May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
The Castle lies on 25 hectares of land comprising forests filled with deer and squirrels, and a myriad of wildlife. Adjoining is our vineyard and orchards with fruit and olive trees. Within the inner walls of the Castle, we have charmingly restored what was once the original lodgings of the Castle's military commander. The house has three bedrooms tastefully restored and furnished yet with all the modern necessities for a comfortable, unique and relaxed stay.
The house is designed to comfortably accommodate a maximum of seven/eights guests and is laid out over 2 floors, on the first floor is the living area which combines the modern kitchen and dining area which comprises dining table for 8 or more people. On this floor there are two large double bedrooms. The second floor comprises one large bedroom and the large bathroom. The very thick walls of this centuries old property keep the house cool in summer. Externally there is a patio with table and chairs and is illuminated for dining in the evenings alfresco. A fourth bedroom has just been added (with en suite bathroom) but can only be accessed from the external part of the house.
We offer our guests special attention and the best service and hospitality (the owners live in the houses nearby), we include a selection of fine local wines and from the Chianti Classico along with delicacies from the local area to make your experience at the Castle of Pianettole unforgettable. Within easy walking distance is our vineyard from which you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside. Discounts possible for smaller parties.
The Tower of Pianettole Castle
new 4th bedroom in basement
ktichen with fire place (sat. tv)
House with its well
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/24721
The Tuscany region
The climate is warm throughout the summer and we usually have a mild october and april. A calendar of local events is available at: 'anghiari.it'. Anghiari is especially well known for its art and music schools and expertise in antique restoration, furniture building and historic pottery making.
Events of particular interest include the spring crafts faire, footrace and celebration of the Battle of Anghiari, 1440 (June 29), the summer music and theater festivals (london symphonic in July), November food festival, and the Scampanata, held in May every 5 years (2010, 2015, etc.). Anghiari boasts 28 restaurants in the "comune" area. There is a wide range of shops in town, inculding the world-famous fabric manufacturer, Busatti. There are banks, bankomats, food and vegetable markets, restaurants, butchers, hairdressers, an internet cafe, museums and galleries, and a number of excellent coffeshops. There is a weekly market on Wednesday and a monthly antiques market.
Within easy reach are Florence, Siena, Cortona, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Sansepolcro, Lago Trasimeno, Città di Castello, Spello, Orvieto and many other Tuscan and Umbrian towns. A golf club can be found in nearby Umbria (20 mins away) - where you can also horseride. You can fish in the local river and hire bikes in nearby Sansepolcro.
Arezzo area
The charming medieval town of Anghiari is a three minute drive from the Castle. It sits on the top of a hill overlooking the valley of the River Tiber. Listed in the ten most beautiful hill towns of Italy – it has fascinating winding streets and wide choice of specialist shops and fantastic restaurants. Every turn of each corner provides another subject for a photograph. From the town an amazing long (7km!) straight road (almost intact after 5 centuries) leads to Sansepolcro. The scenery from the top of this road in Anghiari is breathtaking!
There are many events, festivals and concerts held throughout the year in the close vicinity. The South Bank Symphonia play in the main square every July. Not to miss is the wonderful antiques fairs that takes place in Arezzo on the first weekend of every month. List of the main events in the area: late June - Festival of Anghiari Arezzo - June and September - Medieval Jousting competition in Arezzo ("Giostra del Saracino) Sansepolcro - renassiance week in Sansepolcro. Second Sunday - crossbow competion "Il palio della Balestra". Perugia - Jazz festival in July Chocolate festival in october Cortona - late August mushroom festival Caprese Michelangelo - October chesnut festival November - Monterchi Polenta festival
We can provide a pick up service from the airport - to be arranged in advance - ask for prices. also easy for us to meet you in Anghiari so you can get to the castle easily.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Perugia, Forli, Pisa, Florence, Rome: 100 km
Railway:
Arezzo: 28 km
Ferry:
Ancona: 150 km
Activities near Arezzo
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats
Double beds (4), Dining seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Nearby Sansepolcro is the birthplace of the great artist Piero della Francesca, whose works such as The Resurrection can be seen in the town’s museum. With markets on Tuesday and Saturdays, it is wonderful place to buy local produce. Within the medieval town walls you will find cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. In addition there are 4/5 large supermarkets and an amazing Olympic size swimming pool set in enormous pine woods. There are many events, festivals and concerts held throughout the year in the close vicinity. The South Bank Symphonia play in the main square every July. Not to miss is the wonderful antiques fairs that takes place in Arezzo on the first weekend of every month. The Castle provides an ideal base for touring and visiting many of Italy notable destinations including Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Cortona, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Caprese Michelangelo, La Verna. Rome can be reached within three hours by car or less if you take a fast train from Arezzo (1hr 10 mins). The Adriatic coast and San Marino are also about an hour’s drive.
Further details outdoors: Patio with table and chairs for your sole use. We would be happy to show your vineyards and orchards.
Conditions
Preferred arrival day is Saturday - but we are flexible.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low season (Oct-March)
14 Oct 08
1 Apr 09
900£ 698
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1 Week
Mid season
1 May 09
1 Jun 09
1000£ 775
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1 Week
High season (june-aug)
1 Jun 09
1 Sep 09
1200£ 930
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1 Week
mid season
1 Sep 09
1 Oct 09
1000£ 775
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1 Week
31
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Cleaning charge (30 euros).
Deposit of 50% required by cheque on booking.
Guestbook
Dear Louise an you please also pass on our thanks once again to Mario and his parents. Pianettole was the best stay we had while in Italy. The stay was wonderful. and as always, it is the little things that make the difference. The Bianchini's were very friendly and helpful, and made us feel like old friends visiting. They had thoughtfully provided some food for our arrival, the kitchen was well stocked with cooking implements, and we were given fresh produce from the family garden almost daily. The castle itself is a lovely old authentic building, and very comfortable. It's private, blissfully peaceful and the views are straight out of a picture book. Nearby, the town of Anghiari is a beautiful medieval town unspoilt by tourist hordes. We found the location to be perfect, and central to other classic Tuscan towns in the area. We heartily recommend Pianettole to anyone who wants a taste of the real Tuscany. Again, thanks for a wonderful stay in Italy. Kind regards Dave, Bonnie, Aden and Zoe Moore (Australia)
Dear Louise
Sorry for long silence, have been a bit tied up recently. We did love our stay at Pianettole, the house was amazing, we liked the privacy, the room to roam around, there were very good books and guides to the local area and the printed information was invaluable about markets and what to do nearby. It was comfortable, attractive and very well equipped. Mario, his sister and mother in particular, made us so very welcome and had filled the fridge with at least a weeks load of shopping which was so welcome when you have just arrived and are faced with going out to get things after a long journey. Mario’s sister treated us to fantastic bruschetta, frittata, panzanella and a gorgeous cake – such a treat and so delicious. The instructions were great, we did use the windy road and found the house no problem. Nothing we didn’t like or that could be improved, all in all very relaxing, our two older boys loved being in the castle and our baby boy was warmly welcomed (the cot was perfect). Please do pass on our comments to Mario – the house deserves to be full all year, and wish him luck with the restorations! Best wishes Caroline Holt (Newcastle)
We had a wonderful stay at the castle this summer while on a whirlwind tour of Italy! Our three young children loved running around outside, playing "sword fights" on the huge stone "bridge" connecting the castle tower with our accommodations. It was the perfect place for us as it was peaceful, relaxing, and plenty spacious for a family of five. We did day trips to Siena, Pisa, and Florence, and as promised, all were easily reachable from the castle. We highly recommend staying here if you are looking for a beautiful, peaceful, and friendly place to stay. Out of our 16 day trip to Italy staying in about 6 different accommodations, this was one of our favorites and definitely the favorite for our children. Mario and his family were friendly and welcoming, and we really felt like we were treated as friends as well as their guests. They were extremely gracious hosts! I can't say enough great things about this place! My favorite part was at night when the air was cool and the stars filled the sky from horizon to horizon. After the children were all sleeping, my husband and I would walk around the outside of the castle walls and enjoy the view overlooking the lights of Anghiari. It was magical! Laura Sopher, Amsterdam
It’s hard to know where to begin in describing how much we enjoyed our two-week stay in Pianettole in July 2008. The Castle itself, high on a hill with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, is lovely. The guest rooms are attractive, and the care taken in the building’s restoration is apparent in many charming details. The kitchen is spacious and fully equipped, with ample space for six around the large kitchen table. The four bedrooms are attractive and comfortable, and the bathrooms – one in the main part of the guesthouse and the other associated with the fourth bedroom, which is accessed through a separate external door – are well furnished with modern fixtures. At the rear of the guesthouse is a furnished patio that makes a great spot to sit and relax at any time of day.
Pianettole is just outside the strikingly beautiful medieval town of Anghiari (though it’s not practical to make the trip on foot unless you have the stomach for a taxing climb back up the hill to the castle). A few miles further on is the larger town of Sansepolcro, while about 30 minutes drive in the opposite direction is the bustling city of Arezzo. Anghiari has a number of charming shops and restaurants, as well as a weekly market, and is a great place to wander around and explore. Sansepolcro has additional conveniences such as several large supermarkets and a modern shopping center, as well as an interesting and picturesque older section, bounded by medieval walls. Major highways pass near Sansepolcro and Arezzo, which also has a railway station, making Pianettole an excellent base from which to explore the whole of Tuscany plus neighboring regions of Umbria, Marche and Emilia Romagna, or even San Marino. Siena, Florence, Assisi, Poppi and Cortona are all within easy driving distance, and we easily managed the longer drive to Pisa and Lucca as a day trip.
This was our first trip to Italy, and we saw many wonderful things and fabulous places. However, what really made our holiday special was the remarkable warmth and hospitality of Mario and his parents, Sergio and Lina, who live in different buildings within the castle grounds. Mario was the perfect host: warm and friendly and always concerned to make sure that everything was O.K.. When we arrived, the well-stocked refrigerator helped us feel immediately welcome. On many other occasions Mario went to extra effort to try and make our stay a success, lending us his GPS system, and sharing his family’s excellent olive oil and wine. Mario is always around to help if needed, and yet he also allows guests their privacy. When we left it was with genuine sadness, partly to be leaving Tuscany, but mostly to be leaving Mario and his family who we had come to consider as true friends.
We strongly recommend Pianettole as a perfect place to stay for a family or small group wishing to visit Tuscany without leaving behind the comforts of home. -Adrian and Laima Whitty, Hopkinton, Massachusetts USA.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/24721
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/24721
Contact details for home 24721
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Mario Bia
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email only
Advertiser joined: 11 Jan 2006 This property added: 24 Mar 2007
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