscany: Florence, Siena,
San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Pisa, Arezzo
and the coast.
|
