Castello di Segalari is in one of the most beautiful parts of the
rolling Tuscan countryside and enjoys breathtaking views of the Tirreno
Sea. It provides an unsurpassed Tuscan country home experience for
families and other small groups of up to 20. Painstakingly restored
by descendants of the same noble family who built it in the 11th century,
it is within an hour by car of the diverse pleasures of Tuscany –
historic villages, museums and churches with their priceless art,
fabulous shopping, numerous fine restaurants and some of Italy’s
most respected wineries – not to speak of the owner’s
own first-class beach within 15 minutes drive. The house is fully
staffed.
Segalari is a two-hour drive from Rome airport and 45 minutes from
the Pisa airport. Several important historic towns such as San Giminiano
and Volterra are within 30 minutes.
There are six air-conditioned bedroom suites including the master
bedroom with his and her bathrooms and a private tented terrace;
four others are in the main house and the last is in the romantic,
four-story 10th-century tower. In addition, there are four other
double bedrooms that are perfect for children; each has an en-suite
bathroom. In all ten bedrooms, sheets are of the finest hand-embroidered
linen and bathrooms are spacious and use lovely local marbles.
A grand entrance displays the Della Gherardesca coat of arms, carefully
restored medieval stonework and a seemingly floating stone staircase.
Continuing into the house, the main drawing room has massive-timbered
beams and wonderful views of the countryside, the sea and the nearby
island of Elba. Also on the main floor are a sitting room, a library
with cable TV and a collection of fine literature and art books,
and a study with computer/internet connection. Downstairs the dining
room seats up to 18 at a grand round table, and there is a separate
breakfast room, kitchen, playroom with cable TV and large collection
of DVD’s, and a teenagers’ room with pool table.
The décor
uses an imaginative combination of valuable antiques and contemporary
pieces.
Outside,
along the picturesque west side of the house with the long views
of countryside and sea, are the terraces. This is where most of
the dining and entertaining in the summer takes place. Just adjacent
is the castle’s own medieval church, a 65-foot marble-lined
swimming pool with tented lounging area, a tennis court and yoga
pavilion.
Apart from relaxing around the pool or on the secluded beach, excursions
and activities are endless. Tuscany is rich in history; it may have
the highest concentration of art in the world! The town of Pisa
with its leaning tower, Volterra with its six ancient arched entrances,
and charming San Giminiano with its many medieval towers are within
one hour’s drive through rolling hills of olive and wine orchards.
Walled medieval villages, off-the beaten track for most tourists,
include Bolgheri, Castagneto, and Massa Marittima. Etruscan and
Roman sites are also close by, as are great museums and churches.
An accomplished art historian can be hired to arrange private visits
to important private houses and gardens, and to arrange views of
private art collections not normally open to the public. Shopping,
which can be guided if desired, includes ceramics, jewellery and
the best of hand-made terra cotta urns and planters, as well as
fabulous Italian country clothes and leather. Restaurants, all sampled
by the owner’s family, include one that holds two Michelin
stars and others that are among Italy’s best trattorias. Tours
of local wineries including the prized Sassicaia winery can be arranged
in advance or after arrival, as can tours of the finest olive farms.
It is also possible to hire a day boat for the short trip to the
beautiful islands of Elba or Capraia.
The house staff includes the owner’s own cook of twenty years,
who is available to prepare guests’ meals in authentic, Italian
home-style. Local markets provide the freshest fish from the Tirreno
Sea, and local farms organically-grown fruit and vegetables. During
the summer dining is often outdoors, barbecue-style; hundreds of
candles light the terraces and a wood-burning pizza oven yields
the finest Italian pizza and bread. Daytime meals can also be taken
under the tent at poolside, or with a picnic at the seaside hut.
Undoubtedly guests will want to sample the excellent choice of restaurants
in the area.
Rates for parties of up to
eighteen are available upon request. Meals and beverages, including
wonderful local wines, are extra and are billed to the guest at
cost, upon departure. A driver is available for local tours, but
most guests will want to rent cars for maximum flexibility.
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