I think the first time I saw topiary in real life my little mind was blown. To me, it was only something I had seen in photographs of grand palaces, cartoons and, most memorably, in “Edward Scissorshands,” which I had been allowed to watch when I was far too young and had deeply imprinted on my brain, as a result. Then, while visiting a country house on an estate near my family home, I saw magical plants shaped like all sorts of animals. It was mind-boggling that such a thing was real.
All of this may be why, to this day, I have such a soft spot for topiary and, when I discovered the topiary art that dotted the Tuscan city of Pistoia, it endeared the lovely place to me even further.
21
Sep
2018
2018
Posted in: Activities
December
Events
Florence
Localities
Lucca
San Gimignano
Skiing & Winter Sports
Spa
Tourist Attractions
f you think of a Tuscan getaway, you probably imagine summers spent eating gelato and drinking coffee between dashing from museums and stunning churches to famous stores and delicious eateries or relaxed holidays just either side of the busy summer season. However, Christmas in Tuscany has its own unique charms that are well worth exploring. There are lots of reasons to plan a Winter break in Tuscany and here are more of the most compelling selling-points of a holiday season in this stunning region of Italy...
3. The Magical Atmosphere
There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.
3. The Magical Atmosphere
There is something special about the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere of Tuscany.
In the ancient Palazzo Bourbon del Monte in the town of Sansepolcro you will find the Aboca Museum, a magical little gem and the one and only museum of medicinal plants. To many, that may not seem an immediately interesting prospect but this beautiful place is stuffed with thousands of years worth of history, is in a stunning setting and has been expertly crafted to create something lovely.
Set up by the Aboca company, a market leader in the medicinal herbs sector, the museum was established to safeguard and promote the traditional use of medicinal herbs and extracts to promote good health. Most of the items in the museum hail from preexisting private collection of the Aboca company and the rest was purposefully purchased for the museum after it was opened.
4
Sep
2018
2018
Posted in: Florence
Localities
Pretty Views
Top 10 Lists
Tourist Attractions
Villa Spotlights
Villas and Farmhouses
In the last post in this series, we are rounding up some of the most extraordinary vacation rentals on our website: the historic villas, palaces and castles of Tuscany. These magnificent and historic architectural gems are steeped in history, pretty to look at and full of charm and the perfect place to have a holiday that's like something from a fairytale. Here are the last of our picks...
9. Castello Leopoldo (Available from €1428 per night)
This is, quite possibly, the most stunning of all the properties on our website. Castello Leopoldo is a wonderful castle dating back to the 16th century, that is situated in panoramic location on the hills surrounding Campiglia Marittima and is a romantic-style building, which has preserved its ancient charm and original architectural features. With enchanting views over the valley below that stretch out as far as to the island of Elba, in the distance, on clear days, it is a perfect getaway destination.
9. Castello Leopoldo (Available from €1428 per night)
This is, quite possibly, the most stunning of all the properties on our website. Castello Leopoldo is a wonderful castle dating back to the 16th century, that is situated in panoramic location on the hills surrounding Campiglia Marittima and is a romantic-style building, which has preserved its ancient charm and original architectural features. With enchanting views over the valley below that stretch out as far as to the island of Elba, in the distance, on clear days, it is a perfect getaway destination.
3
Sep
2018
2018
Always dreamed of living in a castle? Well, you're in luck. You can get a taste of that fairytale lifestyle with one of our amazing vacation rentals in Tuscany. With historic villas, old estates, palaces and castles to choose from, those fantasies can come true. Just browse more of our picks of some of our best historic gems in Tuscany...
6. Villa di Montelopio (Available from €543 per night)
Sleeping up to nine in five bedrooms, this historic beauty, located in the centre of Montelopio, is one of our most stunning properties and a castle that has been plucked right from a storybook. With a castellated exterior draped in swathes of rich green ivy, a beautiful courtyard with dining areas, a cute vegetable garden, terraces taking in your surroundings and a private pool, it is the dreamiest of settings and, inside, it is only more so. The well-preserved interiors are large and spacious with high ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, big old fireplaces, a farm-style kitchen, and antiques and works of art throughout; a truly picturesque gem to escape to for a holiday.
6. Villa di Montelopio (Available from €543 per night)
Sleeping up to nine in five bedrooms, this historic beauty, located in the centre of Montelopio, is one of our most stunning properties and a castle that has been plucked right from a storybook. With a castellated exterior draped in swathes of rich green ivy, a beautiful courtyard with dining areas, a cute vegetable garden, terraces taking in your surroundings and a private pool, it is the dreamiest of settings and, inside, it is only more so. The well-preserved interiors are large and spacious with high ceilings, elaborate plasterwork, big old fireplaces, a farm-style kitchen, and antiques and works of art throughout; a truly picturesque gem to escape to for a holiday.