Refined vacation apartments -with independent entry and excellent facilities –, wedding locations -, a green oasis of peace in a rare natural scenery: full relax, sporting and cultural activities. This charming medieval Villa, the Country House Torre del Guado,dates back to the 13th century and has been carefully restored and transformed into a warm and refined Country Guest House. While many of the original features have been preserved, the Villa is furnished with all the modern conveniences including Wireless Internet connection for your laptop. It provides an ideal location for a relaxing and invigorating holiday in the picturesque Tuscan countryside or as a base from which to discover the many places of artistic, historical and cultural significance in the area. The lengthy restoration process was completed in 2001. The original building, which evolved over the centuries, naturally built in stone was designed in the form of an "L" shape around a central tower which dates back to the 12th or 13th century. The beauty of this rustic building suggests historical links to a noble past which can be seen in the antique arched ceilings on the ground floor and the large fireplace, which dates back to the pre-Renaissance period. There are no records to be found to confirm the exact history of the property but it is certain that in the 19th century the villa and farm belonged to the wealthy Collacchioni family from the Maremma region. Among other things the family were horse breeders who played a leading role in the development of local cultural activities. The historical Villa today provides charming and refined accommodation where the subtle pastel shades together with the carefully selected furnishings contrast perfectly with the rustic stones. Facilities on site: 5 self-catering apartments, entirely independent and with entry on the garden, Linens, towels, swimming pool towels and table cloths, iron and hair dryer are provided, Cots and highchairs for babies available by request Wireless internet, euro 4 per/day, unlimited access Well-tended garden (20000 mq): 3 Covered gazebos plus BBQ area, Each unit has its own outdoor sitting area, Large ecological swimming pool (15m x 7m) plus outside shower Private parking plus a covered parking space for each unit Free use of Mountain-bikes Ping-pong, Mini volley & Table football, Large room for Weddings, conventions and cultural events Mattia is happy to arrange reservations for any activities you wish to participate in during your stay such as tennis, golf, fishing, horse riding, trekking, thermal bath treatments or cultural activities such as museums. The Apartments All enjoy plenty of natural light along with panoramic views of the Upper Tiber Valley and the foothills of the Apennines. Each self catering apartment has its own fireplace, a fully-equipped kitchen and all the benefits of modern technology (Wireless Internet, Satellite TV, central heating, and washing machine). All linen including swimming pool towels and tables cloths are provided, also a hairdryer and iron. All the apartments are tastefully and stylishly decorated thanks to a carefully selected colour scheme of warm, pastel shades (yellow, apricot, indigo, mauve). Each apartment has its private outdoor dining area with sunshade. Gelso: On two levels and decorated in soft pastel apricot shades, lovely ambience, spacious and well equipped. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Sleeps 4 – 6 Shared Ecological Pool Private outdoor patio with sunshade Entrance on the ground floor: living room with fireplace, TV sat, 1 double sofa-bed, fully equipped kitchen corner (4 plates, gas, refrigerator, ice compartment, electric oven), dining table for 6, washing-machine. The upper floor consists: 1 large double bedroom plus a smaller twin bedroom and a well appointed bathroom with shower. Linens, towels, swimming pool towels and tables cloths, iron and hair dryer are furnished. Cot and highchairs for babies, wireless internet available on request euro 4 per/day. It has its own private outdoor sitting area with sunshade. Glicine: Comfortable one bedroom apartment decorated in warm mauve tones with private outdoor patio on the ground level. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Sleeps 2 - 3 Shared Ecological Pool Private outdoor patio with sunshade Open plan living/dining with fully equipped kitchen (4 plates, gas, refrigerator, ice compartment, electric oven) plus fireplace, satellite TV and wireless Internet on request. The sofa/divan can be used to sleep a third guest. The double bedroom with ample wardrobe space and the well appointed bathroom with shower are located on the upper level. All linen provided along with a private washing machine and iron. Ginestra: Cheerfully decorated in yellow shades, this spacious one bedroom apartment may easily accommodate another 2 guests. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Sleeps 2 - 4 Shared Ecological Pool Private outdoor patio with sunshade Open plan living/dining with fully equipped kitchen (4 plates, gas, refrigerator, ice compartment, electric oven) plus fireplace, satellite TV and wireless Internet on request. The sofa/divan can be transformed into a second double bed. The upper level features a double bedroom with ample wardrobe space and the well appointed bathroom with shower. All linen provided along with a private washing machine and iron. Guado: Stylishly decorated in indigo shades with spacious living area, the apartment enjoys picturesque country views. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Sleeps 4 - 6 Shared Ecological Pool Private outdoor patio with sunshade Spacious open plan living/dining with fully equipped kitchen (4 plates, gas, refrigerator, ice compartment, electric oven) plus fireplace, satellite TV and wireless Internet on request. The sofa/divan can be transformed into a second double bed. The upper level features a double bedroom with ample wardrobe space plus a second bedroom featuring 2 single beds [these can be made up as a double].A well appointed bathroom with shower is also located on the upper floor. All linen provided along with a private washing machine and iron. Cots and highchairs for babies available on request. Iris: Located in the most historical wing of the Villa this beautifully appointed apartment is a popular choice for couples on their honeymoon. 1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Sleeps 2 - 5 Shared Ecological Pool Private porch, Outdoor dining area with sunshade This charming apartment located on the first floor features a very spacious open plan living/dining area with fully equipped kitchen (4 plates, gas, refrigerator, ice compartment, electric oven) plus fireplace, satellite TV and wireless Internet on request. The two sofa/divans can be transformed into a second double bed plus a single bed. The characteristic double bedroom is only the same floor and has a well appointed en suite bathroom with shower. All linen provided along with a private washing machine and iron. LOCATION The location of the holiday home , at 3 sqm from Sansepolcro and 29 sqm from Arezzo, not far from Siena, on the edge of the Chianti wine region and of Umbria, is a perfect base for visiting Rome and many cities of art of Tuscany (Siena, Florence, Arezzo, Cortona etc.) and Umbria (Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia...). They all are easily accessible through the nearby E45 speedway, situated only 3 kms from the villa, and A1 highway 34 kms far. For art-lovers, in this area there are Signorelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio frescos in addition to the ’Piero della Francesca trail’ around Arezzo, Sansepolcro & Monterchi. There are a number of music festivals in the region, including Umbria Jazz in Perugia in July. For history-lovers there is interest everywhere, with Etruscan tombs, Roman remains and medieval city-centres. ACTIVITIES in the proximities: For those in search of peace and tranquility: The perfect environment for natural beauty and relaxation, visitors to the holiday Villa Torre del Guado can enjoy relaxing swims in the pool or pleasant hiking and cycling trips around the stunning landscape of the tall valley or along the Tiber shores or just simply enjoy the countryside and the beautiful views, stopping frequently at a bar for fresh coffee and real Italian icecreams!. For those of you who prefer to indulge in sporting or cultural activities (Tuscan City of Art): * Trekking, * Cycling excursions, * 2 Horseback ridings: at 2 and 5 kms, * Tennis courts, gym at 2 kms, * Golf at 6 kms, * Lakes Trasimeno and Montedoglio provide water-sports, trips to islands & a small beach, * Thermal baths (Fontecchio) and beauty farm at 14 kms, * Sea: less than an hour by car, * Museums and cultural sites in the near cities of Art, * Antiquary’s objects ( Anghiari, Sansepolcro, Arezzo) For people interested in finding a real bargain in the world of "haute couture" (women’s and men’s) there is, nearby, an exclusive shopping centre called "The Mall", home to the factory outlets of Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent…, and other top designer labels. Not far away there is a similar Prada outlet. How to get Torre del Guado Torre del Guado is easily accessible from Rome, Florence, Forlì and Perugia airports. The airports and the railway stations in Rome, Florence, Perugia, Bologna, Arezzo, Forlì are short driving distance . Fly direct to Perugia (our nearest airport : 45 minutes drive) via Ryanair, or to Bologna-Forlì, or to Florence , or to Ancona via Ryanair (2 hours’ drive), or to Bologna, Pisa or Rome. By Car: from Milan-Bologna: A14 highway to Cesena: exit Cesena nord, Follow E45 Speedway to Rome-Perugia- exit Sansepolcro sud. from Rome-Orte: E45 Speedway Perugia-Cesena: exit Sansepolcro sud. from Florence: A1 highway - exit Arezzo with direction SANSEPOLCRO. From the exit at Sansepolcro sud, follow the road to AREZZO; after approx. 2kms turn left, signposted GRICIGNANO