Pietra e Mattoni, Terranuova Bracciolini - Arezzo and Cortona

Pietra e Mattoni is a well-appointed villa in the forested hills of eastern Tuscany, overlooking the Valdarno valley. Sleeping eight in four double bedrooms, this spacious, grand restoration is ideal for larger groups of family or friends wanting to unwind in style. Interiors blend classic rural Tuscan architecture of exposed stone walls and high beamed ceilings with more glamorous touches, such as chandeliers, white ‘shabby chic’ furniture and lots of billowy fabric. The high life continues outside, with a private infinity pool overlooking vineyards – a reminder you’re in Chianti country. Here, also, is a furnished pergola in which to seek shades and plenty of sun beds to soak up the sun. A ground floor loggia offers further indoor-outdoor living.

Perhaps the villa’s opulent style nods to the nearest town of San Giustino Valdarno, the ancient roots of which date back to the Roman era. The fact that it’s a short drive away makes it handy for stocking up at the supermarket, or sampling the bars and restaurants. Many Chianti-producing wineries are also on your doorstep.

Ground Floor

Kitchen-Diner
Fully equipped kitchen, table and chairs, bench.

Bathroom
Sink, WC.

First Floor

Lounge
Two triple sofas, coffee table, sideboard, woodburning stove.

Bedroom 1
Double bed (cannot convert to twins), wardrobe, armchair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 2
Double bed (cannot convert to twins), wardrobe, steps to mezzanine seating area.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 3
Double bed (cannot convert to twin), wardrobe, armchair.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Bedroom 4
Double bed (cannot convert to twins), day bed, wardrobe.

En-suite Bathroom
Shower, sink, WC.

Our Thoughts
We love this good-looking villa for its sociable layout encouraging guests to spend time with each other although it is best suited to adults or families with older children due to the pool’s larger deep end. The communal cottage used for wine tastings and catered meals is a good place to meet guests staying at the neighbouring villa on the estate.

Notes
The owners have a dog and two cats, with access to the gardens. A neighbouring villa is divided by a hedge from Pietre e Mattoni, but does not share the pool. The owner lives in a third villa on the property. 

Pool
Set in a raised garden area, a few steps below the first floor, the L-shaped infinity pool is accessed by stone steps with a wooden railing. These lead to a pretty stone sun deck with sun beds and armchairs. The pool has a large deep section and a smaller shallow area, the water is accessed via the shallow part of the pool.
Pool size: 4m x 10m, 1.5m deep. Shallow part is 5m x 2m, 0.6m deep. Open May to October, weather permitting.