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Belriposo is located in the spectacular countryside where "The English Patient" and 'Under the Tuscan Sun" were filmed.

This valley has been renowned since the end of the first millennium as being an important stage on the Via Francigena, the great medieval pilgrimage road from France to Rome. More than 20 castles and rest houses crowned the valley bordering the road. One of these houses, named Belriposo (good rest), has become a vacation house of exceptional character.

Belriposo, when discovered by the present owners, was a ruined peasants house. It attracted them not only because of its size, but also because of the history found in the different layers of its construction. During the restoration some bricks were found that were dated 1560.

In restoring the structure to its final transformation as a comfortable family house in the country, the owners main aim was to respect and acknowledge the various periods of the building; thus avoiding the tendency to unify buildings with fake rustic interiors. Rooms with beamed ceilings are well sized and open to the most exciting views of the Crete Senese, wheat fields and cypress trees. The house is equipped with all modern amenities including: Satellite digital TV, VCR, stereo tuner, CD-player, cassette recorder and dedicated fax-line.

Accommodations

GROUND FLOOR

Spacious living room (12x7 m) with a handsome stone fireplace at one end and two sets of double doors that open directly onto the expansive front terrace and pergola.

Dining room with double doors opening to the front patio and rear garden; dining tables can accommodate up to 20 persons.

Kitchen, traditional-styled spacious and well equipped (double-burner gas stove, two 90-cm ovens) with large stone counter top and sink; adjacent two-room pantry with dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and double fridge with ice-maker; double doors lead directly to the patio.

Guest bathroom

Double bedroom (queen) ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower.

Twin bedroom (beds cannot combine) ensuite bath (tub with hand-held shower. Double doors open directly to pergola.

UPPER LEVEL:

Open stone staircase to large winter living/dining room, previously the peasants communal room; Huge hearth (the original focolare dominates the wall; On the opposite wall, a fresco in 15th century-style representing Val d Orcia and its castles; leather club chairs and sofa to enjoy the fireplace in cool spring and autumn evenings; Large 10-seat dining table and old stone sink with working spigot; and small but fully equipped hidden kitchen.

Expansive bedroom (super king) two sofas, two armchairs, large working table, private balcony and open-stone staircase leading to the rear garden; adjacent dressing room with large antique armoire, dresser, and daybed; ensuite bathroom with tub, walk-in shower, and dressing table.

Twin arrow bedroom two Neoclassical iron beds (French), two antique cupboards, and ensuite bathroom with double sink and tub.

Chinese twin bedroom ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, and built-in cupboard.

Tortiglioni bedroom: double antique spiral poster bed and ensuite bath (tub)

GUESTS ANNEX

Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom (tub), second bedroom twin beds(cannot be combined) and sofa-bed; ensuite shower bathroom; and double door that opens to rear garden. Access is outside.

OUTDOORS

Two-acre green lawn reaching the edges of the adjacent wheat fields, automatically watered by in-ground sprinklers; dining area for 20, in a sheltered terracotta paved patio, with built in barbecue and ancient brick oven, leading to vegetable garden with herbs and seasonal vegetables; 14x6-m heated pool; large equipped underground dressing room with shower (hot water); terra-cotta-paved pergola close to the pool facing a sunset view; 2x2-m Jacuzzi hot pool in local stone, seats up to 12 persons with stunning west view over 11th century tower (illuminated at night) and castles; Separate laundry; and shaded parking area for six cars (straw roof).

DISTANCES

• Nearest train station: Chiusi, 25 minutes
• Airports: Rome and Pisa 2 hours, Florence 1.5 hours, Perugia 1 hour
• Perugia, Assisi 1 hour; Montalcino 30 minutes; S. Quirico, Pienza, Montepulciano, Sarteano, 15 to 20 minutes
• Hot springs and spas 10 to 30 minutes, wineries, wine shops, restaurants all within a very short drive
• Nearest village Contignano (grocery, bakery, butcher, pecorino cheese factory and gas station) only 5 minutes

Included in the price

• Complimentary Morning Breakfast: buffet style including tea, coffee milk, cereals, yogurt etc.
• Cleaning included Monday - Saturday, in the mornings.
• Weekly bed and bath linen changing
• Electricity
• Firewood for fireplaces and barbecue
• Wi-Fi - Broadband Wireless Internet Connection
• Final cleaning
• Basic supplies always available for free mineral water (sparkling and still) balsamico, various spices, various English teas, Italian toasted coffee, paper napkins, Scottex, toilet paper, soap, candles etc.;

Additional costs to be paid on the premises

• Househeating according to consumption
• Pool Heating according to consumption
• Telephone according to consumption
• Personal laundry, cooking and food shopping can be provided upon agreement, please inquire upon booking
• Extra maid service at 12 Euro per hour and extra cook services at 15 Euro per hour
• Refundable Security Deposit: $2500 to be included with your final payment and returned a month after your stay less any unpaid expenses.