Le Case del Borgo

Le Case del Borgo Tuscan Luxury Living

An Illustrated History Una storia illustrata

Duddova

Le Case Del Borgo Tuscan Luxury Living 52020 Duddova (AR) Chianti, Italia Tel +39 055 991 871 Fax +39 055 991 872 87

info@lecasedelborgo.com www.lecasedelborgo.com

what is essential is invisible to the eye Ciò che è essenziale è invisibile all’occhio

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Our Philosophy La nostra visione “It seemed as if nature itself had placed it there, such is the felicity of its setting, ideal for breathing the wholesome air and admiring the surrounding landscape (…)”

Thus Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti spoke of the hamlet of Duddova near Le Case del Borgo during one of his journeys mapping Tuscany in the mid eighteenth century. The ancient hamlet of Duddova stands at the summit of a hill overlooking the Ambra valley and the rolling hills of Chianti between the provinces of Siena and Arezzo. On the outskirts of Duddova, the collection of farmhouses and suites known as Le Case del Borgo, is within easy reach of important cultural centres such as Florence (60 km), Arezzo (30 km), Siena (40 km), and Perugia (80 km), where art, history, culture and culinary delights continue to attract today’s sophisticated travellers.

The area around Duddova offers a combination of natural and architectural beauty, creating a link between the place itself and its Tuscan culture, customs and traditions. From this delightful spot, the panorama offers glimpses of gentle and wild landscapes, hills dotted with small villages, each one home to its own culture, art and architecture.

“It seemed as if nature itself had placed it there, such is the felicity of its setting, ideal for breathing the wholesome air and admiring the surrounding landscape (…)” Thus Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti spoke of the hamlet of Duddova near Le Case del Borgo during one of his journeys mapping Tuscany in the mid eighteenth century. The ancient hamlet of Duddova stands at the summit of a hill overlooking the Ambra valley and the rolling hills of Chianti between the provinces of Siena and Arezzo. On the outskirts of Duddova, the collection of farmhouses and suites known as Le Case del Borgo, is within easy reach of important cultural centres such as Florence (60 km), Arezzo (30 km), Siena (40 km), and Perugia (80 km), where art, history, culture and culinary delights continue to attract today’s sophisticated travellers.

The area around Duddova offers a combination of natural and architectural beauty, creating a link between the place itself and its Tuscan culture, customs and traditions. From this delightful spot, the panorama offers glimpses of gentle and wild landscapes, hills dotted with small villages, each one home to its own culture, art and architecture.

Thanks to the skilled expertise of the project architects, VII

the renovation of Le Case del Borgo has been carried out with the utmost respect for the existing structures and in the traditional style of Tuscan rural architecture. The finest traditional materials available have been used in the transformation of the interiors, creating an atmosphere of quality and elegance with an unmistakable style.

Le Case del Borgo is composed of 9 ancient Tuscan farm buildings, transformed into 7 suites and 7 independent farm houses, where the international languages spoken are elegance, style and understated luxury. The suites in the main farm buildings have independent entrances and small gardens laid out within the ancient olive grove. The

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Thanks to the skilled expertise of the project architects, the renovation of Le Case del Borgo has been carried out with the utmost respect for the existing structures and in the traditional style of Tuscan rural architecture. The finest traditional materials available have been used in the transformation of the interiors, creating an atmosphere of quality and elegance with an unmistakable style. Le Case del Borgo is composed of 9 ancient Tuscan farm buildings, transformed into 7 suites and 7 independent farm houses, where the international languages spoken are elegance, style and understated luxury. The suites in the main farm buildings have independent entrances and small gardens laid out

within the ancient olive grove. The farm houses, scattered all over the property, ensure guests independence and privacy, with small gardens some of which feature heated outdoor Jacuzzi pools.

Each residence has been named after a local flower which has a specific historic significance within the rural culture of the Tuscan countryside. Examples of these are the “Girasole” (Sunflower), symbol of happiness and pride, and the “Ginestra” (Broom), symbolizing modesty and humility. Each residence has a living and dining area and a fully-equipped, modern gourmet kitchen, complete with all appliances, perfectly integrated with the warm, natural colours of the interiors. The small bedrooms are

farm houses, scattered all over the property, ensure guests independence and privacy, with small gardens some of which feature heated outdoor Jacuzzi pools.

Each residence has been named after a local flower which has a specific historic significance within the rural culture of the Tuscan countryside.

Examples of these are the “Girasole” (Sunflower), symbol of happiness and pride, and the “Ginestra” (Broom), symbolizing modesty and humility.

Each residence has a living and dining area and a fullyequipped, modern gourmet kitchen, complete with all appliances, perfectly integrated with the warm, natural

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elegant and sophisticated, with very plush beds, light and delicate draperies and soft, romantic lighting. Each bedroom has a private bathroom. The walls and floors of the bathrooms are finished in slaked lime plaster, waterproofed and applied by hand. Prestigious bathroom fixtures, hand-crafted taps in natural brass and a lighting that is at once delicate and decisive, contribute to create what is truly a master bathroom.

A discreet audio speaker allows guests to enjoy a musical accompaniment in the bathroom, another small aspect of the attention paid to the design of the entire property.

The wall finishes have been executed using the same materials and techniques as in the past, employing the slaked lime made from natural river pebbles, which after hundreds of years is still called “grassello”. This method has restored to the premises the warm, soft shades of the past.

Every detail and every object inside the residences is an expression of the desire to make the place unique. The decor reflects a perfect integration between the elegance of the modern furnishings and the historic significance of the antique pieces.

Le Case del Borgo offers guests various options for using internet. They can use their own laptops through a wired connection or a password pro-

colours of the interiors. The small bedrooms are elegant and sophisticated, with very plush beds, light and delicate draperies and soft, romantic lighting. Each bedroom has a private bathroom. The walls and floors of the bathrooms are finished in slaked lime plaster, waterproofed and applied by hand. Prestigious bathroom fixtures, hand-crafted taps in natural brass and a lighting that is at once delicate and decisive, contribute to create what is truly a master bathroom.

A discreet audio speaker allows guests to enjoy a musical accompaniment in the bathroom, another small aspect of the attention paid to the design of the entire property.

The wall finishes have been executed using the same materials and techniques as in the past, employing the slaked lime made from natural river pebbles, which after hundreds of years is still called “grassello”. This method has restored to the premises the warm, soft shades of the past.

Every detail and every object inside the residences is an expression of the desire to make the place unique. The decor reflects a perfect integration between the elegance of the modern furnishings and the historic significance of the antique pieces.

Le Case del Borgo offers guests various options for using internet. They can use their own laptops through a wired connection or a password protected ��-�� system, which is XI

available inside and outside each residence.

Living rooms and bedrooms are equipped with a flat-screen television sets connected to a satellite �� and Radio system programmed with a selection of European �� and music channels, and several in-house ��� and �� channels. All rooms have air conditioning and floor heating.

Like the interiors, the outdoor spaces also reflect the same attention to detail. The 400 square metre swimming area comprises a heated children’s pool, a heated Jacuzzi pool, a relaxation pool and one reserved for swimming laps. The area is set within an oasis of greenery and surrounded by olive trees.

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tected ��-�� system, which is available inside and outside each residence.

Living rooms and bedrooms are equipped with a flat-screen television sets connected to a satellite �� and Radio system programmed with a selection of European �� and music channels, and several in-house ��� and �� channels.

All rooms have air conditioning and floor heating.

Like the interiors, the outdoor spaces also reflect the same attention to detail.

The 400 square metre swimming area comprises a heated children’s pool, a heated Jacuzzi pool, a relaxation pool and one reserved for swimming laps.

The area is set within an oasis of greenery and surrounded by olive trees.

At Le Case del Borgo, outdoor exercise is considered an integral part of well-being. There is a fitness path 1.6 km long, lit by night, with six exercise/stretching stations and four aromatic gardens to stimulate the senses.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once wrote: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This philosophy is carried through in the “soft technologies” expressing the utmost respect for the environment. These technologies include solar panels for the production of hot water, a geothermal station for recovering underground energy, two freshwater wells and a rainwater recovery system for irrigation to minimize water waste.

At Le Case del Borgo, outdoor exercise is considered an integral part of well-being. There is a fitness path 1.6 km long, lit by night, with six exercise/stretching stations and four aromatic gardens to stimulate the senses.

Antoine de Saint-Euxpéry once wrote: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

This philosophy is carried through in the “soft technologies” expressing the utmost respect for the environment. These technologies include solar panels for the production of hot water, a geothermal station for recovering underground energy, two freshwater wells and a rainwater recovery system for irrigation to minimize water waste.

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A large “rustico” building at the heart of the property, a structure unique of its kind, houses several important aspects of the estate. The Vinarium, a Tuscan wine bar and open kitchen will offer traditional Tuscan fare and the wine selection of the well-stocked wine cellar below the Vinarium. The Emporio, the art gallery and boutique of the estate, showcases a collection of outstanding Tuscan products, of works from local artists and craftsmen and of objects found in the residences. Finally, the true gem of the complex will be the private Spa Suite, specially conceived as the new point of reference for those not simply seeking a cosmetic effect, but wishing to explore a more profound harmony between mind and body. The private Spa Suite will offer a complete programme of spa and beauty treatments using natural products created with red wine and other natural components.

The main objective is to help guests to understand their own equilibrium and hence to be able to manage their own well-being. The friendly, multi-lingual and professional staff at Le Case del Borgo welcomes guests to the property and offers them the services traditionally found in important Tuscan country homes, where a high level of service and pampering are the keynotes to a guest’s stay. Examples of these services include: a daily maid service in the residences,

A large “rustico” building at the heart of the property, a structure unique of its kind, houses several important aspects of the estate. The Vinarium, a Tuscan wine bar and open kitchen will offer traditional Tuscan fare and the wine selection of the well-stocked wine cellar below the Vinarium. The Emporio, the art gallery and boutique of the estate, showcases a collection of outstanding Tuscan products, of works from local artists and craftsmen and of objects found in the residences. Finally, the true gem of the complex will be the private Spa Suite, specially conceived as the new point of reference for those not simply seeking a cosmetic effect, but wishing to explore a more profound harmony between mind and body. The private Spa Suite will offer a complete programme of spa and beauty treatments using natural products created with red wine and other natural components. The main objective is to help guests to understand their own equilibrium and hence to be able to manage their own well-being. The friendly, multi-lingual and professional staff at Le Case del Borgo welcomes guests to the property and offers them the services traditionally found in important Tuscan country homes, where a high level of service and pampering are the keynotes to a guest’s stay. Examples of these services include: a daily maid service in the residences, a dedicated gardener on the property, a XV

custodian in residence, a multi-lingual concierge service to organize special outings, a “butler service” available in the residences to set the table and serve meals for special dinners, a Tuscan Mamma available to prepare traditional Tuscan dinners in the kitchens of the residences, a personal fitness trainer and a professional beauty and spa staff. The style, quality and range of the services offered continues to strengthen the image of the property as an emblematic destination for an authentic “Tuscan cultural experience”.

Le Case del Borgo also provides the perfect setting for small, special events: ceremonies, musical and cultural evenings, theatrical performances and top-level management meetings. For these events, the whole property is rented and reserved for private use.

We invite you to discover a whole new world in the heart of ancient Tuscany, and to enjoy the sensations that we call Tuscan Luxury Living, a new dimension of sophisticated Tuscan hospitality and culture.

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a dedicated gardener on the property, a custodian in residence, a multi-lingual concierge service to organize special outings, a “butler service” available in the residences to set the table and serve meals for special dinners, a Tuscan Mamma available to prepare traditional Tuscan dinners in the kitchens of the residences, a personal fitness trainer and a professional beauty and spa staff.

The style, quality and range of the services offered continues to strengthen the image of the property as an emblematic destination for an authentic “Tuscan cultural experience”. Le Case del Borgo also provides the perfect setting for small, special events: ceremonies, musical and cultural evenings, theatrical performances and top-level management meetings. For these events, the whole property is rented and reserved for private use. We invite you to discover a whole new world in the heart of ancient Tuscany, and to enjoy the sensations that we call Tuscan Luxury Living, a new dimension of sophisticated Tuscan hospitality and culture.

“… it seemed as if nature itself had placed it there, such is the

felicity of its setting, ideal for breathing the wholesome air

and admiring the surrounding landscape…”

Giovanni Targioni Tozzetti

Le Case del Borgo

Le Case del Borgo

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All bedrooms have a private bathroom Air conditioning | Floor Heating Direct dial telephone Flatscreen TV in the living room and bedrooms Satellite TV & Music, in-house films and music channels Guest communication centre: computer, printer, fax & telephone Wireless LAN (WiFi internet access for laptops in additional fee) Hairdryer and cosmetic mirror In-room safe Private garden/terrace area (for each Suite and House) Outdoor Jacuzzi (in some Houses) Parking area within short walk of houses (under shaded pergola) Outdoor swimming pool w/ large Jacuzzi, splash pool and lap pool children’s pool Outdoor fitness path including 5 stops (gym exercises) 1.6 Km Vinarium Restaurant Enoteca (wine cellar) for wine tasting High-level conference facilities Private Wellness Suite SPA ( max 2 guests) Emporio Playground

Graphic & Book design Francesco Zorzi /Alias srl Pictures:

Andrea Rum

Printed by

Tipografia La Zecca

Paper:

Fedrigoni Splendorgel Avorio & Fedrigoni Tintoretto Stucco Gesso & Fedrigoni Savile Row Pinstripe Camel

September 2006

Le Case Del Borgo Tuscan Luxury Living 0 0 Duddova (AR) Chianti, Italia Tel +39 0 991 871 Fax +39 0 991 87 87

info@lecasedelborgo.com www.lecasedelborgo.com