In the Enchanting Hills of Southern Tuscany
The privately owned medieval borgo Camporsevoli, with its three independent vacation villa rentals and cozy self-catering apartments will embrace you upon arrival like a big Tuscan hug, warm and invigorating. The Grossi family, the owners and your hosts while staying in southern Tuscany, have created a marvelous refuge for travelers in Italy offering you more than just a place to “lay your head” but the full Tuscan experience. Their mixed heritage (Italian/American) have provided them not only with excellent English but also a wider vision of what it means to “stare bene” (be well) while on vacation.
A stay at Camporsevoli means to find yourself on the edge of another time, with its origins dating back as far as the 5th century. Rich in archeological finds, this small little hamlet was a key player in the power struggle between Florence, Siena and Rome throughout the years. Today, the picturesque village is a place characterized by tranquility, friendly hospitality, and just a bit of adventure.
Hospitality spanning generations
Camporsevoli at a Glance:
Type: Tuscany Villa & Apartment Rentals
Location: Cetona, 10 km
Distance: Siena (1 hr 10 min), Florence (1 hr 40 min), Rome (1 hr 50 min), Perugia/Assisi (1 hr 10 min)
Transport: a car is necessary
Sleeps: 27
Type of board: No meals provided
When I went to visit siblings Valentina, Antonella and Pietro, it was a national holiday and there were three generations inhabiting the main villa coming in from all over to spend time together. With so many places they can choose to visit for vacation, the family seems to naturally gravitate towards their childhood home giving their kids the same opportunity to create fantastic memories of playing in the woods, romping in the gardens and spending time with cousins, aunts, uncles...everyone.
One of cousins raced into the kitchen, searching for a cookie and I cornered her, “You like coming into the countryside?”
Why would I want to go anywhere else, this is home!
She had summed up my sensation, this was a place that felt good - it felt like home. When I arrived I was immediately invited into the heart of the family home: the kitchen. Passing over the formal living room and dining area, following a delicious and savoury perfume of a dinner being prepared for their new arrivals, I felt as I was being treated like one of the family from the very start.
Normally they would have organized a cooking lesson and had their guests make sugo and pici (a typical handmade pasta from the area), but they were arriving late, and the Grossi family were arranging dinner for them. By the aromas emanating from the bubbling pot on the stove, I would have wanted to arrive late too!
As we toured the three independent vacation villas and the brand new holiday rental apartments, the sensation was the same. The furniture, the decor and the overall sensation of the accommodations mirrored the same warm friendly atmosphere of home. The mix of essentials (large dining room tables, fully equipped kitchens, large double beds and cozy living room spaces) were coupled with a delicate personal flare that gave each lodging a unique personality.
They were uniquely inviting with the selection of warm colors and pleasant with its combined style of elegance and country chic.
It is evident in all that they do that the family loves their home, the traditions in Tuscany and the fruit of the land. You will find them eager to share this enthusiasm with you: cooking with the family, tasting their wine and olive oil, listening to the stories about the village's history or even a silent walk through the enormous park which surrounds the accommodations and private pools.
The Sunny & Friendly Accommodations
The welcoming and genuine environment coaxes you to relax either in one of the holiday accommodations, in the fragrant gardens by the pool or to go for a long stroll in the forests surrounding Camporsevoli. The position leaves you free to widen your horizons, proposing exciting day trip destinations: not just all of Tuscany but also places like Perugia, Orvieto and even Rome. The diversity in the lodgings, ranging from stand alone vacation villas with private pool to self-catering holiday apartment rentals is an ideal solution for large groups looking to take over and plan a family reunion, a wedding or an engagement party, retirement celebration or vow renewals for a special anniversary.
The hamlet houses the main villa of the Grossi family, a lovely church for religious events and three self catering apartments. The largest of the three is “Villa” which will sleep 6 persons with two master bedrooms and a twin bedroom. I was in love with the authentic terracotta floors, the wrought iron bed stands and the fantastic view from the apartment. “La Canonica” is the perfect setting for up to 5 persons, with three bedrooms (a double, a twin and a single). It boasts a mix of wood and terracotta floors and is located on the first floor. The newest addition to the apartments is “Casa del Fattore,” which translates to the caretaker's home. It is a bit more modern in its decor but it still perfectly captures the essence of Tuscany - especially the paintings on some of the ceilings which date back over 100 years. This will accommodate up to 4 persons. All three apartments share a nearby panoramic pool.
With Over 500 m2, the independent villa rental “Le Capanne” can be home to a group of 10 persons with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It has its own private pool amidst a garden of lavender, rosemary and sage. The decor is distinguished with spacious rooms, luminous decors, panoramic views and cozy fireplaces.
Casa del Neri, one of the first holiday homes to be restored, is ideal for a group of eight persons. It has its own private garden area for relax, meals and sunning and shares the Camporsevoli pool just a short distance away. It hosts 4 bedrooms, a living room and dinning room and a fully equipped kitchen.
Boasting over 300 m2, the 4 bedroom villa rental “il Poderino” holds special memories for the family, since this is where they kept their horses. Today it has been transformed into a 300 sq/mt vacation home with a private pool and stunning garden. The kitchen is inviting with its antique fireplace and the living room is just the place to relax after a long day of tour the countryside.
The Location
Camporsevoli finds itself in an intriguing position in the center of Italy, gazing upon three regions each within an easy distance for day trip explorations. The proximity to major airports and highways lends itself to large groups coming in from all directions. At the same time, it gives you free reign to a varied itinerary, especially for those who are on their second and third trip to Italy.
The local area is characterized by small towns filled with authentic restaurants, beautiful museums, thermal water spas, Etruscan tombs and underground labyrinths to discover, literally something for all ages.
A Review of Camporsevoli
We loved: if I had to choose just one thing it would be difficult, but I'd choose the authentic, cozy, Tuscan flavor of the decor, gardens and surroundings
Ideal for: great for families, groups, events! The position is ideal for those looking to explore all of central Italy: Siena, Florence, Perugia & Rome
If you venture just a little bit further from home you will find several delicious wine itineraries to follow, starting with the famous Vino Nobile near Montepulciano, then the Orcia DOC wines and the popular Brunello wines in Montalcino. However, before you go out and taste the “others” be sure ask the family for a tour of their vineyards and olive groves - and, of course, at this point a taste testing is obligatory ;-).
But not just wines: pecorino cheese and olive oil abound in this area.
Though you may never want to leave the lofty heights and the panoramic position of Camporsevoli, you will find that in only 15 km you are at the Autostrada del Sole which will take you to Florence, Rome, Arezzo, Perugia and Assisi or you can catch a train at Chiusi and leave the car behind. The views from the holiday accommodations include Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria and every morning the horizon will surprise you with color and light. A cup of coffee and a quiet corner with a spectacular view is all you need to feel at peace with the world.
Making Dreams come True
Whether you are considering a vacation for just the two of you, bringing the family and kids or even a whole group of aunts, uncles, college buddies or the office, there is a solution just right for you. The various types of accommodations, the ample space and the professional organization at Camporsevoli will have you covered.
Perhaps one of the more distinguishing features of these vacation accommodations is that they lend themselves perfectly to almost every situation: private & romantic, tranquil & restful, professional & educational or spacious & festive.
There is a large hall, with an unmistakable Tuscan flare: the large stone fireplace, the open wood beam ceilings, the rich, warm terracotta floor, the comfy furniture and the glass doors that look out onto the well maintained gardens and terrace. With this large indoor space, no matter the weather, your partying will be safe: you can dance under the stars or cozy up in front of a roaring fire. With the expert organizational skills of Valentina and Antonella, they will be able to guide you in finding just the right services to make your event memorable.
The Well Rounded Vacation
It makes no difference if this is your first time to Tuscany or your fifth, the possibilities that Camporsevoli opens makes it an ideal base for your holiday. The convenience of main highways and public transport will have you planning day trips to explore famous monuments and secret corners of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. The private property assures you peace and quiet, where only the perfume of the rosemary and sage will disturb you at the pool. The gracious welcome and thoughtful attention during your stay will have you planning your next vacation right back here with the Grossi Family.
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