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If you decide to stay a few days in this Tuscan jewel-box, don't be surprised to find different furnishings than those that appear on this page. That is because your very friendly young hosts, Paolo and his brother Carlo, come from a large family of well-known antique dealers and interior decorators, and every single item in the house, from the largest four-poster bed to the classic clawfoot tub to the silver candlesticks, can be purchased (only by houseguests, of course). You may arrive in a sports car, but there's a chance you'll go away with a U-Haul and a big Cheshire cat grin on your face!
Casa Bella occupies a stone farmhouse that was built about 350 years ago. In those days, the gentleman who owned it most certainly chose its hilltop position so that he could keep an eye on all his animals, fields and vineyards. Our needs are less practical: all we want is the breathtaking views of the entire Chiana Valley, and front row seats on the big patio and in the garden for the fiery sunsets that light up the sky each evening. Although this spot is just a half dozen miles from the autostrada, it is way off the beaten track, about 12 miles from Montepulciano and from Cortona. You can drive to Florence, Assisi and Siena in just over an hour, and there are countless great restaurants - ranging from renowned La Chiusa to the most humble trattoria - within easy reach. Of course the easiest, and one of the very best, is the property's own restaurant, where we urge you to enjoy at least one dinner.
Another element contributing to the tranquility of this property is its size: no more than eleven guests can stay here at any time, in four double rooms and one junior suite, each with en suite bathroom. The ground floor, with its ancient terra cotta floor and huge fireplace, is almost all given over to comfortable sitting rooms and the cozy breakfast room, where everyone eats at the same long table. Your hosts take great pride in serving a delicious meal featuring fresh fruit, homemade croissants, cakes and jam, and eggs, meat and cheese on request. The one guestroom on this level, Number One, is small but very romantic. It features a queen-sized canopy bed, fireplace, desk, bathroom with stall shower, and a door opening onto the garden.
Upstairs, Number Two has a pair of picture windows overlooking the garden. The sun streams in on its green-striped walls, queen-sized bed, large wardrobe and bathroom with two sinks and bathtub with shower. Number Three is smaller, and ideal for a single person. Its bathroom has a shower. Number Four is a duplex junior suite featuring a single day bed, wardrobe and bathroom with shower on the lower level, and two twins or one double bed with bathtub on the loft above. Number Five has a wrought-iron queen-sized bed, a bookcase, wardrobe, and dresser. The bathroom, entirely frescoed in the Egyptian manner, has a stall shower.
There are many thoughtful amenities here, including air conditioning, a complimentary 24-hour-a-day DSL
connection in every room, satellite TV (on request at arrival), screens on all the windows, and hair dryers
(on request). If you don't want to travel with a laptop, you are welcome to use the computer in the office at any time. The property is completed by a panoramic swimming pool tucked away in a secluded part of the garden.
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| Nightly B&B Rates for 2008 (per room) Three-Night Minimum Stay |
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| Includes taxes, services, breakfast & DSL use |
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| Double Room for Single Use | 100.00 EURO |
| Double Room | 120.00 EURO |
| Junior Suite for 2 people | 145.00 EURO |
| Junior Suite for 3 people | 180.00 EURO |
| Junior Suite for 2+2 people | 215.00 EURO |
Casa Bella is located near a small farm road. All the rooms except Number Three are on the rear of the house and only the very lightest of sleepers should hear any traffic.
Click here for information about half-day cooking lessons, pizza lessons or wine lessons.
Click here for information about private transfers to the property.
Please note that you need a car to stay here.
