Health Walks in the Goring Gap
Goring-on-Thames,
South Oxfordshire, UK
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Health Walks in the Goring Gap Goring-on-Thames,
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CASA DELL’ARTISTA – ROCCATEDERIGHI, TUSCANYIndex (click below to go straight to the heading you want)
The
Village & Surrounding Area The Village and the Surrounding AreaCasa Dell’ Artista is situated in the Medieval perched village of Roccatederighi, set in the heart of Tuscany. The village lies at a height of 1,500 feet, and one of the distinguishing features of the village are the rocks, which command the most stunning views over the Maremma Plain, and to the sea. It is set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, amidst dramatic scenery. Click a thumbnail to see the 'big' picture
This is a lively village, with numerous shops: two butchers, two bakers, vegetable shop, two delicatessens, craft shops, newsagents, hardware stores, grocers and supermarket. There are three bars in the village and four restaurants. 6 further restaurants are within 15 minutes drive. The village is situated within wonderful walking and trekking country and there are numerous spectacular walks on the doorstep. The local bicycle shop rents out bikes and arranges a variety of tours, for example, wine-tasting tours, spa tours and history tours. Whilst there is no swimming pool in the village, there are two pools set in wonderful countryside about 10 minutes drive away. The sea is about 30 minutes drive where you will find miles of golden sands, with a backdrop of pine woods. The breathtaking Maremma National park is also within an hour’s drive and a variety of activities are provided, such as Natural History treks and Night tours searching for wild boar, otter, fox, badger, porcupine, deer, water buffalo and bats as well as a wide variety of birds including herons and owls. About 20 minutes drive away there is a lovely lake surrounded by undulating olive groves. You can swim safely here in the clear waters fed by an underground stream.
The magical Isola D’Elba with its crystal clear seas can be reached by ferry from the port of Piombino and Monte Argentario (which can be seen on a clear day from the house) with its unspoilt beaches and lagoons is within an hour’s drive away. Long ago this sizeable outpost of Tuscany was an island; later it became joined to the mainland by three sand bars, which are now covered in woodland and separated by lagoons. The area is steeped in history, and Roccatederighi, which was built on volcanic rocks, is ideally placed for sight-seeing. The beautiful Renaissance town of Siena is within one hour’s drive, Florence is two hours drive and Rome one and a half hours by train. Pisa, Lucca and Volterra are all within two hours drive. There are also many small charming old perched villages with wonderful old churches and buildings, which are well worth exploring. The HouseCasa Dell’ Artista, a semi-detached house, is the very last house in the old medieval part of the village, which is totally traffic-free. The old cobbled streets through which donkeys used to pass in days gone by are too narrow to accommodate cars, and this adds to the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. The house, although completely renovated, is medieval and parts of the building are reputed to be 1000 years old. Some of the walls are 3 feet thick walls, which make it delightfully cool in the summer. It has its own small turret, which was part of the defence wall for the village in mediaeval times. It has small windows through which archers fired their arrows on invaders centuries ago. In the lower level it even has its own donkey trough as the building includes part of an ancient street along which donkeys used to walk. It is designed in traditional Tuscan style with terracotta floor tiles throughout. The house is situated at the end of the village, just below the church and within three minutes walk of all the amenities in the village. There is a garden, set on two levels and a large roof terrace from which to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the sea in the distance. The garden is completely enclosed and private.
The house, which is on three levels, has three double bedrooms (one with an en-suite bathroom with shower, wc and wash-basin), a generous size family bathroom, a large open plan living room, large kitchen, dining area and garden room. The house sleeps 6/7 people and is arranged as follows:- First Floor LevelA double room on the first floor, with a double bed, leading on to a large roof terrace. Here, whilst having breakfast or in the evening you can watch swallows duck and dive, buzzards and other birds of prey soar in the thermals - or simply admire the spectacular scenery above and below you. From here you can also see the blue sea beckoning enticingly in the distance. In 2005 we added a new en-suite bathroom with shower, w.c. and washbasin. Ground Floor LevelThe house is entered from this level, through the main front door. Stairs lead up to the first floor level. Living areaTo the right you turn into the main living area with its large open fireplace for our winter visitors. This attractive airy room with its terracotta floors and beamed ceiling then extends through an archway into the curved turret with its comfortable seating area. It has a large window, which looks onto the open countryside below. Kitchen / Dining roomThe large, traditional kitchen has been fully renovated and is well -equipped with new fridge, dish–washer, microwave, cooker and hob. (The washing machine is in the bathroom). The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and has a dining table and eight chairs. The two windows provide dramatic views of the rock structures and surrounding countryside. The Lower Floor LevelThe Lower level is approached by a flight of stairs, which lead down to a hallway to: Two bedrooms and family bathroomOne bedroom has two single beds and a beamed ceiling. One of the features of this room are the ancient rocks which protrude through the floor on one side which gives it a very special natural feel. The room has a lovely view over the surrounding countryside. The other bedroom which is situated in the turret (we call it the turret bedroom) has two single beds. This again is a delightful room - from your bed when you awake in the morning you can see the valleys and hills basking in the sunshine below you. Family bathroomThere is also, on this level, a large family bathroom, complete with bath and shower, w.c and washbasin. This room also has ancient rocks protruding through the walls and floors. The washing machine is also in the bathroom. A door leads directly from the bathroom into the garden. The GardenThe garden is set on two levels with stone steps leading from one level to the other. On the upper level we have a pleasant terrace area shaded by vines with a large dining table that seats 8 people. On the lower level the garden is pleasantly shaded and very private. There is a table, chairs and sun-beds in the garden room for your use. It is very nice place to relax in and read or just sit and admire the views with a drink. There is also a good size garden/store room which houses the boiler, water – pump and a large fridge freezer. Tuscan vegetation, ivy, herbs, bay trees, fig tree and terracotta pots surround the whole garden. In summary, Casa Dell’ Artista presents a serene and peaceful atmosphere with a vista that pulls even the most unromantic heartstrings. PricesOutside High Season (see below) High
Season 4
people
£600 During the summer months the price includes electricity, gas (for the hot water and cooker), cleaning and linen. However, when guests use the central heating system (mainly during winter) they will have to pay for the gas used as shown on the meter. The gas meter will be read on arrival and on departure by our agent, Ricardo. We shall be pleased to advise you on your travel arrangements. You can either drive down through France, Germany, and Switzerland taking a leisurely 2/3 days (distance is about 1100 miles from Reading) or fly to Pisa (then hire a car – the drive is about one and a half hour’s South) or to Rome (two and a half hour’s drive North) using Ryanair’s excellent low cost flights. EasyJet also fly to Pisa from Bristol and to Rome from Gatwick. Outside the high season period we are happy to discuss shorter breaks of say 4 -6 days on a pro-rata basis especially at short notice. It is certainly well worthwhile going for a short trip - you can pack a lot in a few days with a car – perhaps combining a day or two in Venice, Rome or Pisa (see below). Give us a call to discuss rates. Fancy a night or two in Venice, Rome, Florence or Pisa?Another trip which is well worth doing is to combine a stay in Tuscany with a short stop-over in Venice, Rome, Florence or Pisa. You can fly to say Venice, Rome or Pisa (using one of the low cost airlines e.g. Ryanair or EasyJet) where you pick up your hire car. Then stay a few days or a week in Casa Dell’ Artista, Tuscany. On your return journey you can drive to Venice or Rome etc… (where you can drop off your hire car which you will not need in Venice or Rome), stay in your chosen city for a night or two - then fly back to the U.K. Then on another trip you can reverse your arrival and departure points! We have returned via Venice and Rome and have found it very worthwhile and easy. Autumn in Tuscany?Autumn is a good time to see the colourful side of Tuscany. You will be impressed with the mountain landscape and we are sure you will enjoy the culture and the cuisine with an olive oil tasting, good wines and a search for mushrooms and truffles. The forests look wonderful in the autumn with their many varied colours. Skiing in Tuscany?There is a small ski area within 1 hour’s drive called Monte Amiata, which is a particularly attractive walking, trekking, and cycling area. Although the skiing cannot be described as particularly challenging (there are only 12 lifts), it is set in a lovely sunny area and is a good way to renew your ski legs if you have not skied for a few years! Casa Dell’ Artista can be very cosy in late autumn and winter with a crackling log fire. We have recently installed central heating throughout so that the house can be used all year round For further information and availability please contact:-
Chris and Joanna Kennedy
Tel 01189 842084 To download a pdf of the text on this page, click here To download information on the surrounding area, click here To download our terms & conditions, click here Letter from a satisfied customer PDF format click here Word format click here |
