| | Facilities within the Property |
 Ground floor:
lounge with open fireplace, communal bathroom, open plan kitchen, guest room with en-suite bathroom.
Lounge: the entrance of the farmhouse leads into a spacious lounge. The Tuscan terracotta flooring, the curving vaulted ceiling, the large wooden table, the warm pastel shades of the sofas will make you feel at home....better still in your dream home! Firewood is at your disposal to create a warm welcoming atmosphere.
Kitchen: this the brightest room of the farmhouse with a garden entrance and a large window looking out into the village. It is fully equipped including oven and dishwasher. |
 First floor:
There is a reading lounge with open fireplace, three guestrooms with en-suite bathrooms. It is accessible from below using either the internal wooden staircase or the imposing external one. The picture window gives a view of the village with the peach of Mount Cetona. In the lounge facing the fireplace is a comfortable sofa to aid moments of relaxation and a selection of books concerning the territory, food and wine. The 3 upstairs guest rooms are reached from the lounge. In wintertime the fireplace will give warmth to your moments of reading and relaxation.
There is also a kitchen: this the brightest room of the farmhouse with a garden entrance and a large window looking out into the village. It is fully equipped including oven and dishwasher.
Relaxation - Health and beauty
At Fontevetriana farmhouse we take care of your health and beauty and propose a series of activities and beauty treatments held in our beauty centre. We are dedicated to ensuring your physical and psychological well being so as to offer you a relaxing holiday. All treatments are carried out by our highly qualified personnel |
 Massages
You will be surprised at the level of relaxation you can achieve at Fontevetriana.
Ayurvedic Massage: Ayurveda (Sanskrit "science of life") is a century old Indian medical science; it can also be considered a way of life as it concerns the health and equilibrium of the individual, taking care of all aspects of growth, psychological and spiritual. This type of massage works on the muscular and circulatory system putting into practice the oriental concepts of energy and exchange between the giver and the receiver of the massage. On the physical side, better venous circulation is obtained and the stimulation of the lymphatic system. Arterial circulation is improved and by the creation of heat the metabolism is increased and the elimination of waste, joint movement is eased. Normally an energetic equilibrium is regained; from which comes a sensation of complete well being, a profound sense of physical e psychological relaxation, an awareness of ones body, an increased sensitivity and capacity of perception, the pleasing sensation of feeling good in one's body. Relaxation becomes complete. The massage becomes meditative creating a profound state of relaxation and psycho-physical well being.
Reflexology: reflexology is a curative massage of the feet. The art of pleasurable fort massage became an art more than 2000 years ago in Egyptian and Chinese cultures. In the foot are more than 7200 nerve endings each one connected to a part or organ of the body. By exerting thumb pressure on the patients' foot the reflexologist sends bio-electric impulses to the spinal cord and the brain. These in turn send reflexes to the organ related to the compressed point and to be stimulated, intervening mainly on disturbances not caused mechanically but by psycho physical imbalance due to stress.
Pranotherapy (Duration 40 mins / offer!): the etymological root of the word, pranoterapy, is "prana" which in Indian means "vital energy". Through pranoterapy we can receive the necessary energy for our physical and psychological re-establishment. Just as the art of massage can be learned, or relaxation through breathing etc., it is possible to learn how to absorb this vital energy present in all living things, and to become a "bridge" transmitting it to those whose level is low. The therapist has acquired such ability. Usually the hands are used for this transmission, because since times gone by, hands have been considered the most immediate, spontaneous or better still "instinctive" means of communications: hands also easily transmit energy.
Yoga: in the gym of the farmhouse we propose lessons of yoga , in good weather held in the garden. For the more expert, we organise yoga courses of 3 to 7 days. Intensive yoga course: equilibrium and well being to rediscover oneself. In this case the intensive lessons are combined with breathing exercises and a special diet that we will provide for you. During the course there will be sessions of physical and postural exercises and meditation techniques which will help release muscular tension, loosen joints and in time improve concentration by freeing mind and body of every day stress.
We have also a beautifull swimming pool! |
| Property Facilities Summary: |  Barbecue | Beauty Treatments | | Child Friendly | Coal-Effect Gas Fire | | Cooking Courses | Cooking Facilities | | Dishwasher | Excursions | | Flowers | Fridge | | Guided Tours | Gym | | Hairdresser | Hoover | | Horseback Riding | Horseback Riding Lessons | | Hunting | Ironing | | Ironing Equipment | Kettle | | Kitchen | Massage | | Medium Dogs Welcome | Medium Pets Welcome | | Microwave | Olive Oil Tasting | | Outlet Tours | Oven / Stove | | Private Boat Tours | Private Parking | | Spa | Swimming Pool | | TV | Tea/Coffee Making Facilities | | Tennis Rackets | Toaster | | Towels for Swimming Pool | Trekking | | Tuscan Dinner | Wedding Management | | Wine Tasting | Wine Tours | | |
 Not far from Fontevetriana you can find:
Famous wines: not far from the farmhouse are the best sangiovese vineyards that give birth to the wines which, matured in oak casks, become the famous Nobile of Montepulciano or Brunello of Montalcino.
In search of Truffles: truffle hunting varies according to the season. From January until April you can learn to distinguish the marzuolo or "bianchetto" truffle in a private pinewood; from June to September you can appreciate the qualities of the black truffle or "scorzone" in private oak or black-pine woods. From October to the end of December the king of truffles; the esteemed white truffle is in season, the search for which is perhaps the most enthralling amongst the trees of the private oak and white popular woods. These seasonal excursions all centre around the truffle dog and his amazing sense of smell. All the hunters and you will appreciate your guide's small gift of some recipes and advice on cooking methods. To make this tour or receive more information contact us.
Walking paths: the village of Fontevetriana is the starting point for several marked routes for both walking and riding (Monte Cetona 1148 m. is roughly one and half hours walk). Route: take the road to the right at the bottom of the village until you reach an intersection; take a right turn and after approximately 40 minutes you will reach the summit. At the top a spectacular scene awaits you ; the panoramic views stretches from the Valdorcia across Umbria to Lazio; from Mount Amiata to Lake Bolsena and the Lakes of Chiusi and Montepulciano. The dense vegetation of the upper slopes is home to many animal species (wild boar, porcupines, roe deer, wood peckers, falcons etc. ). A curiosity: in medieval times here was the site of the castle of the Manenti family of Sarteano. |
 Other places to visit:
Sarteano - 6 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse.
Sarteano is the Valdorcia municipality in which the Fontevetriana farmhouse holiday is found in an excellent position near to both the motorway and railway (5 mins. from the motorway exit and 10 mins. from the station).Over the past few years the town has undergone continuous development due to the heritage of a harmonious mural landscape, holding remains of prehistoric, Etruscan and Roman civilisations, of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The area is industry free, rich in spa waters (the nearby Terme of San Casciano Bagni and numerous historical and folklore celebrations are held throughout the summer.
The most spectacular being the " Giostra del Saracino " a horseback tournament, unique of its type, which has taken place for centuries. There is an impressing castle to be admired; built on the acropolis in the midst of a wonderful park of evergreen oaks; also numerous churches from the 18 th century Arrischianti Theatre. In the Archeological Museum can be found exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Etruscans.
Cortona - 42 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
The town of Cortona is positioned on Mount Egidio, halfway between the Val di Chiana and the Val Tiberina, from its altitude of 600 mt. it offers a marvellous view of the entire Val di Chiana. The heart of the town is the Piazza Repubblica overshadowed by the 13th century Town Hall. The battlements of the palace's tower and consequent Medieval effect are fruit of a 19th century restoration. Behind this palace there is the stately Palazzo Pretorio (magistrates palace), housing the town library, the Etruscan Museum, the Archives and the Academy. Not to be missed is the ex-church del Gesł which is the custodian of important works of Beato Angelico, Lorenzetti and Signorelli. Just outside the town walls are two sanctuaries of many: the Church of the Calcinaio and Santa Maria Nuova.
Montepulciano - 26 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
The name Montepulciano probably comes from Politianum, that is, the castle built during the Etruscan times and documented from 715 B.C. Always contended for by Siena and Florence because of its strategic geographical position (between the Valdorcia and Valdichiana) it lived its golden age in the 16 th century and because of its art and architecture it was named " Pearl of the 16th century ". In this period famous architects such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, Vignola and Ippolito Scalza were active. To the latter we owe Le Logge del Grano, Le Logge del Mercato and the Cathedral built on the site of an ancient church, and opposite the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Sangallo designed the beautiful Porta del Prato, the Contucci Palace, the Nobili Tarugi palace, the Palazzo Cervini and the splendid church of San Biagio which interprets and re-elaborates the lessons of Bramante. Montepulciano is world renowned today, not only for its artistic beauty but also, and above all, for the production of the elegant Vino Nobile of Montepulciano , already christened Nobile in the late 18 th century because it was drunk by the nobles of the area. Today the town is also a centre of lively cultural activities; amongst the best known is the " Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte " where professional artists e students, impassioned and simple amateurs "build" performances; the Folk theatre of the Bruscello di Montepulciano where the knightly exploit and local legends are staged and sung to the accompaniment of a piano accordion and violin. The main event of the folklore of Montepulciano is the Bravio delle Botti , a traditional race through the narrow, steep streets of the old town, each team trying to overtake the other in the strenuous up hill barrel race.
Pienza - 36 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
Founded in 828 under the name of Corsignano, after a period of submission to Siena, Pienza became the domain of the Piccolomini family. It's history is closely linked to Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a humanist, who became Pope in 1459 ( Pio II ). During his papacy he turned his native village into a Renaissance residence with the help of the architect Rossellino, Alberti's disciple. The aim of the project was to create a utopian image of an ideal town , this making it a true and proper urban museum. The centre of the town is Piazza Pio II, enclosed by the Cathedral of the Assunta, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Canonical Residence, Palazzo Borgia, housing the Diocesan Museum and Palazzo of the Priori. Below the town lies the unforgettable spectacle of the Artistic, Natural and Cultural Park of the Val d'Orcia with its magical landscape of gullies, rolling fields and the famous clay crags. Less than 1 km from the town lies the Church of Saint Modesto and Vito, an ancient Romanesque church with a round tower; inside is the baptismal font where Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini was baptised.
Pienza has maintained its beauty through the centuries; from its side streets (with propitiatory names: Via dell'Amore, Vicolo del Bacio, Vicolo della Fortuna etc.) the fabulous landscape of the Valdorcia opens up, no wonder it has been declared a patrimony of UNESCO, and that famous directors have chosen it as an ideal film set. Visiting gourmets cannot resist the temptation of the famous and exquisite Pecorino of Pienza.
Some places in the neighbourhood of Pienza:
La Foce: at La Foce is the harmonious villa acquired at the beginning of last century by the Marquis Origo and his wife. The couple carried out many admirable works in the area: reclamation and cultivation of land, the construction of a nursery, a school and a doctor's surgery. The Foce Villa is still enhanced by a good example of an Italian garden, re-established by landscape architect Cecil Pinsent at the beginning of the 20 th century . Open to visitors on Wednesday afternoons. From La Foce, proceeding along the Cassia, one can admire a small cypress lined lane clambering up the hillside; surely the most photographed view of Tuscany.
Monticchiello Just a few kilometres from Pienza, on a hill and rightly known as the balcony of the Valdorcia, lies Monticchiello, a small medieval village; which retains its gothic fascination. The village is renowned not only for its beauty but also for the Teatro Povero di Monticchiello . Performances are conceived and interpreted by local people; inhabitants also compose the music and construct the scenery. From a "popular experiment" the theatrical experience of Monticchiello has become a significant example of Italian theatre.
Sant'Anna in Camprena An Olivetan Monastery founded in 1324 and successively renovated Sant'Anna is renowned for its frescoes of Sodoma. The artist, who was the author of the passage from the Renaissance style to that of Mannerism, represented various episodes in the life of Jesus on the refectory walls and to the left of the entrance a splendid Madonna and Child. In this same monastery many scenes of "The English Patient" were filmed.
San Quirico d'Orcia e Bagno Vignoni - 34 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
First starting around the church of San Quirico Osenna in the 13th century, San Quirico d'Orcia grew up on the Francigena way (the pilgrim's road of the Middle Ages). The lay out of the town reveals a clear example of Medieval architecture. Unfortunately all traces of the 2 main gateways opening onto the Francigena way have been lost; whilst the Porta of the Cappuccini (facing Pienza) has survived. The most important building is, without doubt, the Collegiata (collegiate church) with its remarkable decorative details. In the central Piazza is the San Francesco church known as the Madonna Vitaleta, after the homonymous statue by Andrea della Robbia. Opposite is the entrance to the Horti Leonini, one of the first and most important examples of an Italian garden.
Bagno Vignoni: on the Via Cassia leading to Rome is Bagno Vignoni, is the renowned Tuscan spa centre. In the middle of the village is the wonderful thermal pool, 49metres x 29 metres, famous for its sulphurous hot water springs (52°) since Roman times. Many illustrious personalities have benefited from these waters, such as Santa Caterina from Siena e Lorenzo the Magnificent and they have also been part of many famous films (film: Nostalghia di Andrej Tarkowskij).
Cittą della Pieve - 26 km from Fontevetriana agritourism
This Umbrian town was the birth place, in 1450, of Pietro Vannucci called Il Perugino, disciple of Verrocchio and maestro to Raffaello. The heart of the town is Piazza Gramsci, where the cathedral the Palazzo della Crogna and the Torre Civica (38 m) are found. From the Piazza we reach the church of Santa Maria della Mercede, where in the oratorio is found the "Adoration of the Magi" considered one of the best woks of Il Perugino (1504). A curiosity: today Cittą della Pieve is the setting for the well known Italian television series " I Carabinieri" so it is not unusual to come across T.V. actors whilst strolling.
The SPAs (Thermal baths)
Terme di San Casciano dei Bagni - 6 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
The village of San Casciano Bagni just a few kilometres from Fontevetriana Agritourism is renowed for its hot springs. In the immediate surroundings, just outside the built up area there are 45 springs. In a historical building which as now become the symbol of Terme of San Casciano, we find the Centro Termale Fonteverde. The waters: their beneficial effects are many. They act principally on the locomotoria system, regulating muscle tone on the skin with anti - inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial, detergent and toning effects on the nervous system aiding relaxation, on the respiratory system and on the liver and bile-duct system.
Terme di Bagni San Filippo - 30 km from Fontevetriana farmhouse
Bagni di San Filippo is a small spa centre immersed in the green of the hamlet of Castiglion d'Orcia (SI). The town nestles near the waters in a suggestive scene created by the waterfalls tumbling over the calcium deposit of the water. The waters of the Terme di San Filippo, sulphurous, sulphate and bicarbonate (52°) with the natural mud are used in the spa establishment for balneotherapy, mud balneotherapy, inhalation in osteo-articulation conditions (rheumatism, sciatica, osteo-calluses); for illnesses of the ear, throat and nose (rhinitis, pharyngitus, .) for illnesses of the respiratory system (chronic bronchitis, trachea bronchitis, asthma) and for skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, acne). |
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