The Villa
Pergola: Immediately outside the kitchen is a large pergola covering a natural stone floor which provides an ideal shaded area for al fresco dining.
Lawns: The house is surrounded by well maintained lawns which are refreshed by an irrigation system every evening. While this might appear to be a flagrant waste of water, the 30,000 litres used every day is sourced from a well on the property. The lawns are a perfect place for children to play game.
The pool: Surrounded by a deep terracotta paving this substantial twelve by five meter pool has Roman Steps ideal for young children. While the pool is surrounded by a boundary fence, this has not been designed to keep it completely secure for children. This is deliberate; experience would suggest if they want to find a way of getting in they eventually will! However, the pool is visible from the kitchen, so keeping a watchful eye on children is relatively easy. There are twelve sun loungers and a further shaded pergola covered in wisteria.
The tennis court: Cut into the hill above the house is the all-weather tennis court. With views going down through the valley this is a stunning place to work off the pasta. The surface is polished concrete; it’s quick but deadly accurate. During the peak months of the summer it can be a bit too hot to play in the middle of the day, but it’s ideal for early morning and evening.
Pushing the net to one side, the court is a great surface for other games – basketball and football.
The barn: Unless requested, the barn is closed to visitors, with the exception of the pool room, which is used to store cushions and cleaning equipment.
The surrounding land: Twenty acres of land surrounds the property ensuring absolute privacy. Depending on the season, it is possible to collect wild strawberries, figs, truffles, mushrooms, cherries and an abundance of other fruits.
HOUSE LAYOUT
The ground floor used to house the livestock. With wide openings to all aspects it now provides cool and flexible accommodation.
Kitchen: fully equipped with gas/electric cooker, dishwasher, fridge freezer etc.
Dining room: table seating up to twelve people, Hi fi system and wifi.
Sitting room: selection of sofas, log burning fire- place, wide screen TV. Video/DVD -player and a large selection of movies and board games plus board games.
Utility room: for additional food storage, washing machine plus a further fridge and deep freeze for drinks.
Shower room: this old tobacco drying room has been converted into a stunning shower room and WC, perfect for children following a day at the pool.
The first floor is approached via hand carved 1.6 meter wide stone steps. This used to be the main living quarters.
Main Hall – Traditional 17th Century fireplace set in the middle of this room with ceilings over 10 meters high bordered by a minstrel’s gallery which provides access to the second floor bedrooms.
Bedroom1 – Enjoying views down the valley this very comfortable bedroom, with ancient tiled floors has an en-suite bathroom with shower, bath, bidet and wc.
Bedroom 2 – Double bedroom similar in size to the master bedroom this is ideal for a couple of adults. Second bathroom: a substantial family bathroom with bath, shower and wc.
The second floor is accessed via a further set of natural stone steps and contains bedrooms set under massive oak beams bonded with natural pianelli roof tiles:
Bedroom three: containing two single beds, this is ideal for two people. The beds can be put together to make another double.
Bedroom four: comprising three beds. Again this is ideal for children or the beds can be pushed together to make a double.
Bedroom five: the same layout as bedroom four.
HOW TO GET THERE
It depends on what airport you use, but approximate traveling times are as follows:
Pisa 2.5 hrs
Bologna 2 hrs
Arrezzo 45 Mins
Rome 3 hrs
THE CLIMATE
On the whole the region enjoys very comfortable weather. When it does get too hot Casivieri is situated up in the hills benefiting from the cool evening breeze. The walls of the house are roughly three feet thick and all the windows are shuttered. On hot days the interior stays very cool allowing for pleasant uninterrupted sleep.