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San Donato di Villa Arceno
is an exquisite gem set in rolling Chianti vineyards
with views that stretch 360 degrees past a nearby 13th
century hill town to Siena and into infinity.
Part
of the original estate of Villa Arceno, San Donato di
Villa Arceno has a history that goes back many 100's
of years, originally owned by the important and  influential
Piccolomini family (who have sent more than one Pope
to Rome!) It has been lovingly restored in recent years
by its owners who are designers and live in New York.
Thus the interiors are
filled with an artful blend of modern and ancient with
carefully chosen antiques and discreetly placed modern
conveniences. Every detail has been carefully considered
and positioned to create an atmosphere of refined elegance,
luxury and comfort with a New York lean on cutting edge
good taste.
Although the
neighbours share the pool with San Donato di Villa Arceno,
the pool is in a separate garden and does not at all
intrude on the peace and tranquillity of the private
garden attached to San Donato di Villa Arceno or the
view, which stretches away over rolling Chianti vineyards.
The neighbours themselves are placed also behind and
away, across a small private road and their gardens
look in a completely different direction. The feeling
is one of seclusion and serenity.
 ACCOMMODATION: One approaches the house from behind and comes around
the corner to find a patio that looks on to an unobstructed
view and a garden, lovingly planted with lavender, rosemary,
olive trees and other local flora. There is also a nice
stretch of rolling green lawn. The garden is beautifully
manicured and up kept by the estate gardener.
Entering the house through the patio
doors one steps into a living room with a fireplace
and elegant beige sofas, there are antique prints hanging
on the walls and an over whelming sense of soothing
refinement. There is an antique cabinet with a C.D.
player and Satellite television w/English & US channels
including CNN & CNBC.
This room leads to the open plan Kitchen
and dining area. The kitchen is fully equipped for even
the most discerning cooks and fitted out with exquisite
majolica tiles and a dishwasher. On this level, discreetly
tucked beneath the stairs, there is also a half bathroom
with the washing machine.
 Upstairs
one finds 2 bedrooms and a luxurious bath with large
soaking tub. San Donato di Villa Arceno has been converted
from an old hay barn and so the upstairs windows retain
memories of this in the very unusual and beautiful terracotta
fret work that sits behind the glass, creating both
shade and privacy whilst allowing those inside to gaze
out at will.
Every window has an incredible view
and especially the master bedroom. The beds are antique
Senese wrought iron with the highest quality linens
that have been chosen with extreme care, the bathroom
is all handmade glazed white tile with heated towel
rails and a hair dryer.
The master bedroom has a Queen size
bed and the second bedroom has two twin beds. San Donato
di Villa Arceno is not suitable for children under 10
or pets.
The house has thick stonewalls & is
well ventilated on a breezy hilltop and thus stays comfortably
cool in summer. For autumn and winter there is central
heating throughout.  There is a telephone for making
local calls. People wishing to make long distance calls
are advised to bring their calling card or cell phone.
LOCATION: San Donato di Villa Arceno is perfectly located one
hour to Florence and only 20 minutes to Siena. It is
conveniently located to also reach San Gimignano, Volterra,
Cortona, Arezzo etc. Fifteen minutes away in Rapolano
are the spas with hot spring heated pools and fango
(mud) treatments.
It is five minutes drive from shops
and restaurants in the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga.
The house is approached by driving
through the Estate of Villa Arceno and past the main
villa along drives lined with cypress and presided over
by an ancient obelisk. The Villa Arceno is now an extremely
fine 5 star luxury hotel with gourmet restaurant open
to San Donato di Villa Arceno residents, and has a walled
English-style park with lake.
With in the area one can find horse
riding, ballooning, and mountain bike hire, wine & olive
oil estates open to visit and cooking classes.
Please
note: This property does not have air conditioning.
Air conditioning is rarely necessary in Tuscany due
to the lack of humidity and the temperate climate. Almost
all of our properties at InTuscany are in remodeled
medieval or renaissance buildings. They generally have
very thick walls and high ceilings, most are built on
the tops of our gently rolling hills where they catch
the breezes that spring up at mid day and in the evenings.
Generally air conditioning
is only found by the sea side or in the city centers
where noise and/or humidity make it necessary. We do
not have air conditioning in our offices or in any of
our own homes.
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