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The entry stair case with friendly hat rack and
antique blue bench seems like a setting for a Hemingway novel. There is a timeless feel to
this country home.
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The first living room is the heart of the home and epitomizes the design of this rustic yet
luxurious Tuscan villa. Comfortable furniture arrayed
around a working fire place is upholstered in strong
colors and contrasting patterns. The walls glow with a
roughly-applied golden yellow. The ancient beams of the
ceiling add to the warmth.
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More seating accommodates a houseful in the same
living room. Just beyond you can see the large dining
room with French doors onto one of the terraces.
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The dining room leads, through a three foot deep
arch, into the country kitchen. The architectural form
of the arch is an invention
of the Etruscans, ancient inhabitants of this
region.
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The country kitchen augments seating with a table
that can also be used for workspace. The antique stone
sink and cabinets belie a full, modern working kitchen,
with all the equipment needed to prepare from the
simplest to most elaborate meal. There is a fine cook of
local and traditional cuisine optionally available to
prepare and serve lunch and dinner.
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The stone kitchen table is perfect for rolling out
pasta or pastries or just for feeding the kids. Modern
lighting is discreetly placed for good illumination.
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A second living room features, again, plenty of
comfortable seating, native beamed
ceilings and lemon yellow walls.
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French doors lead outside from the second living
room. Notice the old lintel beams.
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The master suite is under the peak of the roof.
Saffron highlights the four poster bed. An antique
chest at the foot of the bed. Details such as bedside
lamps have not been forgotten.
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The large master bath invites relaxation with a
working fireplace, arm chair, antique bath tub.
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The second bedroom has two twin beds.
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The second bathroom, ensuite to the bedroom, has a hydro massage bath tub.
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The third bedroom has a convertible queen, i.e. the
bed can be made up as a queen or as twins.
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The third bathroom has a lovely antique cabinet. A prie dieu (church kneeler) gains a second life as a
sink-side shelf.
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The fourth bedroom has a queen sized bed and
features a red accent against the saffron colored
walls.
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Outside the kitchen is a terrace with a vine covered
arbor. There is a table for dining al fresco, a seating
area for taking the sun or enjoying an bottle of
Chianti.
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A stone patio with wicker furniture offers a moment
of repose gazing on the restful Val d'Orcia landscape.
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Olive trees can live 2000 years but in Italy most
trees are only several hundred years old. These olive
trees are older than 200 years; they have passed their
production prime but are tended by the on-staff gardener
with the respect due their ancient age.
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