Description:
Arezzo, known for its' goldsmiths, antique shops and of course the Cimabue cross, is a place that has always interested both Italians and tourists alike. As I pass the the historic city and make my way to Torre Ginestre, I realise that the position of the property will definitely mean that all amenities and town life will be within easy reach. Winding up along the hillside, leaving Arezzo behind me, we reach the tiny hamlet where the home is located. As the last home of the hamlet I see that it is independent and private with a real sense of exclusivity. With stunning views ahead that stretch across the valley, Torre Ginestre already gives me a great impression.
I park the car and head towards the main door where the owners welcome me. Dating back to the 1700's, this 270 sqm home has been beautifully restored to reveal the true sense of elegant country living. I am led into the sitting area complete with stone fireplace and splendid views of the valley before us. The country style kitchen is just off this room and opens out onto the covered terrace. The more formal dining hall, located just off the sitting area, also accesses the large patio that enjoys morning sun and is a wonderful cool area for evening dinners. This ground floor also holds two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Up a flight of stairs and I am in a large open great room with high ceilings, exposed beams and terracotta tiles. Currently being used as an open plan office area, this can also become a wonderful library or entertainment room. The master bedroom, two other double bedrooms and a bathroom are on this floor as well.
Back outside I stroll around the garden and take in the beautiful mature and lush green surroundings. I note that there are two storage areas in a semi interred position of the home. This is perfect for storage garden furniture, logs for the fireplace etc. In addition to this space, there is also a limonaia at the back of the house used to store lemon trees in the winter as the name suggests. The owners take me to one of the lower terraces where a swimming pool can be installed. With one hectare of land surrounding the home, there is definitely a nice sense of privacy here despite the hamlet set up. I notice that this property has an interesting shape about it. There is a nice mix of country style and noble feel here. The main door is located on the side of the home that captures the essence of a signorile style home. The rest of the property describes the passage of time as the movement in lines and levels of the building show us that additions to the home were created as needed throughout the years. The owners have restored the home using fine, high quality materials and have incorporated beautiful stone accents around the doors and niches.
All services are in excellent working order as the home is used on a full time basis.
Basic amenities can be found in the small village of Antria which is a short 5 minute drive from the home. Other shopping and more enticing town life can be found in the historic city of Arezzo. There are great restaurants and cafés here, not to mention the many festivals and monthly antique markets. Arezzo is the largest town in Western Tuscany, north of Cortona and west of Siena. Arezzo is known for its medieval architecture and has an evocative old quarter. Shoppers will enjoy Arezzo's goldsmiths, jewelers, and antiques.
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My thoughts: I think this is a great home for those who want a piece of country side without being completely removed from the community. The living space and the quality of the home is very good but it is the garden and the view that really takes me. I can see a family living here full time. It is also a good choice for a holiday home as the location is far away enough from town to experience the Tuscan dream but in a small yet private hamlet to give that community feel.
