Overview

The brainchild of one of Italy’s top contemporary architects, the private hamlet of Casamora is a dazzlingly successful marriage between the historic and the high-tech. It forms the stylish centrepiece of a 2500-acre farming estate set on the sunny, western slope of the Pratomagno mountain range, mid-way between Florence and Arezzo. A wrought-iron gate leads from the piazza to Villa Le Magnolie the largest of the estate’s residences and the only one with a private pool within a walled garden. The villa is finished in pale wood, stone and terracotta and furnished with a stylish blend of custom-designed modern pieces and lovely antiques; the villa is configured on two levels with a separate air conditioned wing that can be closed for smaller parties. The lower floor is devoted to the living areas, including a very large living room with a dining area and a state-of-the-art galley kitchen. Four sets of French doors open to a walled garden studded with olive trees and magnolias and the private swimming pool with shaded loggia. The spacious air conditioned bedrooms, each with a luxurious en suite bathroom, are all on the first floor, overlooking the garden and the hills beyond.

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Description

Rental options

 Casamora Villa Le Magnolie is also available at a lower rate for smaller parties. For details see Casamora Villa Le Magnolie (x 8 people).

Location

 Mid-way between Florence and Arezzo, both 45 minutes, Casamora occupies a vast swath of land on the sunny side of the Pratomagno mountain range. The nearest shops and restaurants are in Pian di Sco, 1km/0.5 miles, while Figline, 15 minutes, provides supermarkets, a direct rail link to Florence and an array of discount designer shops. There are many, many interesting villages arrayed along the old Settiponti road, just below Casamora, which was once an important pilgrimage route. The property itself offers a network of walking paths right to the summit of the Pratomagno; an alternative for hot days might be the pine-shaded trails around the abbey of Vallombrosa, 25 minutes. The Chianti wine-producing region lies just across the Valdarno, about 30 minutes’ drive.

in brief Casamora the estate.

 The private residence of Le Magnolie is set within the estate of Casamora offering six luxurious villas; The Hamlet Casamora [L’Ulivo Noce and I Meli], La leccina and La Nocciolina each with private gardens, The Estate Casamora comprising of all the luxurious residences.
Setting the tone for the properties is the reception area in the Estate: a grand, two-storey structure, built in the 16th century as a carpentry workshop, where rustic stone walls are complemented by modern furnishings, state-of-the-art lighting and an astonishing suspended library offering high-speed internet and a vast collection of books on Tuscan topics. Casamora boasts its own restaurant, where the chef makes full use of the estate’s own organic produce, including a range of award-winning olive oils. Next door, the enoteca is one of the most appealing rooms in the borgo, not least because its walls are lined with a mouth-watering selection of Tuscany’s finest wines and grappas – notably those from the Chianti, only 30 minutes away.

Ground floor

 Entrance hall and gallery. Large living room with a dining area and a very well-equipped galley kitchen opening to the garden and pool terrace. Laundry room.

First floor

 Air conditioned twin bedroom [convertible to double] with an ensuite bathroom with bath, two sinks and bidet. Two air conditioned double bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom with bath, separate shower, two sinks and bidet. Air conditioned double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom with bath, two sinks and bidet.

Independent suites

 [Independent suites accessible via a corridor]
Two air-conditioned double bedroom suites each with an ensuite bathroom with bath.

Grounds

 A beautifully-maintained walled garden with a large private swimming pool, 5.7 X 11.5m/19 x 38 feet. The estate as a whole is shaped like a natural amphitheatre, its 2500 acres/1000ha covering a vast swath of the Pratomagno hillside from an altitude of 400m/1300 feet above sea level to the summit at 1000m/32,000 feet. About 20% of the land is used for farming activities, including an extensive organic vegetable garden. Casamora’s specialty is its olive oil, pressed onsite in a modernised 17th century mill, but it is also actively participating in a Slow Food-sponsored initiative to re-establish a variety of indigenous crops, such as the near-extinct Zolfino bean, rovello blackberries, walnuts, mushrooms and Gastra chestnuts. Prized Valdarno chickens are also raised here, as well as ducks, guinea fowl, rabbits and bees.

Assistance

 Casamora is a fully-staffed property with a multi-lingual concierge. Housekeeping is provided daily. Welcome aperitif on arrival, wine and other alcoholic beverages, whether in the restaurant or in the enoteca, are charged separately.

Facilities

 Dishwasher. Washing machine. Spin dryer. Satellite TV [with Sky English-language channels]. CD player. Safe. Air-conditioned bedrooms.. Central heating. Decorative fireplaces. Fixed telephone line connecting through a central switchboard. Guests have access to the books, periodicals, large-screen satellite television, computers and wireless internet connection in the estate’s library, as well as a billiards room. Meals are served in the restaurant or its adjacent courtyard, and wine-tastings may be arranged in the enoteca. Five mountain bikes are available onsite.

Facilities Note

 A theatre seating 160 is available on the estate for presentations and performances on rerquest.

Access

 Airports: Florence, 56km/35 miles; Pisa, 148km/92 miles. Railway station at Figline, about 11km/7 miles. Motorway exit at Incisa, about 14km/9 miles, including 600m/yards of good white road. Parking for three cars.

Activities

 Tennis at Reggello, about 8km/3 miles. Riding stables at San Giovenale, 18km/11.25. 18-hole golf at Grassina, about 34km/21 miles.

Small Appliances

 Kettle. Mixer. Toaster. Hair dryer. Iron and ironing board.

Pool Details

 The swimming pool has a depth of 1.2-1.7m/4-5.5 feet with steps for entry/exit.

Amenities for Children

 Several high chairs and cots/cribs.