apartments in tuscany, farmhouses rental in valdorcia

area: Val D’Orcia - sleeps: 18 - baths: 8
number of units: 4
price: From € 530,00 to € 2.210,00

The sprawling estate surrounding the castle of Vivo D'Orcia takes its name from the majestic Val D'Orcia region in which it is found. This beautiful valley is a nature preserve located in the southernmost part of Tuscany, nearly 1000 meters above sea level in the shadows of Mount Amiata with magnificent views 360 degrees around. Shimmering olive groves, stone paths dotted with cypress trees, endless vineyards and centuries-old chestnut trees surround the immediate vicinity, and the nearby villages of Colle Sant'Angelo and Abbadia di San Salvatore can be seen from the property's altitude.
The Val D'Orcia has an advantageous location an hour's drive from the medieval town of Siena and two hours from Florence's Renaissance treasures. The famed villages of Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza and Monticchiello are all nearby. Also located a quick drive away are the therapeutic hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, San Casciano dei Bagni and others first discovered during the Roman empire. Even the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the walled village of Lucca and the Tuscan seacoast are all a day trip away from your Tuscan farmhouse in the heart of this peaceful valley.
The Borgo il Vivo estate dates back to the 11th century. It flourished as an agricultural center after 1534, when Pope Marcello II procured the estate and transformed it from its humble beginnings. Today, the estate is still owned and managed by the family of Pope Marcello II. Count Marcello Cervini and his wife Amarilli host a myriad of guests at Borgo il Vivo during the summer months and will attend to your every need. They will suggest a quality restaurant in a neighboring town, or better yet, arrange for a private chef to prepare you regional specialties in the comfort of your own rental upon request, utilizing fresh truffles and wild game found in the surrounding forest and customizing the feast to your personal wishes. After unwinding with a glass of local wine on the private stone terrace gazing out over the valley, you'll understand immediately why locals claim "Borgo il Vivo is not a place - it's a way of life."