Casa d'Oro
Days out
There are lovely day trips from our casetta, if you can tear yourself away from the view and the peace and quiet. Here are some suggestions.
About an hour's drive away. Enjoy the beautiful medieval Pizza del Camp, the site of the famous Palio; climb the tower of the stunning duomo or simply have an ice cream and soak up the atmosphere. Stop at the natural hot pools of Petriolo on the way home.
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Siena
About an hour's drive away. Enjoy the beautiful medieval Pizza del Camp, the site of the famous Palio; climb the tower of the stunning duomo or simply have an ice cream and soak up the atmosphere. Stop at the natural hot pools of Petriolo on the way home.
Drive round the mountain to Montalcino, home of Italy's famous Brunello wines; take a tour of a vineyard, visit the fortress and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia.
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Montalcino
Drive round the mountain to Montalcino, home of Italy's famous Brunello wines; take a tour of a vineyard, visit the fortress and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia.
Visit the tranquillity and beauty of this ancient abbey, a former Benedictine monastery; located among olive trees and vineyards, it's a haven of calm and easily combined with a trip to Montalcino and particularly special if you are able to catch the lyrical Gregorian chants of monks during services.
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Абатство Сант'Антимо
222 Localita' S. AntimoVisit the tranquillity and beauty of this ancient abbey, a former Benedictine monastery; located among olive trees and vineyards, it's a haven of calm and easily combined with a trip to Montalcino and particularly special if you are able to catch the lyrical Gregorian chants of monks during services.
Pienza is a stunning town, showcasing the best of Renaissance architecture and a beautiful place to spend a day. Find local artisans weaving wool by hand or hand making leather goods and then relax in one of the lovely restaurants. We love La Terrazza del Chiostro for the stunning views over the Val d'Orcia. Locals love the Buca delle Fate (hole of the fairies!) for great local food - try the wild boar. For an elegant meal out, try La Bandita town house - for inside and outside dining and a real treat!
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Pienza
Pienza is a stunning town, showcasing the best of Renaissance architecture and a beautiful place to spend a day. Find local artisans weaving wool by hand or hand making leather goods and then relax in one of the lovely restaurants. We love La Terrazza del Chiostro for the stunning views over the Val d'Orcia. Locals love the Buca delle Fate (hole of the fairies!) for great local food - try the wild boar. For an elegant meal out, try La Bandita town house - for inside and outside dining and a real treat!
Montepulciano is another beautiful Medieval hilltop town, larger than Montalcino and Pienza and renowned for its vino nobile red wine. It's full of Renaissance architecture and panoramic views. There are often music festivals up near the duomo. It's recently become more popular after the 'Twilight' series was filmed there.
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Montepulciano
Montepulciano is another beautiful Medieval hilltop town, larger than Montalcino and Pienza and renowned for its vino nobile red wine. It's full of Renaissance architecture and panoramic views. There are often music festivals up near the duomo. It's recently become more popular after the 'Twilight' series was filmed there.
Pitigliano is a wonderful town, carved out of volcanic stone and surrounded by Etruscan caves. It's a lesser known spot, but well worth the visit. We often combine with visits to nearby Sorano and Sovana.
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Pitigliano
Pitigliano is a wonderful town, carved out of volcanic stone and surrounded by Etruscan caves. It's a lesser known spot, but well worth the visit. We often combine with visits to nearby Sorano and Sovana.
Visit the small and sleepy town of Sovana and nearby Sorano for two beautiful small Tuscan towns in the Maremma.
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Sovana
Visit the small and sleepy town of Sovana and nearby Sorano for two beautiful small Tuscan towns in the Maremma.
This is a bit of trek but is well worth the visit for some crazy and interesting, bright and colourful sculpture set in wonderful grounds. Check their website for contact details and opening times.
Via Giardino dei Tarocchi
Via Giardino dei TarocchiThis is a bit of trek but is well worth the visit for some crazy and interesting, bright and colourful sculpture set in wonderful grounds. Check their website for contact details and opening times.
Water! Hot springs and cold splash pools
Situated in the foothills of an extinct volcano, the area is spoilt for nourishing natural hot springs. These are our favourites.
These are wonderful naturally occurring hot sulphur springs. We park up on the road in and slip down the path to the right. There are various pools on the walk down to the massive fosso bianco or white rock. Some are hotter than others and they naturally vary according to season, wander up and down the path and find the spot that suits you. The springs are next to a woodland and you can enjoy a long afternoon here and then head into town for a pizza.
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Bagni San Filippo
These are wonderful naturally occurring hot sulphur springs. We park up on the road in and slip down the path to the right. There are various pools on the walk down to the massive fosso bianco or white rock. Some are hotter than others and they naturally vary according to season, wander up and down the path and find the spot that suits you. The springs are next to a woodland and you can enjoy a long afternoon here and then head into town for a pizza.
We love the natural pools at Petriolo: they are super hot, standing above the icy cold river - the jump into the river after the hot tub makes for the perfect natural spa experience. There are two areas at Petriolo, so do find the spot that suits you best. Locals swear by the healing restorative qualities of the minerals in the water. You can park up on easily on the road next to the hot springs.
Petriolo
We love the natural pools at Petriolo: they are super hot, standing above the icy cold river - the jump into the river after the hot tub makes for the perfect natural spa experience. There are two areas at Petriolo, so do find the spot that suits you best. Locals swear by the healing restorative qualities of the minerals in the water. You can park up on easily on the road next to the hot springs.
For a treat out and a less wild experience, head for Bagno Vignoni, a beautifully kept and clean town centred round a pool of water. You can't swim here, but you can either head down to the free natural springs at the Parco dei Mulini, or opt for the hotel experience at the Hotel Posta Marcucci.
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Bagno Vignoni
For a treat out and a less wild experience, head for Bagno Vignoni, a beautifully kept and clean town centred round a pool of water. You can't swim here, but you can either head down to the free natural springs at the Parco dei Mulini, or opt for the hotel experience at the Hotel Posta Marcucci.
If you are heading down to Sorano or Sovana, then the popular hot springs of Saturnia are an easy stop on the return journey.
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Saturnia
If you are heading down to Sorano or Sovana, then the popular hot springs of Saturnia are an easy stop on the return journey.
Near to our casetta there are some wonderful, naturally occurring water falls and cold splash pools. You can find some of them down at Puntone. If you head out of our house on the white road, down the hill to the right, and follow the road round, you will be on the white road back to Castel del Piano. Follow the brown signs for Puntone which is where you will find the convergence of two rivers and delicious cold splash pools. As the places we go to our secret treasures, we've left a hand drawn map in the casetta showing our favourite spots. As they are naturally occurring, they change with the seasons and how much rain the area has had, so we can't predict how you will find them!
Puntone
3 Via delle ScuoleNear to our casetta there are some wonderful, naturally occurring water falls and cold splash pools. You can find some of them down at Puntone. If you head out of our house on the white road, down the hill to the right, and follow the road round, you will be on the white road back to Castel del Piano. Follow the brown signs for Puntone which is where you will find the convergence of two rivers and delicious cold splash pools. As the places we go to our secret treasures, we've left a hand drawn map in the casetta showing our favourite spots. As they are naturally occurring, they change with the seasons and how much rain the area has had, so we can't predict how you will find them!
Water! The sea and beaches
The coast is about an hour or so away and great for a day trip. There are plenty of beaches to explore both just outside Grosseto and up or down the coast. These are our favourites.
Alberese is a small town on the edge of the Maremma Regional Park. We love hiring bikes for the day in the town and cycling through the park to the beach. You can park you car for free at the bike hire. The cycle through the park is beautiful. The beach is stunning, with drift wood made into beach shelters along the shore. In the spring and summer there are mobile eateries up near the toilet area away from the beach, good for coffee and a quick bite. Back in Alberese there's a great ice cream shop and a super restaurant, La Scafarde - lovely pizza and pasta. Check out the Regional Park website for more information - they have excursions on horse back or guided tours. You can also drive into the park, paying for parking on exit, and park right next to the beach.
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Alberese
Alberese is a small town on the edge of the Maremma Regional Park. We love hiring bikes for the day in the town and cycling through the park to the beach. You can park you car for free at the bike hire. The cycle through the park is beautiful. The beach is stunning, with drift wood made into beach shelters along the shore. In the spring and summer there are mobile eateries up near the toilet area away from the beach, good for coffee and a quick bite. Back in Alberese there's a great ice cream shop and a super restaurant, La Scafarde - lovely pizza and pasta. Check out the Regional Park website for more information - they have excursions on horse back or guided tours. You can also drive into the park, paying for parking on exit, and park right next to the beach.
Another firm favourite. Castiglione is a lovely beach town - the beach is narrow and super accessible, with parking on the street or paid parking at one end (near the marina and castle), or drive down to the other end of town and find a spot in the free car park next to the school. There are rock pools at the far end of the beach, away from town, then a strip of beach cafes and restaurants - good for seafood, fish and a glass of wine - and for hiring sun loungers if you don't want to do towels on the beach. Head up to Orso Bianco for the best ice creams (we know - we are regulars and love looking out for new flavours each time), to eat while looking at the sea. Wander into town for more restaurants, bars, for shopping - beach and high end fashion - and to take a peak the yachts stopping over at the marina. Climb up to the fortress for a view and if you need a snack, try a pizza by the slice at Micro Pizza on the main road in the pedestrianised part of town.
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Castiglione della Pescaia
Another firm favourite. Castiglione is a lovely beach town - the beach is narrow and super accessible, with parking on the street or paid parking at one end (near the marina and castle), or drive down to the other end of town and find a spot in the free car park next to the school. There are rock pools at the far end of the beach, away from town, then a strip of beach cafes and restaurants - good for seafood, fish and a glass of wine - and for hiring sun loungers if you don't want to do towels on the beach. Head up to Orso Bianco for the best ice creams (we know - we are regulars and love looking out for new flavours each time), to eat while looking at the sea. Wander into town for more restaurants, bars, for shopping - beach and high end fashion - and to take a peak the yachts stopping over at the marina. Climb up to the fortress for a view and if you need a snack, try a pizza by the slice at Micro Pizza on the main road in the pedestrianised part of town.
A massive stretch of beach up the coast from Grosseto - plenty of spots to choose from.
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Punta Ala
A massive stretch of beach up the coast from Grosseto - plenty of spots to choose from.
Local places to visit
If you don't want to go far, the local villages and towns are lovely and are often full of festivals from spring through to autumn. This is an overview of what to find where.
Our local town, with a quaint and unspoilt old town, 'borgo'. In early September you can catch the Castel Palio - a wonderful mini version of the famous Palio of Siena - and worth it for the atmosphere and to see the allegiance of different areas of town to their teams. There are often markets in the squares over the summer and lots of local butchers and pasta shops. Head here to stock up at the Coop or grab a coffee at Corsini - which sells its baked goods internationally - you'll see its Panettone back in London. The Coop sells locally produce too - you can find pecorino cheese, for which the region is known, from the cheese factories in the area in the deli counter. Look out for Seggiano's finest. Eat out at Le Logge in the old town for a traditional Tuscan meal.
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Castel del Piano
Our local town, with a quaint and unspoilt old town, 'borgo'. In early September you can catch the Castel Palio - a wonderful mini version of the famous Palio of Siena - and worth it for the atmosphere and to see the allegiance of different areas of town to their teams. There are often markets in the squares over the summer and lots of local butchers and pasta shops. Head here to stock up at the Coop or grab a coffee at Corsini - which sells its baked goods internationally - you'll see its Panettone back in London. The Coop sells locally produce too - you can find pecorino cheese, for which the region is known, from the cheese factories in the area in the deli counter. Look out for Seggiano's finest. Eat out at Le Logge in the old town for a traditional Tuscan meal.
Arcidosso has a super old town - explore the side passages and winding alleys. In autumn you can catch the wonderful Festa della Castagna, celebrating the chestnut, on which the area has relied heavily over the years. Arcidosso has two supermarkets - Coop and Conan as well as a number of other delis and shops selling local produce. There are often markets in the main square.
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Arcidosso
30 Piazza IndipendenzaArcidosso has a super old town - explore the side passages and winding alleys. In autumn you can catch the wonderful Festa della Castagna, celebrating the chestnut, on which the area has relied heavily over the years. Arcidosso has two supermarkets - Coop and Conan as well as a number of other delis and shops selling local produce. There are often markets in the main square.
Montelaterone is a beautiful tiny village in the mountain with lovely walks in the hills around it, great for exploring and soaking in the atmosphere.
Montelaterone
Montelaterone is a beautiful tiny village in the mountain with lovely walks in the hills around it, great for exploring and soaking in the atmosphere.
You can see the line of Montegiovi from the casetta if you are up for a walk then you can take the strada bianca (the white roads) all the way there, it takes about an hour or so and is a lovely way to explore the area. Once in Montegiovi, climb to the top of the village for a wonderful panoramic view. There is an organic restaurant, 'Olivastra' which you will pass on your way in if you go by foot. There is a great cherry festival there in spring an 'olio nuovo' festival in October, showcasing the region's local olive oil.
Montegiovi
You can see the line of Montegiovi from the casetta if you are up for a walk then you can take the strada bianca (the white roads) all the way there, it takes about an hour or so and is a lovely way to explore the area. Once in Montegiovi, climb to the top of the village for a wonderful panoramic view. There is an organic restaurant, 'Olivastra' which you will pass on your way in if you go by foot. There is a great cherry festival there in spring an 'olio nuovo' festival in October, showcasing the region's local olive oil.
Head up the mountain, a dormant volcano, to cool down in the summer, there are restaurants up there for refreshments and you can walk up the ski slopes and enjoy the fresh air. In spring the flowers are beautiful. Climb to the cross or 'croce' for fantastic views over the valley.
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Monte Amiata
Head up the mountain, a dormant volcano, to cool down in the summer, there are restaurants up there for refreshments and you can walk up the ski slopes and enjoy the fresh air. In spring the flowers are beautiful. Climb to the cross or 'croce' for fantastic views over the valley.
Head up the mountain behind Arcidosso to the Parco Faunistico -a nature reserve with super wildlife. Lovely and cool in the summer and a beautiful area of unspoilt country. It's easy to feel like you might get lost on the drives round the mountains, but you will find hidden spots of unspoilt beauty for picnics or walks and often, that's part of the fun!
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Parco Faunistico del Monte Amiata
Head up the mountain behind Arcidosso to the Parco Faunistico -a nature reserve with super wildlife. Lovely and cool in the summer and a beautiful area of unspoilt country. It's easy to feel like you might get lost on the drives round the mountains, but you will find hidden spots of unspoilt beauty for picnics or walks and often, that's part of the fun!
As you head up behind Arcidosso you will see signs for Santa Fiora, another beautiful medieval town, complete with the lovely Parco della Peschiera - a peaceful space with an enormous fish pond and interesting history. We like to eat traditional Tuscan food at Il Barilotto.
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Santa Fiora
As you head up behind Arcidosso you will see signs for Santa Fiora, another beautiful medieval town, complete with the lovely Parco della Peschiera - a peaceful space with an enormous fish pond and interesting history. We like to eat traditional Tuscan food at Il Barilotto.
The local town which you will see on the hilltop to the east and no doubt gaze at from the terrace outside the bedroom. It's a beautiful little town to explore and take a drink in the piazza at the top. There's a small supermarket as you enter. If you head down the road to your left you will find your way to the Seggiano cheese factory, where you can buy cheese directly from the shop (go in the mornings or late afternoons to find it open).
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Seggiano
The local town which you will see on the hilltop to the east and no doubt gaze at from the terrace outside the bedroom. It's a beautiful little town to explore and take a drink in the piazza at the top. There's a small supermarket as you enter. If you head down the road to your left you will find your way to the Seggiano cheese factory, where you can buy cheese directly from the shop (go in the mornings or late afternoons to find it open).
We love these gardens! Daniel Spoerri is a local sculptor and these private gardens are full of his eclectic, interesting and unusual works. A welcome relief from the heat of the day, as you will find shady areas, we love to wander in the gardens. You can grab a bite to eat there, too, though we usually take our own food.
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Il Giardino
Strada Provinciale PescinaWe love these gardens! Daniel Spoerri is a local sculptor and these private gardens are full of his eclectic, interesting and unusual works. A welcome relief from the heat of the day, as you will find shady areas, we love to wander in the gardens. You can grab a bite to eat there, too, though we usually take our own food.
This is a wonderful day out, a house and formal gardens with a fascinating history. Check out their website for more details. https://www.lafoce.com/en/garden/history.html
Opposite the garden is the superb restaurant Dopo Lavoro la Foce; treat yourself and enjoy superb Tuscan food and wine in the stunning and peaceful surroundings.
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La Foce
61 Strada della VittoriaThis is a wonderful day out, a house and formal gardens with a fascinating history. Check out their website for more details. https://www.lafoce.com/en/garden/history.html
Opposite the garden is the superb restaurant Dopo Lavoro la Foce; treat yourself and enjoy superb Tuscan food and wine in the stunning and peaceful surroundings.
For another interesting excursion, head to 'il bosco della ragnaia' in San Giovanno d'Asso. If you want to explore these interesting works and the artist's woodland, it's best to contact them via the website to check they are open.
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Il Bosco della Ragnaia
For another interesting excursion, head to 'il bosco della ragnaia' in San Giovanno d'Asso. If you want to explore these interesting works and the artist's woodland, it's best to contact them via the website to check they are open.
Places to eat
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to great pasta, wine and food. Here are some local recommendations that we've enjoyed over the years.
On the strada bianca, above Tepolini you will find the Pizzeria 170 grams. Really good, reasonably priced pizza, often packed with locals.
For another local, good quality and inexpensive meal, try Lucca's, over the road from Michelin starred Il Silene in Pescina, Lucca's is reliable for pasta, pizza, a good local meal in a busy restaurant.
Silene
9 Strada Provinciale AltoreFor a Michelin starred, experience, eat at Silene. The steak tartare is amazing.
This is a great restaurant if you are on your way back up the mountain. There's also a super gelateria in the small square in the centre.
Pizzeria Il Castelluccio
1 Via Dante AlighieriThis is a great restaurant if you are on your way back up the mountain. There's also a super gelateria in the small square in the centre.
This is simply the best place to eat. Super value, amazing food. Run by the two man show, Pino and his wife, this is wonderful home made food - melt in your mouth pasta and delicious desserts. Eat here and look at the photos on the wall of Pino hosting the great and the good - from Zoe Wanamaker to Alan Rickman.
Caffe Sant'Angelo
8 Via GrossetanaThis is simply the best place to eat. Super value, amazing food. Run by the two man show, Pino and his wife, this is wonderful home made food - melt in your mouth pasta and delicious desserts. Eat here and look at the photos on the wall of Pino hosting the great and the good - from Zoe Wanamaker to Alan Rickman.
Дополаворо Ла Фоче
90 SP40Delicious food in wonderful surroundings.