Villa Arcaia in Castiglione del Lago

Villa Arcaia is an impressive country residence, minutes away from the Tuscan-Umbrian border. It is set in wide park of cypress trees and olive groves surrounded by an enchanting countryside of sunflower fields, citadels, lakes and wooded hillsides.
Villa Arcaia is a three-building structure comprising four separate and wholly
independent units, that can sleep up to 28 people, with facilities for
the disabled. Guests are sure to have a welcome that is courteous and
discriminating, and at the same time heartfelt.
All the rooms have their own character. The four units vary in size
and ensure that all guests have complete privacy. All the bedrooms are
furnished with taste and come with heating and air conditioning.
The accommodation is highly flexible and can cater for all possible
requisites guests may have. Whether you are having a special gathering
and need a large structure or wish to have a pleasant and relaxing
time away from home, Villa Arcaia is the ideal setting. Contact us to
book the whole residence or any one of its units.
Bellosguardo
The main house, Bellosguardo, is a typical foursquare turreted
country house dating back to the nineteenth century. It
underwent a radical restyling in the 1960s by a slghtly
eccentric actress, who turned it into an exclusive venue for parties
and receptions. Keeping in this tradition great care was taken to
preserve the irresistible
atmosphere of the “swinging sixties” during the most recent
restoration. From the main entrance, the spacious Bellosguardo opens
to an elegant living room on the left-hand side as well as to a dining
room, a comfortable and well-equipped kitchen on the right-hand side.
Furnishings are eclectic in style: Italian-designed collectors’ items,
antique furniture, a large working fireplace, carved wood panelling in
addition to a number of modern-day amenities. Bellosguardo also
features a wide terrace with an enchanting view over the Umbrian
countryside that can be accessed from the kitchen, living room as well
as from the outside; a veranda in part, the terrace is equipped for
barbecues and is wheel-chair accessible.
Bellosguardo's two upper floors are accessed through an elegant
staircase. Two luxurious suites with views over the countryside (a
working fireplace in one of them) and a truly remarkable bathroom for
its size and décor are on the second floor. A double-bedroom with
windows on two-sides, a bathroom and a small terrace are on the third
floor. From the third floor, absolutely enchanting views can be
enjoyed over the whole Tuscan and Umbrian countryside.
I Buccheri
A few steps away are the two buildings known as i buccheri, former
farmers homes that have been beautifully refurbished to provide
accommodation. All appartments have been kept in classic Tuscan
style with tiled ceilings and wooden beams interwining, and feature
rustic furniture in the best local handicraft tradition. All have
heating and air conditioning.
The larger of the two buildings comprises Il Patio and Le Logge while
the smaller one is Il Capanno which hosts 2. Il Patio on the ground
floor has a large and furnished patio with two entrances through which
the bedrooms and bathrooms can be easily accessed, particularly
attractive living quarters with a working fireplace as well as a
comfortable and fully equipped kitchen. It can host up to 8 people. Le
Logge are on the first floor accessible from an external staircase. It
includes a living-cum-dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two
bathrooms. It hosts up to 6 people. For its guests' exclusive use, a
charming terrace equipped for barbecues.
The Park
All over the garden, guests will find areas in the open as well as
verandas and porches, where to relax and indulge in reading or meditation.
Altogether the estate spreads over 26000 m² of land, of which about
9000 m² is taken up by the garden and terracing, with a wall enclosing
the buildings. The remaining land is used to grow fodder for animals
and as an extensive olive grove.

- 2 suites, 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, hall, dining-room,
2 living-dining rooms, patios, terraces, wide terrace partly sheltered
- 24/28 people.
- Altitude above sea-level: 300 m.
- Park: 26000 sqm. 9000 of which fenced and arranged as garden.
- Swimming pool mt. 6 x 12, without bathing attendants; circular
swimming pool for children. Both are open from May 1st to October 15.
- Solarium-terrace, floored and equipped.
- Included supplies: electricity, water, gas for gas-stove, heating,
initial cleaning, weekly linen change, maintenance of swimming pool
and park.
- Accessories: satellite TV with DVD player, 'Sky TV' sat-network
subscription, books and magazines, hi-fi system, cd-player, washing
machine, dish-washing machine, barbecue, microwave oven, hair-drier.
- Pets: on demand.
- Arrival: Saturdays from 4 PM to 8 PM.
- Departure: Saturdays within 10 AM.
- Security deposit: Yes.
- Extras (compulsory): final cleaning.

Villa Arcaia is an exceptional opportunity for guests visiting areas
with a multitude of cultural and sightseeing opportunities. Right on
the Tuscan-Umbrian border, Villa Arcaia is at 10 minutes drive from
Chiusi (Tuscany). From this “strategic” town, Rome and Florence are
only halfway on the A1 Rome-Florence Highway. Each is easily reached
by car (the Chiusi-Chianciano Junction is 10 min. drive from the
Villa); by train, they are about 1 hour away on the Rome-Florence Line
(the Chiusi Scalo Station is also 10 minutes away from the house).
Siena, Perugia and Arezzo are also 30 min. away from Villa Arcaia in
comfortable cross-country trains or by car.
Guests can also easily reach towns and hamlets scattered throughout
Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria, Places such as Chianciano Terme, famous for
its baths, a recently opened Etruscan Museum and a lively program of
Summer shows, events and plays; Montepulciano, the Medieval and
Renaissance village, renowned worldwide for its 'Nobile di
Montepulciano' wine. Guest can wonder through its countryside or visit
open wine caves for free wine tastings; Pienza, a true jewel of
Renaissance architecture and art, planned by Pope Pius II Piccolomini
and Leon Battista Alberti; Monticchiello, yet another wonderful
Medieval village; Bagno Vignoni, a unique village with its main square
consisting of an ancient bath; Montalcino, a Medieval village, home to
the famous 'Brunello di Montalcino' wine; Cortona, an ancient Etruscan
location but with important Medieval and Renaissance buildings, that
has also become famous in our days for the book and movie Under the
Tuscan sun; Castiglione del Lago and the Trasimeno Lake, with its
islands, reachable by ferry; the medieval Citta' della Pieve, with
frescos by Perugino; Monte Amiata with many lovely and typical little
towns; from there you can drive to Monte Labro, where is the most
important Buddhist community, in a very suggestive plateau called
'European Tibet', and also Gubbio, Todi, Assisi, Orvieto and many others.
Tennis court: 2 miles - 3,2 Km
Golf course: 10 miles - 16,1 Km

Prices for 2009/2010

Low season (Jan. 10-April 30; Oct. 2-Dec. 19): 4000 euros/week, €24 a person per night, 3 nights min stay.
Mid-season (May 1-July 3; Sept. 4-Oct. 2; Christmas; Easter): 5000
euros/week, €30 a person per night, 3 nights min stay.
High season (July 3-Sept. 4; Dec. 27-Jan 2): 6500 euros/week, €39 a person per night, 3 nights min stay.

Christmas 2009: whole property, 3-nights stay: €2500;

New Year 2009/2010: whole property, 3-nights stay: €2800;

Easter 2010: whole property, 3-nights stay: €2500.

Optional services
- Breakfast.
- Waiter.
- Cook service.
- Catering.
- Lessons of Mediterranean and biological cooking.
- Middle-week/daily linens and towels change.
- Massages.
- Beauty and health.
- Rent a bike.
- Rent a car.
- Transfer to and from the airports of Rome, Florence, Perugia, Pisa.
- Excursions and sightseeing.
- Baby sitter service.

Prices listed refer to the whole residence. We do welcome smaller
groups. For prices relating to these, or for special deals, please
contact us.