Castello di VicarelloItaly, Tuscany

The Accommodation

The accommodation of the Castello offers two rooms and five suites.

VILLA CHIESINA (4 guests)

A lovely accommodation combining Suite Chiesina and a Deluxe Double room - La Grotta.

Perfect accommodation for a family with teen agers or four adults..

Approx. 190 sq. mt

SUITE CHIESINA (2 guests)

A large two-story villa with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, grand master bedroom with balcony overlooking the Tuscan hills, and bathroom with bathtub. There is also a panoramic terrace off the living room, where one can sit in the evening underneath the stars, and during the day underneath the pergola facing the travertine infinity swimming pool. The suite is furnished in an 18th century style with modern art paintings. Fireplace. A perfect retreat for guests seeking complete privacy and relaxation. Approx 145 sq. mt

LA GROTTA (2 guests)

A large double room nestled in the lower level of Suite Chiesina. The walls are made of stone and the furniture is in an Italian Venetian style. The room has a private outdoor sitting area hidden amongst the gardens. Includes bathroom with bathtub, minibar. With two large double beds this room can be perfect for friends (or for families when rented with Suite Chiesina to create Villa Chiesina, as above, a large private villa). Approx. 45 sq. mt

SASSI (2 guests)

A suite with a stunning view. The living room, bedroom and bathroom share the same panorama of the Tuscan hills down to the sea. Situated in an independent building, this suite has a Mediterranean style and it is surrounded by the lush gardens above to the travertine infinity swimming pool. There is a large bathroom with bathtub and shower, small fireplace, kitchenette and minibar. A wonderful place to relax and immerse yourself with nature. Independent building, perfect for honeymooners

Approx. 100 sq. mt

SPRONE (2 guests)

Arranged over two levels and situated off the castle’s courtyard, the bedroom has design influences from the 50’s and 70’s and the living room features an antique four-poster bed with an 18th century table near a modern fireplace – an eclectic yet tasteful mix of styles. There are lovely views over the garden and surrounding hills. Bathroom with bathtub and shower, kitchenette and minibar. Terra cotta wood-fired stone.On request, Suite Sprone can be connected to the adjacent Suite Giardino resulting in a large, family apartment. Approx. 60 sq. mt

GIARDINO (2 guests)

Romantic Suite with its own private garden facing south - even in winter this corner is very peaceful and warm. Arranged over two levels situated off the castle’s courtyard the suite includes beautiful furnishings such as a Raffles four-poster bed, a terracotta wood-fired stove and comfortable old leather armchairs and a couch in the living room. From the windows you can take in the beautiful view of the surrounding hills which can even be enjoyed while relaxing in the bathtub. Bathroom, bathtub and shower, Kitchenette and minibar. On request, this suite can be connected to the adjacent Suite Sprone, resulting in a large, family apartment. This is an intimate and cosy suite, very romantic. Approx. 55 sq. mt

VICARIO (2 guests)

A wonderful and large two-room suite located offthe castle’s courtyard. Both rooms are full of light with beautiful views of the Tuscan hills, and at sunset the room turns a golden colour. The lounge room boasts a stunning four-poster bed opposite a magnificent stone fireplace creating the perfect place to relax, books and soft lighting create a welcoming mood. The bedroom offers an eclectic mix of ‘70s designs and wooden antique furniture. Large bathroom with bathtub in copper, kitchenette and minibar. This is also wonderful for honeymooners, as it has much privacy being at the first floor Approx. 100 sq. mt

CHINESE ROOM (2 guests)

Double bedroom with a wonderful antique Chinese bed. A two-level room set in the courtyard of the castle. Windows with views overlooking the valley. Bathroom with shower only. Being the smallest room, we recommend itfor young people Approx. 28 sq. mt

EXCLUSIVE HIRE OF CASTELLO DI VILLARELLO (14 pax)

Castello di Vicarello can be hired for weddings, family reunions or special events.

PARTIAL HIRE OF CASTELLO DI VICARELLO (6 pax)

There is also an option to rent Villa Chiesina and Suite Sassi, which are located next to the infinity pool in the southern part of the property, including exclusive use of the pool.

Extra persons

We can accommodate few more guests with extra beds, using sofa or day bed part of the décor of the room

Air conditioning

There is no A.C., however each Suite has several windows and most have ceiling fans, ( there is a lovely breeze in the evenings coming from the sea).

TELEPHONE AND TELEVISION

No telephone and televisions in the rooms

The Kitchen

At Castello di Vicarello, food is not only a passion; it is an organic way of life. The castello grows its own vegetables, produce award-winning wine and olive oil, and the kitchen offers home-cooked Tuscan meals using local and seasonal ingredients. On a regular basis Aurora can offer tailor-made cooking classes to guests. Aurora wrote a cookbook in English,” My Tuscan Kitchen “, published by Rizzoli

Region/ Surroundings

Castello di Vicarello lies in the heart of the Maremma region of Tuscany, where ancient traditions have survived, and Tuscan culture is preserved. In ancient times, Maremma was isolated from the rest of the world, cut off by extensive marshlands and menacing highwaymen, but now it is an ideal holiday destination. The province is also home to an unspoiled nature reserve and boasts incomparable landscapes including sea-pine forests, beaches and rolling hills.

Siena – 50 min. drive from Castello di Vicarello Highlights include The Piazza del Campo, the Cathedral and Baptistery, Pinacoteca and Art Gallery, Palazzo Pubblico with famous frescoes by Simone Martini, Santa Maria della Scala.

Grosseto – 35 min. drive from Castello di Vicarello Grosseto is recognized as the principal town of Maremma. Once the archeological area of Roselle, considered as one of the most important Etruscan city in the area, this ancient town was known for its commerce and terracotta workshops; the remains of which are now on display for visitors to see all year round.

Montalcino – 35 min. drive from Castello di Vicarello The Oaks of Montalcino have covered its hills and valleys from prehistory to present day, sharing their territory with the Olive tree, the Chestnut tree and Montalcino's most famous plant, the Brunello grapevine, also known as Sangiovese Grosso. "From this height, you are left breathless by the panorama," recounted Gabriele D'Annunzio in his great work "The Prank of Buccari"; he defines Montalcino as the "window sill of the Apocalypse. And more..: Sant’Antimo, Romanic Abbey close to Montalcino Bagno Vignoni, medieval village with thermal hot springs pool in the middle of the village San Quirico, Pienza, San Gimignano, Pitigliano, Sorano Sovana, Tuscania, Porto Ercole, Porto santo Sgtefano, Orbetello, Talamone, and much more to discover in this blessed land.

Architecture and Design

Built in 1112, Castello di Vicarello has been renovated into a sophisticated and modern retreat, offering every comfort and exclusive amenity. The careful restoration of the castle incorporated red brick and old stone work, the original wood beams and terracotta tiling to their best effect, while the interior’s furnishing is born out of a marriage between antique furniture and frescoes, modern design and decorative elements garnered from every corner of the globe. The garden is a central component in the architectural restoration work. Despite being well maintained, there is no clear demarcation where the garden ends and the natural vegetation of the reserve begins. The result is dramatic yet offers harmony and balance - a multitude of scented flowers, centuries-old olive trees and lush lavender and jasmine complete the scenery, leaving space for two swimming pools and the exclusive SPA, sensitively integrated into the surroundings.

The Wellness centre

Appearing to almost float above the adjoining field beside the Infinity pool, The Wellness point at Vicarello is constructed entirely in wood and glass and is a refined example of modern architecture that blend with its surroundings: an elegant structure enjoying a breathtaking panorama. Using only the finest natural and eco-friendly materials, ensuring low energy-consumption, a respect for the environment and surrounding countryside are the tenets of Vicarello’s philosophical outlook, which is evident not only in the wellness centre but in the whole retreat itself. The wellness centre itself offers a range of massages from the stimulating to the relaxing, as well as an exterior wooden tub, plantar reflexology and shiatsu. The massages are arranged by appointment, and are with specialist therapists. For treatments, the therapist uses only hand crafted massage oils and essences using Mediterranean herbs.

The Environment

Vicarello prides itself on being organic and natural wherever possible. The cuisine uses local and seasonal products, the vegetables and herbs are from Vicarello’s organic vegetable garden. The two swimming pools are chlorine-free.

Activities & Facilities

The Castle:

• 12th Century Castello di Vicarello in the Tuscan hills, with panoramic views

• Five Suites (some with fireplaces), two Double rooms

• Traditional Tuscan cooking using only the finest, organic and local products

• Dining by a fireplace or underneath the stars in the “natural garden”

• Complimentary Natural wellness centre with sauna, steam room

• Massages

• Organically grown vineyards and olive groves

• Organic vegetable and flower garden

• Two natural pools – the first facing the Maremman hills, the second nestled within the olive groves

• FREE Wi-fi Internet service throughout

Getting to Castello di Vicarello

By plane

Several airlines, including Alitalia, EasyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, KLM, Lufthansa, and AirFrance frequently fly from multiple UK airports, including Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, London City and Manchester into Rome Fiumicino, Florence Vespucci, and Pisa Galilei airports. Grosseto Beccarini airport is located 35 minutes from Vicarello. It is a very small airport, ideal for domestic, charter or private flights. Castello di Vicarello can organize airport transfers for guests if required. Costs depend on the airport, and the distance from the property.

By road

Approximate travel times to drive from key airports to Castello di Vicarello:

• Rome Fiumicino 2 hours 15 minutes

• Firenze Vespucci 1 hour 40 minutes

• Pisa Galilei 1 hour 40 minutes

By train

The nearest railway station is at Paganico, a 15 minute drive from the property. The main railway station is at Grosseto, 40 km away. Florence or Pisa can be reached in two hours; for Siena there is a direct train or bus journey away, taking less than one hour.

GPS plotted to the nearest town