IL RIVO is suitable for couples, groups of friends and families alike. Sleeps 6 comfortably, plus baby cot. IL RIVO is an independent, lovingly renovated traditional stone farmhouse in Northern Tuscany combining rustic charm with modern conveniences. Thick stone walls, chestnut beamed ceilings, stylish bathrooms, some antique furniture and colourful interior decor make Il Rivo a unique experience. Set amidst olive groves, surrounded by pine, acacia, and fruit trees with glorious views over the surrounding densely wooded hillsides studded with medieval hilltop villages, Il Rivo and environs provide a taste of typical Tuscan living in a real 'get away from it all' location, but with many famous tourist attractions on the doorstep. A terrace with grassed subathing area and a vine-clad pergola for 'al fresco' dining offer wonderful respite after a days sightseeing whilst enjoying the magnificent view across the valley. 3 Bedrooms: 2 double with kingsize beds, 1 twin with bunk beds. There is also an iron daybed (large single) in an inner hallway. Sleeps maximum of 6 adults plus travel cot for baby. 3 Bathrooms: 1 en-suite, 1 family and 1 shower/WC on the ground floor. Kitchen: fully equipped with open fireplace, table and chairs. Living/Dining Room: chestnut beams and stone walls, TV/DVD, CD/Tape, sofa, lounge chairs, dining area with dining table and chairs- seating for 6 persons.Central heating throughout the property.Internet access.Children's' facilities include: highchair, cot (linen), toybox, books.
Further details
Please note that the path down to the house is steep in parts so not suitable for the infirm or those with walking difficulties.
Il Rivo is in a rural setting in the hills above Pescia, it is a winding but pleasant drive up the hill towards Vellano with some stunning views en route. The house is reached via a smaller road with a couple of tight turns, one soon gets used to them. We’ve been driving on it for years in small cars, station wagons and vans. The Italian neighbours manage it with great ease.
Further details indoors
The property has been sensitively renovated including the original terracotta floor tiles upstairs. Some of the furniture is antique. The layout of the house allows for two sets of adults to have their own privacy as the two double bedrooms are at opposing ends of the house, the main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the dual aspect double bedroom is close to the second bathroom which opens off the upstairs hallway. The twin bedroom with bunk beds is nearer to the main bedroom.
The en-suite bathroom has a fully tiled walk-in shower area, bath, bidet, WC & sink; the fully renovated family bathroom has a shower enclosure, bidet, WC and sink; the ground floor shower room has a WC and sink.
All upstairs windows are fitted with retractable insect screens.
The ground floor storage room houses the boiler and washing machine.
As well as an open fireplace, the kitchen also has a woodburning range cooker for the winter months.
There is a small library upstairs with a variety of books ranging from psychoanalysis to fairies, and in the living room there are guide books, maps and a selection of CD's encompassing opera, classical, blues, jazz and rock. The kitchen has a selection of cookery books.
There is broadband internet access at the property.
CHILDREN'S FACILITIES: The owners have children so the house is equipped with various baby and children's effects, toys, puzzles, books; collapsible baby cot and stairgate - most are stored away when children are not visiting. Cot bedlinen supplied. Solid wooden highchair (chair can be lifted out to convert to kids table and chair). Wooden toybox with lid in Living Room. English speaking babysitter can be recommended.
Further details outdoors
A terrace runs along the front of the house where a vine-clad pergola provides welcome shade for 'al fresco' dining, at a table made from an ancient stone olive-press mill wheel, while enjoying the fabulous view. The terrace also has a fruit tree with swing and a grassed area with sunbeds for soaking up the sun, and space to erect a paddling pool for children.
Wooden cabana for storing wood and outdoor furniture.
Wooden car port for one car and parking/turning area for two cars.
A fenced grass and stone pathway leads from the car port down and around to the front of the house. This path is a little too steep for the elderly or infirm although there is a wooden fence to offer support.
If visiting in May/June fireflies dance down on the lower terraces - wonderul at dusk.
At night guests may hear wild boar (cinghiali) rummaging through the vegetation down on the terraces, they are notoriously shy creatures so won't be seen or heard in daylight or when humans are about.
Deer are occasionally sighted, although again, they are very shy of any human contact.