Colle di Mezzo

A valuable addition to your Tuscan holiday would be a trip to the stunning Orange Flag awarded town of Montefollonico! It sits on a forested hill between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia.

The town is thought to have received its name by the Romans who called the cloth weavers of the area ‘fullones’. Visitors wishing to explore the area for a day or two have plenty of exclusive villas the Val di Chiana and vacation rentals available in the Val d’Orcia areas to stay in an enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Montefollonico.

The town itself is thought to have developed between the twelfth and thirteenth century and the surrounding walls and towers were added a century later. It withstood many fierce battles from quarrelling communes and is one of the few towns in Italy today that have their original town walls almost entirely intact!

Our Villa Spotlight is turning once again to the fair city of Montepulciano, well known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We are looking at the Via Della Stella (Montepulciano 850) (no longer available), a gorgeous three unit farmhouse lies about 15km from the town center of Montepulciano. The smaller brick cottage dates back to the 18th century, while the farmhouse was built in the early 20th century. Both buildings have been renovated and meet modern expectations. To give this villa the proper treatment in our Spotlight, we will be running a three part series. Be sure to stay tuned in the coming days to find out more about this vacation rental in Montepulciano!

Welcome back to our third and final installment in the Villa Spotlight on the Via Della Stella (Montepulciano 850)! Previously we have looked at the surroundings of the villa, as well as the smaller two units of the property. If you missed either installment, don't forget to go back and read them as well.

If you are traveling with a large family, a group of friends or social group the final apartment in the Via Della Stella (Montepulciano 850) may suit your needs perfectly!

Welcome to Part 2 of of our Villa Spotlight article on the gorgeous Via Della Stella (Montepulciano 850), located in the hills of the Val di Chiana. The region was once a marshland but was drained in the 18th century and quickly became one of the most fertile region of Italy. While you admire the beauty of the region and the Chiana River itself, its hard to imagine it as the swamp it once was.

Previously, we covered the amenities of the property as well as the nearby activities and sites to see. If you missed that, please make sure to go back and read that if your interested is piqued by this farmhouse in Montepulciano.

In March our team (with families... a big group) went to visit the Villa Ardene (no longer available) – a beautiful estate situated just down the road (1 km) from the hilltop town Montepulciano, aka the “Pearl of the 16th century”, in the south of Tuscany.

The owners Daniela and Benedetta (mother and daughter) showed us around and we were amazed by all the fine details and the superior quality of the restoration.

The furniture all in solid walnut and chestnut wood, skilfully restored in its original style.

Each bathroom a real example of luxury and elegance: natural stones and mosaics, the Bisazza’s mosaics and gems, handmade Greek frets painted by prestigious craftsmen. The chandeliers are unique pieces made in Murano, near Venice.

Throughout all of history, each and every culture has some sort of event that is designed as a celebration or festival. Without these celebrations life can become rather dull. America has the almost completely flavorless county fairs that dot the country, with the same carnival rides coming each year to each town. It may be a distraction or just something that is slightly out of the routine enough to draw some of the town in but nothing that really excites people.

Italy, and Tuscany in particular, has been able to hold on to local traditions and still get the people excited even today. Though very close in distance and very similar in heritage and culture, each town in Tuscany seems to add its own particular flavor to the region.