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Hotel Tenuta di Ricavo
4 Star****
Castellini in Chianti - 53011 Italy
Localita Ricavo, #4
In Tuscany - half way between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti country - an interested and curious traveler, drawn to the attractions of history and culture will find the hamlet of Ricavo the ideal place to stay. Ricavo, originally a medieval forticated village, was transformed into a quiet and comfortable country residence in the late 1950's. The little chapel, the tiny cemetery and the weathered stone cottages seem to have the magic to take us back in time. Sources in the Passignano Abbey report that it was already in existence in A.D. 994. Like all the fortified settlements of those times it stands on a rise in the land, clustered around a church, which today is still property of the Curia in Florence. And a village lost in it's timeless countryside, Ricavo remained until the end of the last war. Gradually the country folk abandoned it for the city. In 1947 Ricavo became the property of the Scotoni Family, who from the 1950's began the task of converting the estate slowly into an inviting yet private resort, maintaining the ambience of times past.
There is a long tradition of hospitality at the Ricavo, warmly and ably owned and operated by the same family for more than 50 years. A picturesque hamlet; the main villa and it's surrounding dependencies, farmhouses and buildings have been restored paying respect to Tuscan architectural traditions. Stone, plaster, terra-cotta tiles, powerful wood beams, all materials used since early construction a thousand years ago, form the wide choice of accommodations, from a simple bed room to an ample apartment. These accommodations which can house up to 50 people in total are furnished with period pieces and loving detail. Their names bare their history: Villa, Casa Petri, Casa Mara, Cas'al Sole. A harmony with the past and present can be savored from the morning's ample buffet breakfast in the square during the warm months, and last throughout the day through the enjoyment of Ricavo's amenities.
This 4 star hotel is housed in a Tuscan manor house and combines ancient charm with modern amenities. On-site services include an excellent restaurant serving typical Tuscan cuisine, a bar, a library, wireless internet area, gym and two open air swimming pools. Tenuta di Ricavo Hotel offers lovely guest rooms, decorated in typical Tuscan style. All rooms are provided with satellite TV, safe and mini-bar. All bathrooms are equipped with hairdryer, sink, WC, bidet, bathtub and shower. Some rooms are located in the main house while others rooms are situated in the surrounding farmer's cottages. When booking more that one room it therefore can occur that your rooms may not lay beside or near to each other. Further please be aware that, as Tenuta di Ricavo is an ancient hamlet, there are no elevators and all rooms are accessible by stairs.
You can choose from different room types, many of them have ceilings with marvelous hand carved wooden beams and all of them offer a magnificent view either over the surrounding country sides or our scenic village square or the back courtyard which gives away to the garden. All rooms have classic style furniture giving the feel of a warm and romantic ambience. Staying with us you can unwind and give away to relaxation, enjoying the luxury of nature's tranquility in a fine Tuscan Country Hotel. The common areas of the house: the sitting rooms and the terraces offer our guests comfortable areas for socializing, for card and other table games, but also secluded places for reading, for a quiet conversation or just for dwelling. Nestled around the main Villa is a relaxing garden with two swimming pools and comfortable sun beds to enjoy the Tuscan Sun.| Ricavo is worth visiting for it's Cuisine too! Indeed how could one stay in Tuscany without tasting it's gastronomic delights. The proprietor himself directs the restaurant, La Pecora Nera, with the highest standards and quality resulting in exceptional culinary experience. Independent of it's wonderful setting with views of the villa's garden, or in good weather, sitting al fresco in the square under large umbrellas, the mouth watering selections will delight you. Serving typical Tuscan Cuisine, in conjunction with lighter Nouvelle Cuisine interpretations of traditional dishes will give diners many options. Not to mention the large and thoughtfully selected wine cellar's many choices. Longing for a dish you've heard or read about? Ask us and we may be able to prepare it especially for you. La Pecora Nera is a non smoking environment. |
Our beautiful garden, rich with many different plants flowering from spring well
through late autumn. Not to forget the wild lavender, the savory herbs used in our kitchen
for cooking, the fragrant rosemary; colors and scents of the natural beauty surrounding
us. This land is an oasis of protection for wildlife, no hunting permitted. There are wild
boar, rarely seen in the day, deer, hare, pheasants and many species of birds. On occasion
you may even spy a porcupine.
There are small meadows and olive groves. In the waters of the brook in the valley trout
are not uncommon.
Rates 2011 - Call for rates and availability
Standard Double rooms from 185 Euro
Standard Plus Double rooms from 210 Euro
Suites from 270 Euro
*Rates include VAT, service, & breakfast.
To see photos of the Tenuta di Ricavo please click here.
To view directions & a map of the area surrounding the Teunuta di Ricavo please click here.
For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
801 Monroe NW, Suite 104
Grand Raids, MI 49503
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com
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