Gherardesca is in one of the most beautiful parts of the rolling Tuscan countryside and enjoys breathtaking views of the Tirreno Sea. It provides an unsurpassed Tuscan country home experience for families and other small groups of up to 20.
Painstakingly restored by descendants of the same noble family who built it in the 11th century, it is within an hour by car of the diverse pleasures of Tuscany - historic villages, museums and churches with their priceless art, fabulous shopping, numerous fine restaurants and some of Italy's most respected wineries - not to speak of the owner's own first-class beach within 15 minutes drive. The house is fully staffed.
A grand entrance displays the family's coat of arms, carefully restored medieval stonework and a seemingly floating stone staircase. Continuing into the house, the main drawing room has massive-timbered beams and wonderful views of the countryside, the sea and the nearby island of Elba. Also on the main floor are a sitting room, a library with cable TV and a collection of fine literature and art books, and a study with computer/internet connection. Downstairs the dining room seats up to 18 at a grand round table, and there is a separate breakfast room, kitchen, playroom with cable TV and large collection of DVDs, and a teenagers' room with pool table. The décor uses an imaginative combination of valuable antiques and contemporary pieces.
Outside, along the picturesque west side of the house with the long views of countryside and sea, are the terraces. This is where most of the dining and entertaining in the summer takes place. Just adjacent is the castle's own medieval church, a 65-foot marble-lined swimming pool with tented lounging area, a tennis court and yoga pavilion.
Gherardesca is a 2.5 hour drive from Rome airport and 45 minutes from Pisa airport. It is located in the vicinity of the coast betwen Livorno and Grosseto in the Maremma area of Tuscany.
Apart from relaxing around the pool or on the secluded beach, excursions and activities are endless. Tuscany is rich in history; it may have the highest concentration of art in the world! The town of Pisa with its leaning tower, Volterra with its six ancient arched entrances, and charming San Giminiano with its many medieval towers are within one hour's drive through rolling hills of olive and wine orchards.
Walled medieval villages, off-the beaten track for most tourists, include Bolgheri, Castagneto, and Massa Marittima. Etruscan and Roman sites are also close by, as are great museums and churches. An accomplished art historian can be hired to arrange private visits to important private houses and gardens, and to arrange views of private art collections not normally open to the public.
Shopping, which can be guided if desired, includes ceramics, jewellery and the best of hand-made terra cotta urns and planters, as well as fabulous Italian country clothes and leather. Restaurants, all sampled by the owner's family, include one that holds two Michelin stars and others that are among Italy's best trattorias. Tours of local wineries including the prized Sassicaia winery can be arranged in advance or after arrival, as can tours of the finest olive farms. It is also possible to hire a day boat for the short trip to the beautiful islands of Elba or Capraia.
