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Property Details

Sleeps:
13 - 20
Single Bedrooms:
0
Double Bedrooms:
7
Bathrooms:
8
Type:
Villa
Property #:
21309
Nearest Town:
Anghiari

Featured Property

This property is featured in the categories: Contact Us

Villa with Pool and 2 Guesthouses for a Group in Eastern Tuscany

Girasole - 20

Photo 1 of Villa with Pool and 2 Guesthouses for a Group in Eastern Tuscany
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About The Experience
For those seeking a serene escape to the Tuscan countryside, this 1000 year old charming villa nestled amidst the verdant woodlands is an ideal choice. Once the home of a Camaldolese monastery, the property is just the place to commune with nature, while enjoying modern comforts such as a private pool, solarium and alfresco meals. Girasole has had many famous guests including Italian movie director Leonardo Pieraccioni, Roberto Benigni and the Duke of Aosta.
Location Description

The property is situated in the Eastern Tuscan countryside. The small village of Tavernelle di Anghiari, where there are basic necessities and a few restaurants, is just 500 meters from the villa. Those who wish to walk may reach the village on foot via a paved road shared with cars. The town center of Anghiari, one of the region’s best preserved hill towns, is 1.5 kilometers from the villa. The town may be reached on foot, along a paved road shared with cars (15-20 minute walk). There is also a beautiful country path that leads from the villa through the neighboring forest. Anghiari has much of its 12th- and 13th-century architecture still intact and features several grocery stores, two pharmacies, a post office, excellent cafes and restaurants, as well as a weekly farmers market and typical Tuscan markets. Each summer the village hosts a month-long orchestral and opera festival featuring the London-based Southbank Symphony Orchestra, as well as a food festival. Just outside Anghiari, the local countess leads horseback riding excursions around her property, which is about six kilometers away. Arezzo, the charming town used as the backdrop for Roberto Benigni's "Life is Beautiful," is 27 kilometers away and is perfect for a day trip. The area is also well situated for day trips throughout Tuscany. The nearest train stations are Sansepolcro, Arezzo, Citta di Castello and Perugia.

Milan: 380 km/236 mi
Pisa airport: 200 km/124 mi
Marina di Grosseto (Tyrrhenian Sea): 170 km/105 mi
Forli Airport: 110 km/68 mi
Florence: 100 km/62 mi
Rimini: 100 km/62 mi
Assisi: 90 km/60 mi
Adriatic Coast: 70 km/43 mi
Perugia: 70 km/43 mi
Perugia Airport: 77 km/48 mi
Arezzo: 27 km/17 mi
Anghiari: 1.5 km/0.93 mi/25-minute walk
Tavernelle di Anghiari: 500 m/10-minute walk

Exterior Description
(6 hectares/14 acres)

The grounds are set amidst 5 hectares of woodland and 1 hectare of gardens filled with fragrant flowers, shrubs, potted plants and trees. The surrounding forest is home to the oldest cypress tree in the valley, and nature walks often lead to sightings of deer, birds of prey, squirrels, hares and owls. There are three primary buildings on the property: the main villa, a guesthouse and the old chapel (now a second guesthouse). There is also a cabin surrounded by olive trees, which serves as a relaxation room. Near the main villa there is a covered pergola in front of the kitchen that has dining tables and a barbecue, and there is another dining area with picnic-style tables. In the middle of the garden, a wooden staircase leads to the swimming pool (12m x 6m x 1.5m deep, open May 15 - September 30) and a large outdoor solarium furnished with sunbeds, tables, chairs, umbrellas and a shower. There is also a covered patio with sofas, armchairs, games, magazines and an additional refrigerator/freezer. Near the pool, surrounded by olive trees, the small cabin is furnished with rugs and pillows. There is an ancient well as well as a children’s play area that has a ping-pong table, hammocks, rackets and balls. The first-floor terrace has geraniums, tables for up to 8 and great views. Parking is available within the gated grounds.

Interior Description

Main House
Ground Floor: There is a reception area with a small office/reading room filled with information about the immediate area and Italy as a whole. A stone arch leads to the living room, which has three sofas, a flat-screen TV with satellite, dining table for 20 to 30 people, a piano and a 7th-century fireplace. The professional kitchen is equipped with a 6-burner stove, oven, high-speed dishwasher (cleans in 60 seconds), microwave, American coffee maker, espresso machine, Italian Moka coffee maker, electric tea kettle, toaster, mixer, deep-fryer, breakfast table for 4 and a fireplace. Near the kitchen there is a bathroom with a sink, toilet and bidet. A terra cotta staircase leads to the first floor. Outside of the main villa there is a separate laundry room with a washing machine, clothes dryer, iron and board. A separate bathroom houses a shower, sink, toilet and bidet.
First Floor: There is a living room with a sofa, armchairs, TV with satellite, dining table for 8 and an original fireplace. There are three bedrooms and a large terrace with dining tables, chairs and beautiful views. The first bedroom has a large queen-size bed (170 cm), TV with satellite, telephone, mini bar and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub with views of the valley, plus a sink, toilet and hairdryer. The second bedroom has a large queen-size bed (170 cm), TV with satellite, telephone, mini bar, door to the terrace and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet, and hairdryer. The third bedroom has a king-size bed (185 cm), and a large queen-size sofa bed (170 cm, sleeps 2), TV with satellite, telephone, mini bar and ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet, bidet and hairdryer. A wooden staircase leads to the second floor. A door leads outside to the furnished terrace (seats up to 8) and an external staircase, which leads down to the garden and also serves as a private entrance to the rooms on this floor.
Second Floor: Once an ancient watchtower, this is the oldest part of the house and now contains a library and a tower bedroom suite. The bedroom has a standard double bed (140 cm, comfortable for 1 and cozy for 2), and there is also a living room with a queen-size sofa bed (160 cm, sleeps 2), fireplace, TV with satellite, telephone and mini bar. The two rooms are separated by a door but they share the ensuite bathroom, which has a shower, sink, toilet, bidet and hairdryer.

Guesthouse 1 (former chapel)
Ground Floor: There is a bedroom with a large queen-size bed (170 cm), narrow single bed (85 cm, most comfortable for a young person) and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink, toilet, bidet and hairdryer. A terracotta staircase leads to the first floor, which is completely separate.
First Floor: There is a bedroom with a large queen-size bed (170 cm), TV with satellite, telephone, mini bar and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. There is also a closet in which there is a kitchenette with a stove and Italian coffee maker.

Guesthouse 2
Ground Floor: French doors open onto a bedroom with a large queen-size bed (170 cm), narrow single bed (85 cm, most comfortable for a young person), TV with satellite, small table for 2, a wardrobe and a second wardrobe that contains a small kitchenette equipped with a stove and Italian coffee maker. There is bathroom with a hydro-massage shower, sink, toilet and hairdryer, as well as a toilet room that is wheelchair accessible. Outside there is a garden with a table and chairs for up to 3.

Features Description

Extra Services: The following are listed as an aid for trip planning; the services and prices are approximate and cannot be guaranteed by Rentvillas. All extra services are payable locally in cash.

  • Cook Service: Upon request
  • Cooking Classes: Upon request
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tastings: Upon request
  • Tours and Excursions: Upon request
  • Towel Change: 25 Euros per person

Please Note:

  • Air Conditioning available in every bedroom.
  • The villa can also be rented without the guesthouses under the name Villa Girasole - 12 to accommodate fewer people.
  • A Welcome Appetizer and also a Welcome Basket are provided upon arrival. The Welcome Basket usually includes jam, butter, biscuits, cookies, pastries, juice, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, and cleaning products.
  • A standard double bed (140 cm) is narrow for two people by American standards.
  • The villa’s telephones have outgoing calls only and are charged according to use. Incoming calls may be arranged upon request on owner’s phone only.
  • Toiletries such as body lotion, shampoo, and bath soaps, are included in each bathroom.
  • Guests have complimentary use of speaking guides and information on the surrounding area and the rest of Italy.
  • Housekeeping is available on request.
  • Pets are not permitted at this property.

Features and Amenities

  • Walk To Town
  • Independent Villa
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • Barbecue
  • Outside Area - Private
  • Outside Dining
  • Pool Towels
  • Swimming Pool - Private
  • CD player
  • DVD player
  • Piano
  • Ping Pong Table
  • TV - English Channels Available
  • Internet - Wireless
  • American Coffee Maker
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric Tea Kettle
  • Iron and Board
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Washing Machine
  • Air Conditioning - Partial House
  • Fans Available - Upon Request
  • Fireplace - Indoor
  • Heating - Whole House
  • High Chair
  • Portable Baby Crib/Play Pen - Upon Request
  • Concierge Service – Included
  • Cook Service Available - Extra Cost
  • Housekeeping Available - Extra Cost
  • Welcome Basket

Property Seasons & Rates (USD)

Date Range Weekly         Min
Stay
May-13-2023 - Jun-17-2023 $14,352
$12,917
1 wk
Jun-17-2023 - Sep-23-2023 $16,277
$14,649
1 wk
Sep-23-2023 - Oct-28-2023 $15,402
$13,862
1 wk
Oct-28-2023 - Jan-06-2024 $12,602
$11,342
1 wk

For exact pricing and conditions, click the View Availability button and then click View Pricing and Conditions.

Hurry! Save up to $1,628 when you book by May-31-2023 for select dates View Price and Availability

To hold, book, or get pricing for the property.

Our Best Price Guarantee

Arrival Times

Please note: Official Arrival Times:

  • Sat 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Conditions *

Security Deposit

  • Upon arrival at the property you are required to pay to the property representative a security deposit payable in cash. The security deposit will be returned to you prior to your departure minus accidental damages to the property. The listed security deposit is: 2000 EUR

Additional Expenses

  • Heating - Weekly Charge: 850 EUR
  • Telephone (If Available): According to consumption
  • Late Arrival Fee (Payable upon Arrival): 50 EUR
  • Weekly Cleaning Charge (Mandatory): 450 EUR
  • Electricity and Air Conditioning - Weekly Charge: 450 EUR

Other Notes

  • Housekeeping available upon request at an extra charge
  • Heating (in Italy): Allowed by law from November 1 - April 1; some exceptions for extreme weather
  • Departure Time: 10:00 am
  • UPON ARRIVAL, RENTERS MUST PROVIDE A PHOTOCOPY OF EACH TRAVELER’S PASSPORT AND SIGN A FORM FOR THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES. IF ARRIVING AT DIFFERENT TIMES GUESTS HAVE 24 HOURS TO COMPLETE THIS PROCEDURE OR OWNERS WILL BE FINED BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
  • Tourist Tax (Payable upon Arrival): 1-5 Euros per person per day

* These prices and conditions may change based on your arrival date and length of stay. For exact conditions, please click on the View Availability button, enter your dates, and then click on View Pricing and Conditions.

View General Rental Agreement

Questions? Please ask us!

Receive free advice from your own personal Travel Advisor.

Call us: 1-800-726-6702
Outside the US: +1-805-880-1228
Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00
Sat 8:00-11:00 Pacific Time
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Customer Ratings

  • 5.0 Star Rating Overall
  • Peace and Quiet
  • View
  • Outside Area
  • Living Room
  • Kitchen
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
Based on 5 Reviews

Customer Reviews

Overall:
Overall, we had a very nice experience. The property is beautiful, the villa and the rooms are beautiful and all in a very peaceful setting. The proximity to the beautiful town of Anghiari was just perfect and we took advantage of that often. There were a few hiccups last minute that could have been avoided with better and more transparent communication. Tiny details could be attended to as well, such as making sure all of the lightbulbs in all lamps and overhead lights were working before a guest arrives. There were several burned out bulbs and non-working lamps throughout the property and it has a very dark interior with little natural light coming in. We loved that, but when needed, the electric lighting was hit or miss.
Enjoyed Most:
The history of the buildings and the story behind the owner's renovation. One of the "Big 3" items I wanted when I was looking for a villa was that it have a long history and not be new construction.
Surrounding Area:
Another of my "Big 3" when looking for a villa was that it be in a remote area...or at least be situated in the countryside with no other buildings or homes in the immediate area. The setting of the property is in a beautiful, hilly valley and it is absolutely beautiful. The views from every window are amazing and the hiking trail into the woods was a great treat. One thing that was a bit off-putting was that it was boar hunting season and we heard several gunshots all week that were VERY close.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Anghiari was an amazing and beautiful town with a fantastic historic center that was just incredible to walk around and explore. The description on the rental site and the owner's site oversells the concept that the walk into town is short. If you walk on the streets (shared with cars and very narrow) you are taking your life into your own hands as the local drivers speed with great frequency. The hike through the woods was long and a bit difficult. It should be clarified that it is not a short or easy hike at all.
Tips or Restaurants:
If guests want a great meal that we found consistently delicious and affordable, the very close-by Vecchia Osteria "La Pergola" Bar and Cafe was amazing. Everyone in our group raved about every meal they had and the staff were over-the-top friendly and accommodating. Don't miss it!
Directions:
We found that our phone's GPS was much more reliable than the GPS provided in our rental cars. One thing I STRONGLY suggest doing that I did and it helped a great deal is to go to google maps and view the route using the "street view" feature. Get close enough to the destination of any place you are going to, the villa included, and preview the actual images that you will see when you drive it in real-time. It made landmarks familiar and we were able to recognize the hard-to-notice entrance to the villa itself. Doing that was one of the best things I did leading up to the trip. It helped us find not only the villa more easily, but several other remote locations as well, many without clear signage or even clear directions. Trust me on this advice!
Check In Out:
During check-in, we were given a very nice and informative tour of all buildings and rooms and there were many rules and other info given during this tour. I think putting a binder with all rules, fees and other specific info in each room for guests to reference would have been INCREDIBLY helpful and cut down on questions asked and made fees more transparent.

Craig, October

Show All 5 Reviews

Overall:
Wonderful! We had a group of 15, and everyone agrees that this villa and hostess are superior. We were there two weeks, and each day was better than the one before. Delicious meals, beautiful accommodations, and picturesque property. The villa was taken care of well, and we interacted with Laura, her sister, brother, husband, and mother. All lovely people.
Enjoyed Most:
The rolling landscape, the flowers, the way everything joined together--the cottages with the main house. The bedrooms were beautifully appointed and far enough apart that we all had privacy. The pool area was lovely. We spent a good amount of time in the outside pavillion.
Enjoyed Least:
Can't think of anything
Surrounding Area:
Anghiari is a charming and accessible village. Access to other cities was easy. We visited Sansepulcro, Arezzo, Florence, Assisi, Pisa, Cortona, Siena, and more. The train station in Arezzo wasn't far by car, and we used it several times.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Anghiari. Several people in our group walked to town.
Tips or Restaurants:
All of the rooms are equipped with blow dryers, so don't worry about packing one. If you like wash clothes, I would take a couple. Da Alighiero is a jewel of a restaurant in Anghiari. We went back for more and got to know the owner and chef, Silvia.
Directions:
Yes, we had a GPS on which we relied much of the time.
Check In Out:
It was all good!!!! Thanks you.

Pamela, October

Show All 5 Reviews

Overall:
Laura, our host, was wonderful.
Enjoyed Most:
The pool area was fantastic. It was starting to get cool, but we managed to still swim in the pool and enjoyed being up there in the sunshine. Also, everyone's privacy in their rooms was appreciated.
Enjoyed Least:
It was very dark inside - I realise that this is traditional but I did find it quite bleak to be inside... although in the evening, it had a wonderful atmosphere.
Surrounding Area:
Anghiari is an amazing village - so, so beautiful and we really enjoyed walking through it most days. Also, the local coffee shop at Tavernelle, we loved to go early for a coffee and say good morning to the locals. The coffee was excellent. A really great treasure - would love to journey back through this area at some point in my life... It is very close to alot of other major cities, we all went to Cortona one day, a few of our friends went to Siena for the day and another family went to Florence for the day. It was a great location from that point of view.
Nearby Events or Locales:
Tavernelle was the closest and although we walked it each morning, the road to it was quite dangerous as there wasn't a sidewalk.... Italian drivers, ... need I say more!? But we are coffee addicts and so we managed each day!!!
Tips or Restaurants:
Laura was great at providing everything, we only needed directions to the local supermarket which she gave. Good restaurants, we found eating local was wonderful, one night we ordered take away pizza and brought that home, it was super pizza and delicious. It was ALL good.

Sallie-Ann, September

Show All 5 Reviews