Welcome!
Poggio Martino is an authentically restored period farmhouse (casa collonica) with completely modernized kitchen and bath facilities to accommodate from 2 to 6 people. A peaceful retreat amid the Tuscan hills.
Poggio Martino is an authentically restored period farmhouse (casa collonica) with completely modernized kitchen and bath facilities to accommodate from 2 to 6 people. A peaceful retreat amid the Tuscan hills.
The "Villa Pace" in Fasciano is a 19th century Tuscan farmhouse ("casa collonica") situated at the summit of a gently sloping hill, on a ridge known as Poggio Martino.
It is surrounded by an award-winning vineyard and overlooks the beautiful Val di Chiana and Montepulciano on one side, and the lovely hills and vales leading towards Cortona on the other side.
This typically Tuscan brick and beam structure on two levels has been lovingly restored and enhanced with delightful architectural features: arches, niches, original casement windows (with thermal panes), a Roman fresco, huge fireplace, brick barbecues, patios and a charming terrace with a stunning view. It contains two independent living quarters both equipped with all the modern conveniences and amenities plus an additional independent guest bedroom.
On the ground level, "La Scuderia", which was originally a stable - is a very large space (80 m2) with open concept kitchen, dining area, lounge and sleeping area each separated by arches. The huge fireplace and sub floor heating make it cosy and warm in winter, and the natural coolness of the ground level keep it cool during the summer.
The side entrance faces Cortona and leads to a large patio and the garden of fruit trees, roses & rosemary bushes, laurel and cypress trees. A substantial brick barbecue is at your disposal. The newly built kitchen - constructed in the antique fashion in keeping with the authentic character of the space – has all the modern amenities: dishwasher, gas stove-top, oven, fridge and washing machine. The large dining table seats up to 6 guests comfortably. The modern 4-piece bath has an Italian style open shower, bidet, toilet and vanity. Comfortable couches and armchairs along with the Persian rugs make it a warm, inviting place to lounge. "La Scuderia" sleeps 2-3 and is available whenever the proprietor is not in residence.
On the upper floor is a completely separate apartment with its own private entrance accessed by an exterior staircase leading up to a small terrace and the front door. This terrace with its stunning views of the neighbouring villas and beautifully tended landscape overlooks the lush Val di Chiana. It faces the magnificent town of Montepulciano famous for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
At night one sees the lights of many neighbouring towns and can sit in the comfortable patio chairs listening to the crickets, owls and nightingales. A tranquil retreat after a day of touring and a delightful space to sit with drinks and glimpses of the setting sun. The main space on "il Piano Nobile" has lofty 20 ft high ceilings of brick and beam. It consists of a large living/dining area contiguous with the modern open kitchen. The two bedrooms have large queen and king size beds and each has its own spacious ensuite bath making this space ideal for two couples. The well-equipped kitchen with its two fridges, stove, oven, and microwave has all the tools needed to cook simple or elaborate meals.
On the ground level is an additional self-contained unit with its own private entrance and ensuite bath (no cooking facilities). It is directly below the terrace and faces Montepulciano and the Val di Chiana. Its delightful portico or "Francescana" leads to another patio with a brick barbecue, stone bench and potted plants. This room is completely separate from the other two units and is available if additional sleeping accommodation is required or for guests who need only a place to sleep. A huge window offers a view of the passing moon by night and the lush valley by day.
Prices are based on double occupancy for one week. Discount may apply for 2 persons using 1 bedroom in "il Piano Nobile". Fees for heating are extra and based on consumption.*
High season: Apr 15 – Oct 15 (also Christmas Dec 19-Jan 6, Easter & March Break - Mar 10-20). The remaining time is low season. The week generally goes from Saturday to Saturday: arrival 3 pm, departure 10 am. There may be some flexibility when possible.
Fees include: linens and towels; a few basic staples in the kitchen and cleaning supplies. Additional cleaning/laundry services may be available upon request and are paid for on the spot. WIFI is available at an extra charge (up to 40€ per stay).
A security deposit is not required, however, you are responsible for any damage to the property, breakage or extraordinary expenses above the normal cleaning. You may either replace the damaged items or offer an amount equivalent to the value of the item. The value of any damaged items can be determined with the help of the proprietor or the local agent.
*Costs for heating in the colder months are variable. The range is 50 – 150 Euros per week depending on consumption. In winter, a cash deposit of 150€ per week is payable at the beginning the rental period. At the end of the stay, the gas meter is read and you will be charged or re-imbursed accordingly.
| La Scuderia | iL Piano Nobile | La Francescana | |
| Central Heating | Sub floor, radiant heat & fireplace | Large rads | Large rads |
| Beds | Sleeps 2-3 1 Queen+ 1 sofa-bed |
Sleeps 4 1 king & 1 queen size |
Sleeps 2 1 queen size |
| Linens & towels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Washing Machine | Yes | - | - |
| Dishwasher | Yes | - | - |
| Stove, Oven, Fridges | Yes | Yes | - |
| Microwave | - | Yes | - |
| Casement Windows with Screens | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Television | - | Yes | - |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes | - |
| Brick Barbecue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Patio Furniture | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floor or table fans | Not needed | Yes | Yes |
| Parking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ironing Equipment | Yes | Yes | - |
| Lending Library | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The villa is ideally located between Montepulciano and Cortona, perched on a hill surrounded by an impeccably maintained vineyard operated by Cantine Faralli. Every part of the property has panoramic views of cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves dotted by cypresses and Pini Marini. The area is noted for its famous wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the famous Brunello di Montalcino. Many Renaissance and Medieval walled towns are within easy driving distances: Pienza, Lucignano, Trequanda, Montefollonico. As well are the larger capitals: Siena, Arezzo, Florence and Perugia in Umbria. Spa towns like Rapolano Terme and Chianciano Terme are close by as is Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. Historic Abbasseys and Monasteries are within easy driving distances.
Note: A car is essential for your stay at the villa.
Rome Airport (Fiumicino): (260 km) 3 hours by car.
Florence Airport: (100 km) 1 ½ hours by car.
Train: The nearest major train station is Terontola/Cortona or Camucia/Cortona (20 km). A little further and towards the south, Chiusi-Chianciano Terme (35 km) is a major train hub, hence trains run more frequently.
By car: The villa is close to the A1 autostrada (exit is Valdichiana/Bettolle – less than 15 km away) as well as the superstrada connecting Siena and Perugia.
Siena: 53 km; Perugia: 51 km; Arezzo: 44 km; Pienza: 33 km; Castiglione del Lago: 21 km; Assisi: 72 km.
Nearest towns for shopping: Chianacce (3 km away); Montepulciano Stazione (6.5 km); Bettolle (9 km ); Foiano della Chiana (13 km)
Wineries: Although the great vineyards of Siena are found in Montepulciano, (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) and Montalcino (Brunello), there are also the more popularly known Chianti vineyards just north of Siena (Gaiole and Radda). Arezzo wines are equally delicious though less famous.
Restaurants & Trattorie: a detailed list of recommended places is provided to clients.
Public Swimming pools: Montepulciano Stazione, Foiano della Chiana.
Shopping: Val di Chiana Outlet Mall for high end, discount fashion. Markets take places in Foiano, Sinalunga, Montepulciano, Torrita di Siena, Chianciano Terme, Arezzo and Florence. Deruta for its world-famous ceramics. Volterra for alabaster. Arezzo for gold.
Cycling: Excellent trails, e.g. Il Sentiero della Bonifica (long,flat and easy) as well as the more challenging hilly trails to various picturesque villages.
Festivals: Music festivals abound in spring and summer; the centuries old Palio in Siena occurs twice in the summer, as well are the many local festivals (sagra) celebrating food and products of the region. Foiano celebrates "Carnevale" - a month long festival in February-March.
Architecture: Heritage sites and walled medieval and Renaissance towns are within easy driving distances.
Sant' Antimo: a 1000 year old Monastery with its Romanesque vaulted ceiling where you can be transported back to the middle ages.
Monte Oliveto Maggiore: one of the largest active monasteries of the Western world. Built in 1319, it is adorned with artworks by Lucca della Robbia and frescoes by Signorelli and Sodoma(1500's).
Lucignano, a medieval/Renaissance walled town built on a series of concentric circles. Go on market day.
Pienza, built by Pope Pius II, is considered the perfect example of Renaissance town planning.
Corciano: an impeccably restored medieval town & world heritage site in nearby Umbria.
Art & History Museums: Important Etruscan sites of Chiusi & Cortona. Works of il Perugino, Luca Signorelli, Sodoma, & other Renaissance masters. Major museums in Florence, Siena & Arezzo.
Thermal baths: Rapolano Terme, Chianciano Terme, San Casciano dei Bagni and Bagno Vignoni draw visitors from all over the world.
Other Attractions: The Tyrrhenian Sea and its beaches are a two and a half hour drive from the house. Lake Trasimeno is 20 minute drive away and offers fresh water sports, a sandy beach, excursions to the island in the lake, a natural wildlife reserve, and wonderful Umbrian food. This is the lake where Hannibal defeated the Romans after crossing the Alps with his elephants in the Battle of Trasimeno in 217 BC.
Other major centres like Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Pisa, Orvieto, Assisi, and Todi are all within comfortable driving distance (from 40 minutes to 1 ½ hours). Rome centre is only 1 hour 20 minutes away by fast train from the Chiusi station.
To check availability, contact us by phone or email. Upon confirmation of dates, a booking form will be sent. This should be completed, signed and mailed in along with a deposit of 30% (cheque or e-transfer). Balance is due at least 4 weeks in advance of arrival. A confirmation will be sent once the deposit is received. Specific directions, meeting instructions and detailed itineraries for places of interest will be provided once the balance is paid. When possible, we like to meet prospective guests in person (or by Skype) to review maps and instructions.
Poggio Martino - Tuscany
C.S. via Fasciano, 110
Chianacce, Cortona AR 52044
ITALIA
Canada: (416) 588-1954 cell: (647) 297-1954
Italy cell: (39) 347- 210-6543
Addtional number if required: (39) 347-830-2329
Oliver Pace, the proprietor, has travelled extensively throughout Italy for many years and knows the entire peninsula very well. Formerly a history teacher, he is a fund of information about the history, culture, art and architecture of the region.
Oliver's sister, Maria Pace, is the booking agent for the house and author of The Little Italy Cookbook (Warwick Press, 1996). She operated a program of hands-on cooking classes for over 12 years in Toronto. When available, she can arrange cooking lessons for guests
April 2015 (email)
Hi Mary,
We had a wonderful time at Oliver's villa. Your paper work was so well done that it made it easy for us to adjust to the new area.....many thanks for all that effort! Your location is perfect. Each day we explored and especially enjoyed the local restaurants... There were so many good options we will have to return to visit the ones we missed!
...The weather was cold for a few days....a nasty cold wind with snow in the wind one early morning. However it warmed up quickly and the deck was a great place to catch the sun each day.
Thank you, ... for sharing your villa with us. It is so well located and we had a wonderful opportunity to experience life in Italy first hand. Everyone went out of their way to make us welcome!
Regards.....Sylvia and David.
Oct 2014
With many thanks Oliver for the use of this memorable paradise – and to Mary for all of your information and ongoing support as we planned our trip. Salute!
Elaine (Thorndale, Ontario)
Beyond my expectations! Patsy (Collingwood, Ontario)
Thank you so much for every little detail. That made our time at the villa memorable... An exceptional adventure for sure.
Catherine (Collingwood, Ontario)
May 2014
Oliver and Mary,
Cannot thank you enough for the use of your amazing home. Your helpful advice has made our week here a memorable experience. We explored the surrounding towns and villages, got lost plenty of times but always managed to find our way back to your welcoming abode. Your restaurant suggestions were great and we found a number of unexpected ones along the way. Thanks again and arrivederci!! Fondly, Shaun & Sue and Allan & Marion (Toronto, Ontario)
Aug 2013
Thanks for a great stay. Very special being able to ... enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We really appreciated the "history" lessons and your special knowledge of the people and culture of the area. ... You have an incredible place that more than met our expectations... Thanks Mary for the places to go to, the meal was great when we arrived. We will never forget this experience. All the best
Eva & Bill (Solina, Ontario)
Nov 2012
It was a wonderful time in Tuscany with you Oliver. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to be in Italy than in your house. Molte grazie per spiegarci tanto della storia e della cultura d'Italia. Non lo dimenticheremo mai! Il tuo amico, Gary (Oshawa, Ontario)
Sept 2012
My stay at the villa was amazing! Almost every day we went out to visit the ancient towns of Tuscany. Montepulciano was my favourite ...and it's only a 20 min. drive! Thanks Uncle Oliver! We love you! Love, Connor (11 years)
I really enjoyed seeing all the towns in Tuscany and meeting that artist. Your villa is beautiful outside and inside. Thank you Uncle Oliver. Love, Hailey (9 years old)
What a beautiful family vacation we have had in Tuscany. The daily adventures to the various hill top towns were amazing. These memories would not have been possible if it were not for Uncle Oliver's generosity. Thank you so much for the memories that we are sure to never forget. Beautiful location with gorgeous views and landscape. Great wine, great food and spectacular company. Love, Nancy
From the sunrise to sunset and into the wee hours the villa provides a beautiful way to enjoy and experience Tuscany. The location can't be beat. Road trips to Montepulciano, San Gimignano & Volterra, Montalcino, Castiglione del Lago, Perugia & Assisi, Castel Rigone... Be sure to enjoy a Nobile di Montepulciano late at night as you watch the milky way overhead. A magical place. Thank you Uncle Oliver, Love, Darrel (Ottawa, Ontario)
Dans le mois septembre de l'an 2012
Je suis venue ici et je fus immerse dans la culture et l'histoire grace a la tres grand culture et generosite d'Oliver. De lui par son interet et passion de sa culture et son pays j'ai appris et decovert sans relache les moeurs, la tres bonne bouffe, les bons vins, les villages, comptes, vallees, musees, fontaines, bains thermaux, sculpture et biensur les eglises et leurs frewques. Je pourrais continuer ainsi et y inclure tant de details, tsellement d'anecdotes vecu par la presence d'Oliver. Je le remercie pour m'avoir donner une telle experience unique et eternelle.
Diane (Montreal, Quebec)
Sept 2005
We've had a heavenly stay! So nice to have such a great "home base" to return to each evening after exploring Tuscany. So many memories to take away with us in the hope that we will return to again embrace the Tuscan hospitality. Thank you ever so much!
Marcie & Ted (Wyoming, Ontario)
July 2005
Thank you for letting us stay here. We really enjoyed it. I love Tuscany and hope to come back. The villa was amazing and fully equip it [sic]. Jacopo was very help[ful] and nice (and not to mention oh so cute!!) Anyways thank you so much . God bless.
Nicole (12 years old), Peter & Fiona
May 2005
Thanks for letting us stay in this beautiful place with its serenity & panoramic views of Tuscany. The birds twittering, even at night. A perfect base for exploring the countryside.
Oct 2004
Many thanks to Maria Pace – [the villa] exceeded our expectations as a great place to see and explore the Tuscan hill towns and countryside. We had a wonderful holiday week.
Graham & Mari, Bob and Barbara
Sept, 20004
What a lovely villa and what a beautiful spot in the middle of Tuscany! Enjoyed watching sunrises while sitting up in bed. There is a very special "light" in Tuscany - it is so soft as it caresses the hills. So magical to see the twinkling lights of Cortona and Montepulciano at night time.
Thoroughly enjoyed our visits to all parts of this area - particularly enjoyed the scenic roads through the hills.... At the end of each day, it was wonderful to return here and prepare a simple meal and enjoy the wine from the area.
So glad we found this place - it's been a wonderful holiday!
Ron & Marg (Georgetown, Ontario)
June 2004
Had a great time and even enjoyed a night time Tuscan thunderstorm!
Great place to stay and visit.
Ann & Ian
Oct 2003
Lovely location. Reasonable weather. Delightful food & drink.
Norman & Nancy; Paul & Jean (Toronto & Oakville, Ontario)
Sept 2003
So glad to have been directed to this villa where we were kissed by the Tuscan sun, charmed by the people and partook of the splendid wines and food of the area! Just loved the medieval influence everywhere. Breakfasted on the patio every day and gazed at the twinkling lights and stars every night. A true holiday! Molte grazie.
Doug & Joanne; Jean & Peter (Toronto, Ontario)
Oct, 2002
We've had a wonderful two weeks ... Enjoying the sights (twinkling lights of Cortona & Montepulciano, a full moon, amazing sunsets); sounds (birds, hunters & dogs(!), turnip trucks!); smells of pici with ragout, pecorino; tastes of vino Nobile, vino rosso, vino bianco, prosecco, etc.(!) and touch of Tuscan linens and other magnificent textiles.
The ease of getting around by car made the visits to neighbouring towns & cities most enjoyable. Watching the set up for the filming of a winter scene in Cortona was delightful (snow in October?) not really but they made it look good. Can hardly wait for the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" to come out.
Pat, Brenda, Ruth (Toronto, Ontario)
Oct 2002
We had a wonderful time in your beautiful home. The weather has been pleasant and views from all windows and door spectacular. A great holiday - thank you.
Rod & Alberta (Kitchener, Ontario) Pam & Charlie (Waterloo, Ontario)
Oct 2002
It was great to lay claim to our little corner of Tuscany for a week. The location is perfect for day trips into the region - and so restful to return to in the evening. We loved it!
Elizabeth & Paul (Kingston, Ontario)
Sept 2002
A wonderful restful stay! The Food Lovers Guide to Tuscany became our "companion" for the week. We thoroughly enjoyed our day trips to all the little small towns.
Sherry, (Toronto, Ontario) & Bill (Naples, Florida, USA)
July 2002
Absolutely the most delightful residence and setting!
Beth (Vancouver, BC)
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay with my family in your wonderful home. The area is filled with one marvellous site after another.
Iris Brown (Windsor, Ontario)
... a truly idyllic spot! What a wonderful place to rest and relax as well as to serve as a base for some delightful day trips. Thank you for opening your home to us, and thanks also to Mary Pace who set us up beautifully for this visit.
Richard and Sheilagh (Windsor, Ontario)
June 2002
We've come to the end of an amazing 2 week stay at your gorgeous villa from where we were able to savour all the goodness and sweetness that Toscana offers. Expectations were high and all and even more were met. We enjoyed in Particular "Le Crete" and Val d'Orcia, Val di Chiana, Montepulciano and Cortona...Thank you so much for helping make this dream come true!
Jeanne & Anne (Montreal, Canada)
Oct 2000
What a treat to be able to spend two weeks in your lovely home! The views are breathtaking. It was a pleasure to be able to shop with the locals and cook in your wonderfully equipped kitchen. The location is perfect - peacefully bucolic yet with easy access to all the busier places.
Antonio was great and hovered over us like an Italian mother when he invited us to dinner.
This has been a memorable holiday. Thank you.
Arthur and Doreen - Toronto