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The treasures of Maremma

Welcome to Maremma!

We continue our Tuscany tour by travelling up the coast to the north of the Maremma region, a little less known than Argentario, but with many delights, and with a special focus on an exceptional property, La Civetta, a new addition to Commendable Rentals that has totally seduced us!

The Etruscan coast is beautiful, and if you come by car we strongly advise you to take time to explore, preferably hair in the wind! You will discover a succession of beautiful beaches, ancient and medieval preserved cities, country landscapes, flamboyant sunsets, as well as some pleasing vineyards of the famous Strada del Vino.

A carefully restored farmhouse of the eighteenth century, La Civetta is owned by a family of local nobility who have renovated it respecting tradition yet creating a sophisticated and stylish retreat. The villa, an impressive terracotta color is surrounded by a beautiful garden planted with Mediterranean flora created by the landscape architect, Arabella Lennox-Boyd. A 12-meter long swimming pool, a court Tennis and a superb private beach with cabana.

 

The villa can accommodate up to 14 people in 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, each bedroom, with its own beauty, character and charm; each decorated with its own atmosphere, colors, objects, maybe wallpapers, and elegant bathrooms. The owner/designer has made sure that each offer a coherent and refined ensemble, pleasing to the eye and to the senses.

On the ground floor, the lovely double, L-shaped living room is cool in summer and warm in winter and is a perfect spot to welcome and assemble with all the inhabitants of the house to create unforgettable memories. Outside, the two furnished patios allow the perfect setting to relax and dine with a view of the garden, the sunset, or the stars during long summer evenings.

The house is fully staffed for ultimate comfort: La Civetta comes with a chef, two housekeepers and a gardener and pool person. You will indeed be well cared for during your stay. You can spend your holidays in this idyllic place with family, friends without work or worry, or even organize professional events.

This magnificent villa is located outside Castagneto Carducci, the principal village of the municipality. Known for its medieval castle, its breathtaking view of the sea (its old name was “Castagneto Marritima”) and many pretty churches, Castagneto Carducci is the perfect place for an evening stroll after a day spent at the beach, for sipping a glass of local wine, or for dining.

Not too far away, is the famous city of Pisa (and its leaning tower!) and Lucca is about 1-hour drive north. Drive along the coast and take the Viale dei Cipressi, a unique road in Tuscany that stretches for 5 km and was celebrated by the Italian poet Giosuè Carducci, and discover the fortified town of Bolgheri, its castle straight out of a fairy tale, and its enotecas! Indeed, Bolgheri is on the Italian wine route, Strada del Vino, and its region produces the most famous wines, such as Super Toscan Sassicaia, Ornellaia or Vermentino Bolgheri.

 

Our other destinations in Maremma & Tuscany:

Villa Uliveto

Mimosa Mare

Il Pecadillo

Francesca al Mare

Il Favoloso

Il Convento

Mare degli Angeli


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Tuscany and its Mediterranean coast

Summer is here !

This year, we found ourselves once again (why deprive ourselves!) under the sun on the Tuscan coast. One of our goals, besides enjoying the wonders that this region conceals, was above all to discover three new properties, for you and we were not disappointed! We found three splendid homes for seaside pleasure full of serenity and delight, and we cannot wait to introduce them!

We loved lunch and dinner at beach or harborside restaurants, where fresh fish comes straight from the fishing nets to your plate. Dining in the soft, sea air while watching the sun set and the moon appear is no small pleasure. The days bring crystal-clear, aqua-blue waters, which beckon from beaches where you also find many boats available for rent, or, from your villa, where a private staircase cut into the rock might lead directly from the villa to the sea.

This region has been home to some of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, so it is not surprising that it plays host to a plethora of museums and historical sites, including 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which Florence, its famous capital. The seaside towns also rich in attractions and curiosities: Porto Ercole, one of the two ports of Monte Argentario, was the last home of the famous painter Caravaggio, who died there mysteriously after being banished by the pope and chased by the Knights of Malta The nearby town of Capalbio is home to the Tarot Garden, the famous garden and “art environment of monumental sculptures by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle; a little further on the vineyards and wine bars of Scansano offer you tastings of some of Italy’s best wines. Don’t forget to travel on to Pitigliano where the views of the surrounding countryside and the Cathedral Saints Peter and Paul will amaze you. You can even book our 7-bedroom convent here Il Convento
Tempted by a visit? We will be happy to make a reservation for you!

Tarot garden fontain

The attractiveness of the area  also lies in its authentic culinary traditions, complemented throughout the year by a rotation of seasonal local products, such as flesh and fragrant tomatoes, Porcini mushrooms, truffles, or the excellent mozzarella di bufala, as well its heritage of unique winemaking: Chianti, Montepulciano, Scansano and Montalcino are among the most famous vineyards you will find anywhere!

Finally, Tuscany also lends itself to relaxation and pure pleasure: the Tuscan coast is beautiful, its sunshine is plentiful, and its beaches and coves shelter a transparent and temperate water. So, we are heading to one of its elite resorts -Ansedonia next to the Argentario peninsula

     

One of the many advantages of Monte Argentario, a small peninsula south of Grosseto on the Tuscan coast, is that it concentrates everything that attracts us to Italy: castles, medieval forts and Renaissance streets, beaches, and restaurants, as well as typical landscapes and historical anecdotes.

Explore Orbetello or discover traditional festivals such as the Balestro del Girifalco, attend the Palio Marinaro dell ‘Argentario, a rowing race accompanied by a pageant on August 15 in Porto San Stefano, and visit the ancient baths of Saturnia.
On the sea and in the air, other surprises also await you! Stroll by boat in unspoilt places, accessible only by the sea, dive into the Mediterranean waters and discover marine life, or fly hang gliding through the many centres and schools in the region.
Taste Italian idleness in landscapes of unique beauty, between pine forests and crystal-clear waters. We happily recommend Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, two fishing ports that have become seaside resorts, surrounded by high rocks and connected to the mainland by the wide sandy beaches of Gianella and Feniglia.
Finally, walk through Ansedonia, the current name of the ancient city and Roman colony of Cosa. Here you will find is one of the most beautiful villas in the region …

Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Mare degli Angeli (literally “Sea of Angels”) offers many beautiful views of Monte Argentario and the Tuscan archipelago, the island of Giglio. It can accommodate 14 people in the Villa alone and if you add the adjacent Guest house and it can accommodate 20. The summer season is a real pleasure, but so are the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. You can enjoy gardens, terraces, swimming pool and private access to the sea, from May to October when the Italian sun and sea invites you to life outdoors! The Villa’s two fireplaces will nevertheless reassure the most cautious visitors once autumn days start to cool.

During my time there, I particularly appreciated the comfort of the furnishings and the thrill of living with Roman antiquities as part of the decor. Pure white walls are accented by interesting and colorful paintings, while furniture in festive shades of summer add a touch of gaiety. Sunlight penetrates all the rooms of the house while numerous bays and wide windows lead your eyes to the sea.

It’s a magical villa, perfect for a stay with family or friend; its rooms and surroundings lend themselves to moments of complicity and conviviality between generations, while activities abound: tourism, culture, gastronomy and sports to seduce young and old!

     

Looking for more places in Tuscany? Right this way:

Villa Uliveto

Mimosa Mare

Il Pecadillo

Francesca al Mare

Il Favoloso

Il Convento

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